From Copenhagen to the Club Scene: How Laid Back’s "White Horse" Shaped Dance Music History (and Some Controversy)

The Twelve Inch 136 : White Horse (Laid Back)

In the fast-moving music industry of the 1980s, the phrase “The world is your oyster” couldn’t have been more fitting. With the right track, even a band from one of Europe's smaller countries could dominate the international charts. A prime example? The Danish duo Laid Back. Their 1983 track “Sunshine Reggae” was making waves across Europe, but it was the B-side, “White Horse,” that would storm the U.S. dance charts and leave an indelible mark on the world of electronic music.

Let’s dive into the unexpected success of “White Horse”, its influence on dance music, and the controversy surrounding its lyrics.

Laid Back’s Easygoing Origins: From Blues to Synths