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 (21–30)
Still Loving YouScorpions
A song by Scorpions, who had been active since the dawn of the German rock scene and became a world-famous rock band following their successful break into the American market.
Released as the second single from their 9th album, Love at First Sting, the track is a love song that also drew attention for its lyrics, which subtly alluded to their homeland’s division into East and West at the time.
With an arrangement featuring emotional vocals and soul-stirring guitar phrases, it embodies the poignant melancholy that can be considered synonymous with German HR/HM.
Its dramatic melodies and song structure captivate listeners and don’t let go—a power ballad whose massive success is easy to understand.
Where the Streets Have No NameU2
U2 is a rock band from Ireland.
They are a globally renowned rock band and hold the record for the most Grammy Awards won by a group artist in history.
Their song “Where the Streets Have No Name” is one of their hits and was released as the opening track of their fifth album, The Joshua Tree.
With its refreshingly bright melody, it’s a great pick for those who enjoy clean, understated rock—be sure to give it a listen.
[1980s] Classic and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (31–40)
The Final CountdownEurope
It’s a 1986 release by the Swedish band Europe, their signature song that became a worldwide hit and made their name famous.
In Japan, it was used as the theme for TBS’s World Baseball Classic coverage, so you’ve probably heard it at least once.
Don’t Stop BelievinJourney
Formed in the early 1970s and still active today while evolving their musical style, Journey left its strongest vocal impression with Steve Perry among all their singers.
He delivered numerous hits with his vocals.
Here, we highlight Don’t Stop Believin’, a smash hit from their 1981 album Escape.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.
The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.
Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.
The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.
It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.
Start Me UpThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a band that has never disbanded and has continued to be active on the front lines from the 1960s to the present.
Over their long career, they have taken on a variety of styles, spanning a wide range that includes classic rock, hard rock, psychedelia, and blues rock.
Their hit song “Start Me Up,” released in 1981, is crafted as an exhilarating piece of dance music.
Take on mea-ha
It’s a single released in 1985 by the Norwegian band a-ha.
The music video, which made extensive use of animation, became a hot topic and was repeatedly featured on MTV, helping to trigger its worldwide mega-hit status.
It later became a classic among classics, covered by numerous musicians.