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]
The golden age of Western pop! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the ’80s (1–10)
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
It’s a beautiful ballad classic that everyone has heard at least once.
With guitarist Andy Summers’s historic guitar riff, Stewart Copeland’s simple yet spot-on drumming, and Sting’s wistful vocals, it’s a flawless, history-making mega-hit.
While the lyrics don’t explicitly mention summer, the period when this song was dominating the top spot on the U.S.
charts happened to be during the summer.
Those who experienced it in real time probably hear this song and think back to the summer of 1983.
This track evokes a quiet, nostalgic emotion—give it a listen while picturing scenes from a distant summer day.
Girls Just Want To Have FunCyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper, who announced her retirement from touring in 2024 and, as many will recall, wrapped up a hugely successful final Japan tour in April 2025, is known as an innovative female artist who rose to great prominence in the 1980s and forged a strong bond with her Japanese fans.
When it comes to her signature songs, it has to be the massive 1983 hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” It’s an overwhelmingly brilliant celebration of women and a timeless anthem that delivers positive energy in any era—making it a perfect choice for midsummer background music as well.
Summer Of ‘69Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams, a major star born in Canada and a singer-songwriter who remains active well into the 2020s.
With his handsome looks and husky voice as his weapons, he commands enduring popularity here in Japan as a natural-born rock ’n’ roller.
This song, included on his classic album Reckless—released in 1984 and a massive hit that sold 12 million copies worldwide—is one of his fan favorites.
Known in Japan by the title “Omoi de no Summer,” the track is also a quintessential summer song in the United States, and none other than Taylor Swift has covered it in her concerts.
Its breezy, upbeat sound and nostalgic, wistful melody will continue to be loved across generations.
The Boys of SummerDon Henley
Don Henley, the drummer and singer of the Eagles—one of the greatest bands in rock history—and a hugely successful solo artist in his own right.
This song, released in 1984, was a major hit and a co-write with Mike Campbell, the guitarist from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
Beyond its commercial success, it also earned high critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal.
Its lyrics nostalgically portray memories of a past romance and the summers of youth—making it a song that resonates especially with listeners in their 30s and 40s.
It’s also fun to listen while imagining American youth culture of the time, paying attention to lyrics that mention things like a Cadillac and a Deadhead sticker.
JumpVan Halen
Van Halen is a rock band that epitomizes hard rock and heavy metal.
They’re extremely popular in Japan as well, and if you’re into rock—even if you’re young—you’ve probably heard of them.
One of their signature tracks is Jump.
Chances are you’ve heard this song at least once through some form of media.
Its memorable synthesizers blend perfectly with its crisp rock sound, making it an ideal BGM choice for enjoying time at leisure facilities in the summer.
La Isla BonitaMadonna
Madonna, a female singer-songwriter who was hugely active from the 1980s through the 1990s.
If Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, then Madonna feels like the Queen of Pop.
Among her works, the song that suits summer the best is La Isla Bonita.
Crafted as a Latin pop track, it stands out for its tone, which differs from Madonna’s usual vibe.
If you want to enjoy relaxed pop music, be sure to check it out.
SummertimeFun Boy Three
The Fun Boy Three, a pop band representing the UK.
In 2023, their vocalist Terry Hall passed away, bringing tears to fans around the world.
In 1982, they released Summertime.
This track incorporates elements of Afrobeat, and its lyrics, set against a summer backdrop, portray the boundless potential of children.
Another highlight is the violin, whose tone evokes a certain sense of melancholy.
