Disco's Revival: A Scholar's Perspective on the 2020s

Is disco music making a comeback in the 2020s? Isn't that an oxymoron? As someone who survived the 'disco revolution' of the 1980s, I certainly hope not. Discos celebrated the joy of living, loving, and laughing—a concept that seems out of place in today's humorless, judgmental times.

Disco Music's Cultural Impact and Inclusivity

Disco music's roots lie in the shabby, inexpensive, predominantly gay and fringe discos frequented by people from all walks of life. These venues were inclusive spaces where one could dance and enjoy life freely. However, in today's world, everything is perceived to be in reverse. Even those who consider themselves tolerant and accepting are becoming violently intolerant and irrational. They are shutting things down under the guise of 'diversity,' a word that has lost its meaning. These are decidedly not disco people.

Disco's Dearth in Recent Years Due to Pandemics

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most in-person disco dance social events were not happening until the rest of 2020. By June 2021, there would be some in-person events, and the full smorgasbord of in-person disco dance events—big and small—would start in January 2022. The disco revival seems far from reality in the near future.

Disco's Eternal Popularity

Despite these challenges, disco never left us completely. Dance music, in general, remains popular. In fact, the inclusion of funk, as seen in the 1970s, can only enhance its appeal. Disco's revival can be traced back to 1990, when people realized that despite the ubiquitous nature of disco in the late 1970s, it was still fun music. This realization led to an increased demand for disco compilations on CD, which were released long before the advent of streaming music. Rhino Records was at the forefront of this trend, but many other companies followed suit.

Disco's Continuous Presence in Modern Culture

The legacy of disco is still very much alive today. You can hear disco music on SiriusXM radio during disco channels or parties or theme nights, where songs like 'YMCA' and 'We Are Family' are played all the time. Disco's impact on modern culture continues to be significant, and its reinvention has already occurred in the form of a resurgence in the early 1990s. It had to die to be resurrected, but it never fully left us.

In conclusion, while there are those who believe disco is making a comeback, the author is skeptical. The world has been made uglier by those who claim to be more tolerant but are, in fact, becoming more intolerant. Until these attitudes change, the widespread disco revival is unlikely to materialize.