1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
When it comes to the 1980s, it’s often called the “golden era” of Western rock music.
From the perspective of rock bands, it was a time when many veteran groups—still active today—made their debuts, and countless worldwide hits that went down in history were born.
This time, we’re spotlighting hit songs and classics by Western rock bands from that very 1980s!
Alongside energetic, quintessentially ’80s rock numbers and stadium-ready ballads, we’ve assembled a varied lineup that also reflects the era’s birth of the so-called New Wave—unbound by traditional rock—and the alternative rock that would lead into the 1990s.
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[1980s] Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (61–70)
Come on eileenDexys Midnight Runners
It’s the smash hit by the British band Dexys Midnight Runners, led by Kevin Rowland, which reached No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1983.
The melody line, carried by violin and banjo with a Celtic feel, is very striking, and the female vocals are distinctive yet wonderfully pleasant.
Rock the CasbahThe Clash
This song is a quintessential punk rock masterpiece of the 1980s.
It is one of The Clash’s signature tracks, notable for its lyrics depicting a fictional Middle Eastern king who bans music.
Included on the 1982 album Combat Rock, it became a major hit, reaching No.
8 on the U.S.
Billboard chart.
Composed by drummer Topper Headon with lyrics written by Joe Strummer, the song expresses the power of music and a longing for freedom.
It’s a track that encapsulates The Clash’s hallmark approach of tackling social issues through music, and it’s recommended as an anthem that inspires the courage to stand up to oppression.
RioDuran Duran
When it comes to the British rock band Duran Duran, their appeal surely lies in their new wave sound.
In particular, they’re regarded as pioneers of the New Romantic genre that emerged from new wave.
Their trendy sound, which likely had a major influence on Japanese musicians and J-pop, evokes the mood of the 1980s.
Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne
A masterpiece among masterpieces by the band led by Ozzy Osbourne after he left Black Sabbath—the eponymous group bearing his own name.
Above all, the legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads delivers phenomenal playing, and you can feel the spirit that thrilled guitar kids of the time even through the footage.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
Bon Jovi is a hard rock band from the United States.
They have many fans in Japan and are known for numerous hit songs.
“You Give Love a Bad Name” is a single released in 1986, and the album containing the song, “Wild in the Streets,” stayed at No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard chart for eight consecutive weeks.
CenterfoldThe J. Geils Band
It’s a song released in 1981 by the American band The J.
Geils Band, and it was their biggest hit.
Known for its memorable intro, the song is titled “Ochita Tenshi” (“Fallen Angel”) in Japanese, and it was widely used in Japan in commercials, including ones featuring Ichiro and for beer.
If you watched TV at the time, you’ve probably heard it at least once.
Lay It DownRatt
Ratt, a rock band that was a leading force in the LA metal genre, debuted in 1981 and disbanded in 1992.
They later reunited in 1997 and have continued to perform ever since.
Their hit song Lay It Down, released in 1985, reached No.
11 on the mainstream rock chart.
For fans of LA metal and glam metal, this is an irresistible track.
Be sure to check it out.
