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 (41–50)
POWER OF LOVEHuey Lewis & The News
It’s the theme song of the smash-hit film “Back to the Future,” and in Japan it’s also well known as the Honda Integra commercial song.
Starting with a slightly earthy verse, it makes a brilliant turn into a synth-tinged, poppy chorus.
Is There Something I Should Know?Duran Duran
Released in 1983, this song became Duran Duran’s first UK number-one hit.
Centered on a troubled romantic relationship, it expresses doubts and anxieties toward a lover.
Nick Rhodes’s distinctive keyboard sound stands out, showcasing the band’s unique blend of pop and rock.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the music video juxtaposes surreal color and black-and-white imagery and was hugely popular on MTV in 1983.
During the 1983/84 Seven and the Ragged Tiger tour, it was reportedly performed as the opening song.
It’s a perfect track for anyone grappling with complicated love, and you may discover something new each time you listen.
Break My StrideMatthew Wilder
Matthew Wilder, a new wave musician and a figure from the music genre that was popular in the 1980s.
His music consisted of pop songs that boldly incorporated synthesizers, known as synth-pop.
While synthesizers are mainstream now, back then they were novel and cutting-edge instruments.
Caribbean Queen (No More Love On the Run)Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean is a British soul and R&B singer.
His soulful voice captivated countless listeners, but it was the disco boom of the ’80s when his music truly shone.
The boom, of course, reached Japan as well, and he was a legendary singer who helped shape the mood of the discos that young people flocked to night after night.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
Released in 1986, this track became Bon Jovi’s first No.
1 hit in the United States.
Jon Bon Jovi’s powerful vocals and the catchy chorus are especially memorable.
The lyrics, centering on betrayal in love and emotional scars, resonated with many listeners.
As the lead single from the album “Slippery When Wet,” it propelled the band to international superstardom.
Its energetic sound is packed with elements that epitomize the rock scene of the ’80s.
With a universal message that speaks to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or betrayal, it’s perfect for a drive or whenever you want to lift your mood.
With or Without YouU2
This was the breakthrough work of the globally successful rock band U2.
The vocalist Bono is also known as a philanthropist.
Later on, they would score hits such as Elevation, which featured in the film Tomb Raider, and Vertigo, known as the song from the iPod commercials.
Crazy for YouMadonna
Madonna, the American singer known as the “Queen of Pop.” This work is a signature ballad that reinvented her image and led her into new territory.
It was the first time the dance-pop star delivered a tender love song, expressing in a straightforward way the uncontrollable, passionate feelings of falling head over heels for someone.
Produced in March 1985 as the theme song for the film Vision Quest, it reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts in May of the same year.
It also became the milestone that earned Madonna her first Grammy nomination.
If you listen to it while experiencing a bittersweet romance, it will surely resonate with your heart.
Its sweet, romantic melody evokes the dazzling nights of the 1980s.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper
It’s a song that has become a standard number, having been covered by numerous artists and used repeatedly in commercials.
Cyndi Lauper, who is also known as a great admirer of Japan, has even appeared on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Girls Just Want to Have FunCyndi Lauper
A quintessential dance-pop classic of the 1980s that symbolizes freedom and liberation.
Cyndi Lauper’s dazzling vocals are unforgettable.
Released on her 1983 debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” the song reached the top 10 in more than 25 countries worldwide.
Its music video—shot in New York’s Lower East Side—caused a stir on MTV at the time and won Best Female Video at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards.
With lyrics celebrating women’s independence and empowerment, it resonated with many and became an anthem of the feminist movement.
It’s the perfect track to liven up parties and events.
Nothing’s Gonna Stop LoveStarship
It’s their signature song, which became the theme for the comedy film “Mannequin” and reached No.
1 in the U.S.
It’s a slow-tempo rock number, but the build-up from the guitar solo in the latter half through the key change is excellent.
Their other hit song, “San Francisco Is a Rock City,” is also well-known from morning news programs, much like Wham!.