[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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- 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 (31–40)
Union Of The SnakeDuran Duran
They are a British band that made one of the biggest contributions to the MTV boom of the 1980s.
In Japan in particular, they enjoyed idol-like popularity and produced a string of hits.
The late Princess Diana was reportedly a fan.
Despite multiple lineup changes, the band is still active today.
Run To YouBryan Adams
A single released ahead of the album from Canadian singer Bryan Adams’s fourth album, Reckless, which came out in 1984.
It reached No.
6 on the US charts.
The powerful yet wistful vocals and the supporting beat leave a strong impression.
Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson
Reached No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1989 and ranked 13th on the year-end chart.
Along with Tiffany, she helped lead the teenage idol boom that suddenly erupted in the mid-to-late ’80s.
While Tiffany had a more exotic look, Debbie was a quintessential blonde white girl, which made for an interesting contrast.
She writes and produces her own songs, and I’ve heard she was trained from a young age to succeed in show business.
This song is also a thoroughly dreamy, girlish ballad, but that actually works in its favor—it’s one of the finest ballads of the ’80s.
Do They Know It’s ChristmasBand Aid
A charity project formed by bringing together stars from the UK and Ireland.
Inspired by this project, initiatives such as USA for Africa and Live Aid were formed and held in the United States, triggering a major charity boom.
Heaven Is a Place On EarthBelinda Carlisle
This is the song “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” released in 1987.
It’s sung by Belinda Carlisle, a singer who was extremely popular in Japan at the time.
Her soaring, electrifying voice captivated the world.
Although it was released in 1987, it’s still a classic that you often hear on TV and elsewhere even today!
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (41–50)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics
Sweet Dreams, a hit in 1983.
Its distinctive intro and interlude stick in your ears, and once you hear it, you can’t get it out of your head.
The cool electropop sound gained popularity and reached No.
1 in the U.S.
One of its draws was the androgynous, beautiful female vocals.
Video Killed The Radio StarThe Buggles
This is the song “Video Killed the Radio Star,” released in 1979 by the British new wave group The Buggles.
Its catchy melody and playful arrangement captured the hearts of many.
From radio to television—it’s a song that perfectly captures a shift in the times.
It’s a nostalgic classic, so if you sing it at karaoke with foreign friends, it’s sure to be a hit!