That’s My Jam Mix 5 – June 2010 [Playlist]

There’s something about music released from 1980 to 1985 that’s raw, despite embracing the slick production qualities of disco. Maybe it’s because it wasn’t afraid to experiment, especially with cuts and synthesizers. Perhaps it was influenced by the newly budding art form known as the music video, or was heavily impacted by the sounds of the streets. Whatever it was, see this mix of some of the best tracks from the time period by clicking here.

Black Music Month – Dance [iTune-Ups]

June is Black Music Month and to celebrate the occasion, That’s My Jam will feature some of the best contributions by black musicians in the genres its readers love: dance, pop and R&B.

First up in this month’s iTune-Ups is the dance/electronica side of our spectrum, a genre whose 30-plus-year history spans from disco to house to urbantronica. Download these recommendations for some happy listening.

Hues Corporation
“Rock the Boat” (1974)
— The first disco song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart

Barry White
“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” (1974)

Donna Summer
“Love to Love You Baby” (1976)
— Summer reportedly refuses to ever perform this song

T-Connection
“Do What You Wanna Do” (1977)

Chic
“Good Times” (1979)

Sister Sledge
“He’s the Greatest Dancer” (1979)

S.O.S. Band
“Take Your Time (Do It Right)” (1980)

Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force
“Planet Rock” (1982)

Herbie Hancock
“Rockit” (1983)

Shannon
“Give Me Tonight” (1984)
— Shannon’s “Let the Music Play,” along with Madonna’s “Holiday,” are said to be the songs that inspired the rhythmic top 40 radio station format

Farley “Jackmaster” Funk
“Love Can’t Turn Around” (1986)

Jody Watley
“Don’t You Want Me” [Dance/Video Remix] (1987)

Soul II Soul
“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” (1989)
— Caron Wheeler performed this track’s featured vocals

Snap!
“The Power” (1990)

C+C Music Factory feat. Martha Wash
“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” (1990)

Londonbeat
“I’ve Been Thinking About You” (1991)

Jomanda
“Got a Love for You” (1991)

Robin S.
“Love for Love” (1993)
— Robin S. worked an office job shortly before releasing this single

RuPaul
“Supermodel” (1993)

Crystal Waters
“100% Pure Love” (1994)

CeCe Peniston
“Hit By Love” (1994)

Frankie Knuckles feat. Adeva
“Too Many Fish” (1995)

La Bouche
“Sweet Dreams” (1996)
— Released the previous year in Europe to much success

Todd Terry presents Martha Wash & Jocelyn Brown
“Keep On Jumpin’” (1996)

Toni Braxton
“Un-Break My Heart” [Soul Hex Anthem Vocal] (1996)

Joi Cardwell
“Soul to Bare” (1997)

Ultra Naté
“Free” (1997)
— Naté joined Amber and Jocelyn Enriquez on “If You Could Read My Mind”

Whitney Houston
“It’s Not Right, but It’s Okay” [Thunderpuss Mix] (1999)

Sonique
“It Feels So Good” (2000)

Kim English
“Everyday” (2002)

Carl Cox feat. Hannah Robinson
“Give Me Your Love” (2006)

Rihanna
“Don’t Stop the Music” (2007)

Janet Jackson
“Rock with U” (2008)
— Jackson is second behind Madonna with the most No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart

Ne-Yo
“Closer” (2008)

Usher feat. Will.I.Am
“OMG” (2010)