The Best 80's Songs
45 SONGS
3215 VIEWSThe 1980s was a great decade for music. There were so many different genres and subgenres that there was something for everyone. From pop to rock to hip-hop to hair metal, the 80s had it all. And of course, let's not forget about the one genre that truly defined the 80s: synthpop. Pioneered by artists like Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and New Order, synthpop was a new and exciting sound that dominated the airwaves in the early part of the decade. Of course, no discussion of 80s music would be complete without mentioning some of the biggest names of the decade. Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Duran Duran were just some of the superstars who dominated the charts in the 1980s. So whether you're a fan of synthpop, hair metal, or anything in between, there's no doubt that the 1980s was a great decade for music. Here are our picks for the best music from the 80s.
One of the most important rock songs of the 90s. It ushered in the era of grunge and alternative rock, and its impact is still felt today. This song is a perfect example of the raw power and emotion that Nirvana was capable of creating.
"Don't You Want Me" is a song by the Human League, released as a single in December 1981. The single was a huge commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and number three in the US.
Queen's "We Will Rock You" is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. It's a classic stadium anthem with a simple, yet powerful, guitar riff that everyone knows. This song is the perfect example of Queen's amazing ability to write catchy, yet complex, rock songs.
This song is the epitome of summertime fun. It's impossible to listen to it without feeling happy and wanting to dance.
This is another song that's just pure fun. It's impossible to listen to it without smiling and wanting to get up and dance. Whitney Houston was a true queen of the 80s.
One of the original synth-pop masterpieces. It was released as a single in July 1981 and peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart in October of that year. In the United States, it reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1982. The song has been covered by many artists, most notably Gloria Jones in 1964 and Marilyn Manson in 2001.
The powerful 1980s ballad that talks about the power of love and how it can change someone's life. The song was a huge hit when it was released, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, the song won a Grammy Award for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal in 1986.
Def Leppard was one of the biggest bands of the 80s, and "Pour Some Sugar on Me" is their signature song. It's a fun, catchy tune with a heavy guitar riff that will stick in your head for days.
The song reached number one in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, and was certified platinum in several countries. It's one of the most iconic songs of the decade and must be included on any 80's list.
It was the summer of '82 when "Hungry Like the Wolf" could be heard blaring from a boom box on the beach. The catchy synth melody and pulsing bass line are impossible to forget, and the lyrics are instantly recognisable.
This song needs no introduction. It's one of the most iconic songs of all time, and for good reason. The beat is unforgettable, and MJ's vocal performance is incredible.
From their sixth album, Kick, "Need You Tonight". was INXS biggest hit single. The song topped the charts in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia. The song is a mid-tempo rock song with a catchy riff and a memorable chorus. The lyrics describe the feeling of being in love and needing that person by your side. The video for "Need You Tonight" was directed by Richard Lowenstein and features band members walking through the streets of London at night. The clip won several MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Male Video and Best Group Video.
Released in 1986 as the lead single from their debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious. The song was a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a global hit. It has since been covered by many artists, including Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.
Michael Sembello is one of the lesser-known names on this list, but his song "Maniac" was a #1 hit from the 80's. It was further popularised when it featured in the Flashdance soundtrack in 1983. It's fun, synth beat, upbeat tempo and emotive vocal lyrics, signify everything the 80's stood for.
Wham! were massive in the UK during the early to mid 80's, and this was one of their most popular songs. They burst onto the scene in 1981, sold 30 million albums and had broken up by 1986. The song was then immortalised when it featured in the iconic fuel fight scene in Zoolander in 2001.
This is probably Kate Bush's most well-known song, which has lately seen a HUGE revival due to appearing in Netflix's "Stranger Things". This caused the song to reach the #1 spot almost 40 years after its initial release. The dark moody themes, with strong female vocals are still just as popular today.
Queen obviously has to get more than one mention in an 80's songs list. With it's distinctive and easily-recognisable hand claps and drum beats, this one can't be left off. Famously, this was almost used in Rocky III, however "Eye of the Tiger" was born instead and wrote originally for the movie, when they couldn't get permission for this song.
"Burning Down the House" became Talking Heads' highest-charting hit single in North America. The lyrics purposefully don't make a lot of sense, which the Talking Heads did on purpose. The didn't want meaningful lyrics, getting in the way of rhythm or groove of a feel-good 80's song.
Released in 1985, this joyous, infectious song, actually has a more sinister lyrical theme, which touches on the quest for power, and its often undesirable consequences. Regardless, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", is an iconic 80's staple hit, and can't be left off this list.
Michael Jackson had already released 6 albums by the time the 80's arrived, and this one of his first songs from this era. It is without a doubt one of the best songs of all time, and has been included in the Rock n Roll's hall of fame. It remained the #1 song for 7 weeks when it was released, and was toppled by "Come on Eileen".
Written for Prince's movie "Purple Rain", this iconic 80's song was the top-selling single from 1984. A somewhat controversial music video helped popularise it and It was an absolute smashing hit of the 1980's.
Guns N' Roses burst onto the scene in the late 80s with their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. "Welcome to the Jungle" is the perfect introduction to their hard-rocking sound. It's a song that is still just as powerful today as it was when it was first released.
Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" is one of the most popular rock songs of all time. It's a true anthem, with a sing-along chorus that everyone knows. This song is the perfect example of 80s arena rock at its finest.
It's all about the girls! This popular song by Cyndi Lauper is the perfect anthem for anyone who just wants to have a good time. Whether you're hanging out with your girlfriends or simply enjoying some "me time," this tune is sure to put a smile on your face. So crank up the volume and let loose!
Another one of Depeche Mode's best. It's probably their most covered song, having other superstar artists like Marilyn Manson, Johnny Cash, Sammy Hagar and Hillary Duff. It was the bands second top 40 hit, which manages to create a brooding, dark electricity and energy wherever it's played.
Twisted Sister was one of the most successful metal bands of the 80s, and "We're Not Gonna Take It" is their best-known song. It's a powerful anthem with a catchy chorus that still gets people pumped up today.
Written in 1982, "Blister in the Sun" that strangely sounds like an ode to masturbation. This song had a cult following in the 80's, and was popularized by American college radio. The song actually helped their album reach platinum status, all without ever achieving a top 150 on the Billboard Chart.
English pop-rock at it's best, Come On Eileen is almost a one-hit wonder from Dexy's Midnight Runners. Come on Eileen was Dexys Midnight Runners' only number one single in the UK. The song has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK. In 2010, the song was voted by the British public as the greatest one-hit wonder of all time.
Considered by Rolling Stone to be Thin Lizzy's best song. The boys are back in town is the ultimate Karaoke singalong, with lyrics and riff that really get a crowd going.
There's nothing like singing a long to this song to make you feel alive. The powerful ballad has been covered by many artists over the years, but it's Tyler's version that remains the most popular. The song is about the end of a relationship, and how even though it's painful, sometimes it's necessary.
AC/DC is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, and "You Shook Me All Night Long" is one of their most popular songs. It's a classic example of their hard-rocking sound, with a driving guitar riff and Angus Young's trademark shredding solos.
This song is a perfect example of the over-the-top attitude of 80s rock. The opening riff is one of the most iconic in rock history, and Ozzy's howling vocals are unforgettable. "Crazy Train" is a true classic of the genre.
This hop-hop anthem was released in the late 80's and went onto to become a global sensation. It is one of the most sampled songs of all-time and in recent years, has been covered by Carly Rae Jepsen and Lil Yachty. A true iconic 80's song, and one that has stood the test of time.
Released as a single in 1983, and became an international hit, reaching number one in several countries. The song was written by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, and produced by Stewart. The music video for the song was directed by Chris Ashbrook and Matt Askem, and features Lennox walking through a post-apocalyptic world. It was nominated for BestBritish Video at the 1984 Brit Awards.
Even though "Enjoy The Silence” scrapes through into a 1990 release, it has to be mentioned, as it is arguably Depeche's Mode greatest song. It still signifies the epitome of Depeche Mode’s greatness during the 80's, with an incredibly hard, relentless, synth beat that is perfect to dance to.
Another huge hit, that was featured on the Flashdance soundtrack. This song felt like it was on a loop on VH1Classic back in the 80's. It's a song that has stood the test of time, and one of the best song to come out of the 1980s.
"Owner of a Lonely Heart" was easily Yes' biggest hit, and although calling it a one-hit wonder, may be a bit insensitive to the rest of their catalogue, it was their only song to reach #1. It's one of their few songs that is recognised on a global scale and a well-deserved addition to this list.
A-ha's "Take On Me" is the ultimate pop song and was released in 1984. It topped the charts in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It was renowned for its innovative music video which used rotoscoping.
"Like a Virgin" was Madonnas very first #1 single in her career. It top the charted in countries around the world and skyrocketed Madonna not only as a singer, but as a cultural pop icon. The sexualised song is filled with innuendo, with the lyrics known by everyone, even to this day.
"Burning Down the House" is a song by American rock band Talking Heads. It was released as the lead single from their 1983 album Speaking in Tongues, and it peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video was directed by David Byrne, and became an iconic part of 1980s popular culture, and it helped to launch Talking Heads' career into the mainstream. "Burning Down the House" has been covered by numerous artists, including Tom Jones, Duran Duran, and The Foo Fighters.
The Cure were one of the staple bands of the 80s and helped to popularise and solidify the punk and gothic rock genre that was sweeping across the world. "Just Like Heaven" was one of their most beloved songs, due to its catchy pop chorus and emotive vocals.
This has to be one the best feel-good songs, not only the 80's, but all time. Written with Jeff Lyne, this is one of Tom Petty's few tracks without a guitar solo. It features an incredibly dreamy vibe, with crystal-clear lyrics, and is still a huge hit, even 40 years since it was released.
A Beastie Boys classic, which had more of a rock flair to it. The producer was responsible for adding the loud drums and overlaying the guitar riff. This was the song that exposed them to MTV and skyrocketed the band into 80's stardom. It's on everyone's favourite 80's playlist and a must listen.
The ultimate rock song, this song sent listeners wild and took the world by storm. It was often played during sports team to pump up the home crowd. Microsoft also ended up paying millions to use it in their '95 campaign. The lyrics don't make a whole lot of sense, like many Rolling Stones songs. But it definitely made up for that with sexually charged lyrics, and distinctive, strong guitar riffs.