[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 (161–170)
West End GirlsPet Shop Boys
This track from Pet Shop Boys’ debut studio album released in 1986 breathed new life into dance music as a fresh electronic pop song at the time.
It was also performed by them at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.
The cool, stylish delivery—more spoken and measured than belted—really stands out.
Make It RealThe Jets
A sibling band from Minneapolis that was a big hit in the ’80s.
You don’t hear this one as often as their U.S.
No.
1 “You Got It All,” but it’s another heartbreak song full of melancholy.
The group’s appeal, above all, lies in the overwhelming vocal power of Elizabeth.
They Don’t KnowTracey Ullman
As an actress, Tracey Ullman continues to be active in films and TV dramas.
Her nostalgia-filled music video truly showcases her acting prowess.
Her comedic performance is irresistibly cute.
And there’s even a surprise appearance at the end by the real Paul McCartney.
SledgehammerPeter Gabriel
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1986.
He left Genesis in 1975 due to family reasons, despite having established a solid position in the British prog scene.
Genesis, having lost their leader, went on to great success thanks to the contributions of the later-joining Phil Collins.
Meanwhile, he continued to release high-quality works that appealed to connoisseurs.
Just when it seemed he had nothing to do with the charts, this song became a big hit.
The clay-animation music video was mind-blowing.
What I Like About YouThe Romantics
The Romantics is a band from Detroit, USA, whose name is said to have been inspired by the fact that they formed on Valentine’s Day.
They struggled to score hits for a while, but finally caught fire in their seventh year.
Their popularity surged in Japan at the time as well, and they even performed there.
I Can Dream About YouDan Hartman
It reached No.
6 on the U.S.
charts in 1984.
In the film “Streets of Fire,” starring Diane Lane and Michael Paré, it’s presented as a number performed late in the story by the Black doo-wop group the Sorels.
Dan was originally a musician specializing in soul and dance styles and was talented enough to have been a member of the Edgar Winter Group.
He has also provided many compositions, and his most famous work as a composer is “Living in America,” sung by James Brown in the film “Rocky IV,” which reached No.
4 in the U.S.
Still of the NightWhitesnake
The band formed by David Coverdale, who made his mark as the vocalist of Deep Purple, is Whitesnake.
The lineup changed frequently, and even after the release of the hugely successful 1987 album “Whitesnake,” the members were completely replaced.
The musicians who appear in the music video for “Still of the Night,” included on this album, were not part of the recording lineup, but later officially joined the band.
Tryin’ To Kill A Saturday NightKeane
A group centered around the Keane brothers, Tom and John, it was also known as TOTO’s younger-brother band.
Remarkably, Tom and John, who handled all the writing, composing, and performing, were still teenagers at the time.
They continue to be active as producers today.
A masterpiece highly regarded not only by rock fans but also as AOR.
Especially For YouKylie Minogue & Jason Donovan
A pop ballad duet by Kylie Minogue, an ’80s songstress on par with Madonna, and Jason Donovan, a popular actor and singer from Australia like her.
The collaboration between these two top idols of the time became a major talking point.
Shy BoyBananarama
When you think of Bananarama, their hit song “Venus” is the most famous.
But they have plenty of underrated gems, including this early track.
The trio’s laid-back harmonies and unique fashion are their trademarks, and their music videos served as style inspiration for ’80s girls.