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)
CenterfoldThe J. Geils Band
The song released in 1981 marked a major turning point in the J.
Geils Band’s career.
It spent six consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s first big hit.
It can be considered one of the defining tracks of the ’80s, standing alongside artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.
Its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm are striking and will lift your spirits the moment you hear it.
It was also used in a Suzuki “ALTO” commercial, so many people may recognize it.
It’s a perfect track for a drive and a great pick when you want a change of pace.
ARTHR’S THEME (BEST THAT YOU CAN DO)Christopher Cross
A gemlike ballad that sings of love and dreams against the backdrop of a moonlit New York night.
Released in 1981 as the theme song for the film “Arthur,” this piece won both an Academy Award and a Grammy and remains one of Christopher Cross’s signature songs, beloved by many to this day.
His sweet, wistful vocals and the piano’s tones seep into the heart, beautifully capturing the feelings of people wavering between dreams and reality.
The song reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Gold certification.
It’s perfect for those struggling with love or for moments when you want to reminisce about someone special.
Wrapped in Cross’s voice, why not spend a dreamy moment yourself, somewhere between the moon and New York City?
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.
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.
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!.
Waiting On A FriendThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a British rock band that has been active from the 1960s to the present.
This song is included on the 1981 album Tattoo You, and features Mick Jagger delivering a subdued vocal performance.
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.