the way i see it, it was carrying the torch for northern soul, fusing it with funk and preparing the world for house, or whatever. I also think it got better as it took on synth-pop AND I know you are a hip-hop head Surell so you should check out
new jack swing. That's the sh
it
although i'm sure at the height of it's popularity disco's monotonous groove would have eventually induced a gag reflex, much like popular indie rock today