Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems
The music scene of the ’80s has a kind of sparkling image, whether we’re talking about Western music or Japanese music.
Given that era, it’s only natural that countless classic Christmas songs were born around the most glamorous and romantic event of the year.
While Japan and the West view Christmas somewhat differently, this article showcases many Western Christmas songs that were hits in the 1980s.
From those perennial standards you hear in Japan every holiday season to lesser-known hidden gems and covers of standards, we’ve gathered a wide range—from sweet tunes to slightly bittersweet numbers—to bring you a comprehensive lineup!
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Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems (21–30)
All Through The NightCyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 track features a memorable, refraining sound that evokes the chill of winter.
It’s included on her debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” and was released as a single the following year.
The arrangement conjures images of illuminations and the festive atmosphere of Christmas, which is wonderful.
It celebrates the joy of being able to stay out all night and fills you with a positive feeling.
It’s a romantic Christmas song that makes you feel as if you could be reborn into a new version of yourself.
It Wasn’t His ChildSawyer Brown
Formed in 1981 as a country music band, Sawyer Brown has long centered its career on live performances.
Featured on their 1988 album Wide Open, this song is a hymn-like Christmas piece written by songwriter Skip Ewing.
Told from the perspective of Joseph in the Bible, it explores themes of fatherhood and faith in accepting a child who is not his by blood.
Its calm sound, beginning with a gentle acoustic guitar, evokes a reverent, devotional atmosphere.
Although it peaked modestly at No.
51 on the charts, it has been covered by artists such as Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire and continues to be cherished.
It’s a song best savored on a quiet night.
1980s Western Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems (31–40)
Merry Christmas EverybodySlade
Slade is a rock band from Wolverhampton that began performing during the early-1970s glam rock era.
They were called one of the most successful British groups of the 1970s.
Their 1985 release, “Merry Xmas Everybody,” was a major hit at the time and is recorded as having sold over one million copies.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)U2
U2 is a rock band from Ireland.
They are one of the most famous rock bands in the world and hold the record for the most Grammy Awards won by a group.
Their music is characterized by a strong focus on social issues, with a clear message running through their work.
Because of this emphasis on messaging, each concert is built around a different theme, and the live performance unfolds according to that theme.
Both their songs and live shows are highly acclaimed.
Their Christmas song, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” is a cover of Darlene Love’s classic.
Since the original has a soulful melody, be sure to compare it with U2’s arrangement.
Christmas TimeBryan Adams
Bryan Adams is a singer-songwriter who represents Canada.
His song “Christmas Time” is one of his signature Christmas tracks and was released in 1985.
It was already very popular, but its popularity resurged after the official video was uploaded to YouTube in 2019.
Even now, the song gets airplay on English-language radio stations during the Christmas season.
Be sure to check it out.
Hard Candy ChristmasDolly Parton
Dolly Parton, an artist who represents American country music, appeared in the 1982 musical film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
The Christmas song featured in the film is Hard Candy Christmas, which was also released as her single the same year and reached No.
8 on the country singles chart.
It has since been covered by various artists, including Cyndi Lauper.
The Power Of LoveFrankie Goes To Hollywood
Frankie Goes to Hollywood is a British band formed in 1980.
Produced by the world-renowned music producer Trevor Horn, the band is known for its New Wave sound.
Their biggest hit, “Relax,” became a global success.
In Japan, many people may know it as the theme song for the variety show “Cocorico Miracle Type.” Their song “The Power of Love” is a Christmas track by the band; while it didn’t become a major hit, it remains a beloved classic among fans of Trevor Horn and Frankie Goes to Hollywood to this day.