[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)
Chariots of FireVangelis
The theme song from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which won Best Picture and Best Original Score at the 54th Academy Awards.
It’s a signature masterpiece by Vangelis, a world-renowned composer who has worked not only on original albums but also on numerous film, television, and stage scores.
Just hearing the main phrase is likely to make most people feel they’ve heard it at least once.
Back in BlackAC/DC
It’s the song “Back in Black,” released in 1980 by the legendary rock band AC/DC, whose guitarist’s shorts and high-pitched vocals are trademarks.
The aggressive guitar riff is especially memorable.
It’s also a standard tune musicians jam on.
It’s an irresistible track for the generation of rock-loving moms and dads.
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.
Rush HourJane Wiedlin
Jane, who played rhythm guitar for the Go-Go’s—the first all-female rock band to reach No.
1 on the U.S.
charts—didn’t achieve the same solo breakout as Belinda Carlisle after the band split, but she did reach No.
9 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this song.
It showcases a fresh, wholesome style of girl-pop that’s distinct from Belinda’s.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (111–120)
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.
Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)Pink Floyd
The music video is notable for its strong social message.
This track is among Pink Floyd’s biggest hits of the 1980s.
They still have a devoted fan base, but their highly progressive style was not universally embraced.
However, this song is different.
It can’t exactly be called catchy, yet it was highly regarded by many.