"D.I.S.C.O." is a song by the French band Ottawan, written by Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger and produced by Daniel Vangarde. Ottawan originally recorded it in French. It was first released in 1979 and reached number two in the UK Singles Chart the following year. The song's name is an acronym and comes from the lyrics in its chorus, in which a woman is described as "D.I.S.C.O.". In other words, each letter of the word standing for a certain quality, except "O", which simply leads to singing "oh-oh-oh" ("She is D, delirious / She is I, incredible / She is S, superficial / She is C, complicated / She is oh-oh-oh"). The song was played at 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts Chart (1979–1980)PeakpositionFrance (IFOP) 7South Africa (Springbok Radio) 5
Year-end charts Chart (1980)RankAustria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) 13Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 18Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 22Netherlands (Single Top 100) 26UK Singles (OCC) 5West Germany (Official German Charts) 3
Certifications and sales
N-Trance version
British electronic music group N-Trance released a single based on the original hit with added rap lyrics not found in the original, written by Kevin O'Toole, Dale Longworth, and Ricardo da Force. The cover was released in March 1997 as the first single from their second album, Happy Hour (1997), and reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
Critical reception Alan Jones from Music Week commented, "Once again Ricardo da Force's new and original raps replace most of the verses, while the rest of the group slot in around him. The song adapts rather less well than 'Stayin' Alive' but will surely give them another hit."
Track listings UK 12-inch single A1. "D.I.S.C.O" (extended version) A2. "D.I.S.C.O" (radio edit) B1. "D.I.S.C.O" (San Frandisco mix) B2. "So High"
UK and Australian CD single "D.I.S.C.O" (radio edit) "D.I.S.C.O" (San Frandisco mix) "So High" "D.I.S.C.O" (extended version)
UK cassette single "D.I.S.C.O" (radio edit) "So High"
Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the UK CD single liner notes.
Studios Recorded at the Cheese Factory (Manchester, England) Mixed at PWL Studios (London, England)
Personnel Jean Kluger – writing Daniel Vangarde – writing Kevin O'Toole – writing, synths Dale Longworth – writing, programming Ricardo da Force – writing (as Ricardo Lyte) Jerome Stokes – vocals Viveen Wray – vocals Vinny Burns – guitars Curds and Whey – production Nobby – engineering
Charts Chart (1997)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) 82Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 37Israel (Israeli Singles Chart) Search "D.I.S.C.O." for Israeli chart history. 27Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) 10
Chico Slimani version
In 2006, The X Factor former contestant Chico Slimani released an alternative version as a follow-up to his number 1 hit "It's Chico Time". His version of D.I.S.C.O. reached number 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
Lyrics He amended lyrics to say "C.H.I.C.O. on D.I.S.C.O." and amended lyrics to: D dynamic I incredible S supersonic C Chicolicious (alluding to his own name) "O oh, oh, oh".
Charts Chart (2006)Peakposition
TYP version
In 2011, the song was sampled by Israeli musical duo TYP (also known as The Young Professionals) for their track "D.I.S.C.O." from their album 9am to 5pm, 5pm to Whenever. The music video features Uriel Yekutiel, an Israeli gay icon.
Charts Chart (2012)Peakposition
See also List of number-one songs in Norway
References
External links "D.I.S.C.O." page on Chico Slimani website