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 (51–60)
FreedomWham!
This song is based on the original version George wrote when he was 19.
The music video features footage from his visit to China, and the concert held in China in 1985 was the first ever by a Western artist.
Like a VirginMadonna
I think many people who aren’t familiar with Western music still know Madonna.
This globally famous artist is still releasing music, and recently stirred up public attention with a pop, hard-hitting music video that shows no signs of her age.
Let’s Go CrazyPrince
He created a unique world of his own as “Prince” that couldn’t be fully expressed within any single genre, and he had a profound influence on later artists.
Although he is an extremely renowned artist, he was once ranked No.
1 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 25 Most Underrated Guitarists in History.
I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder
This is a ballad distinguished by Stevie Wonder’s warm vocals and soothing melody.
Released in 1984, it reached No.
1 on 19 charts.
As the lead single from the soundtrack album for the film “The Woman in Red,” it won both the Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Rather than celebrating a special occasion, the song conveys a message of unconditional love.
This timeless ballad warms the hearts of its listeners and continues to be cherished by many fans today.
If you have strong vocal ability, why not try singing this song? It’s sure to resonate with your audience.
We are the WorldUSA For Africa
It’s a charity song featuring various artists that addresses hunger in Africa.
The chorus is so famous that it’s even included in music textbooks.
The lyrics were written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and the composition was handled by Quincy Jones.
Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter TonightStarship
Starship, which split off from Jefferson Starship.
Their biggest 80s hit “Sara” is well known, but afterward this song, also released as a single from the same album, charted as well.
It’s an up-tempo love song that gently speaks to a woman struggling with life.
A Night To RememberShalamar
This is a landmark of post-disco sound created in January 1982 by Shalamar, one of America’s leading R&B groups.
Its catchy melody line and groove-laden rhythm made it an iconic track that electrified dance floors.
Released as a single from the album “Friends,” it reached No.
44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
5 in the UK.
The song was also used in a commercial for the Harvester restaurant chain and featured in the TV series “Girlfriends.” With its shimmering blend of synthesizers and a funky bassline, it offers the full thrill of 80s disco.
Whether you love dance music or need a guaranteed party-pleaser, this track won’t disappoint.
Dancing In the DarkBruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is an American musician with an astonishing record of having sold over 100 million records.
He is a musician who will surely appear on any timeline when discussing music of the 1970s and 1980s.
His appeal lies in rock sung with a sexy flair, in a style influenced by R&B.
More Than WordsExtreme
This song is known for its beautiful acoustic guitar tone.
Although the band is extremely famous for this track, they’re actually a full-on hard rock band featuring guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, well-known among rock fans.
Purple RainPrince
Following the release of the album Purple Rain, the eponymous film that marked Prince’s acting debut also drew major attention, winning both an Academy Award and a Grammy.
He achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one simultaneously with a single, an album, and a film—the first time since The Beatles.