[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 (71–80)
Shout To The TopThe Style Council
This is a track from The Style Council’s second album, a group that enjoyed immense popularity as chic music of the 1980s.
As a British pop-rock band, it’s said that not only their music but also their fashion and very presence were objects of admiration for fans.
Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles
True to its quirky title, “Walk Like an Egyptian,” the music video drew attention for its amusing concept of people dancing a style called the Egyptian dance.
The creator, Liam Sternberg, has said he was inspired after seeing people boarding a ferry in the English Channel walking while trying to keep their balance.
Got My Mind Set on YouGeorge Harrison
A former member of The Beatles.
You could say this is one of his signature songs as a solo musician.
He released many tracks as a solo artist even after The Beatles disbanded, so be sure to check them out!
Naughty NaughtyJohn Parr
In 1984, John Parr debuted with the dubious tagline of a “rocker with amnesia.” The theme song for the film St.
Elmo’s Fire became a huge hit in the U.S., and for some reason the song alone became well-known in Japan as well.
Meanwhile, this debut track strikes a perfect balance between a cool melody and a goofy music video.
RelaxFrankie Goes To Hollywood
Their debut single “Relax” was banned by many broadcasters in various countries at the time due to issues with its lyrics.
However, its powerful sound gained popularity, and it has been included in disco compilations and compilation CDs as one of the defining hits of the ’80s.
In Japan, it’s so famous that the chorus alone has even been used in commercials.
When Doves CryPrince
Purple Rain, the masterpiece by Prince, who passed away in 2016.
Released in 1984, the album became a massive hit, and its track When Doves Cry was also released as a single in Japan under the title “Beat ni Dakarete.” Its distinctive guitar intro and danceable rhythm still have a timeless appeal even today.
Down UnderMen At Work
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1983.
The band is an Australian group formed in 1979 around Colin Hay.
The album “Business as Usual,” which includes this song and “Who Can It Be Now?,” topped the U.S.
charts for 15 weeks.
They also won the Grammy for Best New Artist—truly the height of the “Down Under” boom.