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 (121–130)
Digging Your SceneThe Blow Monkeys
In the UK during the New Wave era, many bands emerged with a style known as blue-eyed soul, influenced by Black music, and The Blow Monkeys are exactly one of those bands.
Their signature track, Digging Your Scene—featuring frontman Dr.
Robert’s unmistakably British, velvety vocals, a funky rhythm section, and irresistibly romantic sax—was released in 1986 and became a hit not only in their home country but worldwide.
It still sounds incredibly stylish today, and I think even young music fans can enjoy it with a fresh sense of discovery.
Born in the U.S.ABruce Springsteen
This is Bruce Springsteen’s hit song from 1984.
It sings about veterans returning from the Vietnam War.
The lyrics vividly portray soldiers who went to the front lines for their country, came back bearing various wounds, and were treated as nuisances in many places and met with harsh treatment after returning home.
Even though the events took place decades ago, the song’s content remains thought-provoking.
In contrast to those lyrics, the upbeat energy of the music and Springsteen’s powerful vocals have inspired the hearts of many listeners.
Dark EntriesBauhaus
Bauhaus, a rock band from Northampton, England.
They were active mainly in the 1980s and gained popularity in Japan as well, even performing concerts there as a post-punk band.
Amid the 1980s—a decade when various instruments and genres dominated the charts and many classic songs were released—they stood out with a simple band setup and thrived on the strength of their live performances.
In conclusion
Looking over these classic songs from the 1980s like this, you probably found quite a few tracks that leave a different impression from the common image many people have of “flashy and glamorous” ’80s music.
Of course, the decade is also known for producing many sparkling, dynamic mega-hits—that’s quintessentially ’80s, too.
If you set aside preconceptions and dig deeper, you’re sure to have a great time!