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)
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.
I’m So ExcitedThe Pointer Sisters
A pop-groove track released in 1982 by the American R&B group The Pointer Sisters.
It became a hit in the United States and various European countries.
The track has been featured in many films, including Summer Lovers.
Hot In The CityBilly Idol
In the 1970s, Billy Idol was the vocalist for Generation X, a punk band that debuted as the younger counterparts to the Sex Pistols.
It’s impressive that he’s still active today as a singer and actor, maintaining the same punk style as in the old days.
The Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (’81–’90)
Summer RainBelinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle, who has been successful as a solo artist since leaving the Go-Go’s.
This hit tune is from her 1989 album Runaway Horses, which marked the peak of her career.
As you can tell from the music video, it’s a song about a woman who waits with her child for her husband who has gone off to war.
Under The BoardwalkBette Midler
An insert song from the moving film “Forever Friends,” which depicts a 30-year friendship between two women.
It’s sung by the star, Bette Midler.
By the way, in this film, the actress who plays Midler’s character as a child is Mayim Bialik, known for her role as the nerdy girl Amy in the popular overseas TV series “The Big Bang Theory.”
Don’t Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrin
Suddenly, but what kind of image do you have of summer? Many people probably picture events like the beach or the pool.
However, some may imagine enjoying a relaxing summer while lying on a sunbed.
For those people, I recommend the piece “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It’s a classic by jazz singer Bobby McFerrin, and it’s a very rare song in which every sound is created solely with his voice.
Its laid-back sound will set the mood for a chill summer moment.
Dancing In the DarkBruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity with a musical style rooted in pop rock and heartland rock.
He’s an indispensable figure when discussing American rock and a great artist who has had a significant impact on contemporary music.
His classic “Dancing in the Dark” is crafted as a very breezy pop-rock track.
It perfectly captures the feeling of an American summer, so it’s recommended for those who love the films and streetscapes of the U.S.
from that era.