Our top 10 Village People songs list takes a look back at a cultural phenomenon known as the Village People. The Village People were a musical group that were formed in the mid-to-late 70s by music producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo along with the brilliant lead singer named Victor Willis. The group that came out of Greenwich Village in New York City would become one of the most iconic musical groups from the 70s for multiple reasons. Many bands have had gimmicks throughout the years like Kiss or Twisted Sister with their makeup and so forth. The Village People were based on male characters of masculinity dressed up in macho costumes represented by a Cowboy played by Randy Jones, a construction worker played by David Hodo, an American Indian played by Felipe Rose, a leatherman played by Glenn Hughes, a G.I played by Alexander Briley and the band’s lead singer and founding member Victor Willis who dressed up as a cop.
The band’s record company was careful in trying not to express the gay elements that rang significant through the group as they were trying t0 attract a mass cultural audience which they did. But the fact was the Village People were a musical act all about the empowerment of gay and lesbian rights and anyone who opened their eyes could clearly see it. However, in the end the band’s contribution to culture was most celebrated over time with a handful of significant songs that have become embedded in society. Specifically, their song Y.M.C.A which has been added to the National Recording Registry. It’s one of the greatest tributes than any songwriter and performer could ever achieve in the music industry. Our Top 10 Village People songs list takes a listen to 10 of their biggest hits some much more popular than others and is trip back down memory lane into the 1970s.
# 10 – San Francisco (You’ve Got Me)
We open up our top 10 Village People songs list with the band’s first ever single release entitled “San Francisco.” This is pure disco right from the opening cowbell. The band was not yet well known but their sound was already brilliantly developed and just waiting to be heard. The song was released on the album entitled Village People. At the time the Village People only really consisted of vocalist Victor Willis when it was recorded. The song did not break on to any of the US Billboard Charts. However, it did become a top 50 hit in the United Kingdom as it peaked at number 45 on the UK Pop Charts.
# 9 – Hot Cop
Continuing with our top 10 Village People songs list we take a listen to the great song entitled “Hot Cop.” The song was released on the album entitled Cruisin’ The album was released in 1978. The song was never released as single from the album. However, it did become one of the groups most popular songs. It was also very popular in the Village People live shows. The song was written by the Village People’s lead singer and founding member Victor Willis as well as the band’s producer Jacques Morali.
# 8 – In Hollywood (Everybody Is a Star)
In the number eight spot our top 10 Village People songs list we present the song entitled “In Hollywood (Everybody Is a Star)” The song was released on the album entitled Village People. The album was released in 1977. It was the second single released from the album. The song did not break onto any of the music charts. The song “In Hollywood (Everybody Is a Star)” featured some really great horn parts and string lines that showcased where the band was soon heading. This is a really good song.
# 7 – Do You Wanna Spend the Night
In the number seven position our top 10 Village People songs list is the song entitled “Do You Wanna Spend the Night.” The song was released on the album entitled Renaissance. The album was released in 1981. It was the first single released from the album. The song hit number 48 on the Australian music charts. It did chart on any of the US Billboard charts.
# 6 – Go West
Landing in the number six spot our top 10 Village People songs list we present the song “Go West.” The song was released on the album entitled Go West. The album was released in 1979. It was the second single released from the album.The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 48. It was a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom. The song “Go West,” was later covered very well by The Pet Shop Boys.
# 5 – I Am What I Am
At the halfway point on our top 10 Village People songs list is the Macho Man style song “I Am What I Am.” This was a song of tremendous empowerment in standing up for the rights of gays and lesbians at the time. It really set the tone for the band and warmed everyone up for their next big single entitled “Macho Man.” The song was issued on the album entitled “Macho Man.” The album was released in 1978. It was the first single released from the album.
# 4 – Can’t Stop The Music
At the number four spot on our top 10 Village People songs list we present the song “Can’t Stop The Music.” This was a Village People song that sounded very different from the groups other hit singles. Yet, it still retained that iconic Village People sound on the songs chorus. One of the major differences on this recording was the replacement of original lead singer Victor Willis with new singer Ray Simpson. The song was released on the Can’t Stop The Music motion picture soundtrack. The song was released in 1980. It did not chart in the US but it did hit number one in Australia.
# 3 – In The Navy
The next three songs on our Village People,songs list are three of the biggest hits of the Disco era. The song “In The Navy,” was released on the album entitled Go West. The album was released in 1979. “In The Navy,” was the first single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 reaching all the way up to number three. The song hit number one in Belgium and Canada.
# 2 – Macho Man
In the number two spot on our top 10 Village People songs list we celebrate the huge legendary song “Macho Man.” Boy this one was passionate! The song was released on the album entitled Macho Man. The album was released in 1978 It was the second single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number twenty five. However the song would live on for years and far exceed the popularity it reached on the charts at the time it was released.
# 1 – Y.M.C.A.
Is there anybody alive on this planet that doesn’t know this song? The Village People’s Y.M.C.A. has to be one of the most popular songs ever released. The song would become a icon of culture being used in everything from stadium sporting events to just about every wedding and dance party ever celebrated. The song was released on the album entitled Cruisin’. The album was released in 1978. The song was a huge hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number two. However, it would hit number one in multiple countries around the world including the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany and Ireland.
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