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] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Masterpieces and Hit Songs (’81–’90)
My Ever Changing MoodsThe Style Council
The Style Council was a unit formed by Paul Weller, the former vocalist of the punk band The Jam, after the group disbanded.
His partner was the world-renowned keyboardist Mick Talbot.
Released in 1984, My Ever Changing Moods, with its stylish sound, inspired many followers.
Is This LoveWhitesnake
A song by Whitesnake, the legendary rock band led by David Coverdale, famed as the vocalist of Deep Purple.
It’s included on their seventh album—released as “Serpens Albus” (The Badge of the White Snake) in Japan, “Whitesnake” in the United States, and “1987” in Europe.
The intro is especially memorable, where a spacious string sound intertwines with a wistful guitar tone.
Even if you don’t understand English, the ensemble underpinning the emotional vocals resonates deeply.
A timeless rock ballad that evokes its era without ever fading.
DebaserPixies
Pixies is an American rock band formed in 1986.
With vocals that shout over a thunderous rock sound, their music reaches peak intensity—they are a band that epitomizes the alternative rock movement of the ’80s.
Popular in Japan and around the world, they are also known for having a profound influence on the rock scene that followed.
Let’s Go CrazyPrince & The Revolution
Prince, the legendary artist whose sophisticated musicality has earned him extremely high acclaim from dedicated music aficionados around the world.
Prince and The Revolution is the band he produced and performed with, releasing numerous hit songs.
Their hit “Let’s Go Crazy,” released in 1984, blends genres such as R&B, rock, disco, and funk—a sound that captured popularity worldwide.
Don’t You (Forget About Me)Simple Minds
If we had to pick one anthemic song that defines the ’80s, it would be this one.
Catapulted to fame by its use in the film The Breakfast Club, it remains Simple Minds’ signature track, radiating a timeless appeal.
The lyrics, which speak to changing relationships and the fear of being forgotten, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Hitting No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1985 and topping the charts in Canada as well, the song became the band’s breakthrough in America.
Jim Kerr’s striking vocals and the memorable “la-la-la-la” ending make it a track you’ll want to revisit alongside memories of your youth.
I Wanna Be AdoredThe Stone Roses
The Stone Roses, a band formed in the 1980s that remained active until the mid-’90s.
Their 1991 track “I Wanna Be Adored” features a pleasantly airy, floating sound characteristic of psychedelic bands.
It’s a work that conveys the transition from the psychedelic band boom into ’90s genres like grunge and shoegaze.
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Masterpieces and Hit Songs (91–100)
I Wanna Be SomebodyW.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P.
is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, USA, also known for their provocative stage shows.
Their debut song, which put their name on the global map, is a rock number that sings of the universal longing to “be somebody.” Their debut album, W.A.S.P., released in 1984 and featuring this track, is known as a classic and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
Its powerful guitars and catchy melodies are sure to stir the listener’s heart.
If you’re looking to break out of your current situation or reach for big dreams, this song will surely give you courage.
Its selection at No.
84 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” also speaks to its appeal.