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 (91–100)
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.
In Between DaysThe Cure
The Cure is a British new wave band.
Their track In Between Days is a 1985 release.
The choppy strumming that follows the synthesizer melody is unconventional, yet it still has a solid groove.
It’s quite an addictive song, you know? They’re indispensable stars in the history of British rock, a band that has left behind numerous legendary tales and episodes of hardship.
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.
Love ShackThe B-52’s
Introducing a signature track by The B-52’s, a band that epitomized the New Wave scene of the 1980s.
Formed in Athens, Georgia, their music is characterized by a distinctive style influenced by 1950s rock and roll and surf music.
Released in June 1989, this song appears on the album Cosmic Thing.
Its lyrics, which portray a journey to a place called the “Love Shack” as a symbol of love and joy following loss and renewal, are particularly striking.
It became the band’s biggest hit, reaching No.
3 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100 and No.
2 in the U.K.
The music video won the “Best Group Video” award at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards.
It’s a perfect track for parties and fun get-togethers.
West End GirlsPet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys are a pop duo from the United Kingdom.
Although they’re known as a pop duo, their style is remarkably diverse, and they’ve also released rock tracks like dance rock.
Their hit song “West End Girls” blends a dance-rock foundation with an adult contemporary vibe.
It was released in 1984, but it’s still a classic that continues to be used in many forms of media today.
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.
Armageddon ItDef Leppard
A band representing the UK’s NWOBHM scene, this song was included on their fourth album, Hysteria, released in 1987, and it was put out as a single and became a hit.
In Japan, it became famous on the TV segment “Soramimi Hour.” The misheard line “Ama geride— umi ni derenē— kesa mo geride—” is a masterpiece, isn’t it? (lol)