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)
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.
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.
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor
Many people probably feel like running when they hear this song, don’t they? In addition to being used as the theme song for the Sylvester Stallone film Rocky III, it also served as the entrance theme for the famous professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.
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.
Nostalgic? Or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (61–70)
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.
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.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
He is an artist with numerous awards, including Grammy Awards.
In 1996, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A Japanophile, he owned a vacation home in Kyoto in the 1980s.
David Bowie, too, suddenly passed away in 2016.