[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 (1–10)
Take on Mea-ha
This is a 1985 single by the Norwegian band a-ha.
Both the lyrics and music were created by all the members, and the song became a huge hit worldwide and is still loved today.
Its animated music video also attracted attention, winning six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards.
Like a VirginMadonna
Released in 1984, this song is included on the album of the same name.
It’s a track that captivates many listeners, packed with her appeal not only in vocals but also in dance, performance, costumes, makeup, and music videos, reflecting her strong focus on visuals.
I Love Rock ‘n’ RollJoan Jett & The Blackhearts
Released in January 1982, this rock anthem cemented the popularity of American rock band Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
It was a massive hit, dominating the U.S.
singles chart at No.
1 for seven weeks.
The powerful guitar riff and rousing handclaps contain the kind of rock magic that gets your body moving before you even think about it.
The track is a single from the classic album “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” and some may remember it being featured in the film “10 Things I Hate About You.” Unconditional love for rock ’n’ roll and the joy of connecting with people through music—those pure feelings come straight to the heart, carried by a powerful vocal.
Why not give it a listen on a morning when you want to start your day on a high note?
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (11–20)
Take My Breath AwayBerlin
This is the award-winning ballad that served as the love theme for the 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun, honored with an Academy Award.
It was performed by the American band Berlin, with the composition handled by disco maestro Giorgio Moroder.
Teri Nunn’s passionate, soulful vocals leave a strong impression.
The bittersweet yet burning emotions of falling in love—so overwhelming you can hardly breathe—resonate warmly alongside the majestic synthesizer tones.
Released in June 1986, the song reached No.
1 on the U.S.
singles chart.
It’s sure to make a romantic evening with someone special even more dramatic.
I Miss YouKlymaxx
Klymaxx is an all-female R&B band from Los Angeles whose members play their own instruments and handle songwriting and production.
This work is a gem of a ballad written by keyboardist Lynn Malsby, based on her own experiences.
The pure feeling of still not being able to forget someone you’ve grown apart from and longing to see them again is something anyone who’s suffered heartbreak can painfully relate to.
Lead vocalist Joyce Irby’s poignant voice blends with the beautiful tones of the synthesizer, drawing you into a sentimental world.
Released as a single from the classic album “Meeting in the Ladies Room” in November 1985, the song reached No.
5 on the U.S.
charts and remained a hit for 29 weeks.
It may be the kind of song that gently keeps you company on nights when you want to sit quietly with your thoughts.
ThrillerMichael Jackson
If you’re talking about must-include mega-hits of the ’80s, it has to be “Thriller.” Its short-film-style music video, running over 13 minutes, was groundbreaking for its time and is said to have had a budget ten times that of a typical music video back then.
The 1982 album “Thriller,” which features this track, is recognized as the best-selling album of all time, and its sales continue to grow.
Manic MondayBangles
They reached No.
2 in the U.S.
in 1986.
When you think of girl bands that brightened the mid-to-late ’80s, it’s The Bangles.
The band is memorable for the cute vocals of Susanna Hoffs—the beauty who wielded a Rickenbacker guitar favored by John Lennon—and a favorite of Prince, who also wrote this song.
Musically, the Peterson sisters provided solid support, and they were first-rate as a rock band, with tight performances.
They went on to release numerous hits and are often cited not just as an emblematic ’80s act, but as one of the most successful girl bands in history.