Disco in Rock

Different types of rock were all the rage in the late 1970s and early 1980s; however, what some of the artists (particularly Brits) became known for at the time, was incorporating disco beats into their music. All this occured starting around 1976, through to about 1980.
Disco TGI Bar by John Vance.jpg

Paul McCartney & Wings Silly Love Songs

This disco-overtoned hit from their 1976 album Wings at The Speed of Sound, is known for its driving bass sound and abundant horn section. It became a number 1 hit in Ireland, the US, and Canada, while reaching number 2 in the UK, and being a top 10 hit in several other countries. The track was written in response to critics arguing that Macca writes "silly love songs."

Rolling Stones Miss You

Issued as a single from their 1978 LP Some Girls, Miss You is another attempt at a disco number. The song is noted for its repeated riff and dancey tempo. It was a top 10 hit in eight countries, and a number 1 hit in Canada.

Rod Stewart Do Ya Think I'm Sexy

Need I say more? This disco-heavy hit imspired by four-on-the-floor in Philadelphia clubs spent a whole week at #1 in the UK, and four weeks in the US into February 1979. It's most remarkable for the sing-along chorus and has since become a club favorite. Do Ya Think I'm Sexy was also a top 10 hit in several other countries.

Kiss I Was Made For Loving You

Arguably one of my favorite KISS songs. The track appers on their 1979 album Dynasty and is remembered for its fast-paced bassline. According to the band, they were under pressure from producers to release something a bit more commercial, which resulted in this lucrative disco hit.

Guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley wrote the song with Desmond Child. Desmond Child spoke of the song, and I quote "Paul wanted to write a good disco song and I decided to help him with that. Paul started to write lyrics and chords then I played the song on the guitar and said 'OK, we'll do something to improve this and make it really a good song."

I Was Made for Loving You is most noted for being one of the few KISS songs to chart in the UK (albeit only at #50 thanks to an eight-minute 12-inch issue). The song was #1 in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand and also certified gold in Canada for 75,000 copies sold, but the most copies sold were in the US at 1,000,000.

Disco, as we know, died into the early 80s, but the result was in the form of many New Wave bands and records.

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