Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs from the 1980s
The 1980s transformed music history and had a profound impact on later musicians.
Even those who didn’t live through the era can bask in a sense of nostalgia that feels somehow familiar.
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper…
We researched pop hits from the West that defined the ’80s.
From those, we carefully selected the most popular tracks based on reliable feedback from music fans who visit our site.
Find a favorite track and dive in!
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Nostalgic or Fresh? Great Western Pop Masterpieces and Hit Songs of the ’80s (’81–’90)
I Wanna Dance With SomebodyWhitney Houston
An iconic dance-pop number from the 1980s, distinguished by its lively rhythm and catchy melody.
Released in 1987, it reached number one in 14 countries.
It also topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified six-times platinum.
On the surface it may sound like a simple dance track, but it actually expresses a deep yearning for love and connection.
Even while carrying a lonely heart, it conveys the desire to dance with someone, to feel someone’s warmth.
This song makes you want to hit the dance floor—perfect for parties with friends or for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.
Just listening to it can lift your spirits; it’s a magical track like that.
99 LuftballonsNena
This is another song that’s better known by its Japanese title.
Nena is a pop group from Germany, and this track is sung entirely in German.
It’s one of the few cases of a globally successful hit by an artist from Germany.
In Japan, it topped the Oricon Western music singles chart for four consecutive weeks.
Here With MeREO Speed Wagon
An uncle-style rock band from Illinois that churned out hits in the ’80s, including “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Any More.” This song is a poignant ballad about continuing to yearn for a departed lover.
Kevin Cronin’s vocals make it a track that really touches the heart.
Come On EileenDexys Midnight Runners
A seven-piece Irish group best known for this one track—rooted in Kevin Rowland’s eccentric, Celtic-inspired folk sound and distinguished by its unique worldview—that became a massive hit worldwide.
The band’s name is said to mean “people who take drugs and dance all night.”
Call MeBlondie
They’re a group known for Debbie Harry’s powerful vocals.
They’re also recognized as a leading band of the New Wave.
“Call Me” became a hit as the theme song for the film American Gigolo.
The Goonies “R” Good EnoughCyndi Lauper
This is a song by Cyndi Lauper released in 1985 as part of the soundtrack for the film The Goonies.
The “Goonies” in the title refers to the film’s main characters.
Celebrating friendship, adventure, and the importance of never giving up, the song became so popular that it reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Like the film, it’s a hopeful anthem that reminds us to keep chasing our dreams.
Cyndi Lauper’s distinctive vocals and backing vocals by The Bangles are especially memorable.
It’s also a great track to listen to while reminiscing about your youth.
Nostalgic or Fresh? Great Western Pop Masterpieces and Hit Songs of the 80s (91–100)
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates
Hall & Oates is an American R&B duo.
They are very popular artists in Japan as well.
This song was featured in a digital camera commercial, among others.
In addition to this track, they are also known for hit songs like “Kiss On My List” and “Maneater.”