RNS Mobile Disco - Songs That Turn 40 In 2023 - The Female Wedding DJ

Ever hear a song and think "oh I love this" and then it comes to the realisation that it is decades upon decades old? Me too.

At every event I'm always asked to play 80s songs, back when music was amazing and the vibe at parties was so good.

Well in 2023, many of these amazing songs I play daily are actually 40 years old!! 40???!!!

(Baring in mind I am literally nearly 30, I have no idea how I find these songs old because I am becoming ancient now too!)

Let's have a look at what songs came out in 1983!

All Night Long - Lionel Richie

Released in August 1983, All Night Long, was a single off of Lionel Richie's second solo album. It actually peaked at number 2 in the UK. The B Side track is 'Wondering Stranger'.

This song is perfect for an early evening or wedding breakfast.

Just Be Good To Me - The S.O.S Band

Released back In March 1983, this track is probably most known for its covers. It didn't quite reach the top 10 in the UK charts, peaking at 13. In 2010 Professor Green and Lily Allen released 'Just Be Good To Green'.

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Probably the most popular and well know song from the late Micheal Jackson, Billie Jean was released on the 2nd January 1983.. just allowing it to be on my list!! I'm always asked for this early on, I like to get it on during a bit of softer disco music before the first dance, or 100% during the wedding breakfast. The single version is almost 5 minutes long and I'm always told off if I cut it off short. 'Billie Jean' gained MJ 2 Grammy Awards and an American Music Award.

Beat It - Michael Jackson

Another MJ classic, because I love this song. Released on Valentine's Day in 1983, just a month after Billie Jean, Beat It was purposefully put into the album 'Thriller' to tick off a rock song being on the album. The track includes a guitar solo by legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Whilst the song reached number 1 in America, it only peaked at number 3 in the UK. In early 2008 American Rock Band 'Fall Out Boy' released a cover of the song. It is rumoured that Patrick Stump was playing the riff in sound check one day and they all jammed along, realising their version was pretty decent, they decided to release it. Fall Out Boys cover includes a guitar solo from the legendary John Mayer.

True - Spandau Ballet

Released in April 1983, True has become one of the most popular first dance songs there is. The English new wave band released this song on their third studio album, it was also written by member Gary Kemp. True reached number 1 on the UK charts.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

Whilst new wave took over the music scene, Cyndi realised 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' late in the year. It reached number 2 in both the UK and American charts, really cementing Cyndi Lauper as an artist, it truly was her breakthrough song. The song is known for being a female empowerment song. Fun fact, when this blog is released Cyndi will turn 70 tomorrow... I bet that makes you feel old. Happy Birthday! (22nd June)

Aint Nobody - Rufus & Chaka Khan

Released late 1983, the band Rufus almost passed the song to MJ. Their label Warner wanted to release another song as the bands lead single, but the band said either let us release this as our lead single or we will give the song to MJ. The label backed down and this became a number 1 hit across the pond in America and peaked at a respectable 8th in the UK.

What A Feeling - Irene Cara

From the hit movie 'Flashdance' the song was written following the songwriters watching the last scene in the movie. The song spent a whopping 6 weeks at number 1 in America and peaked at number 2 in the UK. Often used as a first dance or last dance song, this is on the must play of many clients that I have.

Let's Dance - David Bowie

Co-Produced by Chic legend Nile Rodgers (along with many other songs) 'Let's Dance' has a bit of new wave, funk, pop and rock in it. The song became Bowies biggest selling single. It also reached number 1 in both the UK and America. Sadly the English musician passed away in 2016, but his legacy still lives on and he is known as one of the most popular musicians of the 80s.

Every Breath You Take - The Police

One of the most recognisable songs there is, with a very catchy riff. The English rock band released the song in May 1983, it peaked at number 1 in America and Canada, becoming the years biggest hit. It is always rumoured to be the most played song in radio history. It also reached number 1 in the UK. Although I don't play this song unless I am asked to at weddings, you bet its on my own personal Spotify playlist!

Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics

Released in January 1983 by British new wave band Eurythmics, 'Sweet Dreams' was released as the fourth and final song off their album 'Sweet Dreams... Are Made Of This.'. The synth masterpiece cemented Lennox and Stewart into the music industry legends lists. In 2020 the song was inducted into the Grammys Hall Of Fame.

I'm Still Standing - Elton John

I'm Still Standing was the lead single of Elton's album in 1983 and the second single of his album across the pond in America. The song peaked at number 4 in the UK charts and number 12 in the American charts. The synth pop track is widely used at all events, I personally play this early on or in the wedding breakfast to get the party started.

Fancy a 80's themed party?

Let me know!