why the Village People are not just “YMCA” singers

They will be the stars of the inauguration. Of course, all eyes will be on Donald Trump, inaugurated this Monday as the 47th president of the United States. But when the melody signed by two Frenchies, Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, rings out, the polar cold that affects Washington will fade away a little. The Village People will be the attraction of the inauguration. Their famous disco hit “YMCA” (1978) was essential during Donald Trump’s campaign. It was not uncommon to see the candidate swaying his hips to this frenetic rhythm, becoming a “cool” or embarrassing meme. Question of point of view. This Sunday, he danced to this song which sold more than 10 million copies.

“We know that this will make people unhappy, but we believe that Music must live without political considerations,” the founder of the disco group, Victor Willis, explained on his Facebook page. “Our song “YMCA” is a global anthem that can hopefully bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign in which our favorite candidate lost. » Let’s take advantage of this (re) spotlight to explore the discography of the most kitsch group on the disco scene.

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“Macho Man” (1978)

From their second album, this track is an addictive and slightly caricatured hymn to virility. “Everyone wants a manly man. Someone strong enough to understand. » In the tradition of “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John, we exalt bodies and muscles. The melody is extremely effective and will make the entire planet dance. As for the clip, it’s a surge of biceps, triceps and sensual gestures.

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« Go West » (1979)

Released in 1979, the single is a subtext factory. Describing the conquest of the West, very present in the American mind, the title also opens up other perspectives – going to San Francisco, the gay mecca of the United States. Having become gay icons, the Village People play on this ambiguity with an anthem to party and promoter of unbridled pleasure. Paris Saint-Germain supporters have learned to love this melody: it concludes every victory for the club.

« In the Navy » (1979)

With “YMCA”, it is the other hit of the group founded by the French trio. After the disappointment of “Go West”, which sold poorly, the group had to relaunch. Morali, Belolo and Willis compose an ode to the American Navy. So much so that the US Navy allows the Indian, the policeman, the cowboy, the man in leather and the worker to film on the USS Reasoner and is even considering launching a recruitment campaign to the sound of this devilishly rhythmic chorus. Like ABBA, a Village People sound was born.

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« Ready for the 80’s » (1979)

Not the most famous of the Village People’s songs, but one of the most effective. Still disco, the group changed lead singer, the excellent Ray Simpson. If the text is optimistic (“It belongs to me. I’m ready for the 80s, happy to be alive. I’m waiting for these magic numbers to arrive”), the beginning of the decade which begins will mark the decline of the group .

« In Hollywood (Everybody is a Star) » (1977)

One of the group’s first successes on the dream of glory of each of us. As with “San Francisco (You’ve Got Me)”, the title shines with its freshness and lush brass. The Village People are looking for each other, but are already starting to find us.

« Can’t Stop the Music » (1980)

Attention nugget. It is the last great success of the group. Enticed by the success of the film “Saturday Night Fever” and the triumph of the Bee Gees soundtrack, the French producers are shooting their feature film which will tell the odyssey of the Village People. Allan Carr, the producer, explains that “Can’t Stop the Music” is intended to be “the Singin’ in the Rain of the disco era”. If the film is a failure, there remains the soundtrack, the ultimate memory of the lightness of disco.