[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)
Give Me The NightGeorge Benson
Released in the summer of 1980, Give Me The Night was produced by Quincy Jones.
It reached number one on both the soul and jazz album charts.
A classic anthem, it could be heard multiple times in a single night at the disco.
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.
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.
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.
