[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 (61–70)
CONGAGloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
It’s no exaggeration to say the Latin rhythms captivated everyone—this song became a massive hit worldwide.
Its bright, upbeat groove was very popular in Japan as well, drawing large crowds to their concerts there.
Gloria Estefan, the lead vocalist, is also highly regarded for her ballads, and her solo work was attracting significant attention.
Can’t take my eyes off youBoys Town Gang
This is a quintessential dance track from the 1980s.
It was such a popular anthem that whenever it played in dance clubs—then commonly called discos—everyone would start dancing.
In Japan, it’s known by the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru,” and it remains enduringly popular today.
Jessie’s GirlRIck Springfield
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1981.
After appearing on the TV drama General Hospital, he became an instant star thanks to his handsome looks.
Riding that momentum, this song also shot to No.
1 in his main field of music.
It likely became a hit not because of his acting popularity, but because the song itself was good.
Rick, who plays guitar whenever he has a spare moment, also loves slide guitar, and there are rumors he’ll release a blues album next.
New FrontierDonald Fagen
It reached No.
70 on the U.S.
charts in 1983.
Included on the legendary masterpiece The Nightfly.
Written at a time when awareness of nuclear war was rising—from the Cuban Missile Crisis through the U.S.–Soviet Cold War—it’s a song about a dance party held in an underground nuclear shelter.
The music video is excellent and totally mesmerizing.
With animation mixed with live action, it makes you wonder, “What does this mean?” and sets your imagination running.
Rather than criticizing nuclear war or the Cold War head-on, Donald Fagen serves it up with stylish irony—that’s his way.
PhysicalOlivia Newton-John
For those who knew her from the 1970s, when she enjoyed idol-like popularity with a pure, wholesome image, her sudden pivot to a sexy style in this song must have been surprising.
This track comes from the period when Olivia Newton-John—British-born, Australian-raised, and a world-famous singer and actress—shifted toward a disco-influenced sound in the early 1980s.
The shocking leotard look in the music video also made headlines, and the song became a massive hit.
It can be called one of the signature masterpieces that symbolize the 1980s.
Got My Mind Set on YouGeorge Harrison
A former member of The Beatles.
You could say this is one of his signature songs as a solo musician.
He released many tracks as a solo artist even after The Beatles disbanded, so be sure to check them out!
Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, a quintessential rock musician active since the 1970s, scored a massive hit with “Born in the U.S.A.” released in 1984.
Despite its upbeat sound, the lyrics are serious, centered on the Vietnam War.
Interpreted in various ways over the years, it remains a beloved song and can be considered one of the defining hits of the 1980s.
Shout To The TopThe Style Council
This is a track from The Style Council’s second album, a group that enjoyed immense popularity as chic music of the 1980s.
As a British pop-rock band, it’s said that not only their music but also their fashion and very presence were objects of admiration for fans.
Sweet Child o MineGuns N’ Roses
Formed in 1985, Guns N’ Roses has continued their activities despite numerous lineup changes.
They scored many hits in the late 1980s and became a globally popular band, but among their songs, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” was especially beloved.
The memorable guitar intro and Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals further elevate the appeal of this track.
The Screams Of PassionThe Family
One of the many bands produced by Prince—known collectively as the so-called Prince Family—was aptly named The Family.
The female vocalist was Susannah Melvoin, sister of Prince’s favorite guitarist, Wendy.
Their music video, in which she sings wearing a nightgown, became a hot topic.