[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 (41–50)
I’m In the Mood for DancingThe Nolans
This song by The Nolans, a vocal group of sisters from Ireland, was released in 1979 and became a hit in Japan under the Japanese title “Dancing Sister.” Since then, it’s been used in commercials and TV dramas in Japan, so you’ve probably heard it at least once.
In fact, there’s also a Japanese-language version of the song, and it was performed on shows overseas as well.
CenterfoldThe J. Geils Band
When leader J.
Geils formed the band in ’67, they were a blues-rock outfit, but after signing with EMI in the ’80s they changed their musical style, and this track, released in ’81, reached No.
1 in the U.S.
It was also a hit in Japan under the Japanese title “Ochita Tenshi” (Fallen Angel) and was used in commercials.
Believe It or NotJoey Scarbury
The theme song of the American hit drama “The Greatest American Hero,” which also aired in Japan.
It’s a wacky comedy about an unremarkable high school teacher who acquires a red super-suit and fights evil, but the unexpectedly catchy and beautiful melody is very pleasing to the ear.
FreedomWham!
Released in 1984 by the British pop duo Wham!, this song reached No.
1 in the UK and No.
3 in the US.
It features a catchy melody that makes you want to hum along.
Its upbeat, lively rhythm will have you itching to dance.
Somebody’s Watching MeRockwell
That unforgettable classic with the striking phrase, “Is somebody watching me?”—the one you can’t help but hum.
Known as the signature song of Rockwell, a formidable talent and son of the founder of Motown, it’s famous for the anecdote that he secured his record deal without revealing his father’s name.
Released in December 1983, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the U.S.
charts.
The juxtaposition of paranoid lyrics—as if under constant surveillance—with a danceable, catchy synth-funk sound is brilliant.
And on the standout chorus, none other than Michael Jackson lends his vocals.
Featured on his debut album, Somebody’s Watching Me, this track is perfect for Halloween season or whenever you’re in the mood for a little thrill.
I Was Born To Love YouFreddie Mercury
This is a song released in 1985 by Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of the British rock band Queen, and it is included on the album Mr.
Bad Guy.
It’s a familiar tune in Japan as it has been widely used in commercials and TV dramas.
AllentownBilly Joel
Peaked at No.
17 in the U.S.
in 1983.
Billy Joel’s 1982 album The Nylon Curtain is now regarded as a classic, but at the time of its release it was harshly criticized as “dark” and “uncharacteristic.” It was probably a turning point for him, coinciding with his motorcycle accident.
This song was the second single, following “Pressure.” The lyric “I’ve got the diploma on the wall but it never helped me at all” really resonates.
Billy soon released An Innocent Man, reeling off a string of hit singles and blowing away the negative reception of this album, though in hindsight An Innocent Man itself feels a bit curious.