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.
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Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (61–70)
Born In The U.S.Bruce Springsteen
A hit song from the 1985 album “Born in the U.S.A.” In the United States, the song’s patriotic overtones became widely emphasized and it was even used in election campaigns, but it was originally written under the influence of his friends who were victims of the Vietnam War and returning veterans.
Breaking The LawJudas Priest
A song by Judas Priest, the heavy metal band from England featuring vocalist Rob Halford, known by the nickname “Metal God.” It’s a quintessential heavy metal number where the Metal God’s high-pitched vocals ride over a heavy rhythm and noisy guitars.
Thanks to its simple song structure, the vocals are easy to appreciate, resulting in a catchy track.
Keep On Loving YouREO Speed Wagon
This is the song with which REO Speedwagon—hard-working musicians who spent over a decade tirelessly touring live across the United States, earning a strong reputation on stage but struggling to land a hit—finally reached number one on the U.S.
charts.
It features a pop sound, and the lyrics are a straightforward love song.
Heat Of The MomentASIA
A song by Asia, a progressive rock band from England.
It starts with a rhythm that foregrounds irregular time signatures, then shifts to a standard 4/4 in the vocal sections, creating tension across the whole track.
Featuring the kind of sophisticated performance you’d expect from a supergroup of successful musicians, it’s a piece that epitomizes the progressive scene of the 1980s.
About A GirlNirvana
Nirvana, the band that emerged from Washington State in the late ’80s and brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.
Contrary to the intense sound typically associated with grunge, this track resonates with a poppy, beautiful melody reminiscent of the Beatles.
The small misunderstandings and frustrations of living with a partner come through painfully in Kurt Cobain’s languid yet gentle voice.
Included on their 1989 debut album Bleach, some may have discovered it through the 1994 acoustic live recording.
It’s a song that, when listened to at a time when a relationship has started to feel “normal,” can make you realize anew just how much the other person means to you.
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
The Eagles are a legendary country rock band that revolutionized the American music scene.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, they captivated the world with a unique sound that fused country, folk, pop, and more.
From the outset they produced numerous hits, winning a Grammy in 1975 for One of These Nights.
Their 1976 album Hotel California sold over 32 million copies worldwide and became their signature work.
Despite lineup changes and a breakup, they reunited in 1994.
With six Grammy wins and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they have left a brilliant legacy.
Their powerful, beautifully harmonized vocals and polished musicianship are recommended not only for rock fans but for anyone seeking comfortable, satisfying music.
The ReflexDuran Duran
A song by Duran Duran, the British rock band that helped ignite the New Romantic movement and the MTV boom in the 1980s.
With its bright, flamboyant style layered with luxurious choruses, it’s a number that centers on a band-driven sound while also featuring the characteristically New Romantic, pleasing synthesizer tones.