Maria Vidal is an American singer and songwriter best known for her powerful 1984 hit “Body Rock,” the title track for the dance film of the same name. Born and raised in Florida, Vidal first gained attention as a member of the band Desmond Child & Rouge in the late 1970s before pursuing a solo career. With her dynamic voice and strong stage presence, she blended pop, rock, and dance influences, earning recognition as part of the vibrant 1980s music scene. Beyond her own recordings,
Vidal has also contributed as a songwriter and backing vocalist for a wide range of artists, showcasing her versatility and talent across genres. Though “Body Rock” remains her signature song, her career reflects both the energy of 1980s pop culture and the enduring impact of her artistry.
Maria Vidal’s 1984 single “Body Rock” is a quintessential slice of ’80s dance-pop that still brings the energy decades later. Recorded as the theme for the film of the same name, the track combines a driving beat, bold synths, and Vidal’s powerhouse vocals to create an infectious anthem perfect for the era’s dance floors. While it became her signature hit, charting internationally and capturing the vibrant spirit of mid-’80s pop culture, “Body Rock” also showcased Vidal’s dynamic presence as a solo artist. Today, it stands as a nostalgic favorite, instantly transporting listeners back to the neon glow and high-energy sound of the decade.
The song peaked at No. 11 in the UK charts on 28th September 1985.
| A-Side | Body Rock (3:41) (John Bettis, Sylvester Levay) Produced By Phil Ramone, Phil Galston, Sylvester Levay |
| B-Side | Body Rock [Dub Mix] (4:23) (John Bettis, Sylvester Levay) Produced By Phil Ramone, Phil Galston, Sylvester Levay |
| Genre | Electronic, Rock, Disco |
| Release Date | August 1984 |
| Label | EMI AMERICA |
| Catalogue Number | EA 189 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 17th September 1985 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 11 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 10 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 17th September 1985 – 9th November 1985 |
| 38-26-16-[11]-12-11-20-22-32-40 |
Officially Released Versions
Body Rock [Single Version] [3:41]
Body Rock [Dance Mix] [6:26]
Body Rock [Dub Mix] [4:23]
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Born on a hungry street
Children of darkness grew up on the beat
Anything in our way
We’ll just move away
I’ve got the heart to win
You’ve got the eyes that say that I can
We’re gonna turn this town
Upside down tonight
They can’t stop us now
Body rock
Get your body in the music
Body rock
Comes from deep inside you
Body rock
Let your body talk to me tonight
We come from underground
Oh, stickin’ together, gonna turn the world around
Runnin’ through the neon night
With a dream inside
This feels like something new
Heartbeats, your heartbeat comes straight at you
We’ve got the moment now
Once we’re on the move
They can’t hold us now
Body rock
Get your body in the music
Body rock
Comes from deep inside you
Body rock
Let your body talk to me tonight
Body rock
Means you do it like you feel it
Body shock
Turns the beat electric
Body rock
Let your body talk to me tonight
Oh, yeah
Body rock
Get your body in the music
Body rock
Comes from deep inside you
Body rock
Let your body talk to me
To me, to me, to me, to me
Body rock
Means you do it like you feel it
Body shock
Turns the beat electric
Body rock
Let your body talk to me tonight
Body rock
Body rock
Body rock
Body rock
Body rock
Body rock
Written by John Bettis, Sylvester Levay
