[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs
The 1980s brought changes to music history and had a huge influence on later musicians.
Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire…
Even those who didn’t live through the era can sink into a sense of nostalgia that feels familiar somehow.
Compared to modern songs, the classics of the ’80s often boast purer song quality and stronger musical structure—or, seen another way, the larger market meant bigger budgets, letting you enjoy luxuriously produced sounds.
Find a favorite track and really dive into it!
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[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (101–110)
It’s Still Rock and Roll to MeBilly Joel
A singer-songwriter, vocalist, pianist, and composer—he wears many hats and is undoubtedly one of the defining artists of the 1970s and 1980s.
Following his 1970s signature song “Piano Man,” this rock ’n’ roll track became a massive hit in the ’80s as well.
His music is loved across generations and has been covered by many artists, making him one of the greats who have influenced the history of music.
I’m Coming OutDiana Ross
Producer Nile Rodgers, upon learning that Diana Ross was hugely popular with gay audiences, thought it would be interesting to incorporate language familiar to the gay community into the lyrics, and created this song.
Although Diana Ross initially disliked the track, it ultimately became a big hit, and she eventually made it a staple to perform at the opening of her shows.
(Just Like) Starting OverJohn Lennon
1980 was the year John Lennon departed this world.
Before that tragic incident, Lennon had released the comeback album Double Fantasy under the name John Lennon & Yoko Ono, and this song was issued as its lead single.
It’s a classic that, while evoking the vintage rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s, also conveys a maturity befitting his age.
Bitter Is BetterKim Wilde
A song that frequently played on TV in 1982 as a soft drink commercial jingle.
They say the manufacturer was flooded with inquiries asking, “Who is that beauty?” Kim’s sexy vocals—she was even called Madonna’s rival at the time—are striking.
The composition and production were by Masami Tsuchiya of Ippu-Do.
Stray Cat StrutStray cats
From the late 1970s through the ’80s, Brian Setzer became the musician who epitomized the neo-rockabilly boom.
He also thrived with the big band The Brian Setzer Orchestra, but many people probably still prefer him in the three-piece band Stray Cats.
In his early twenties back then, with his blond pompadour perfectly styled, he always looked incredibly cool.
Last ChristmasWham!
They are a duo formed in the UK as a student band.
They gained popularity from their debut, and songs like “Careless Whisper,” which was also covered in Japan, are well-known.
The song released as a single in the same year has since become a classic Christmas standard.
George Michael passed away in 2016.
Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A
A landmark track by the American hip-hop group N.W.A that delivered a scathing critique of the police and laid bare the realities of the streets, shocking society.
Opening the classic 1988 album Straight Outta Compton, this song features powerful lyrics that pierce the heart, declaring pride in their roots and a tough way of life.
Its content was so provocative that the FBI even sent a warning letter—pure defiance against injustice.
It later became known for playing a key role as the theme song of their biographical film Straight Outta Compton.
If you’re feeling stifled by society, listening to this might give you the strength to stand firm in the face of any adversity.
Undercover Of The NightThe Rolling Stones
It’s a dance number by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones, where tense, urgent percussion intertwines with razor-sharp guitars.
Released in October 1983, it was the lead single from the album Undercover.
Its hard-edged groove, infused with New Wave and funk influences, has the power to set the dance floor ablaze.
Yet the lyrics ride that beat to depict political violence and oppression lurking in the night, lending the song a serious theme that sets it apart from a mere party track and gives it distinctive depth and thrill.
This bold sound, steered by Mick Jagger, almost seems to reflect the internal tensions within the band at the time.
It’s a perfect pick for an intelligent, cool, grown-up party night.
Let It WhipDazz Band
A classic that topped the R&B chart.
Formed in Ohio, the band took its name from “danceable jazz,” becoming The Dazz Band and racking up hit after hit.
With a fresh sound and groove that have been loved for many years, they’ve continued performing in recent years as well, and this track always fires up clubs and discos.
Released in 1982.
Money For NothingDire Straits
It topped the U.S.
charts in 1985.
It was the very first song aired when MTV Europe launched in 1987.
When the music video’s computer graphics appeared, many music fans were astonished.
The song is also known for having Sting as a co-writer; he was reportedly invited to join the recording while he happened to be vacationing on the island of Montserrat.