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!
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
- A collection of summer-like songs: tracks that go perfectly with summer, like the sea and the sky.
- Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
- Songs you want to listen to at the end of summer: Late-summer classics to look back on the season
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- [Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks
- Summer songs from Western music that were hits in the 2000s
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Hidden gems of Western music. Lesser-known songs.
- Recommended Summer Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits [2026]
Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (71–80)
La BambaLos Lobos
Originally a traditional Mexican folk song popular at weddings and other celebrations.
This version by Los Angeles-based Los Lobos was released in 1987 and reached No.
1 on charts around the world.
Cruel SummerBananarama
This female group with the distinctive name Bananarama is a trio from England formed in 1981.
Riding the disco boom of the time, they produced many hit songs that became well known here in Japan.
The track—given the Japan-only subtitle “Chigireta Heart” (“Shredded Heart”)—was released in their home country in 1983, and later became their breakout hit in America after being featured in the classic film The Karate Kid.
For some, the song may bring back nostalgic memories of a scene from the movie.
Including the slightly amateurish vocals, it’s a breezy, poppy tune, yet—as you might guess from the title—the lyrics intriguingly recount the bittersweet experiences of summer.
Coming UpPaul McCartney
A track released as a single by Paul McCartney in 1980.
His wife, Linda McCartney, contributed vocal harmonies.
It is said to have been a track that John Lennon liked, and it reached No.
1 on the charts in the U.S.
and Canada.
Coming UpPaul McCartney
This is the song Coming Up by Paul McCartney, a former member of the legendary rock band The Beatles.
It’s included on the album McCartney II, released during his solo career.
The track makes extensive use of synthesizers and vocal effects, showcasing the same experimental spirit he had in the Beatles era.
Its intricately interwoven rhythms are sure to get under your skin!
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor
It’s Survivor’s well-known “Eye of the Tiger.” That’s right—the BGM that always plays at the climax of TBS’s TV special “All-Star Thanksgiving” during the Akasaka 5-chome Mini Marathon.
The song was a huge hit as the theme for Rocky III.
Released in 1982, it topped the U.S.
Billboard charts, reached number one in both the UK and Australia, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.
MagicThe Cars
A single hit from The Cars’ fifth album, Heartbeat City.
This was the period when they had broken into the mainstream and were shining the brightest.
The music video for this song, which starts with “It’s summer!”, made waves for its surreal imagery—Ric Ocasek walking on a swimming pool, surrounded by mysterious people.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-GoWham!
Wham, a duo that’s hugely popular in Japan as well.
When you think of Wham, “Last Christmas” probably comes to mind, so many people associate them with winter.
But in fact, they’ve released quite a few tracks that are perfect for summer.
Among Wham’s summer-vibe songs, my top recommendation is “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” The catchy intro and rhythmic vocals really give off a summery feel.
Be sure to use it as background music while traveling or enjoying leisure activities.
