Disco may have met its infamous end at Comiskey Park during Disco Demolition Night in 1979, but for a glorious stretch, it ruled the airwaves. The genre's infectious beats and glamorous aesthetic, immortalized by Saturday Night Fever, even tempted some of rock's biggest names to trade their guitars for a mirror ball. While purists scoffed, a handful of these crossovers turned out to be absolute gems. Here are the 10 best disco songs from rock artists—tracks that prove you can rock out and boogie down at the same time.
10. "Shakedown Street" – Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead, known for their sprawling jams and counterculture ethos, surprised everyone with this funky, danceable cut from their 1978 album of the same name. While some fans deride the "Disco Dead" era, "Shakedown Street" undeniably has the four-on-the-floor beat and groovy bassline that define disco. It may not have charted, but it gave Deadheads a reason to move.
9. "Shine a Little Love" – Electric Light Orchestra
ELO's Jeff Lynne brought his trademark orchestral flair to the disco floor with this upbeat track from 1979's Discovery. The song features a pulsating bassline, galloping drums, and those unmistakable Bee Gees-style falsetto harmonies. Lynne himself admitted it was "very jolly and bouncy," and while some accused the band of selling out, only a couple of tracks on the album leaned disco.
8. "One of These Nights" – The Eagles
Don Henley might have claimed the Eagles were "really rocking" on this 1975 hit, but the song's smooth groove and danceable rhythm tell a different story. The band even admitted to hearing it played in disco clubs, and with the Bee Gees recording in the same Miami studio, the influence was hard to escape. The bluesy guitar solo keeps it grounded in rock, but the beat is pure disco.
7. "Another One Bites the Dust" – Queen
Queen's 1980 smash was inspired by Chic's "Good Times," and it shows. John Deacon's iconic bassline and Roger Taylor's minimalist drumming created a club-ready groove that topped both the disco and pop charts. Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals and Brian May's subtle guitar work give it a rock edge that made it a crossover phenomenon.
6. "Disco Inferno" – Dread Zeppelin
This one's a wild card. Dread Zeppelin, known for their reggae covers of Led Zeppelin songs performed by an Elvis impersonator, took a bizarre turn in 1992 with a disco album. "Disco Inferno" (a cover of The Trammps' classic) features drummer Gary B.I.B.B. on vocals and is a surprisingly fun, if odd, fusion of rock and disco. It didn't sell well, but it's a cult favorite.
5. "I Was Made for Lovin' You" – Kiss
Kiss, the kings of hard rock theatrics, shocked fans with this disco-infused anthem in 1979. With its four-on-the-floor beat and Paul Stanley's soulful delivery, it became a massive hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. While some fans cried sellout, the song's undeniable catchiness has made it a staple of their live shows.
4. "Heart of Glass" – Blondie
Blondie's Debbie Harry brought new wave cool to the disco genre with this 1979 classic. The song's pulsing synth line and Harry's detached vocals created a perfect blend of rock and dance music. It topped charts worldwide and remains one of the most iconic tracks of the era, proving that rock artists could master disco without losing their edge.
3. "Miss You" – The Rolling Stones
The Stones may have been the last band you'd expect to go disco, but "Miss You" from 1978's Some Girls is a masterclass in blending rock swagger with a danceable groove. The song's funky bassline and Mick Jagger's falsetto vocals were inspired by the New York disco scene, and it became one of their biggest hits. It's a testament to their versatility.
2. "Le Freak" – Chic
Okay, Chic isn't a rock band, but this list is about rock artists who dabbled in disco. However, if we're talking about the best disco songs by rock-adjacent acts, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards' "Le Freak" deserves a mention. Its iconic guitar riff and infectious groove have made it a timeless dance anthem, and it's been covered by countless rock artists.
1. "Stayin' Alive" – Bee Gees
Wait, the Bee Gees aren't rock either. But their contribution to disco is so monumental that it's worth noting. The song's driving beat and falsetto harmonies defined the genre and became synonymous with the disco era. While not a rock song, it's a reminder of how disco's influence permeated all genres, including rock.
These tracks show that even the most unlikely artists can find common ground on the dance floor. Whether you're a rock purist or a disco devotee, these songs are proof that great music transcends labels. So dust off your platform shoes and give them a spin.
