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)
Papa Don’t PreachMadonna
A single released from the 1986 album True Blue.
It reached number one on the U.S.
Billboard charts; the literal translation of the title is “Papa, stop lecturing me.” The lyrics tell the story of a young, unmarried girl who becomes pregnant and decides to have the baby, and its socially charged focus on the risks of teenage romance sparked widespread discussion.
Cold HeartedPaula Abdul
A track released as a single in 1989 by American singer Paula Abdul.
It reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
The music video, a tribute to the film Flashdance, was directed by David Fincher.
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!
ManiacMichael Sembello
This is the song “Maniac” by American singer-songwriter Michael Sembello.
It became famous as part of the soundtrack for the film Flashdance.
It is included on the 1983 album Bossa Nova Hotel.
While the song is fast-paced and a high-energy dance number, it’s also a treasure trove of beautiful melodies.
Michael Sembello has a wild aura, yet his voice carries a delicate quality.
Let yourself be captivated by that contrast!
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.
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.
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.