Celebrating Italo Disco: Future Disco’s Favourite Tracks

As the lights dim and the bass pulses, the iconic Ministry of Sound readies for a legendary 15 years of Future Disco celebration. In anticipation, we journey through Italo disco history, revisiting its most iconic tracks which have defined and paved the way for the genre.

Italo disco is a connoisseur’s genre, one that will be openly belittled by one and lusted after via their wallet by another. Most importantly, it was Italo disco that helped encourage Americans to take on a more electronic approach to their dance music in the first place. So an Italian brand of house music was inevitable. The Italians had a natural flare to it, and we’ve spent hours condensing this list down to our top 10 tracks.

1. High Tide – ‘Time Unlimited’: Kicking off with a bang, this timeless anthem, released in 1990, is the standout track of this list. Its enduring appeal partly lies in its sound, reminiscent of something that could be spun in the walls of the Future Disco Dance Club next week. The ingenious use of a harp sample is the key element of this track, blending seamlessly with Balearic vibes, and culminating in an uplifting acoustic guitar solo.

2. B.W.H – “Stop”: This is arguably the most collectible Italo releases ever, fetching high prices on eBay.  With an especially groovy rework from Purple Disco Machine, this is a definite for your italo sets or enjoyment at home.

3. FUN FUN – “Happy Station (Scratch Extended Version)”: Fun Fun (Francesca Merola and Roberta Servell, produced by Alvaro Ugolini and Dario Raimondi). However, they absolutely hit the mark with their debut release, “Happy Station.” Every version of the track is impressive, but the Scratch Version stands out as exceptional.

4.Mr. Fiago, ‘Take A Chance’: If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Italo-disco, start with “Take a Chance.” In my opinion, it’s the ultimate Italo-disco track. This song hits all the right notes, taking you on an eccentric journey while perfectly encapsulating the genre’s essence. Its charm is undeniable, captivating listeners every time, everywhere. Pure magic!

5. Casco – ‘Cybernetic love (Vocal Edit)’: It’s a fantastic masterpiece, considered one of the best Italo-Disco songs ever. A mega-classic produced by Stefano Zito and Carlo Favilli characterized by a heartbreaking melody and lush strings that exemplify the mood and rhythm of the Italo-Disco style with the use of some sounds of pre-bleepy keyboard and siren that technically make it one of the very first rave songs ever, inspiring the style of many artists that came later, like Daft Punk.

6. Giorgio Moroder – ‘Chase’:Moroder emerged as a trailblazer of the Italo sound during the peak of the disco era in 1977/78. His passion for both cinema and music inspired him to create the iconic track “Chase” for the film Midnight Express, earning him his inaugural Academy Award for Best Film Score in 1978. Undoubtedly, “Chase” stands as one of the most renowned pieces within the realm of Italo records.

7. Klein & MBO – ‘Dirty Talk’: Picture this: a dancefloor ignited by the pulsating beats of ‘Dirty Talk,’ the iconic track that bridged disco and house music. Created by Klein & MBO, it began as a sensation in Milan before dominating global charts. Behind the scenes was Salvatore Annunziata, the creative force behind Pink Project and other Italo disco projects.”

8. Klein & MBO – ‘My Mine – Hypnotic Tango (Extended Version)’: Crafted by the Italian project “My Mine” and guided by Mauro Malavasi, a luminary of 80s music, this masterpiece boasts a legendary synthesizer baseline forged from the iconic “TB 303.” Reverberating through the works of luminaries like Carl Craig and Bandulu, its electrifying rhythm even found its way into Bananarama’s hit single “Look On The Floor,” cementing its timeless influence.

8. Gino Soccio – ‘Remember’: We dare you to stay still whilst this one is playing! Enter the world of Gino Soccio, the Canadian disco icon known for his unique sound. In the ’80s, his hit ‘Remember’ dominated NYC clubs, sparking remix fever among top DJs. Today, it still captivates, constantly refreshed by new interpretations. Gino’s magic lies in his ability to mesmerize with sweeping synth melodies, keeping listeners in a perpetual groove.

9. Doctor’s Cat – ‘Feel The Drive (Instrumental)’: Perhaps a record is for the Italo Disco purists, if you don’t know the sound by now then you will after ‘Feel The Drive’!Aldo Martinelli, Fabrizio Gatto, and Simona Zanini deliver a seamless fusion of solid rhythm and mesmerizing synth lines that will transport you to the heart of the Italo Disco era.

10. Firefly – ‘Love Is Gonna Be On Your Side’: One of Italy’s finest disco rhythms, curated by one of the nation’s premier labels. Emergency Records proudly presents an electrifying collection of jams, with each beat pulsating with undeniable energy. Amidst the era where computers were on the rise, revel in the raw allure of funk infused with a metallic, dance-ready edge.

As we gear up for our 15 years of Future Disco celebrations at Ministry of Sound, let us take a moment to celebrate the timeless appeal of Italo disco. From the iconic anthems that defined an era to the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, the legacy of Italo continues to shine bright, inspiring generations of music lovers to dance the night away.

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Listen to the Playlist Here.

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