[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 (141–150)
And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers
The Whispers, who created a classic that has long been cherished as a defining soul-disco sound of the ’80s.
Hailing from California, their October 1979 release is a masterpiece that sets a positive, forward-looking message about a breakup—one of life’s turning points—to an upbeat groove.
Its effective use of synthesizers made it a pivotal track symbolizing the transition from disco to post-disco.
In 2002, it was featured on the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, winning over a new generation of listeners.
With rhythms and melodies that feel right at home on the dance floor, it’s the perfect song for anyone ready to move forward.
A gem of a disco tune, dedicated to those who, while carrying a hint of heartache, want to take a bold new step.
Funky TownLipps Inc
Formed around Stephen Greenberg, who transitioned from being a wedding DJ, the American studio band Lipps Inc.
released this track as a single from their debut album “Mouth to Mouth” in March 1980.
It became a disco classic, conquering 28 countries worldwide and topping the Billboard chart for four consecutive weeks.
The song expresses a heartfelt desire to escape a dull everyday life and move to an energizing city.
Cynthia Johnson—who was crowned Miss Black Minnesota—delivers a powerful vocal performance that vividly conveys both a longing for the big city and an impatience with the status quo.
Many of you may remember it from its use in the film Shrek 2.
If you want to change your circumstances and take a step into somewhere new, this song will surely give you a push.
Material GirlMadonna
If Michael Jackson was the defining male artist of the ’80s, then wouldn’t Madonna be the defining diva of the ’80s? Even more than 30 years after her debut, her continued success truly makes her the “Queen of Pop.”
Don’t Wanna Lose YouGloria Estefan
It hit number one in the U.S.
in 1989.
It’s a killer ballad from her first solo album, Cuts Both Ways, after dropping the “Miami Sound Machine” name.
By this point, her ballads showcased her strengths even more than the early Latin dance tracks.
She’s truly outstanding, and her voice is fantastic! She was forced to take a hiatus after an unfortunate car accident, but she made a comeback and has continued a long, successful career.
The Spanish version is also wonderful.
Never Ending StoryLimahl
In the 1984 film The NeverEnding Story, the theme song—just like the film’s title—has no clear beginning or end.
It fades in and fades out, a structure that conveys the idea of being “never-ending.”
I wonder If I Take You HomeLisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force
Lisa Lisa was like a standard-bearer for the rising Hispanic presence in American society alongside Gloria Estefan.
Her powerful voice, emanating from her small frame, was popular even back then.
The cool sound—anchored by Full Force during the hip-hop boom—is always a joy to listen to.
It’s All A GameNational Pastime
Back in ’84, they were expected to be the next idol band after Kajagoogoo, but unfortunately they never really broke through.
Still, their sound is quintessentially ’80s! The catchy melodies and the clear, glassy synth tones feel remarkably fresh even today.
Heartbreak BeatThe Psychedelic Furs
With the insert song of the same name as the film Pretty in Pink, The Psychedelic Furs made a rapid leap onto the mainstream path.
Released as the title track of their 1987 album, the song is poppy and danceable, brimming with quintessential ’80s charm.
The black-and-white music video is cool, too!
Arthur’s ThemeChristopher Cross
Number one in the U.S.
in 1981.
The theme from the film “Arthur,” starring Liza Minnelli and Dudley Moore.
A collaboration by Carole Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach with C.
Cross.
Peter Allen’s name is also included, apparently because the lyric “when you get caught between the moon and New York City” was quoted from one of his works.
Come On EileenDexys Midnight Runners
It hit number one in the U.S.
in 1983.
The frontman, Kevin Rowland, came out of the punk scene, and it’s said that this song wasn’t really their usual style.
In the UK they had another hit, “Geno,” but in the U.S.
they shot to the top and then disappeared just as quickly—that’s the impression I have.
The music video was a bit odd too.
They showed up in overalls and bandanas.
Hippies? At first I even wondered if they were a jug band.
Still, the song itself is absolutely outstanding.