Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees (1977)

i know it's all about Michael Jackson right now, but here's a dance song i guarantee you haven't forgotten:



before The Field, before Daft Punk, before Michael Jackson, these guys mastered the art of repetition.

lay down a bass drum, thump it, 1. 2. 3. 4. add some hi-hat to the mix for some extra clicks. next, slurp out an irresistible bassline, sidewinding around the four-on-the-floor kicks. it's getting real dancey. then you hit the synths, caressing the keys, remembering this isn't about dominating the song, just keeping it rolling, keeping it fresh. maybe some strings here and there. finally, lay down the vocal track, smooth, funky, rocking, spiraling, spinning, dizzy, and real cool. nothing wild, just simple, to the point, sweet, and beautiful.

then the genius.

repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat.

anybody who writes a good dance song knows that the key is simplicity and repetition. listen to "Thriller." listen to "One More Time." listen to "Stayin' Alive." ah, you've heard 'em all before...


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