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 (21–30)
The Final CountdownEurope
A Swedish band.
This song, included on their third album The Final Countdown, was their first single.
It reached number one on the charts in Europe and peaked at number 25 on the U.S.
Billboard chart.
In Japan, it is often used at sporting events and the like, so many people will find it familiar.
OneMetallica
One of Metallica’s signature songs included on their fourth album, “…And Justice for All,” released in 1988.
The track was nominated in the Rock category at the 1989 Grammy Awards, and garnered attention for its music video in collaboration with the film “Johnny Got His Gun.” In 2016, the band released “Hardwired…To Self-Destruct,” their first new album in eight years.
Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (31–40)
Start Me UpThe Rolling Stones
This is the Stones’ signature work from the 1980s, reigning as the champions of the rock world.
During this era, some said the Stones leaned too far into commercialism with large-scale stadium tours, but they remain the greatest band in the world to this day.
Open ArmsJourney
A song by Journey, a rock band from San Francisco, USA, also known as a leading act of American progressive hard rock.
It begins with vocals over a beautiful piano melody, the band layers in as it heads toward the chorus, and the sound swells dramatically in the chorus—a classic power ballad.
Covered by many artists including Mariah Carey, it is one of the quintessential Western pop numbers of the 1980s.
Comfortably numbPink Floyd
A masterpiece by Progressive Rock giants Pink Floyd.
This song, included on “The Walls,” released in 1989, was issued as a single the following year.
Pink Floyd’s lyrical yet dreamlike musicality reflects their uniquely distinctive worldview.
Wrapped Around Your FingerThe Police
A song by The Police, a UK band that was groundbreaking at the time for blending rock and reggae.
The relaxed, reggae-tinged groove contrasted with the tight, rock-band rhythm creates an atmosphere that was rare in the 1980s music scene.
Its beautiful melody and harmonies riding on the distinctive rhythm make it an addictive Western pop number.
AfricaTOTO
This song, included on their fourth album released in 1982, “Toto IV,” became one of Toto’s signature works by reaching No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
In Japan, the band’s name is associated with a toilet manufacturer, but in fact the name is a play on the members’ names and is unrelated.