Previously on this site, we offered an initial Disco/R&B Playlist which we titled
Part 1. The following list is Part 2.
Here’s a smooth yet funky 1970s Soul Dance playlist — emphasizing danceable soul, Philly soul grooves, funk-soul hybrids, and early disco-soul crossovers from the decade. These tracks have irresistible beats, horn sections, lush strings, and vocal power perfect for stepping, grooving, or line dancing.
1970s Soul Dance Grooves (20 Tracks)
1. Stevie Wonder – Superstition (1972)
Clavinet-driven funk classic that gets hips moving instantly.
2. Earth, Wind & Fire – September (1978)
Horn-powered joy and celebration — pure dancefloor uplift.
3. Jackson 5 – Dancing Machine (1973)
Robotic funk energy that defined early ’70s soul dance.
4. Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie (1973)
Funky, playful, and impossible not to get down to.
5. Ohio Players – Fire (1974)
Sultry, high-energy funk with killer bass and horns.
6. The Spinners – The Rubberband Man (1976)
Bouncy Philly soul groove — great for group dancing.
7. Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music (1976)
Rock-soul-funk anthem that demands you “get on up.”
8. Marvin Gaye – Got to Give It Up (1977)
Party funk with live-club vibes and smooth vocals.
9. Earth, Wind & Fire – Shining Star (1975)
Tight funk grooves and cosmic soul energy.
10. James Brown – Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine (1970)
The Godfather of Soul at his funkiest and most danceable.
11. Sister Sledge – He’s the Greatest Dancer (1979)
Chic-produced disco-soul perfection for strutting.
12. The Commodores – Brick House (1977)
Funky bassline and celebratory soul — “she’s a brick… house!”
13. Heatwave – Boogie Nights (1977)
Smooth, seductive disco-soul groove.
14. KC & The Sunshine Band – That’s the Way (I Like It) (1975)
Simple, repetitive funk-soul that hooks everyone.
15. Parliament – Flash Light (1977)
Funk masterpiece with deep bass and playful energy.
16. Rufus & Chaka Khan – Tell Me Something Good (1974)
Funky, sassy soul with Chaka’s powerhouse delivery.
17. The Emotions – Best of My Love (1977)
Uplifting, harmony-rich disco-soul.
18. Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train to Georgia (1973)
Soulful storytelling with a danceable mid-tempo swing (great for stepping).
19. Average White Band – Pick Up the Pieces (1974)
Instrumental funk-soul jam with sax and tight rhythm.
20. Chic – Good Times (1979)
Elegant bass-driven soul-funk closer that influenced generations.
Playlist Tips:
• Vibe: Funkier and more soul-rooted than straight disco — think bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and Soul Train lines. Great for weddings, house parties, or chill grooves.
• Streaming: Look up “70s Funk Soul” or “Philly Soul Dance” on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. Many ready-made mixes capture this exact energy.
• Extensions: Dive deeper with Curtis Mayfield (“Move on Up”), Betty Wright, or The Isley Brothers for more soulful layers.
Crank it up and let the soul take over! 🕺 What era or sub-style of soul is your favorite?
