[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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- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
- 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 (161–170)
One More TryGeorge Michael
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1988.
Following Wham!’s breakup and the No.
1 duet “I Knew You Were Waiting” with Aretha Franklin, his solo album was released and went on to become the No.
1 album on the year-end chart.
After reaching No.
2 with the first single “I Want Your Sex,” he achieved the remarkable feat of four consecutive No.
1 hits with “Faith,” “Father Figure,” this song, and “Monkey.”
Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)Haircut 100
This is a song called “Favourite Shirt (Boy Meets Girl)” by the British pop band Haircut 100, released in 1982.
It’s included on the album “Pelican West.” The crisp, choppy guitar cutting is really cool! It’s a packed track featuring a saxophone solo and even rap-style vocals.
Material GirlMadonna
If Michael Jackson was the defining male artist of the ’80s, then wouldn’t Madonna be the defining diva of the ’80s? Even more than 30 years after her debut, her continued success truly makes her the “Queen of Pop.”
9 to 5Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton, a celebrated American singer-songwriter who also wears many hats as an actress and author.
This song, with its dazzling arrangement and catchy melody, was a massive hit released during the period when she, known as a leading figure in country music, moved closer to pop.
It served as the theme song for the film “9 to 5,” in which she also appeared.
For many, hearing the song instantly brings the movie to mind.
When I Think Of YouJanet Jackson
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1986.
It was a big hit from the album Control, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who reached the pinnacle as dance/R&B producers in the ’80s.
Both Janet and the duo used this work as a stepping stone to become top stars.
Incidentally, they became the first siblings to each score separate No.
1 hits in the U.S.
The music video, styled like a musical, was also outstanding.
Safety DanceMen Without Hats
This song has invited various interpretations, but the band member Stefan has said it’s about being anti-establishment.
The right to sing the way you want and dance the way you want—Men Without Hats, who sang and shouted about things like this, were not blessed with many hits and ceased band activities in 1991.
Creeping DeathMetallica
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Metallica, the American heavy metal band, is the most famous metal band.
Their low-slung Explorers are still the object of admiration for many guitarists.
All the members have long hair—they’re intense, rugged, and utterly cool.