1978 Classic Ranked Among 'Best Party Songs of All Time' Is Still Timeless
Partying is something that's been happening since the beginning of time, and now, a rock song from 1978 has been ranked among the "best party songs ever made." Although the track, which was released via Chrysalis Records, is nearly 50 years old, it's still timeless and an absolutely fun listen.
That song is Blondie with "Heart of Glass." The track, which was written by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein and produced by Mike Chapman, appeared on the legendary rock band's third studio album, Parallel Lines.
Blondie and 'Heart of Glass' Named One of the Best Party Songs for 'Crystalline Synths' and 'Throbbing Rhythm'
In a feature for Time Out magazine, their editors name "Heart of Glass" as the No. 28 best party song ever for its catchy mix of disco, rock and pop. In the piece, they quote Harry saying that it was one of the first songs Blondie wrote but that it took years to record it properly. They first tried it as a ballad and as reggae, but it never worked until later.
"As a machine-tooled disco ode to lost love, featuring crystalline synths, a throbbing rhythm section and, floating above it all, Harry's icy-cool teen-dream vocals, the 1978 cut more than worked—it slayed," Time Out's editors state in the feature. "And it still does."
That's the kicker: It still does. Decades after the song was released, it still rocks hard and continues to be played at parties around the globe.
In an interview with Uncut magazine back in 2008, Chapman recalled making that song, stating, "That record was an experiment from top to bottom. It was important to get it in a shape that would find its way easily to commercial radio. This was not a band that responded well to being told what to do." He also said that the band had a "New York attitude they wanted to keep."
More Great Party Songs That Are Still Relevant Today
Time Out's pick for No. 1 is a more modern song in 2001's "One More Time" by Daft Punk. "From the synths to the hypnotizing thump of the beat, every minute of this 2000s tune is pure euphoric bliss, daring us all to stop dancing," Laura Osborne of the outlet states.
Of course, there are plenty of other great party songs, especially in the rock genre. Audio Ink Radio names the Kiss classic "Rock and Roll All Nite," off 1975's Dressed to Kill, as one of the best party rock songs ever, saying that it "delivers a slogan with guitars."
"'Rock and Roll All Nite' isn't subtle, and it never pretended to be," the outlet states in the piece. "That's the point. It turns any room into a pact. You don't have to be a fan. You just have to be present when it hits."
So, if you're looking for a few tracks to add to your party-song playlist, try Blondie with "Heart of Glass" and Kiss with "Rock and Roll All Nite." You're welcome.