Music

Best rock songs with disco influences

Explore the fascinating fusion of genres with this selection of rock tracks that incorporate disco rhythms and elements. Discover how iconic rock bands experimented with the disco sound, creating danceable and energetic songs. This list highlights the creativity of artists who transcended musical barriers, offering a unique perspective on the interplay between rock and disco music. It's ideal for music fans looking for the unexpected in their favourite genres.

387100% verified
  1. 1

    David Bowie - Young Americans (1975)

    310 Global Votes
    • Enabled David Bowie to be embraced by American public

      (+4)

    Bowie was an early adopter of disco influences, and this track is key to his 'plastic soul' era. It features a soulful, funky rhythm section and R&B/disco-leaning backing vocals, predating disco's peak.

  2. 2

    Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2 (1979)

    34 Global Votes
    • Features a children's choir

      (+4)

    A surprising entry for Pink Floyd, this iconic track from *The Wall* features a distinct disco beat and groove in its rhythm section. This subtle yet undeniable integration of disco contributed to its massive commercial success.

  3. 3

    Rod Stewart - Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? (1978)

    22 Global Votes
    • Disco-fueled party anthem

      (+3)

    This song is a clear embrace of the disco sound by a major rock artist, featuring a prominent disco beat, string arrangements, and a catchy, danceable chorus. It became a huge hit despite some backlash from rock purists.

  4. 4

    Miss You - The Rolling Stones (1978)

    14 Global Votes
    • Features an iconic bass line

      (+2)

    This track is a prime example of a major rock band successfully venturing into disco, influenced by Mick Jagger's visits to discos. It seamlessly blends rock, disco, and blues with a prominent disco beat and funky bassline.

  5. 5

    Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Shine a Little Love (1979)

    4 Global Votes
    • Bright, disco-influenced opener

      (+4)

    ELO often blended rock with orchestral and pop elements, and this song clearly leans into disco with its upbeat tempo, prominent strings, and danceable rhythm. It's characteristic of the late 70s disco-infused sound.

  6. All the rankings you can imagine

    Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts

  7. 6

    Nothing But Thieves - Do You Love Me Yet? (2023)

    3 Global Votes
    • Features a clear disco influence

      (+4)

    From their 2023 album *Dead Club City*, this song channels 70s and 80s vibes with a mix of pop-rock and disco. It represents a modern take on the fusion, showing contemporary rock artists embracing dance rhythms.

  8. 7

    Queen – "Another One Bites the Dust" (1980)

    0 Global Votes
    • Borrowed heavily from funk

      (+4)

    Renowned for its iconic, funky bassline and strong disco-funk groove, this song became one of Queen's biggest hits. It perfectly demonstrates their versatility and ability to incorporate dance elements into their rock sound.

  9. 8

    Let's Dance - David Bowie

    0 Global Votes
    • Post-disco musical style

      (+4)

    From a later era, 'Let's Dance' saw Bowie consciously return to a dance-oriented sound, heavily influenced by disco and funk. It was a massive global hit, successfully integrating disco elements into mainstream rock and pop.

  10. 9

    Heart Of Glass - Blondie (1978)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features a funkier sound with a basic disco beat

      (+4)

    Originally a punk/new wave band, Blondie successfully incorporated disco and electronic elements into this track, creating a groundbreaking song. Its synth-driven sound and steady dance beat made it a disco-rock crossover classic.

  11. 10

    The Grateful Dead - Shakedown Street (1978)

    0 Global Votes
    • Cohesive offering

      (+3)

    Even the Grateful Dead, known for their jam-band rock, experimented with disco in this track. It features a funky, dance-oriented groove that stands out in their discography, reflecting the era's pervasive disco influence.

  12. 11

    Penelope Road - Tired of Love (2024)

    0 Global Votes
    • Blends elements of '70s rock, funk, soul, and pop

      (+4)

    This Atlanta-based band's 2024 hit blends elements of 1970s rock 'n' roll, funk, soul, and pop. It creates a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic, suggesting disco undertones within its rock framework.

  13. 12

    Annie and the Caldwells - I Made It (2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Explosive dancefloor soul anthem

      (+2)

    This band, performing at the 2026 Double Decker Arts Festival, is described as playing 'powerful disco soul.' Their song 'I Made It' blends funky, punchy gospel music with defiant lyrics, indicating a strong disco influence within a rock/soul context.

  14. 13

    The Heavy Heavy - Go Down River (2023)

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic recordings

      (+4)

    This U.K.-based band's 2023 song is a fan-favorite with a swinging rhythm and a soulful touch on rock 'n' roll. It suggests a danceable, disco-adjacent groove within a rock framework, appealing to those who enjoy a soulful, rhythmic rock sound.