[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 (21–30)
Separate WaysJourney
Despite their long career, they shot to fame in the 1980s by churning out a string of hits.
After the addition of the renowned vocalist Steve Perry, they achieved tremendous success as a commercial rock act.
This song is one of their signature works, notable for its striking intro.
Hard to Say I’m SorryCHICAGO
It’s one of the signature songs by the American rock band Chicago, released in 1982.
Departing from their earlier soft rock style, the song marked a major shift in musical direction by centering on synthesizers and electric guitar.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (31–40)
We Built This CityStarship
US number one in 1985.
This song was chosen as the first single when Jefferson Airplane—the prestigious band synonymous with San Francisco—overcame repeated lineup changes and other challenges, restarted under the simpler name “Starship,” and went on to earn the first number-one hit in the band’s long history.
The song was written by Martin Page—also known for Heart’s “These Dreams”—and Bernie Taupin, who is famous for his work with Elton John.
Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley
This is a song released in 1987 as the debut single of British singer Rick Astley.
He gained popularity with his soulful vocals and became one of the defining pop stars of the ’80s.
Although the music video now feels quite dated, it was widely used in the 2000s as the target of prank links on overseas internet forums, which ultimately led to a revival hit for the track.
Easy LoverPhilip Bailey, Phil Colins
This is the song “Easy Lover,” released in 1984.
It’s a dream collaboration between American R&B singer Philip Bailey and British rock vocalist Phil Collins.
With soulful vocals and a funky rhythm infused with rock elements, it’s an incredibly cool track!
Beat ItMichael Jackson
A re-cut single from Michael Jackson’s smash-hit album Thriller.
For the music video, rival LA street gangs, the Crips and the Bloods, were cast, creating a highly volatile filming environment.
Because they could only shoot once, a famous outtake among fans—where Michael steps on Mr.
Peters’s foot while he’s standing next to him in a white outfit—ended up being used.
Girls Just Want to Have FunCyndi Lauper
Released in 1983 as Cyndi Lauper’s first major single, it spawned more than 38 versions including promotional ones.
It became a hit, reaching No.
2 in both the U.S.
and the U.K., and is also known for later having its lyrics rewritten from a male perspective to a female perspective.