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’ Classic and Hit Songs (41–50)
Gentlemen Take PolaroidsJapan
Japan, the beautiful five-piece born in London, bears a band name deeply familiar to Japanese ears.
Centered around the overwhelmingly charismatic David Sylvian and filled with distinctive personalities, they lived up to their name by first catching fire in Japan—earning a “big in Japan” reputation that included playing the Nippon Budokan on their first visit.
Evolving from early glamorous rock toward a more art-driven synth-pop, they cultivated a singular aesthetic and rose to a solitary, rarefied stature.
Their 1980 single Gentlemen Take Polaroids, also the title track of the album of the same name, became the first song in their career to enter the charts in their home country, the UK.
Immerse yourself in its flowing synths, Mick Karn’s sinuous fretless bass, and a melody that is pop yet intensely decadent.
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands: Masterpieces and Hit Songs (51–60)
Blue MondayNew Order
New Order is a techno-rock band that originated from Joy Division, a seminal post-punk group.
Their appeal lies in a musical style that blends various genres—techno, house, electronica, electro-pop, synth-pop, and disco—into a rock framework, earning them a devoted global fanbase.
Their hit song “Blue Monday,” released in 1986, garnered worldwide popularity.
Last ChristmasWham!
Last Christmas by Wham! was a massive hit in the 1980s.
Since it’s a song used by many media outlets in Japan, I’m sure many of you are familiar with it.
Even in the 2020s, isn’t this the song that comes to mind when you think of Christmas? With Wham’s sweet vocals and beautiful sound, it’s a pop number that also achieved huge commercial success.
Mr. RobotoStyx
Styx is an American band.
They specialized in hard rock with progressive elements.
“Mr.
Roboto” is a distinctive song included on the 1983 album “Kilroy Was Here,” which drew attention for featuring Japanese lyrics.
Power of LoveHuey Lewis & The News
Huey Lewis and the News is a popular American rock band.
Their song “The Power of Love,” released in 1985, is well-known for being the theme song of the film Back to the Future.
In Japan, it became familiar to many because it was used in a Honda Integra commercial featuring Michael J.
Fox.
Owner Of A Lonely HeartYES
“Owner Of A Lonely Heart” is a song released in 1983 by Yes, a band that had been a leading force in progressive rock.
Its accessible, pop-oriented style—completely different from their previous sound—surprised fans.
The song reached number one on the charts in many countries and added a new chapter to the band’s history.
Manic MondayThe Bangles
A signature song by The Bangles, the great band born out of Los Angeles.
Written by Prince under the pseudonym “Christopher,” the track became a worldwide hit upon its 1986 release.
Its lyrics, which capture a woman’s feelings on a Monday morning as she heads to work, resonated with many people, and together with its catchy melody it became one of the defining classics of the ’80s.
It reached No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top 10 in many countries, including the UK and Germany.
This song brought The Bangles a new base of female fans and marked a turning point in their career.
Depicting the everyday lives of working people, it continues to be loved by many to this day.