The top songs of 1979 weren’t just hits—they were everywhere. You couldn’t turn on the radio, walk into a store, or go to a party without hearing at least a few of these songs playing.
This list is based on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, which ranks the 25 biggest songs of the year based on how they performed on the charts throughout 1979. And when you look at these songs together, you can really feel what that year sounded like.
Disco was still front and center, but something was starting to change. Some songs were built for the dance floor, while others felt a little more personal—like the kind you’d hear late at night driving home. That mix is what made 1979 stand out, and why so many of these songs still feel familiar the second you hear them.
This list captures the biggest songs of the year, but it’s also part of a much larger story. You can see how these songs stack up across the entire decade in our complete guide to the best songs of the 1970s.
The Biggest Songs of 1979 at a Glance
1979 felt like the last big party of the disco era. The dance floor was still packed, the lights were still spinning, and songs with a steady beat seemed to be everywhere you went. Whether it was a night out, a wedding, or just the radio playing in the background, you heard a lot of music that made you want to move.
At the same time, you could feel things starting to shift. There were songs that didn’t quite fit the disco mold—more personal, more stripped down, or just different enough to stand out. It wasn’t one sound dominating the year anymore. It was a mix of styles, and somehow it all worked together.
Top Song of the Year
- My Sharona – The Knack
Song Details:
Song: My Sharona
Artist: The Knack
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 6
Album: Get the Knack
Released: 1979
“My Sharona” is really about obsession. It’s that feeling of being completely taken over by someone—can’t stop thinking about them, can’t shake it, and honestly don’t want to. It’s direct, a little raw, and doesn’t try to dress itself up as anything else.
This song was everywhere. You’d hear that opening drum beat and instantly know what was coming. It wasn’t just on the radio—it felt like it was blasting out of every car, every store, every party. And once it came on, people paid attention. It had that kind of pull.
It ended up being the #1 song of the entire year on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, which says a lot considering how many big songs 1979 had. It also signaled that something new was creeping in, moving away from disco toward a more stripped-down rock sound.
Top 5 Songs of 1979
- My Sharona – The Knack
- Bad Girls – Donna Summer
- Le Freak – Chic
- Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Rod Stewart
- Reunited – Peaches & Herb
From the Biggest Hits to the Full Story
The top five songs give you a quick snapshot of 1979, but they don’t tell the whole story. Once you get past those, you start to see just how much variety there really was that year.
There were still plenty of disco songs holding strong, but right alongside them were softer ballads, rock songs, and a few tracks that didn’t fit neatly into any category. That’s what makes this list interesting—it’s not just one sound repeated over and over.
As you move through the full Top 25, you’ll start to remember where you first heard some of these songs, and maybe even who you were with at the time. Some were huge right away, while others just seemed to stick around forever.
Let’s get into the rest of the list.
1. My Sharona – The Knack
Song: My Sharona
Artist: The Knack
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 6
Album: Get the Knack
Released: 1979
“My Sharona” is about obsession—plain and simple. It’s that feeling where someone gets stuck in your head and you can’t shake it. The lyrics don’t dance around it either. It’s direct, a little raw, and feels like it’s coming straight from that moment.
You heard this song everywhere in 1979. That opening drum beat would hit, and you knew exactly what was coming next. It wasn’t just popular—it felt unavoidable. Cars driving by, radios in stores, people playing it loud at home… this one cut through everything.
It ended up as the number one song of the entire year on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, which says a lot considering how many big songs were out there. And more than that, it felt like a shift—like something new was starting to push its way in.
Watch The Song
2. Bad Girls – Donna Summer
Song: Bad Girls
Artist: Donna Summer
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 5
Album: Bad Girls
Released: 1979
“Bad Girls” is about women out on the street at night, trying to get by, and the way people look at them. It tells that story without sugarcoating it, but it still carries a confidence that makes it feel strong instead of heavy.
This was one of those songs you couldn’t escape in 1979. It was on the radio constantly, and if you went anywhere with music—especially somewhere with a dance floor—you were going to hear it. And once that “toot toot, hey, beep beep” part came on, people didn’t just listen… they jumped right in.
It became one of the biggest hits of the year and kept Donna Summer right at the center of everything. At a time when disco was still ruling, this was one of the songs leading the charge.
If you want to explore more of her music and story, check out her Top Songs and full Artist Profile
3. Le Freak – Chic
Song: Le Freak
Artist: Chic
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 6
Album: C’est Chic
Released: 1978
“Le Freak” is really about letting go and just having a good time. It came out of a moment where the band got turned away from a club, and instead of letting it ruin the night, they turned it into something fun and unforgettable.
The second you heard “Ahhh, freak out!” you knew exactly what was coming. This was one of those songs that instantly filled a dance floor. It didn’t matter where you were—party, wedding, club—people reacted to it right away.
Even though it came out in 1978, it carried straight into 1979 and stayed huge. It ended up being one of the defining songs of the disco era, and one that people still recognize the second it starts.
4. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Rod Stewart
Song: Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
Artist: Rod Stewart
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 4
Album: Blondes Have More Fun
Released: 1978
This song is about a late-night connection—two people meeting, feeling the moment, and deciding whether it’s going somewhere. It’s playful, a little bold, and doesn’t try to hide what it’s about.
You heard this one all over in 1979, especially in social settings. It had that kind of beat that made it easy to put on at parties, and people always reacted to it. What stood out was hearing Rod Stewart—who you knew from rock—right in the middle of that disco wave.
It went to number one and showed just how big disco still was. Even artists who weren’t known for it were stepping into that sound, and for a while, it worked.
6. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Song: I Will Survive
Artist: Gloria Gaynor
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 3
Album: Love Tracks
Released: 1978
“I Will Survive” is about picking yourself up after a breakup and realizing you’re stronger than you thought. It starts off vulnerable but quickly turns into a statement—you’re going to be just fine without them.
This song had a way of taking over a room. You’d hear it at parties, on the radio, and especially in places where people wanted to sing along. And they did—loud. It wasn’t just a song people listened to, it was one people felt like they were part of.
It became one of the most recognizable songs of the era and has stuck around ever since. Even now, the second it starts, people know exactly what’s coming.
7. Hot Stuff – Donna Summer
Song: Hot Stuff
Artist: Donna Summer
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 3
Album: Bad Girls
Released: 1979
“Hot Stuff” is about wanting excitement, wanting something more, and not being shy about it. It’s direct and full of energy, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
You couldn’t get away from this one in 1979. It was on the radio constantly, and it showed up everywhere people wanted something upbeat and fun. It had that kind of energy that made it hard to ignore.
It gave Donna Summer another number one hit in the same year and showed just how dominant she was at that moment. She wasn’t just part of the scene—she was leading it.
8. Y.M.C.A. – Village People
Song: Y.M.C.A.
Artist: Village People
Peak Position: #2
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Cruisin’
Released: 1978
“Y.M.C.A.” is about finding a place where you belong, where you can have a good time and not feel alone. It’s simple, upbeat, and easy to understand.
This was more than just a song—it was an event. Weddings, parties, sporting events… if this came on, people didn’t stay sitting. Everyone knew the moves, and even if you didn’t, you figured it out fast.
Even though it never hit number one, it didn’t matter. It became one of the most recognizable songs of the entire decade and is still played everywhere today.
9. Ring My Bell – Anita Ward
Song: Ring My Bell
Artist: Anita Ward
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Songs of Love
Released: 1979
“Ring My Bell” is about wanting someone’s attention and making it clear. It’s playful and has that late-night feel to it without trying too hard.
This was one of those songs that seemed to pop up everywhere all at once. You’d hear it on the radio, then again somewhere else the same day. It had that kind of sound that just fit the moment.
It hit number one and became Anita Ward’s biggest hit, giving 1979 another song that people still remember the second it starts.
10. Sad Eyes – Robert John
Song: Sad Eyes
Artist: Robert John
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Robert John
Released: 1979
“Sad Eyes” is about seeing someone you care about getting hurt and wanting to be the one they turn to. It’s gentle, emotional, and easy to connect with.
You’d usually hear this one when things slowed down—late at night on the radio or in those quieter moments. It had that kind of feel that made you stop and listen.
It reached number one and stood out in a year filled with bigger, louder songs by going in a completely different direction
11. Too Much Heaven – Bee Gees
Song: Too Much Heaven
Artist: Bee Gees
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Spirits Having Flown
Released: 1978
“Too Much Heaven” is about a love that feels almost overwhelming—in a good way. It’s soft, emotional, and comes across like someone trying to put a deep feeling into words without overcomplicating it.
This was one of those songs you’d hear late at night when things were quiet. It didn’t jump out at you—it pulled you in. And once you were in, you stayed with it. It had that calm, almost peaceful feel that stuck with you long after it ended.
It gave the Bee Gees another number one hit during a stretch where they seemed to be everywhere. Even as disco dominated, they showed they could slow things down and still connect.
If you want to explore more of their music and story, check out their Top Songs and full Artist Profile
12. Heart of Glass – Blondie
Song: Heart of Glass
Artist: Blondie
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Parallel Lines
Released: 1978
“Heart of Glass” is about love that starts out strong but quickly falls apart. It’s about that realization that something you thought was real just isn’t what you believed it to be.
This one stood out right away. It had a different feel than most of what was out there, and you noticed it the first time you heard it. It played constantly on the radio, and it didn’t matter if you were into disco or rock—you ended up knowing this song.
It became Blondie’s first number one hit and showed how things were starting to shift. It didn’t fit neatly into one category, and that’s part of what made it work.
13. Tragedy – Bee Gees
Song: Tragedy
Artist: Bee Gees
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Spirits Having Flown
Released: 1979
“Tragedy” is about losing love and feeling like everything just fell apart all at once. It’s dramatic, emotional, and doesn’t hold back on that feeling.
This was one of those songs that grabbed your attention immediately. You’d hear it on the radio and know right away what it was. It had that kind of presence that made it hard to ignore.
It became another number one hit for the Bee Gees, adding to an already incredible run. By this point, they were one of the defining sounds of the era.
14. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes
Song: Escape (The Piña Colada Song)
Artist: Rupert Holmes
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Partners in Crime
Released: 1979
This song is about a couple who feel stuck in their relationship and end up secretly looking for something new—only to realize they’ve been looking for each other all along. It’s a story you can follow from beginning to end.
You heard this one a lot on the radio, especially in more relaxed settings. It wasn’t loud or overpowering—it just kind of drew you in. And once you knew the story, you paid attention every time it came on.
It hit number one right at the end of the year and became one of those songs people remember because of the story as much as the sound.
15. Still – Commodores
Song: Still
Artist: Commodores
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Midnight Magic
Released: 1979
“Still” is about heartbreak—real, quiet heartbreak. It’s about someone dealing with the end of a relationship and trying to make sense of what’s left.
This was one of those songs that made you stop whatever you were doing when it came on. You’d hear it late at night or during slower moments, and it had a way of holding your attention.
It gave the Commodores a number one hit that showed a different side of them. While they had bigger, more upbeat songs, this one connected in a more personal way.
If you want to explore more of their music and story, check out their Top Songs and full Artist Profile
16. Knock on Wood – Amii Stewart
Song: Knock on Wood
Artist: Amii Stewart
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Knock on Wood
Released: 1979
“Knock on Wood” is about hoping the good thing you’ve found doesn’t slip away. It’s that feeling of wanting to protect something that finally feels right.
This one had a big presence on the dance floor. You’d hear it in clubs and anywhere people were out for the night. It had that kind of energy that kept people moving, and once it came on, it stayed with you.
It hit number one and became one of the standout disco songs of 1979, right in the middle of that era’s peak.
17. Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits
Song: Sultans of Swing
Artist: Dire Straits
Peak Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Dire Straits
Released: 1978
“Sultans of Swing” is about a small band playing in a quiet bar, just doing their thing without worrying about trends or popularity. It’s really about loving the music, even if nobody’s paying attention.
This was one of those songs that stood out the more you heard it. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but it stuck with you. You’d hear it on the radio and recognize it right away, even though it didn’t sound like most of what was out at the time.
It never hit number one, but it didn’t need to. It became one of those songs people kept coming back to, especially as the sound of the late ’70s started to shift.
18. Stumblin’ In – Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
Song: Stumblin’ In
Artist: Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
Peak Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: If You Knew Suzi…
Released: 1978
“Stumblin’ In” is about two people slowly finding their way into a relationship without overthinking it. It’s simple and feels real from the start.
This was one of those songs that just seemed to be there all the time. You’d hear it in the car, on the radio at home, or playing quietly somewhere in the background. It didn’t demand attention—it just stayed with you.
It never hit number one, but it didn’t need to. It became one of those songs people remember because it felt natural and easy to connect with.
19. September – Earth, Wind & Fire
Song: September
Artist: Earth, Wind & Fire
Peak Position: #8
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1
Released: 1978
“September” is about remembering a night that meant something—one of those moments that stays with you long after it’s over.
This song had a way of lifting the room the second it came on. Parties, celebrations, even just hearing it on the radio—it always felt like a good moment. People didn’t just listen, they reacted.
Even without hitting number one, it became one of the most recognizable songs of the era. It’s the kind of song that still brings people together every time it plays.
20. I Love the Nightlife (Disco ’Round) – Alicia Bridges
Song: I Love the Nightlife (Disco ’Round)
Artist: Alicia Bridges
Peak Position: #5
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Alicia Bridges
Released: 1978
“I Love the Nightlife” is about being out, enjoying the moment, and not wanting the night to end. It captures that feeling of just staying in it as long as you can.
This one fit perfectly into the scene at the time. You’d hear it in clubs, at parties, and anywhere people were out for the night. It matched the mood of the moment.
It didn’t hit number one, but it became one of those songs tied directly to the disco era. When you hear it now, it immediately takes you back.
21. What a Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers
Song: What a Fool Believes
Artist: The Doobie Brothers
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Minute by Minute
Released: 1978
“What a Fool Believes” is about someone looking back on a past relationship and seeing it very differently than it actually was. It’s that idea of holding onto something that, in reality, was never quite what you thought it was.
This was one of those songs that just stayed in rotation. You’d hear it on the radio all the time, especially in the car or just playing in the background somewhere. It didn’t jump out at you—it settled in, and the more you heard it, the more familiar it felt.
It became a number one hit and marked a big moment for the Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald front and center. It also felt like a shift away from the heavier disco sound toward something a little more laid back.
If you want to explore more of their music and story, check out their Top Songs and full Artist Profile
22. Good Times – Chic
Song: Good Times
Artist: Chic
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Risqué
Released: 1979
“Good Times” is about enjoying life and making the most of the moment, even when things aren’t perfect. It keeps things simple—just focus on the good times while you can.
This one had a groove you couldn’t miss. You’d hear it at parties, on the radio, and especially anywhere people were dancing. It had that kind of feel that made people move without even thinking about it.
It hit number one and became one of Chic’s biggest songs. It also ended up influencing a lot of what came next, even outside of disco.
23. Shake Your Groove Thing – Peaches & Herb
Song: Shake Your Groove Thing
Artist: Peaches & Herb
Peak Position: #5
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: 2 Hot!
Released: 1978
“Shake Your Groove Thing” is about letting loose and just enjoying yourself. No overthinking—just get up and move and have a good time.
This was one of those songs that worked anywhere people were gathered. Parties, weddings, get-togethers—you’d hear it and people would react right away. It had that kind of energy that made it hard to sit still.
Even without hitting number one, it became one of those songs tied directly to the feel of the time. It just fit 1979.
24. Don’t Bring Me Down – Electric Light Orchestra
Song: Don’t Bring Me Down
Artist: Electric Light Orchestra
Peak Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Discovery
Released: 1979
“Don’t Bring Me Down” is about pushing back against negativity and not letting someone else drag you down. It’s direct and easy to understand—you know exactly what it’s saying.
This one stood out the first time you heard it. It had a different feel from a lot of what was out there, and it played constantly on the radio. It worked whether you were driving, at home, or just hearing it in the background somewhere.
It became one of ELO’s biggest hits and showed how things were starting to move away from pure disco into something a little different.
25. I Just Fall in Love Again – Anne Murray
Song: I Just Fall in Love Again
Artist: Anne Murray
Peak Position: #12
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: New Kind of Feeling
Released: 1979
“I Just Fall in Love Again” is about how easily love can come back, even when you don’t expect it. It’s simple, honest, and doesn’t try to complicate things.
This was one of those songs you’d hear when things slowed down—late at night on the radio or during quieter moments. It had a calm, steady feel that made it easy to just sit with.
It didn’t hit number one, but it became one of those songs people remember because of how it made them feel. It gave 1979 one more softer moment in a year filled with bigger, louder hits.
What This List Tells Us About Music in 1979
When you look at the top songs of 1979 as a whole, you can feel that turning point. Disco was still everywhere—no question about it. Songs like “Bad Girls,” “Le Freak,” and “Hot Stuff” weren’t just popular, they defined the moment. If you were out anywhere that year, you heard them.
But right alongside those songs, something else was starting to show up. You had tracks like “My Sharona” and “What a Fool Believes” that didn’t fit that same mold. They felt a little more stripped down, a little more personal, and in some cases, a sign of what was coming next.
That’s what makes 1979 interesting. It wasn’t just the peak of one sound—it was the beginning of a shift. You still had the big dance songs, but you also had music starting to move in a different direction, and you could feel that change happening in real time.
Continue Exploring the Top Songs of the 1970s
If you enjoy revisiting the biggest hits of the decade, explore how the sound of popular music evolved year by year:
Top 25 Songs of 1970
Top 25 Songs of 1971
Top 25 Songs of 1972
Top 25 Songs of 1973
Top 25 Songs of 1974
Top 25 Songs of 1975
Top 25 Songs of 1976
Top 25 Songs of 1977
Top 25 Songs of 1978
Each list provides a snapshot of how the sound of popular music evolved throughout the decade.
Explore More About the Music of 1979
The songs that topped the charts in 1979 tell only part of the story. It was also a year filled with extraordinary albums, groundbreaking artists, and musical trends that helped shape the entire decade.
If you want a deeper look at why this year was so important in music history, you might also enjoy these related articles:
•The Music of 1979: A Year in Review
• Songs That Defined 1979
• Best Albums of 1979
Frequently Asked Questions About the Top Songs of 1979
What was the number one song of 1979?
The number one song of 1979 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 was “My Sharona” by The Knack. It held the top spot because of its strong chart performance across the entire year, not just a short run at number one.
It stood out because it felt different from a lot of what was popular at the time. While disco dominated much of 1979, “My Sharona” had a more straightforward rock sound that connected quickly with listeners and stayed in heavy rotation.
Which artists dominated 1979?
A few artists clearly stood out in 1979, especially Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. Donna Summer had multiple major hits, including “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” while the Bee Gees continued their run with songs like “Too Much Heaven” and “Tragedy.”
Chic also had a strong presence with both “Le Freak” and “Good Times,” and Peaches & Herb appeared twice on the list as well. It wasn’t just one artist dominating—it was a handful of names showing up again and again throughout the year.
Was 1979 the peak of disco?
1979 is often considered the peak—and in many ways, the turning point—of disco. The genre was still incredibly popular, with many of the top songs built around that danceable sound.
At the same time, you could feel the shift starting. Songs like “My Sharona” and “Don’t Bring Me Down” hinted that things were beginning to move in a different direction. So while disco was still on top, it was also nearing the end of its run.
Were all songs in the 1979 Top 25 number one hits?
No, not all of the top songs of 1979 reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The Year-End list is based on overall performance throughout the year, not just peak position.
That’s why songs like “Y.M.C.A.” and “September,” which didn’t hit number one, still rank among the biggest songs of the year. They stayed popular over time and had a strong presence on the charts.
What made 1979 unique musically?
What made 1979 unique was the mix of styles all happening at once. You had disco still dominating, but you also had rock, ballads, and songs that didn’t fit neatly into one category.
It wasn’t a year defined by just one sound. Instead, it felt like a transition period where different styles were overlapping, and you could hear that variety every time you turned on the radio.
Why were disco songs so popular in 1979?
Disco songs were popular in 1979 because they were built for real-life situations—dancing, socializing, and just having a good time. They had a steady beat and a feel that made them easy to enjoy in groups.
They also fit perfectly with the nightlife culture at the time. Clubs, parties, and events all leaned into that sound, which kept it in constant rotation both on the dance floor and on the radio.
What songs from major soundtracks were hits in 1979?
While 1979 still felt the impact of earlier soundtrack hits—especially from Saturday Night Fever—most of the songs on this list came from artists’ own albums rather than major movie soundtracks.
That said, the influence of soundtrack-driven music was still there. The success of disco in movies helped push similar songs onto the charts, even if they weren’t directly tied to a film.
