Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
When it comes to the music scene of the ’80s, it’s often said that here in Japan, Western music was at its most dazzling, and the era produced countless hit songs that remain vivid in both memory and record.
With the disco boom, the spread of synthesizers that brought glittering, flashy sounds, and the visual strategies built around music videos following the birth of MTV, a succession of legendary superstars emerged.
In this article, we’ve focused on summer hits from the ’80s, while also weaving in tracks with a summery feel and timeless songs that seem perfect for listening to in the summer.
For those who lived through the era, it’s nostalgic; for younger listeners, it’s fresh.
Enjoy this selection of hits!
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Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 1980s (61–70)
Hurts So GoodJohn Mellencamp
This is the song Hurts So Good by John Mellencamp.
It was included on the 1982 album American Fool and was also a hit single from that album.
It was used in the American musical film Footloose.
John Mellencamp also helped popularize heartland rock, a subgenre of country-influenced music.
Its simple blues feel is somehow nostalgic and really hits you in the chest.
It brings back memories of bittersweet youth.
Caribbean QueenBilly Ocean
Billy Ocean broke through with his 1984 album Suddenly.
This single, which was released from the album, made him a star.
He then followed it up with another hit, When the Going Gets Tough, the theme song for the adventure film The Jewel of the Nile starring Michael Douglas.
There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)Eurythmics
A track that sings about happiness from love and pure joy.
Released by Eurythmics in 1985, it reached No.
1 on the charts in the UK, Norway, Poland, and Ireland.
The harmonica solo is performed by Stevie Wonder.
The Power of LoveHuey Lewis & The News
This is the song The Power of Love by the San Francisco-based band Huey Lewis and The News.
The song was used in the film Back to the Future and became a huge hit.
It even achieved the remarkable feat of being nominated for an Academy Award.
The synthesizer sounds are refreshing and pair well with the heavy guitars.
Huey Lewis’s husky voice is masculine and really cool, isn’t it?
Self ControlLaura Branigan
Singer Laura Branigan from Brooklyn gained worldwide popularity with a style of delicate, airy vocals paired with quintessential 1980s sounds like synth-pop and new wave.
Self Control is one of her signature works, released as the lead single from the studio album of the same name.
If you’re in your late 20s, you might recognize it from the radio stations in the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Sunshine ReggaeLaid Back
Laid Back definitely falls into the so-called one-hit wonder category.
They’re a duo from Denmark.
In the ’80s they vanished after this single song, but it’s a great track that’s perfect for listening to lazily under the blazing sun.
And the two middle-aged guys’ voices are so gentle.
FunkytownLipps Inc
This song can be considered a quintessential disco hit that swept the world in 1980.
Its catchy synth riff and robot-like sound effects are unforgettable.
The lyrics expressing a desire to “move to a city that suits me” capture the aspirations and wishes of people at the time.
Featured on Lipps Inc.’s debut album Mouth to Mouth, it reached number one in 28 countries and sold over eight million copies.
It remains a popular track frequently used in films and television shows.
Put it on at a summer party or BBQ and the energy will skyrocket.
It’s also perfect for anyone who wants to soak up the vibe of 1980s disco.