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 (21–30)
Dirty DianaMichael Jackson
A track that sings about women at concerts and clubs.
Featuring a rock edge, it was released by Michael Jackson in 1988.
The music video, directed by Joe Pytka, was filmed in Los Angeles.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
A track written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon.
It was inspired by the 1942 film Now, Voyager.
Released in 1981 by American singer Kim Carnes, the track won a Grammy Award.
The Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (31–40)
Cold HeartedPaula Abdul
This is the song “Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdul, a singer from the United States who colored the 80s.
It’s included on the album “Forever Your Girl,” released in 1988.
The intricately layered synthesizer sounds are remarkably well crafted.
Overall, it’s a very funky track that makes you want to start dancing.
If You Don’t Know Me By NowSimply Red
Originally written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and released by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, this version by Simply Red, released in 1989, was used in the film American Psycho and won a Grammy Award.
Lonely Summer NightsStray cats
It was included on the Stray Cats’ 1981 album with the incredible Japanese title “Goin’ DOWN TOWN.” Back then, this classic ballad was constantly on the radio.
Brian Setzer’s richly resonant voice—unbelievable for someone in his twenties—is wonderful.
KokomoThe Beach Boys
Speaking of summer, this is a U.S.
No.
1 hit from 1988 by the legendary Beach Boys.
It was featured in the coming-of-age film “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise.
Set to their breezy harmonies, it name-checks resort spots like Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.
It’s a song that makes you want to head to the beach right now.
Eyes Without A FaceBilly Idol
A track by British rock musician Billy Idol, released as a single in 1984.
It features female backing vocals in French.
The track was a hit worldwide, reaching No.
4 on the charts in the United States and New Zealand.