Emerging from the nightclubs of Italy and spreading across Europe like neon wildfire, Italo Disco became the shimmering pulse of the early-to-mid 1980s. Characterized by infectious synth melodies, robotic vocals, and irresistible dance rhythms, Italo Disco carved out its own niche in pop culture—equal parts futuristic and romantic.
In this article, we revisit the standout tracks that defined the genre, captivated dance floors, and influenced generations of electronic artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Italo Disco for the first time, these songs are essential listening for anyone who wants to experience the sound of a glamorous, glittering era.
1. Raf – Self Control
Raf (Raffaele Riefoli) is an Italian singer-songwriter who gained international recognition in the early 1980s as a singer of Italo disco. He is widely known as the original singer and co-author of the massive hit, “Self Control,” released in 1984.
“Self Control” was a significant success for Raf, topping the charts in Italy and Switzerland, and reaching the top 10 in other European countries like Germany and Austria.
Notably, the song was also famously covered in the same year by American singer Laura Branigan, whose version achieved even greater international success, particularly in North America. Both versions were highly popular throughout Europe in 1984, with Branigan’s rendition becoming the most successful single of the year in Germany and Switzerland. Raf co-wrote the song with Giancarlo Bigazzi and Steve Piccolo.
2. Iván – Fotonovela
Iván (full name Juan Carlos Ramos Vaquero) is a Spanish singer who rose to prominence in the 1980s. He is most widely recognized for his 1984 international hit song, “Fotonovela.” “Fotonovela” became a massive success across Europe, particularly in France, Switzerland, and West Germany, where it reached the top 10. It was co-written by Iván himself, along with Luis Gómez Escolar and Pedro Vidal, and produced by Vidal. “Fotonovela” remains a beloved classic of the 80s and is often played in nostalgic 80s dance sets.
3. Miko Mission – How Old Are You
Miko Mission is the stage name of Italian singer Pier Michele Bozzetti. He is a well-known artist in the Italo disco genre. “How Old Are You” became a massive hit in the Italo disco scene and in various European countries. The song is often considered one of the defining tracks of Miko Mission’s career and of the genre itself. Miko Mission also had other popular tracks such as “The World Is You” and “Two for Love.” Mike Mission is also co-writer of ther hits like Around My Dream for Silver Pozzoli.
4. Linda Jo Rizzo – You’re My First You’re My Last
Linda Jo Rizzo is an American-born singer, songwriter, and producer, who became a notable figure in the German-based Italo disco and Euro disco scene. She is particularly famous for her 1986 hit, “You’re My First, You’re My Last.” It was produced by Tess (also known as Fancy), another prominent artist and producer in the Italo disco genre, and written by Elvine and Linda Jo Rizzo herself. “You’re My First, You’re My Last” was a successful single across Europe, contributing to Rizzo’s popularity following her earlier work as a member of Bobby Orlando’s group, The Flirts. The track remains a classic of the Italo disco era and has seen various reissues and remixes over the years.
5. Taffy – I Love My Radio
Taffy, real name Katherine Quaye, is an English Hi-NRG and Italo disco singer. The song was first released in Italy and Europe in 1985 and was a top ten hit there. It later gained significant popularity in the UK, peaking at No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1987. The lyrics of the song express a love for a disc jockey broadcasting, particularly in the early hours. Due to differences in radio broadcasting practices in the UK at the time (where very few stations broadcast after midnight), a re-recorded version titled “I Love My Radio (Dee Jay’s Radio)” was released in the UK and North America in 1986, with slight lyrical changes to reflect this.
6. Scotch – Disco Band
Scotch was an Italian Italo disco band formed in Bergamo in 1982. “Disco Band” became a major hit in Germany (No.3) and other European countries. The song is notable for its distinctive coughing sound effect at the beginning. Scotch released their debut album, Evolution, in the same year as “Disco Band.” Other well-known tracks by the band include “Take Me Up,” “Mirage,” and “Delirio Mind.” The band was active from 1982 to 1987.
7. Savage – Don’t Cry Tonight
Savage is the stage name of Italian singer and producer Roberto Zanetti. He is a prominent figure in the Italo disco genre. “Don’t Cry Tonight” became an immediate success in Italy and across Europe, helping to define the Italo disco sound with its melancholic yet danceable melody, distinctive synthesizers, and Zanetti’s smooth vocals. The song is often cited as a classic of the genre and remains popular among Italo disco enthusiasts. Following its success, Savage released his debut album Tonight in 1984, which also featured other popular tracks like “Only You” and “Radio.” Roberto Zanetti later found significant success as a producer under the name Robyx, working with artists such as Corona and Ice MC.
8. Mike Mareen – Love Spy
Mike Mareen, whose real name is Uwe-Michael Wischhoff, is a German singer, songwriter, and producer, largely known for his contributions to the Italo disco and Euro disco genres. “Love Spy” (1986) is an iconic track that perfectly encapsulates the synth-heavy, melodic, and often dramatic sound of Italo disco. It achieved significant success in Germany and other European countries, helping to solidify Mareen’s status as a notable artist in the 1980s dance music scene. The song’s catchy melody and distinctive electronic arrangements made it a staple in clubs and on radio throughout the decade. Mareen also had other successful tracks like “Dancing in the Dark” (1984) and “Agent of Liberty” (1986).
9. Martinelli – Cinderella
Martinelli was an Italo disco music project formed by Italian record producer Aldo Martinelli and American singer Simona Zanini. They are best known for their 1985 hit song, “Cenerentola,” which translates to “Cinderella.” It was a significant success across Europe, reaching top ten positions in countries like West Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. The song showcases the classic Italo disco sound with its driving synth melodies, strong female vocals, and dance-oriented rhythm, telling a story of a modern-day Cinderella preparing for a night out at the disco. Martinelli also had other releases such as “Voice (In the Night)” and “Revolution.” Aldo Martinelli was also involved in other notable Italo disco projects like Scotch and Raggio Di Luna/Moon Ray.
10. Silver Pozzoli – Around My Dream
Silver Pozzoli, born Silvio Pozzoli, is an Italian singer, songwriter, and musician. He is a significant artist in the Italo disco genre. “Around My Dream” served as Silver Pozzoli’s debut single and became a top 30 hit in several European countries, notably reaching No. 1 in South Africa, and No. 9 in Germany. It was produced by Stefano Scalera, and written by Graziano Pegoraro, Pier Michele Bozzetti, and Romano Bais. “Around My Dream” was re-released in 1986 (“remix”) and in 1993 “Around My Dream ’93”. The song has been covered and sampled by other artists and remains a classic of the Italo disco era. Pozzoli also performed vocals for the song “Mad Desire” by Den Harrow.
11. Ryan Paris – Dolce Vita
Ryan Paris, whose real name is Fabio Roscioli, is an Italian singer and musician, best known for his 1983 hit song, “Dolce Vita.” “Dolce Vita” became a major international success, particularly in Europe, reaching the top 5 in several countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. “Dolce Vita” helped to define the sound of the genre and remains a popular track from the 1980s. Ryan Paris is considered one of the iconic figures of the Italo disco era.
12. P. Lion – Happy Children
P. Lion, born Pietro Paolo Pelandi, is an Italian singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, widely recognized for his contributions to the Italo disco scene. His most famous hit is “Happy Children,” released in 1983.
“Happy Children” quickly became an international success, particularly in Europe, charting well in countries like Italy (No. 7), Germany (No. 15), Switzerland (No. 11), Belgium (No. 5), and the Netherlands (No. 11). It was produced by Davide Zambelli (from the band Scotch) and Walter Verdi, and P. Lion himself wrote the music and lyrics for the track. “Happy Children” has seen numerous remixes over the years and remains a beloved classic of the 1980s.
P. Lion also had another significant hit with “Dream” in 1984, which became the theme song for the French TV and radio chart show “Top 50” for several years.
13. Ken Laszlo – Tonight
Ken Laszlo, whose real name is Gianni Coraini, is an Italian singer, musician, and producer, known for his contributions to the Italo disco genre. His most famous hit is “Tonight,” released in 1985. “Tonight” became a significant success across Europe, particularly in Italy and Germany. It helped to define the sound of the genre and remains a popular track from the 1980s. Ken Laszlo is considered one of the iconic figures of the Italo disco era. Ken Laszlo is also known for his italo disco hits “Hey Hey Guy” and “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8”.
14. Den Harrow – Bad Boy
Den Harrow was an Italian Italo disco project conceived by producers Roberto Turatti and Miki Chieregato, with Stefano Zandri as the visual frontman (lip-synching). While Zandri was the face of the project, the vocals for many of Den Harrow’s most famous hits were performed by other singers.
One of their most iconic songs is “Bad Boy,” released in 1985 from the album “Overpower”. This track, like many other Den Harrow hits from 1985-1987, featured the vocals of American singer Tom Hooker.
The fact that Zandri did not sing on most Den Harrow records was revealed years later, and it became a notable aspect of the project’s history within the Italo disco genre. Nonetheless, “Bad Boy” remains a classic and influential track from that era.
15. Albert One – For Your Love
Albert One was the stage name of Alberto Carpani, an Italian singer, songwriter, and producer, who was a prominent figure in the Italo disco scene of the 1980s. He sadly passed away in 2020. “For Your Love” (1986) is a quintessential Italo disco track, instantly recognizable by its driving beat, soaring synth melodies, and Albert One’s distinctive vocals. It became a significant club and radio hit across Europe, solidifying his place as a beloved artist in the genre. The song was written by Alberto Carpani himself, along with Giuliano Crivellente and Mauro Farina, and produced by Crivellente and Farina, who were also behind many other Italo disco successes.
Albert One also had other notable tracks such as “Secrets” (1986), “Turbo Diesel” (1984), and “Lady Ann” (1984). “For Your Love” remains a timeless classic of the Italo disco era, frequently appearing on compilations and in DJ sets.