16. Fun Fun – Happy Station
Fun Fun was an Italian Italo disco and Euro disco musical project formed in the early 1980s, primarily consisting of vocalists Ivana Spagna (who later embarked on a successful solo career as Spagna) and Angela Parisi. Their most famous hit is “Happy Station,” released in 1983.
“Happy Station” became a massive international hit, particularly across Europe, topping charts Belgium and South Africa, and reaching the top 10 in several other countries. It was written and produced by Dario Raimondi and Alvaro Ugolini, who were key figures behind the Fun Fun project. Fun Fun also had other successful singles like “Color My Love” and “Baila Bolero.”
17. Gazebo – I Like Chopin
Gazebo, whose full name is Paul Mazzolini, is an Italian singer-songwriter who became a major figure in the Italo disco movement of the 1980s.
“I Like Chopin” (1983) became a phenomenal international success, reaching number one in numerous European countries including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, and peaking at No. 2 in Italy. Despite the title, the music itself does not contain themes from Chopin’s compositions. The music for “I Like Chopin” was composed by Pierluigi Giombini, a prolific Italo disco producer and composer, while the lyrics were written by Gazebo himself. Giombini also served as the producer of the track. “I Like Chopin” remains one of the most enduring and recognizable songs of the Italo disco genre, defining an era of electronic dance music.
18. Sandy Marton – People From Ibiza
Sandy Marton is the stage name of Aleksandar Marton, a Croatian singer and showman, born in Zagreb, former Yugoslavia. He is best known for his 1983 hit song, “People from Ibiza” (1984).
The track became a major international success, particularly in Europe, reaching No. 1 spot in Italy and the top 10 in several countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The song is a quintessential Italo disco track, characterized by its catchy synth melodies, upbeat tempo, and lyrics that evoke the vibrant atmosphere of the island of Ibiza. The song was written by Sandy Marton and Claudio Cecchetto (co-writter of Taffy’s I Love My Radio and many other hits)
19. Fancy – Bolero
Fancy, born Manfred Alois Segieth, is a German singer, songwriter, and producer who became a prominent figure in the Italo disco and Euro disco scenes. He is widely recognized for his 1985 hit song, “Bolero.”
“Bolero” became a significant international success, particularly across Europe, reaching high chart positions in countries like Germany and Switzerland. It was produced by Anthony Monn (a well-known German producer who also worked with Amanda Lear) and written by Fancy himself along with Monn and Sabrina Conrad.
Fancy’s “Bolero” is often considered one of his signature tunes, alongside other hits like “Slice Me Nice” and “Lady of Ice.” He was known for his theatrical stage presence and often used a mystical or esoteric image, which contributed to his distinct appeal in the 80s dance music landscape.
While not released under the “Fancy” artist name, the 1986 track “Turbo Geil” by Paul Mc Douglas project was produced and co-written by Tess, one of Manfred Alois Segieth’s (Fancy’s) pseudonyms.
20. Mr. Zivago – Little Russian
Mr. Zivago is the stage name of Massimo Rastrelli, an Italian singer known for his contributions to the Italo disco genre. His most iconic track is “Little Russian,” released in 1987.
“Little Russian” became a significant hit in the Italo disco scene and in various European countries. The song is recognized for its unique blend of synth-pop and a distinct “cold wind from Siberia” atmosphere, combined with a catchy, melancholic melody. It features lyrics that evoke a sense of longing and a narrative focused on a “Little Russian” girl seeking love and freedom through dancing.
The song was written by Azel and Marco Masini, with Marco Masini also handling the arrangement. Gianni Salvatori is credited as the producer. “Little Russian” stands out for its somewhat more introspective and atmospheric feel compared to some of the more overtly upbeat Italo disco tracks, and it has remained a cult favorite among genre enthusiasts.
21. Mauro – Buona Sera Ciao Ciao
Mauro, whose full name is Mauro Spessot, is an Italian singer and musician who emerged in the Italo disco scene in the mid-1980s. He is best known for his 1987 hit song, “Buona Sera Ciao Ciao.”
The song was a significant success in Europe, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe, and was also popular in Italy and other countries. The song is a classic example of late Italo disco. It creates a nostalgic and somewhat melancholic atmosphere, typical of many Italo disco ballads.
The song was written by Mauro Spessot himself, along with Roberto Ferrante and Stefano Cundari, with Ferrante also handling the production. “Buona Sera Ciao Ciao” remains a beloved track among Italo disco enthusiasts and is often featured on compilations and in DJ sets from the era.
22. Baltimora – Tarzan Boy
Baltimora was an Italian Italo disco project that achieved massive international success with its debut single, “Tarzan Boy,” released in 1985.
While the charismatic Northern Irish dancer and singer Jimmy McShane was the visual frontman and face of Baltimora, the actual lead vocals for “Tarzan Boy” and most of Baltimora’s other songs were performed by Italian producer and musician Maurizio Bassi. Bassi also co-wrote “Tarzan Boy” with Naimy Hackett. This practice of having a different vocalist than the credited frontman was not uncommon in the Italo disco scene.
“Tarzan Boy” became a global phenomenon, reaching high chart positions in numerous countries, including the top 5 in Italy and hitting No. 1 in France, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. It also gained significant traction in the US, peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 3 in the UK. The song enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in 1993 when it was featured in the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III and in a Listerine commercial. Sadly, Jimmy McShane passed away in 1995 due to AIDS-related complications.
23. Valerie Dore – The Night
Valerie Dore is the Italo disco project, fronted by Monica Stucchi, an Italian singer who became a prominent figure in the Italo disco genre. She is best known for her debut single, “The Night,” released in 1984.
The song was an immediate success, charting well across Europe, including reaching No. 5 in West Germany and No. 8 in Switzerland. The song is a classic example of Italo disco, characterized by its ethereal atmosphere, melancholic yet captivating synth melodies, and Stucchi’s distinctively dreamy vocals. It created a romantic and mysterious sound that set it apart.
The song was written by Giuseppe Nicolosi and Barbara Addoms, and produced by Lino Nicolosi and Roberto Gasparini. It’s notable that while Monica Stucchi became the face of Valerie Dore, there has been some discussion over the years regarding who performed the actual lead vocals on “The Night” and subsequent hits. Some sources indicate that Italian singer Dora Carofiglio (from Novecento) provided the vocals for “The Night” and other early tracks, with Monica Stucchi lip-synching for performances ((but Stucchi recorded some lead vocals for 1986 “The Legend” album and uses moniker Valerie Dore). Regardless, “The Night” remains an iconic and enduring track from the Italo disco era, beloved for its unique sound and atmosphere.
24. Eddie Huntington – U.S.S.R.
Eddie Huntington, whose real name is Edoardo “Eddy” Rampazzo, is an Italian singer and model who gained popularity in the Italo disco scene of the 1980s. His most well-known hit is “U.S.S.R.,” released in 1986.
It became a notable success in Europe, particularly in Germany, where it reached the top 20. The song is remembered for its catchy synth melodies, upbeat tempo, and a somewhat ironic and playful lyrical theme referencing the Soviet Union during the Cold War era.
The song was written by Roberto Turatti, Miki Chieregato, and Tom Hooker (who also provided vocals for Den Harrow). “U.S.S.R.” remains a popular track among fans of Italo disco and 80s dance music. It was followed by singles “Up & Down”, “Meet My Friend”, ”Physical Attraction” and “May Day” and appears on Eddy’s first and only album “Bang Bang Baby” that was released in 1989.
25. Baby’s Gang – Happy Song
Baby’s Gang was an Italian Italo disco group formed in 1983. They are best known for their 1983 hit song, “Happy Song”, written by Abacab, Ivana Spagna and Ottavio Bacciocchi.
“Happy Song” became a major hit across Europe, particularly in Germany, where it reached the top 10. The song is characterized by the use of children’s voices in the chorus, which contributed to its unique and memorable sound. It was produced by Freddy Naggiar and Claudio Simonetti, who were key figures in the Italian disco scene.
While “Happy Song” is their most famous track, Baby’s Gang also had other releases, like “Challenger” and “America.” The group’s use of children’s vocals set them apart in the Italo disco landscape.
Notably, “Happy Song” was famously covered by the German Euro disco group Boney M. in 1984. Boney M.’s version, featuring Bobby Farrell and “The School-Rebels” (a group of children), also achieved significant chart success, giving them a final German Top 10 hit. This cover version is well-known and often associated with Boney M.’s later career.
26. Radiorama – Change To Desire
Radiorama was an Italian Italo disco band formed in 1984. They are well-known for several hits in the genre, and one of their early successes was “Chance to Desire,” released in 1985.
“Chance to Desire” quickly became a popular track across Europe, notably reaching the top 20 in Switzerland. The song embodies the classic Italo disco sound with its driving synth bassline, catchy melody, and powerful male vocals. While various singers contributed to Radiorama’s output over the years, the male vocals on “Chance to Desire” are generally attributed to Claudio Guidetti.
The track was written by Aldo Martinelli and Simona Zanini, who were also the creative force behind other Italo disco projects like Martinelli (“Cinderella”) and were founders of Radiorama. Radiorama had a string of other significant hits that solidified their place in Italo disco history, including “Desire”, “Vampires”, “Aliens” or “Yetti”.
27. Raggio Di Luna – Comanchero
Raggio Di Luna, which translates to “Moon Ray,” was an Italo disco project fronted by Italian singer-songwriter Aldo Martinelli. Their most recognizable hit is “Comanchero,” released in 1984.
The track became a major international success, particularly across Europe, reaching high chart positions in countries like Germany and Switzerland. The distinctive whistling sound in the song is instantly recognizable.
Aldo Martinelli, along with Simona Zanini, was the creative force behind Raggio Di Luna. They also worked together on other Italo disco projects like Martinelli and Radiorama.
28. Max Him – Lady Fantasy
Italo disco project, fronted by the Florian Fadinger, former manager of famous German DJ Sven Väth (aka Off in the 80s). All of the singing on was allegedly done by Italian musician Romano Trevisani.”Lady Fantasy” reached number 21 on the singles chart in Germany.
Max Him was an Italian Italo disco project. While the German manager and producer Florian Fadinger (former manager of famous German DJ Sven Väth aka Off in the 80s) was the public face of the project, the vocals for their songs, including their most recognizable hit “Lady Fantasy,” released in 1985, were reportedly performed by Italian vocalist Massimo Vaccari.
“Lady Fantasy” became a significant success across Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. It’s known for its distinctive opening synth riff.
The song was written by Dino Melotti and Roman Trevisani, and produced by Cruisin’ Records. “Lady Fantasy” remains a beloved and iconic track from the Italo disco era.
29. Righeira – Vamos a la playa
Righeira was an Italian Italo disco duo formed by Stefano Righi and Stefano Giovagnoni. Their most famous hit is “Vamos a la playa”, composed by Righi along with Carmelo la Bionda
“Vamos a la playa” became a major international success, particularly in Europe, topping the charts in Italy and Spain, and reaching high positions in other countries like Germany and Switzerland. Righeira followed up this success with another notable hit in 1984, “No Tengo Dinero,” which also achieved considerable popularity across Europe, further cementing their status as key figures in the Italo disco movement. Both songs helped to define the sound of the genre and remain popular tracks from the 1980s.
30. Sabrina – Boys (Summertime Love)
Sabrina Salerno, known professionally as Sabrina, is an Italian singer, showgirl, and actress. She gained international fame with her 1987 hit, “Boys (Summertime Love).”
The song became a massive success across Europe, topping the charts in France and Switzerland, and reaching the top 5 in several other countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom. The music video, featuring Sabrina in a revealing swimsuit, also contributed significantly to the song’s popularity and her image.
“Boys (Summertime Love)” remains one of the most iconic and recognizable tracks of the 1980s, often associated with summer and the Eurodance sound. Sabrina continued to have success with other songs like “Hot Girl” and “All of Me (Boy Oh Boy),” but “Boys” remains her signature tune.