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 (51–60)
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.
99 LuftballonsNena
It’s a song released in 1983 by the German band Nena.
Although the lyrics are entirely in German, it became a rare example of a worldwide hit.
In Japan, it’s known as “99 Red Balloons,” and it became famous for being used as the opening theme of the variety show “Warau Inu no Jōnetsu.”
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.
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.
[1980s] Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (61–70)
La BambaLos Lobos
Los Lobos is a rock band composed entirely of Mexican-American members.
Their strongest appeal is, above all, their musicality.
By infusing Mexican music into rock, they crafted a unique sound that earned them high acclaim throughout the Latin world.
Their hit song La Bamba, released in 1987, was nominated for the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
The Perfect KissNew Order
New Order is a British band that originated from the legendary group Joy Division.
The Perfect Kiss, released in 1985, was New Order’s first single.
It’s a work that coolly expresses dark, fervent, swirling passions through an electric sound.
ABRACADABRASteve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band is an American band.
They were already formed in the 1960s and are said to still be active today, making them a remarkably long-running band.
In 2016, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“Abracadabra” is their massive hit released in 1982.