The disco-rock era was definitely at its peak in 1979, when songs that touched on both genres collided toward the end of discoโs reigning era and the beginning of rock musicโs newest evolution. The following three songs sound like two eras coming to a head, and theyโre still so good decades later.
โHeart Of Glassโ by Blondie from โParallel Linesโ
Alright, a bit of a diversion. This song dropped in December 1978. But it became a smash hit in 1979, and itโs very much suitable for what Iโm going for with this list; I just had to include it. โHeart Of Glassโ by Blondie brought disco into the new wave era, all with a touch of punk rock that was uniquely Blondie. Thereโs a reason why people still love this song after all these years.
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โHeart Of Glassโ by Blondie was one of the biggest hits of 1979. It peaked at No. 1 on both the UK Singles chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart, among many others.
โGoodnight Tonightโ by Wings
This disco-meets-flamenco-rock jam from Wings was a unique venture for the band. But it beautifully blended disco and rock together in a way that was more or less unheard of at the time. โGoodnight Tonightโ has the disco-typical rhythm and bass section, complete with a rockinโ guitar riff that gives way to a flamenco-inspired instrumental break. Paul McCartney was really letting loose in 1979.
โGoodnight Tonightโ by Wings resonated with listeners quite a bit in 1979. The song made it all the way to No. 5 on both the Hot 100 and the UK Singles chart.
โI Was Made For Lovinโ Youโ by KISS from โDynastyโ
This entry on our list of disco-rock songs from 1979 is the poster child for the collision between disco and rock towards the end of the 70s. It was a bit controversial, too. โI Was Made For Lovinโ Youโ by KISS went Platinum in more than a few countries and became a go-to track for live performances. But quite a few fans absolutely hated that their hard rock favorites had jumped on the disco bandwagon. In retrospect, even Gene Simmons hates the song. But it was still a hit despite it all.
โI Was Made For Lovinโ Youโ by KISS peaked at No. 11 on the Hot 100 and topped the Canadian charts in 1979.
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