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)
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.
Sowing the Seeds of LoveTears for Fears
Tears for Fears is a British duo consisting of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.
“Kokomo” is a single released in 1989 that reached No.
5 on the UK chart and No.
2 on the US chart.
It’s a high-quality work that skillfully blends a psychedelic feel with a pop sound.
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.
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.