[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs

Flashdance… What A FeelingIrene Cara

Irene Cara – Flashdance What A Feeling (Official Music Video)

This is a signature song by Irene Cara, used as the theme for the hit 1983 film Flashdance.

Even if you can’t place it at first, many people will recognize it as soon as the chorus comes in.

Besides the original, several cover versions became hits in Japan, and Namie Amuro also covered it in 2008.

Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne Crazy Train(Ozzfest 2010)

When it comes to Black Sabbath, the band is often regarded as the origin of heavy metal.

After leaving Black Sabbath, vocalist Ozzy Osbourne formed his own band and released the album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980.

The track “Crazy Train” from this album is not only one of his signature songs, but also a classic packed with the appeal of hard rock, including its guitar solo.

Holding Back The YearsSimply Red

Simply Red – Holding Back The Years (Official 4K Remaster)

It hit No.

1 in the U.S.

in 1986—this was their breakthrough.

Simply Red kept scoring hits with the soulful vocals of their red-haired frontman, Mick Hucknall.

In Japan, there was quite a buzz around Gota Yashiki joining the band as their drummer around the time of another hit, Stars.

In 1989, they reached No.

1 in the U.S.

with their cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ If You Don’t Know Me by Now.

Mick is great at soul covers, too.

The up-tempo Money’s Too Tight (to Mention) and The Right Thing are also excellent tracks.

Slow an’ EasyWhitesnake

Whitesnake – Slow an’ Easy

Formed by David Coverdale in 1977 after Deep Purple disbanded.

The 1980s marked a period of breakthrough as they expanded into the United States, and this first release on Geffen Records became a major hit album, achieving double platinum status.

Up Where We BelongJoe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

Up Where We Belong

It was number one in the U.S.

in 1982.

This classic plays at the end of the film An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger.

“An Officer and a Gentleman” is the original title; “officer” is used in the sense of a commissioned military officer.

The song was written by Will Jennings and the renowned Jack Nitzsche.

When it comes to duets, you think of Jennifer Warnes, and the legendary Joe Cocker’s voice blends with hers superbly.

I Wanna Be AdoredThe Stone Roses

The Stone Roses – I Wanna Be Adored (Official Video)

This is a signature track from The Stone Roses’ debut album, said to have had a major influence on later British rock bands such as Oasis.

The title means “I want to be adored,” and the song conveys a message about not pretending to be someone you’re not and having confidence in yourself.

Undercover Of The NightThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Undercover Of The Night – OFFICIAL PROMO (EXPLICIT)

It’s a dance number by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones, where tense, urgent percussion intertwines with razor-sharp guitars.

Released in October 1983, it was the lead single from the album Undercover.

Its hard-edged groove, infused with New Wave and funk influences, has the power to set the dance floor ablaze.

Yet the lyrics ride that beat to depict political violence and oppression lurking in the night, lending the song a serious theme that sets it apart from a mere party track and gives it distinctive depth and thrill.

This bold sound, steered by Mick Jagger, almost seems to reflect the internal tensions within the band at the time.

It’s a perfect pick for an intelligent, cool, grown-up party night.