Pandemic Playlist: Pride Month 2020 needs a list honoring Village People, here are our top picks
There is a likely chance your ears would've stumbled upon a hit track from this group. Growing up in a time where worldwide acceptance of the LGBTQIA++ community wasn't considered as much of a real thing as it is today, or even hearing their song featuring on the soundtrack of a film or on TV, the Village People have always remained the go-to for Pride antheming and partying. During Pride Month 2020, it is a necessity to dedicate a playlist to this classic disco group. And, yes, 'Y.M.C.A.' is included!
'YMCA'
It just had to be first on the list: the Village People's biggest and most famous hit 'YMCA' was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". In its official press release, the Library noted that "back in its heyday, 'YMCA' was a hit around the world, going to No. 1 on the charts in over 15 countries and its ongoing popularity is evidence that, despite the naysayers, disco has never truly died." The song featured in films such as 'Wayne's World 2', 'Blast from the Past' and more. The funky little minions from 'Despicable Me 2' even delivered a colorful performance in their animated cover of the track on the film. The song also featured on an early episode of 'The Office' with Michael Scott (Steve Carell) jiggling his hips in over-enthusiasm to the track at a party.
'In the Navy'
With its '70s disco guitar twangs and thumping beat, 'In the Navy' followed the massive success of 'YMCA', except this time its theme turned from singing about the Young Men's Christian Association to another national institution, the United States Navy. The Navy contacted the Village People manager, Henri Belolo, to use the song in a recruitment advertising campaign for television and radio. Belolo gave the rights for free, but only if the Navy help the band shoot the music video. The Village People arrived nearly a month later at Naval Base San Diego where the Navy provided them with access to film on the deck of the berthed frigate USS Reasoner. The Navy eventually chose to scrap the idea of using their song and remained with the traditional 'Anchors Aweigh'.
'Go West'
Carrying its own message of unity, perhaps 'Go West' resonates in some way for everyone as we face the global coronavirus pandemic together. "(Together) We will go our way. (Together) We will leave someday. (Together) Your hand in my hand. (Together) We will make the plans. (Together) We will fly so high. (Together) Tell our friends goodbye. (Together) We will start life new. (Together) This is what we'll do" sings the band in this triumphant disco number.
'Can't Stop the Music'
For lovers of funk, Village People's 'Can't Stop the Music' is just what you need. A plucked bassline drives the rhythm on the offbeat on this upbeat track as the Village People sing "Everyone you meet, the children in the street. Are swayin' to the rhythm, there's somethin' movin' in them. There's no place to hide, so, why even try? Can't you hear it coming your way, it's here to stay. Music in our walk, music when we talk. It's really something magic, to lose it would be tragic. Can't you feel the sound movin' through the ground? Music makes the world go around."
'Macho Man'
The second single recorded by the Village People, 'Macho Man' is the title song off their eponymously named album, which released in 1978. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 in June 24, 1978, when the album had already been charting since March before picking up more airplay that August. It became the band's first charting hit in the US, peaking on the Hot 100 at number 25 on the week of September 2. The song also featured several times in films and shows, including in films 'Addams Family Values', 'In & Out' and 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' and in TV series such as 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer', 'The Simpsons' and more. It was also featured in the "lip-sync for your life" segment on Season 9 Episode 11 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.