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)
WomanJohn Lennon
A timeless, exquisite love song that continues to resonate with people across generations.
The vocals, blending gentleness with strength, deeply permeate the listener’s heart.
Included on the 1980 album Double Fantasy, it was released posthumously as a single in January 1981.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and No.
2 in the US, and entered the top 10 in many other countries, including Canada and New Zealand.
John Lennon created this piece as an expression of love for his wife, and its universal message of love continues to move countless people to this day.
When you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to give it a listen.
Billie JeanMichael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop.
His music has left an enormous legacy and continues to be loved around the world.
One of his iconic hits from the 80s, “Billie Jean,” pairs perfectly with the stunning visuals from the era when the concept of the music video was just beginning to take shape, creating an incredible atmosphere.
Play The GameQueen
The girl group Citizen Queen consistently delivers powerful messages centered on women’s empowerment.
In this work, themes focusing on romance and self-expression unfold, conveying positive messages and the importance of self-awareness to listeners.
Released in April 2021, this track further cemented their musical identity.
Drawing on their experience as the opening act for Pentatonix’s world tour, they showcase skills that stand strong on the biggest stages.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to value their individuality or needs a boost of positivity.
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.
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.”