[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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- Dance music in Japanese (J-pop) that people in their 50s used to listen to. Nostalgic classic hits.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (111–120)
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.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (121–130)
Welcome To The JungleGuns N’ Roses
With razor-sharp guitar riffs and scream-like vocals that stir the listener’s instincts, this is a shocking track by Guns N’ Roses.
Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, which features this song, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
It powerfully portrays the fear of young people thrown into the urban jungle and their descent into chaos.
Since its release as a single in the UK in September 1987, it has colored countless forms of media, including the film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and various games.
When you want to blast away the boredom of everyday life or push yourself to the limit, listening to it will ignite the fighting spirit within.
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.
First LoveStryper
When it comes to Christian metal bands from the ’80s, it has to be Stryper.
This track showcases Michael Sweet’s powerful high notes ringing out.
With its truly divine melodic lines, it’s a masterpiece that will captivate even those who aren’t metal fans.
Owner Of A Lonely HeartYES
It’s a song by the British rock band YES, released in 1983.
In stark contrast to their previous progressive sound, it has a pop-rock style, and it has been featured frequently in commercials and anime in Japan.
Hands To HeavenBreathe
A splendid ballad that even exudes a solemn atmosphere, praying to God for a reunion with a loved one.
It’s the signature song of Breeze, a pop band from London.
Beyond the song’s beauty, the striking good looks of the vocalist, David Glasper, also drew considerable attention at the time.
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.