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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- [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 (71–80)
Roll With ItSteve Winwood
A perfect love song for summer—and one I’d also like to recommend as a motivational anthem—is “Roll With It.” It’s a track released by British rock musician Steve Winwood.
The lyrics are strikingly poetic, conveying a message to a loved one that “you can overcome any hardship.” It’s the kind of song that can give you courage when you listen, and it could work as a message song for someone you love.
While the lyrics don’t include any explicitly summery words, his passionate vocals somehow evoke a sense of summer.
Cruel SummerBananarama
This female group with the distinctive name Bananarama is a trio from England formed in 1981.
Riding the disco boom of the time, they produced many hit songs that became well known here in Japan.
The track—given the Japan-only subtitle “Chigireta Heart” (“Shredded Heart”)—was released in their home country in 1983, and later became their breakout hit in America after being featured in the classic film The Karate Kid.
For some, the song may bring back nostalgic memories of a scene from the movie.
Including the slightly amateurish vocals, it’s a breezy, poppy tune, yet—as you might guess from the title—the lyrics intriguingly recount the bittersweet experiences of summer.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
Bon Jovi is a rock band that represents not only America but the global hard rock scene.
Their songs are used across various media in Japan, so even younger people are likely familiar with them.
Among Bon Jovi’s tracks, one of the most popular is “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Released in 1986, it’s crafted as a sharply executed hard rock number.
As such, it’s the perfect song for summer driving music.
Coming UpPaul McCartney
A track released as a single by Paul McCartney in 1980.
His wife, Linda McCartney, contributed vocal harmonies.
It is said to have been a track that John Lennon liked, and it reached No.
1 on the charts in the U.S.
and Canada.
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor
It’s Survivor’s well-known “Eye of the Tiger.” That’s right—the BGM that always plays at the climax of TBS’s TV special “All-Star Thanksgiving” during the Akasaka 5-chome Mini Marathon.
The song was a huge hit as the theme for Rocky III.
Released in 1982, it topped the U.S.
Billboard charts, reached number one in both the UK and Australia, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.
KissPrince & The Revolution
Released in 1986, this track brilliantly blurs the line between funk and pop, overturning musical conventions with an innovative approach—one of Prince’s quintessential songs that showcases his genius.
By completely eliminating the bassline and building a minimalist arrangement from just drum machine, choppy guitar, and a mesmerizing falsetto vocal, it stands as a milestone that opened up a new frontier for funk music.
Featured on the album Parade and used as part of the soundtrack to the film Under the Cherry Moon, it hit No.
1 on the U.S.
charts in April 1986, becoming Prince’s third American number-one single.
Sparse yet overwhelmingly groovy, it’s a classic I highly recommend to anyone who wants to feel funk coursing through their whole body—even on sweltering summer days.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-GoWham!
Wham, a duo that’s hugely popular in Japan as well.
When you think of Wham, “Last Christmas” probably comes to mind, so many people associate them with winter.
But in fact, they’ve released quite a few tracks that are perfect for summer.
Among Wham’s summer-vibe songs, my top recommendation is “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” The catchy intro and rhythmic vocals really give off a summery feel.
Be sure to use it as background music while traveling or enjoying leisure activities.
Hot In The CityBilly Idol
In the 1970s, Billy Idol was the vocalist for Generation X, a punk band that debuted as the younger counterparts to the Sex Pistols.
It’s impressive that he’s still active today as a singer and actor, maintaining the same punk style as in the old days.
Upside DownDiana Ross
This is the song Upside Down by Diana Ross, a singer from Detroit, USA.
It’s one of her solo tracks; she was formerly the lead singer of The Supremes.
The song is included on Diana, her tenth studio album, released in 1980.
Upside Down became a huge hit not only in the United States but also across many European countries.
It was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1981 Grammy Awards.
Its upbeat rhythm and Diana’s bright, uplifting voice are sure to put you in a good mood!
PhysicalOlivia Newton-John
A refreshing pop track released in 1981 by Olivia Newton-John.
During production, its working title was “Let’s Get Physical.” The sexy music video was directed by Brian Grant.