[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 (111–120)
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.
Don’t Answer MeThe Alan Parsons Project
In the 1980s, the heyday of MTV, this music video was especially impactful.
It’s a ballad by The Alan Parsons Project, known for their hit “Eye in the Sky.” The comic book–style visuals pair perfectly with the nostalgic melody—a classic that epitomizes a bright, optimistic era.
Darlin’ IVanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams, a former Miss America who continues to thrive as a model, actress, and singer.
This is a classic on par with her huge ’80s hit “Save The Best For Last.” An R&B ballad with an air of mature allure, included on the album “The Right Stuff.”
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.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-GoWham!
Wham! had enjoyed idol-like popularity since the early ’80s, but with this song they aimed for a cheerful image makeover and became even bigger stars.
The track—released in Japan under the title “Ukiki Wake Me Up”—was included on the album Make It Big, which became a global smash and spent a total of 11 weeks at No.
1 on Japan’s international album chart.
Not only the song but also the shirts featured in the music video sparked a craze.
Gimme All Your Lovin’ZZ Top
The American blues-rock band ZZ Top, active since the ’70s, struck gold in the ’80s with their “techno boogie” direction.
This album became a legendary smash hit in the United States, selling 10 million copies.
Today, they’re regarded as a nationally beloved Southern rock band.
Somebody’s Watching MeRockwell
That unforgettable classic with the striking phrase, “Is somebody watching me?”—the one you can’t help but hum.
Known as the signature song of Rockwell, a formidable talent and son of the founder of Motown, it’s famous for the anecdote that he secured his record deal without revealing his father’s name.
Released in December 1983, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the U.S.
charts.
The juxtaposition of paranoid lyrics—as if under constant surveillance—with a danceable, catchy synth-funk sound is brilliant.
And on the standout chorus, none other than Michael Jackson lends his vocals.
Featured on his debut album, Somebody’s Watching Me, this track is perfect for Halloween season or whenever you’re in the mood for a little thrill.