# 82 Songs That Could Keep Clubs Open

> Four 1982 songs that would still dominate dance floors today.
- Title: 82 Songs That Could Keep Clubs Open · American Songwriter
- Summary: Four 1982 songs that would still dominate dance floors today. Four 1982 songs could single-handedly keep clubs open today.
- Keywords: toto, michael jackson, dexys midnight runners, madonna, 1982, pop music, dance floor, music, culture, Songs, Keep, Clubs
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/4-songs-from-1982-that-could-single-handedly-keep-clubs-open-today
- Author: Kat Caudill
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: toto, michael jackson, dexys midnight runners, madonna, 1982, pop music, dance floor, music, culture
## Africa by Toto
David Paich wrote 'Africa' almost spontaneously with a CS-80 keyboard.

> I sang the chorus out as you hear it. It was like God channeling it. I thought, 'I’m talented, but I’m not that talented. Something just happened here!'
## Thriller by Michael Jackson
Thriller was released in late 1982 and made Michael Jackson a global superstar.
## Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
This song has a hooky 'too ra loo ra' that could work as EDM today.
## Everybody by Madonna
Madonna played 'Everybody' at clubs before signing with Sire Records.
## Key takeaway

Four 1982 songs could single-handedly keep clubs open today.