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.
Summer FunThe Barracudas
The Barracudas are a British surf rock band formed in 1979.
This track was released as a single in 1980 and reached No.
37 on the UK Singles Chart.
The track was inspired by the advertising campaign for the 1960s car, the Plymouth Barracuda.
Don’t You Want MeThe Human League
You can’t talk about the peak of British synth-pop without this song: The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me.” It’s included on the 1981 album Dare.
Whether it’s the bassline or the vocal melody, once you hear it, it won’t leave your head—an irresistibly catchy track.
Also pay attention to the lyrics, which depict a major breakup unfolding from both male and female perspectives.
It’s Still Rock & Roll to MeBilly Joel
1980 was a landmark year that saw a new wave sweep through the music world, and this track—Billy Joel’s first-ever No.
1 on the U.S.
charts—is a thrilling rock number packed with a scathing critique of the scene at the time.
Written from a sharp perspective that even so-called “new” movements like New Wave were ultimately just rehashes of past styles, and featuring a distinctive sax solo, the song became a signature single from the album Glass Houses, spending six consecutive weeks at No.
1.
Crank it up for a midsummer drive or any event and let the good times roll.
High ‘n’ Dry (Saturday Night)Def Leppard
The title track of Def Leppard’s second album, High ’n’ Dry, released in 1981 by the hard rock band from Sheffield, England, is a classic that brilliantly captures the excitement and sense of freedom of a weekend night.
Featuring an energetic sound that fuses elements of hard rock and heavy metal, its tightly interwoven guitar riffs and rhythm section create a powerful performance that draws listeners in.
The song has received high acclaim, ranking 33rd on VH1’s “40 Greatest Metal Songs,” and it continues to be cherished as one of Def Leppard’s signature tracks.
Forget about tomorrow—crank it up and enjoy it at full blast at a midsummer night party!
Straight UpPaula Abdul
Paula Abdul, an American artist who revolutionized the late-’80s dance-pop scene.
Having first found success as a choreographer, she released her debut album Forever Your Girl in 1988, and its third single became a landmark work that would define her musical career.
Its sound—an adroit blend of New Jack Swing and funk—stands out alongside lyrics that candidly express the complexities of romance.
The black-and-white music video, directed by David Fincher, featured Abdul’s own sophisticated choreography and became a sensation, winning four awards at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.
The song topped the Billboard chart for three consecutive weeks and became a global smash, reaching the top 10 in more than 16 countries.
A perfect pick for your midsummer playlist!
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.
