Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
Aerosmith, Queen, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC…
From the legendary Western rock that defined the 1980s, here are the classic and hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
It’s a mighty playlist by rock giants who rewrote the history of music worldwide.
Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the '80s (1–10)
Back In BlackAC/DC
This song, included on their sixth album Back In Black released in 1980, is one of their signature works.
This album was the first after Brian Johnson joined the band, replacing Bon Scott, who had died in an accident.
It was a massive hit, selling around 49 million copies.
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
This song, included on their 1983 release Synchronicity, reached number one on the Billboard chart.
The Police emerged in Britain during the height of the late-’70s punk rock and new wave movements, and with their distinctive style of incorporating reggae into rock, they were also known as “white reggae.”
Another One Bites the DustQueen
A song by the legendary British rock band Queen.
With its recurring bass phrase and catchy guitar chopping, it’s an unusual, Black-music-style number for Queen.
Released as a single at Michael Jackson’s suggestion, the track became a worldwide hit and one of Queen’s signature songs.
Take on mea-ha
A song by the Norwegian trio band a-ha.
With a catchy keyboard intro and an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm, it’s a refreshing track.
Its layered choral work feels pleasant—just listening to it makes your heart dance—and it stands as one of the Western pop numbers that symbolize the dawn of the 1980s.
AngelAerosmith
This song, included on their ninth album, Permanent Vacation, released in 1987, reached No.
3 on the U.S.
charts the following year.
In Japan, it was also used as the opening theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama.
At the time, the band was hailed as one of the “Big Three” of rock—KISS, Queen, and Aerosmith.