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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The Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (’81–’90)
Nothin’ But A Good TimePoison
An energetic rock number that blows away the summer heat.
Featured on Poison’s second album, “Open Up and Say…
Ahh!” released in 1988, this track voices a desire to break free from everyday struggles.
With its catchy melodies and powerful sound, it’s perfect for summer drives and outdoor festivals.
C.C.
DeVille’s guitar solo is a highlight as well.
The song peaked at No.
6 in the U.S.
and was frequently played on MTV.
It’s a great pick when you want to let off steam or get hyped with friends.
Losing My ReligionR.E.M.
R.E.M., the legendary rock band that has had a global impact.
They formed in 1980 and disbanded in 2011, yet their popularity remains strong, and they continue to be widely respected by fans in the alternative rock scene today.
Among their works, the one I especially recommend for summer is Losing My Religion.
It’s alternative rock with a slightly dark, acoustic arrangement, and its deeply atmospheric melody makes it a perfect track to listen to on a late summer night.
Permanent VacationAerosmith
The title track of the album Permanent Vacation, released by Geffen Records in 1987, is a work that symbolizes Aerosmith’s musical rebirth as they sought to overcome drug addiction.
Skillfully blending hard rock with elements of pop metal and blues, its sound features a lively rhythm and catchy melodies, making it a key song that signaled a new direction for the band.
The album, including this track, sold over five million copies and achieved 5× Platinum certification, marking a major success.
Put it on for a summer drive or a get-together with friends, and you can fully soak in the atmosphere of the golden age of ’80s Western pop and rock!
Goin’ CrazyDavid Lee Roth
From the very first seconds, the hard rock sound explodes, and David Lee Roth’s uniquely energetic vocals leave a strong impression! This is one of the signature tracks from the new band Roth formed with guitarist Steve Vai and others after leaving Van Halen.
It was released in September 1986 as the second single from the album “Eat ’Em and Smile.” Blending hard rock with glam metal, it also drew attention for its music video, which showcased Roth’s trademark humor and flamboyant theatrics, and it reached No.
66 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
It’s a thrilling rock number you’ll want to blast at full volume on a hot summer day with your mind switched off!
Summer RainBelinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle, who has been successful as a solo artist since leaving the Go-Go’s.
This hit tune is from her 1989 album Runaway Horses, which marked the peak of her career.
As you can tell from the music video, it’s a song about a woman who waits with her child for her husband who has gone off to war.
Dancing In the DarkBruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity with a musical style rooted in pop rock and heartland rock.
He’s an indispensable figure when discussing American rock and a great artist who has had a significant impact on contemporary music.
His classic “Dancing in the Dark” is crafted as a very breezy pop-rock track.
It perfectly captures the feeling of an American summer, so it’s recommended for those who love the films and streetscapes of the U.S.
from that era.
Never SurrenderCorey Hart
A track released as a single in 1985 by Canadian singer Corey Hart.
It reached No.
1 on the Canadian charts and No.
3 in the United States, and won a Juno Award.
The hitchhiking-themed music video was filmed in downtown Toronto.
Sunset GrillDon Henley
No introduction is needed at this point, but Don Henley, the Eagles’ drummer and vocalist.
When it comes to his summer songs, it has to be the 1984 smash hit “The Boys of Summer.” On the other hand, “Sunset Grill” is also quite a gem.
It climbed to No.
22 on the U.S.
charts in 1985.
Flashdance… What A FeelingIrene Cara
The theme song from the 1983 film Flashdance.
Released by American singer-songwriter and actress Irene Cara, it reached No.
1 on charts around the world.
The track won a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe.
Crazy Crazy NightsKISS
When it comes to a feverish anthem that colored the summers of the ’80s, this track is indispensable.
The energetic anthem unleashed by KISS seems to embody those truly “crazy” summer nights.
With lyrics that cherish individuality and celebrate the power of music, it delivers a positive message perfect for the hot season.
Released in September 1987 as the first single from the album Crazy Nights, the song achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
4 in the UK.
Alongside Paul Stanley’s powerful vocals, Bruce Kulick’s guitar riffs leave a strong impression.
It’s a highly recommended track for amping up that free-spirited mood—whether on a summer drive or at a BBQ with friends.