Disco dominated the airwaves in the 1970s, spawning a parade of unforgettable anthems like “You Should Be Dancing,” “Rock The Boat,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “Le Freak.” Over the decades, artists from every corner of the music world have put their own spin on these timeless tracks, delivering fresh versions that still make you want to tap your foot. Below are ten (plus one bonus) foot‑tapping covers that prove the disco spirit never truly died.
11 Steps
ABBA blended Euro‑pop, rock, and disco to create a global phenomenon, and their catalog has been re‑imagined countless times. “Dancing Queen,” the Swedish group’s sole U.S. number‑one hit, first dazzled listeners in 1976 with its shimmering blend of disco‑era sparkle and pop‑catchiness. In 1999, the British pop outfit S Club 7 took a nostalgic 1990s spin on the classic, delivering a version that, while not flawless, certainly gets any dance floor moving.
The original track remains a staple at parties worldwide, and this playful rendition adds a dash of ’90s flair that keeps the groove alive for a new generation of listeners.
10 Foo Fighters
The Bee Gees earned the moniker “Disco Kings,” penning hits such as “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “Tragedy.” Released in 1979, “Tragedy” vaulted to the top of the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States, even displacing Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” from the American summit. Remarkably, the song’s lyrics were crafted in a single afternoon, alongside the companion piece “Too Much Heaven.”
Fast forward to 2021, when rock veterans Foo Fighters launched a disco‑infused side project called the Dee Gees. Their album “Hail Satin” features a bold cover of “Tragedy,” with frontman Dave Grohl soaring in falsetto, paying homage to the original while injecting a modern rock energy.
10 Foot Tapping Energy
9 Blondie
Donna Summer, hailed as the “Queen of Disco,” amassed 42 Billboard Hot 100 hits, sold over 100 million records, and collected five Grammy Awards during her illustrious career. One of her most iconic tracks, “I Feel Love,” is credited with laying the groundwork for electronic dance music and is frequently cited as one of the most influential recordings ever made. Its futuristic synth‑driven sound inspired acts ranging from the Human League to David Bowie and, of course, Blondie.
Blondie, famous for the 1979 smash “Heart of Glass,” followed up that success by delivering a live rendition of “I Feel Love” at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 1990. The performance later appeared on the re‑issued single “Union City Blue” in 1995, cementing the band’s ability to reinterpret disco classics through a new‑wave lens.
The cover showcases Debbie Harry’s unmistakable vocals over a sleek, synth‑laden arrangement, proving that the song’s hypnotic pulse transcends genre boundaries.
8 Kirk Franklin
Maurice White and Allee Willis penned “September” for Earth, Wind & Fire in just one month, creating a timeless hit that cracked the top ten across multiple charts. A 1999 remix, “September 99,” revived the groove for a new wave of club‑goers.
In 2007, gospel powerhouse Kirk Franklin re‑imagined the track, delivering a foot‑stomping rendition that landed on both the Billboard Adult R&B Songs and Hot Gospel Songs charts. Franklin rewrote the lyrics to reflect his Christian faith and included the version on the tribute compilation “Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire.”
7 CAKE
Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” remains a definitive 1970s disco anthem, preserved in the National Recording Registry and honored with a Grammy for Best Disco Recording in 1980. The track topped the list of the 100 Greatest Dance Songs in 2000, cementing its place in musical history.
Countless artists have tackled the classic, from Diana Ross to Demi Lovato. In 1996, alternative rock outfit CAKE recorded a sardonic version for their “Fashion Nugget” album, after years of performing it live. Gaynor later expressed that she disliked CAKE’s take, citing the added profanity as a point of contention.
6 Alex Chilton
K C and the Sunshine Band delivered “Boogie Shoes” in 1975, a catchy anthem that surged to fame after appearing on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. The track also popped up in movies such as “Boogie Nights,” “The Wedding Date,” “No Escape,” and “Mallrats.”
Alex Chilton, known for his work with the Box Tops and Big Star, earned a reputation as an influential figure for alternative bands like the Posies and R E M. In 1979, he released the limited‑edition album “Like Flies on Sherbert,” which featured an eclectic mix of covers—including a distinctive rendition of “Boogie Shoes.”
5 Tina Turner
The Trammps only broke into mainstream consciousness when “Disco Inferno” landed on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, propelling the song to number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.
Tina Turner began incorporating the track into her live sets early on and eventually laid down a studio version for her 1993 soundtrack album “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Turner’s take stands alongside Cyndi Lauper’s 1998 version as one of the most notable covers of the fiery anthem.
4 Hideki Saijo
Village People’s 1978 smash “Y.M.C.A.” remains one of the most instantly recognizable disco songs, a staple at sporting events across Europe and America, and a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. Its ubiquitous chorus still fuels karaoke nights worldwide.
Japanese pop sensation Hideki Saijo seized the moment, releasing a localized version titled “Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)” in 1979. The single dominated Japan’s Oricon chart for five weeks and secured a spot among the year’s top‑ten best‑selling singles.
3 RuPaul
Donna Summer was originally offered “It’s Raining Men” in 1979 but declined, citing concerns over the lyrical content. Songwriters Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer then pitched the tune to Diana Ross, Cher, and Barbra Streisand, all of whom passed. In 1982, the duo convinced The Two Tons (later the Weather Girls) to record it, and the track exploded onto U.S. dance‑club playlists, eventually earning a Grammy nomination in 1983.
The Weather Girls’ Martha Wash teamed up with drag icon RuPaul in 1998 to release “It’s Raining Men, The Sequel,” which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard chart, adding a fresh, flamboyant twist to the classic anthem.
2 Pseudo Echo
Lipps Inc.’s 1980 hit “Funkytown” topped charts worldwide, cementing its status as a disco staple and finding its way onto numerous film and TV soundtracks.
Australian synth‑pop outfit Pseudo Echo covered the track in the mid‑80s, propelling it to number one in Australia, number six in the United States, and number one in Canada. Though the single marked their biggest international success, replicating that level of fame proved elusive for both Lipps Inc. and Pseudo Echo.
1 Gloria Trevi
Laura Branigan’s 1982 rendition of “Gloria” dominated the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 36 weeks, peaking at No. 2. The original Italian love song, crafted by Umberto Tozzi and Giancarlo Bigazzi in 1979, was later translated into English by Jonathan King.
Mexican pop powerhouse Gloria Trevi, dubbed “The Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop,” recorded a vibrant Spanish version for her 2012 “Gloria Live” album, delivering a lively performance that captivated fans worldwide.
Trevi’s spirited take on “Gloria” showcases her dynamic vocal style and reaffirmed her status as an international pop icon.