Every year, labels release a variety of compilations that feature dance music. Some are really good and well put-together, some are very basic and simple. Most try to cover a wide spectrum of what is considered "dance" music. That is the case here with the new CD "Number 1's: Dance." It is a part of a new series from Universal Music that gathers different songs from different genres and puts them together on one CD for a low price, usually under 12 dollars. The mix of music here is not one that any dance purist would consider current (the most recent track came out in 1991!) or, in some cases, even truly "dance" music. If you have never had any clue to what clubs have played in the past to get people on the floor or if you are looking for a simple CD full of classic dance hits, then this CD is perfect for you.
This CD covers the period between disco into the early 90s. All of these songs were radio hits as well as being popular in nightclubs. None of these are remixes and they are all original recordings. The CD is also not mixed. Every song is separate for those who may need to put a few into their portable music devices. Disco, funk, pop, and R&B are all represented here, and every selection was a number one hit on the Billboard Dance charts. The disco divas are here with tracks from Donna Summer ("Hot Stuff"), Gloria Gaynor ("Never Can Say Goodbye"), and Diana Ross ("I'm Coming Out"). Funk & R&B make showings with tracks by Rick James ("Super Freak") and the Brothers Johnson ("Stomp"). Pop classics by ABC ("The Look Of Love") and Cathy Dennis ("Touch Me") mingle with all-time party favorites by Kool & The Gang ("Celebration") and Lipps Inc. ("Funkytown"). The two most obscure tracks here would be by Gwen Guthrie ("Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent") and Ollie & Jerry ("Breakin'…There's No Stopping Us"), though most anyone will recognize these songs once the chorus kicks in. Thelma Houston, Jody Watley, Irene Cara, and CeCe Peniston round off this CD with some of their most popular tracks. Some of these songs you have heard a million times, but it is nice to have all of them together in one place.
If you are looking for something fun and inexpensive to get you in the mood for a party or a night on the town, this CD is a great choice. It doesn't contain anything new but it is full of classic tracks that will still make you wanna get up and dance. Now let's see if we can convince Universal to release another CD like this with some songs from this decade…or at least beyond 1991!