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 were hits in the ’80s (41–50)
GhostbustersRay Parker Jr.
This is the theme song of the long-beloved movie Ghostbusters.
It’s sung by American musician Ray Parker Jr.
I’d say it’s no exaggeration to call it the 1980s version of “Obake nante nai sa”! The whole track brims with playfulness and a bit of cheeky mischief.
Ray Parker Jr.’s rich, low vocals are incredibly sexy—absolutely fantastic!
Forever YoungAlphaville
A track that sings of the virtues of youth and the fear of aging and death.
It was released as a single in 1984 by the German rock group Alphaville.
The track has been used in many forms of media, including the TV drama One Tree Hill.
Little JeannieElton John
A track released as a single by Elton John in 1980.
It was written together with his songwriter friend Gary Osborne.
The track reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada and was certified Gold.
Summer’s HereJames Taylor
I’d like to introduce “Summer’s Here” as a song that lets you feel the arrival of summer.
It’s a work by singer-songwriter James Taylor.
As the title suggests, it portrays the coming of summer and the enjoyment of the season.
The sound has a relaxed vibe with hints of jazz.
Combined with the laid-back vocals, it puts listeners at ease.
It seems perfect for relaxing at the beach or by the pool.
Jessie’s GirlRIck Springfield
This is the song “Jessie’s Girl” by the handsome Australian singer Rick Springfield.
It’s included on the 1981 album Working Class Dog.
With this track, Rick Springfield won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
It’s a very fresh and catchy song, with a repeatedly used phrase that really sticks in your head.
On The BeachChris Rae
Chris Rea, who might actually be more popular in Japan as an AOR artist than in his native UK.
For some reason, his songs are often used in commercials.
His irresistibly captivating, husky voice is part of the appeal.
It’s a song about calling out the name of a woman he nostalgically remembers on a beach from the past.
MagicOlivia Newton-John
This is a single released from the soundtrack of the 1980 film Xanadu.
The movie is a fantasy musical that’s often called a legendary flop and even won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director, but the single Magic became a major hit.
This dreamy, upbeat mid-tempo pop number showcases Olivia’s charm to the fullest.