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 hit in the ’80s (11–20)
Cum on Feel the NoizeQuiet Riot
Quiet Riot is one of the quintessential American hard rock bands of the 1980s and is also known as a leading act that helped drive the so-called LA metal boom.
Their history goes back a long way: the band originally formed in 1973 around Randy Rhoads, who would go on to be remembered as a legendary guitarist.
This track is a cover of a song by Slade, released as a single in July 1983 and included on their album Metal Health; it’s one of their signature songs.
It was featured in the film Footloose and the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and it notably reached No.
5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
With its irresistibly sing-along, catchy melody and tight sound perfect for the hot summer, it’s a thrilling number that captures the very essence of ’80s heavy metal!
Youth Gone WildSkid Row
The anthem included on Skid Row’s self-titled debut album, released in 1989 by the New Jersey–born band, is highly regarded as a song that perfectly embodies the rebellious spirit of 1980s hard rock.
With lyrics that sing of young people forging their own path free from society’s norms, powerful songwriting by Dave “The Snake” Sabo and Rachel Bolan, and Sebastian Bach’s passionate vocals, it stands as a masterpiece.
It reached No.
99 on the U.S.
Billboard chart and gained buzz through heavy rotation on MTV.
For those feeling worn out by rules and conventional wisdom in everyday life, the album’s thirst for freedom and raw energy is sure to resonate.
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates
The 1980s saw booms across a variety of genres.
Among them, the genre known as blue-eyed soul strongly reflected the musical sensibilities of the time and carried a distinctive mood.
Daryl Hall & John Oates were a duo emblematic of blue-eyed soul and gained worldwide popularity.
Their song “Private Eyes” is one of their classics, a piece that blends the adult ambiance of blue-eyed soul with a fresh, upbeat sound—making it a perfect melody for a summer night.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
Released in 1983 at the height of the disco boom, this track is the biggest hit of legendary British artist David Bowie’s career.
Produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, it’s crafted as a dance number depicting a couple dancing under the moonlight.
On the surface it sounds romantic, but in reality it’s a deeper piece portraying people dancing while wearing the masks of life.
The guitar is played by the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose bluesy playing adds a perfect edge to the song.
It’s a quintessential ’80s classic that makes you want to listen while strolling through the city on a summer night!
Ain’t NobodyRufus and Chaka Khan
An indispensable figure when discussing the funk scene of the 1980s, American singer Chaka Khan—hailed as the “Queen of Funk”—released this ultimate dance classic in 1983 as part of the band Rufus.
The song is a passionate love ballad that lays bare her feelings for a beloved, showcasing Chaka Khan’s overwhelming vocal prowess in full.
Its striking synthesizer phrase in the intro is unforgettable once heard, and it was also featured on the soundtrack of the film Breakin’.
Topping the U.S.
R&B chart and winning a Grammy, this timeless masterpiece continues to be loved across generations, perfectly suited for summer drives or special moments shared with a partner.
Into The GrooveMadonna
This song, which sings of a passion for the dance floor and a budding romance, is a hit released in July 1985 by Madonna, the American “Queen of Pop.” Created as an insert song for the film Desperately Seeking Susan, it’s a dance-pop masterpiece co-written with keyboardist Stephen Bray.
Its rhythmic sound, woven from synthesizers and drum machines, pairs with captivating lyrics that beckon listeners to the dance floor.
It spent four consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the UK charts, becoming her biggest hit in Britain.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to feel like you’re falling in love or to turn up the energy at a summer party.
Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (21–30)
Hot Summer NightsMiami Sound Machine
In the 1980s Western music scene, many people would probably name Miami Sound Machine as the band that best evokes “summer.” They’re also famous as the band fronted by Gloria Estefan, one of the most iconic female singers in Latin music.
As the title suggests, this song is peak summertime—and it was even featured in the blockbuster film Top Gun.
Although it was released as a single only in certain countries, including Japan, the assertive 80s-style snare, flashy horn section, ringing synths and guitars, and catchy melody will make anyone who remembers that era want to start dancing.
It’s the kind of track you’d want to play on a cassette tape rather than streaming or CD!
