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Iconic music of the '70s - The music of the '70s is typified by four-on-the-floor beats, syncopated basslines, string sections, horns, electric piano, synthesizers, and electric rhythm guitars. Key artists include Chic, Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, Diana Ross, The Trammps, and more.

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Studio 54 -

The gem of the disco era is the star-studded, hedonistic, exclusive New York nightclub Studio 54. It was an iconic hangout spot for the stars, and it's where the culture materialized in its more lawless form.

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Dua Lipa, 'Future Nostalgia' -

Dua Lipa became a leader in the disco revival, and even Elton John told her that she was his favorite dance music artist since the era of Studio 54. Hit singles from her March 2020 album include the stay-at-home anthem 'Don't Stop Now,' and 'Levitating,' whose pulsing beat and simple lyrics about glitter and dancing are very '70s.

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Dua Lipa -

For her 'SNL' performance, the singer was in total '70s glam with a large feathered headpiece and a white gown.

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Dua Lipa -

Performing on 'The Graham Norton Show,' she wore a positively extravagant dress that flowed and sparkled like her very own disco ball. Glamor, extravagance, and glitter were all key parts of disco fashion.

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Studio 2054 -

Since all concerts were put on pause due to the pandemic, Dua Lipa organized a virtual show featuring moving sets, guest stars, shimmering one-piece outfits, lots of dancing, and a futuristic take on the old Studio 54 days—a perfect theme for what would have been her Future Nostalgia world tour.

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Doja Cat, 'Say So' -

Doja Cat also ushered in disco earlier in 2020, as her song 'Say So' hit no. 1 on the Hot 100 in the spring. Her music video is entirely '70s themed, featuring sequins, sheer outfits, headbands, flipped out hair, lots of glitter, coordinated dancing, and a full disco party scene.

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Huge focus on dance -

'Say So' was also a huge hit because of the rise of TikTok and its viral dances, which Doja Cat featured in her music video. The disco era of the '70s also relied heavily on dance, as it was born out of a response to the stigmatization of dance music at the time.

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Learning the same dances -

In the '70s, many dance styles were developed and spread, such as "the Bump" and "the Hustle," which mirrors that way that many people over the pandemic were at home learning viral dances from TikTok. A whole new style of dance has been born—and it's equally as cringey as the '70s!

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BTS, 'Dynamite' -

'Dynamite' took the no. 1 spot on the Hot 100 after Doja Cat with its upbeat tune grounded in disco rhythms. The video also featured the guys hitting some retro moves and wearing disco essentials: flared pants, bright patterned shirts, and vintage jackets.

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More “feminine” men's fashion -

Harry Styles is a good example of how disco's more “feminine” styles are making a comeback for men, including flared trousers, necklaces, and embroidered jackets.

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Bold colors, big collars -

Styles is also championing the bold colors, wide collars, and even the famed white boots of the '70s. It's also all quite loose and comfortable—so as to ensure you can bust a move at any moment.

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Justin Timberlake and SZA, 'The Other Side' -

SZA, dressed in a glittering '70s catsuit, and Justin Timberlake danced inside of a disco ball in the video for this thumping single, which accompanied the film 'Trolls World Tour.'

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Lady Gaga, 'Chromatica' -

Lady Gaga released a retro dance album in 2020, with the pulsating single 'Rain on Me.' It also featured 'Stupid Love,' on which the strobing synths were reminiscent of disco legend Giorgio Moroder's innovative production on Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love.'

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Sam Smith, 'I Feel Love' -

In late 2019, Sam Smith covered 'I Feel Love,' unwittingly evoking Donna Summer to herald in the disco revival.

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Jessie Ware, 'What's Your Pleasure?' -

The UK singer, known for her lush ballads, made a distinct turn into pulsating dance beats with her 2020 album, particularly her singles 'Spotlight' and 'Mirage (Don't Stop),' the latter of which begins: “Last night we danced, and I thought you were saving my life.”

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Kylie Minogue, 'Disco' -

Hitting the revival right on the nose, Australian singer Kylie Minogue released a glittery album titled 'Disco' in 2020, filled with shimmering tracks like 'Say Something.'

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Victoria Monét, 'Experience' -

Another modern tribute to disco, Victoria Monét's video for the song, off her album 'Jaguar,' takes place at a roller disco and is positively drenched in glitter, bold colors, and a gentle retro fade.

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Earthy palettes are in -

In the '70s, a lot of inspiration came from nature, and today shades like mustard, terracotta, and greens are back in style. Pictured is Bella Hadid in Paris in 2020.

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Flared pants, of course -

Kaia Gerber wore this outfit in late 2019, embodying the revival of the era that her mother Cindy Crawford would have experienced right before making it big as a model.

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Animal prints and square-toe boots -

Model Emily Ratajkowski is seen wearing a zebra-print shirt paired with bold, red, square-toe snakeskin boots. The '70s were also the place where mixing animal prints became a trend!

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Platform shoes -

For better or for worse, platform shoes made a big comeback in the past year, just as they were all the rage (for all genders) back in the '70s. Perhaps it was because we didn't have to walk very far this year?

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Is disco a reaction to the times? -

Some analysts point to the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for everyone's return to dance music. We want simplicity and joy in this complicated, devastating mess.

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Disco hit its stride in financial distress -

In the '70s, the US was facing a recession caused by the Vietnam War and two oil crises. Han Dong-yun, a popular Korean music analyst, links recent socioeconomic hardship to the reason why disco is once again flourishing.

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Dancing is free -

“When people are having a tough time, what they turn to isn't complicated music but simple party music that can help them forget their troubles. The best example of that kind of music is disco,” said Han Dong-yun.

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Being in a club has felt like a far gone dream -

Disco music, glamorous fashion, and collective (online) dancing have been a way for people to recreate that feeling of being able to go out.

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Identity politics are still a hot topic -

Despite the whitewashing of disco with figures like the Bee Gees and John Travolta, disco largely arose from Black, Latino, and queer spaces and sounds.

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Disco accompanied the fight for equality -

In disco's revival amid the pandemic especially, social issues like racism and homophobia have also resurged in common dialogue, and many protests played disco music at their marches.

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The return of disco among white artists has brought reminders -

The return of disco also calls attention to the ways in which we still must improve, especially as white women have largely fronted this revival. Artists like Lady Gaga came forward with statements acknowledging the historical lineage of their music, as Gaga even told Billboard, “All music is Black music.”

Sources: (Billboard) (Vulture) (The Atlantic) (Hankyoreh)

See also: Surprising '70s decor trends making a comeback

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