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’ Famous and Hit Songs (111–120)
Hand In GloveThe Smiths
Before forming The Smiths, vocalist Morrissey worked as a writer.
Their literary lyrics resonated with many young people, earning the band wide support as a post-punk act.
When discussing The Smiths, the presence of guitarist Johnny Marr—who crafted their sound—is also indispensable.
Though their active period was short—just five years from 1982 to 1987—they left behind a wealth of classic songs as a rock band.
The Queen Is DeadThe Smiths
The Smiths’ signature song, “The Queen Is Dead,” by the British band led by Morrissey and Johnny Marr.
The track appears on their third, self-titled album released in 1986.
The Smiths are regarded as a band that greatly influenced the alternative boom that would emerge in the 1990s.
KokomoThe Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are a band that has been active since the 1960s.
From rock and roll to experimental music, the breadth of their sound is immeasurable, and each era has its share of their classic songs.
Among their career highlights, the 1988 hit “Kokomo” is a track that evokes a tropical vibe.
You can really sense the depth of a band that has outlasted The Beatles by far.
Just Like HoneyThe Jesus and Mary Chain
A song released in November 1985 that paints a world of luscious love.
Featured on The Jesus and Mary Chain’s debut album Psychocandy, this track is striking for its fusion of feedback noise and beautiful melody.
Within its grand, Phil Spector–influenced sound, the sweetness and anguish of romance are brilliantly expressed.
Jim Reid’s emotionally rich vocals really resonate.
Also known for being used in the ending of the film Lost in Translation, this piece remains a landmark of noise pop that continues to captivate many music fans.
Karma ChameleonCulture Club
This is a signature song by the British new wave band Culture Club led by Boy George.
It was included on the 1983 album Colour by Numbers and released as a single.
In Japan, Boy George’s visual style and the fact that he is gay, combined with the lyric “Karma, karma, karma, karma,” have together made the song completely associated with okama (a camp/effeminate gay stereotype).