3 Disco Songs From 1977 That Even Disco Haters Secretly Loved
Three disco hits from 1977 showed how the genre could win over listeners who were not usually fans. Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up”, Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star” and Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” each offered a distinctive sound and became notable successes.
Gaye’s live “Got to Give It Up” topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 7 in the UK. Wonder’s “Another Star”, with Latin-influenced percussion, peaked at No. 32 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on the US National Disco Action Top 40. Summer’s “I Feel Love”, co-written by Giorgio Moroder, reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 and the top ten in many countries; its electronic sound anticipated elements of synth-pop and new wave.
In short
- Three 1977 disco hits crossed genre lines.
- Gaye topped the US chart with “Got to Give It Up”.
- Summer’s electronic sound hinted at music to come.
Explained simply
Disco grew out of dance music in the 1970s, with steady rhythms designed for clubs. By 1977 it was popular on radio and in dance venues, though some listeners disliked its repetitive beat or polished production.
Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Donna Summer were established soul and pop artists who each approached the style differently. Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” used a loose, party-like live sound; Wonder’s “Another Star” drew on Latin-influenced percussion; and Summer’s “I Feel Love”, made with producer Giorgio Moroder, centred on electronic sounds.
Their records show that disco could overlap with soul, pop and emerging electronic music. “I Feel Love” in particular pointed towards sounds later heard in synth-pop and new wave.
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