Tragically Underrated - 5 Picks

Published on 24 April 2023 at 00:34

All music lovers have gone through it. You just love a song from one of your favorite artists, and you are just sure it's bound to be a chart topping hit and...it flops! How can this happen you wonder. Why doesn't the world know about this amazing song. Well, sadly there are thousands of great would-be-hits that for some reason, didn't get the promotion or flowers that it deserved. 

 Here are 5 of my favorite dance songs that IMO should have been chart toppers!

What are some of your favorite dance songs that never made it? Tell us in the comments.

 

1. Kylie Minogue - Timebomb

Hands-down, my all-time favorite Kylie track that I still play to this day! "Timebomb" is a track from 2012 that deserves more recognition. It has all the elements of a chart-topping hit, with its infectious beat and memorable lyrics. The song's music video is also a testament to Kylie's creativity and energy, featuring her dancing through the streets of London in a series of colorful outfits.

 

So why did "Timebomb" fail to make a splash on the charts? Perhaps it was due to the crowded music scene at the time, with other artists vying for attention. Or maybe it was simply a case of bad timing. Whatever the reason, it's clear that "Timebomb" is an underrated gem that deserves more attention.

 

In conclusion, "Timebomb" may not have been the chart-topper it should have been, but it remains a beloved song among Kylie Minogue fans. Its catchy melody and upbeat vibe are a testament to Kylie's enduring popularity and her ability to create music that stands the test of time. So let's give "Timebomb" the recognition it deserves and keep dancing to its infectious beat!

2. Into The Nightlife - Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper's song "Into the Nightlife" is an underrated gem that should have been a big hit. Released in 2008 as part of her album "Bring Ya to the Brink," the song is a catchy and upbeat dance track that showcases Lauper's signature vocals and unique style.

 

Despite its infectious beat and memorable chorus, "Into the Nightlife" failed to make a significant impact on the charts. This is a shame, as the song has all the hallmarks of a classic pop hit. Its lyrics are relatable and empowering, encouraging listeners to let loose and embrace their inner party animal.

 

In addition to its catchy melody and empowering lyrics, "Into the Nightlife" also features a memorable music video that perfectly captures the song's fun and carefree spirit. Shot In a popular gay nightclub at the time, "Splash," in New York City, the video shows Lauper and her friends dancing and having a good time, while the club lights flash in the background.

 

Overall, "Into the Nightlife" is a fantastic song that deserves more attention than it received. Its catchy melody, empowering lyrics, and memorable music video make it a standout track in Lauper's discography and a testament to her enduring talent as a musician and performer. If you haven't heard it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen – you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy the video below and please note the many comments mentioning what an underrated gem this track is!

3. Patti LaBelle - Stir It Up 

Patti LaBelle's "Stir It Up" is an underrated classic that deserves more recognition. Released in 1985, the song is a funky, upbeat track that showcases LaBelle's powerful vocals and infectious energy. Despite its catchy melody and memorable chorus, "Stir It Up" has been largely overlooked in the years since its release.

 

One reason for this may be that the song was not a commercial success, failing to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, this does not diminish its quality or impact. "Stir It Up" is a prime example of LaBelle's ability to infuse soul and funk into her music, creating a sound that is uniquely her own.

 

Despite its commercial failure, "Stir It Up" remains a standout track in LaBelle's discography. Its infectious groove and empowering lyrics make it a perfect addition to any party playlist or workout mix. LaBelle's vocals are as powerful as ever, and the song's message of taking control and making things happen is as relevant today as it was in 1985.

 

In conclusion, "Stir It Up" is a classic song that deserves more recognition. Its catchy melody, empowering lyrics, and LaBelle's powerhouse vocals make it a standout track in her discography. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to LaBelle's music, "Stir It Up" is a must-listen that will leave you feeling inspired and energized.

4. Shirley Bassey - Get The Party Started

Shirley Bassey is a name that is synonymous with timeless classics such as "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever." However, there is one song that is often overlooked in her discography - "Get the Party Started." Released in 2007, this track is an underrated gem that deserves more recognition.

 

The song is an upbeat, dance-pop number that showcases Bassey's powerful vocals. It was also remixed by the legendary dance music producer, Chris Cox, who has worked with artists such as Madonna and Britney Spears. The track features a catchy chorus and a pulsating beat that is sure to get anyone on the dance floor.

 

Despite its catchy melody and infectious energy, "Get the Party Started" did not receive the attention it deserved. It was not a commercial success and did not chart on any major music charts. However, the song has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as a fan favorite.

 

What makes "Get the Party Started" so special is the way it showcases Bassey's versatility as an artist. She is known for her dramatic ballads, but this song proves that she can also deliver a fun, upbeat track using her soaring signature vocals with ease. It is a testament to her talent and range as a performer.

 

In conclusion, "Get the Party Started" is an underrated song that deserves more recognition. It is a fun, energetic track that showcases Shirley Bassey's versatility as an artist. If you haven't heard it yet, give it a listen and get ready to dance! Also, the video is beyond fabulous!

5. Debbie Harry - Sweet and Low

Debbie Harry, the iconic lead singer of the band Blondie, has a vast catalog of hits that have stood the test of time. However, one song that often goes overlooked is "Sweet and Low" from her 1989 album "Def, Dumb & Blonde." This song, co-written by Harry and Chris Stein, is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

 

"Sweet and Low" is a slow-burning dance anthem that showcases Harry's vocal range and emotional depth. The song's lyrics are introspective and melancholic, with Harry singing about lost love and the pain of moving on. The backing vocals by Adele Bertei, Arif St. Michael, and Biti Strauchn add a haunting quality to the song, making it all the more memorable.

 

"Sweet and Low" was released as the third single from the Def, Dumb & Blonde album in the UK, where it peaked at number 57.[2] "Sweet and Low" also reached number 17 on the US Dance Club Songs chart.[3]

In Australia, "Sweet and Low" was the second single released from the album, and was issued as a double A-side with "Kiss It Better". The single peaked at number 30 in Australia.[4]

The single version of "Sweet and Low" was remixed by Phil Harding and was later included on Chrysalis Records/EMI's 1999 compilation Most of All: The Best of Deborah Harry.

The accompanying music video was directed by designer Stephen Sprouse.

Wikipedia

 

Perhaps part of the reason "Sweet and Low" is underrated is that it came at a time when Blondie's popularity had waned. "Def, Dumb & Blonde" was not as commercially successful as the band's earlier albums, and it was largely dismissed by critics. However, this should not detract from the quality of the music on the album, and "Sweet and Low" in particular.

 

In conclusion, "Sweet and Low" is a beautiful and underrated song that deserves more recognition. Debbie Harry's vocals are as powerful as ever, and the song's lyrics are both poignant and relatable. If you haven't listened to "Sweet and Low" before, give it a chance – you won't be disappointed.

This concludes my list of 5 of my favorite overlooked classics in dance music! The good thing about music is, you can still enjoy it even if the rest of the world doesn't get it! This is one of the many reasons I love to stream live my DJ sets on twitch. As well as playing the classics everyone loves, I can throw in a possibly unknown or forgotten gem and introduce it to new fans!

Brian Richards

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