Y.M.C.A.
song by the Village People
“The “Village people” were an American Disco Group founded by the French producers Jacques Morali, Hendri Beloli, and singer Victor Willis. ”
The group was formed in 1977 and soon became one of the most influential disco groups in American history. Releasing their debut album "Village people" in 1977, the group gained immense popularity for their eye-catching Costumes and their freestyle dance moves which were a trend of the 1970's disco scene.
“Their unique style of singing also earned them admiration among other artists such as Madonna. Moreover, the group brought in a concept to spotlight the gay Community of the 1970s disco. ”
Released in the year 1978 on Casablanca Records, the song "Y.M.C.A." initially found fame for the group as it was their biggest hit. The song produced by Jacques Morali was written by Jacques Morali himself with Hendri Beloli and Victor Willis. This song was the only single in their 3rd Studio Album, "Cruisin." Both the single Version (4:47) and Disco Version (6:47) of the track were sampled by many artists throughout the world. Although the lyrics were different, the song was structurally the same as their first single, "San Francisco (You've Got Me)," released on July 11, 1977.
"Y.M.C.A.," their most famous hit, was performed on American Sitcoms (The Office, Married with Children), Films (Despicable me 2, Wayne's World 2, Mr. 3000, Blast from the past, Down Periscope) and T.V. Series (The Love Boat).
The song made such a significant impact on a global audience it was also played at many sporting events, Functions, and Weddings throughout the U.S. & Europe. "Y.M.C.A." set a Guinness World Record on December 31, 2008, when 40148 people danced to the Village People's live performance in Texas". Disco Music reached its peak in the years from 1977-1979, and the song "Y.M.C.A." made a considerable contribution to that success.
“Many different instruments such as Woodwind, Brass, percussions, and strings were used to compose the track. The song is played in the key of F# Major maintaining a tempo of 127bpm. ”
"Y.M.C.A." as a single reached #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1979 and also reached #1 in the U.K. singles chart around the same time. The song was most definitely an international success as it was the #1 song on the charts of 15 other Countries (1978-1979); it was placed #7 on the list of "100 Greatest dance Songs" and ranked #1 in the list of "Best Dancefloor Classics."
The song gained a lot of commercial success, and around twelve million copies of the track were sold worldwide. This shows the command and the influence the song had on audiences during that period. "Y.M.C.A." was one of the fever singles to have sold over 10 million physical copies worldwide" Other than the Single "Y.M.C.A.,"
"In the Navy, Macho man, Go West " are some of the other popular tracks released by "Village People." The group won many awards for their performance, and Undoubtedly they are one of the best disco groups to this day.
