“Rhythm of the Night” is a song by the American R&B group DeBarge, released on February 23, 1985 with “Queen of My Heart” on the B-side. The track is one of the group’s most successful hits and marked a high point in their career. It was written by Diane Warren and produced by Richard Perry. The song was included on their fourth studio album, also titled “Rhythm of the Night.”
B”Rhythm of the Night” was a significant departure from DeBarge’s previous sound, which had been more rooted in traditional R&B and soul. This song incorporated more dance-pop elements, reflecting the mid-1980s trend towards more upbeat and synthesized music. Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter known for penning numerous hits, wrote the song, which brought a fresh and mainstream appeal to DeBarge’s music. “Rhythm of the Night” features a danceable beat, upbeat tempo, and a catchy melody, characterized by its prominent use of synthesizers and a strong bass line. The production is polished and vibrant, with El DeBarge’s lead vocals delivering the lyrics with a mix of enthusiasm and smoothness. The song blends pop, R&B, and dance music elements, making it accessible to a broad audience.
“Rhythm of the Night” was a major commercial success for DeBarge. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Hot Black Singles charts in the United States. The song also performed well internationally, reaching the top five in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. Its success helped to propel the “Rhythm of the Night” album to significant sales and wider recognition for the group.