[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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- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- 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 (’81–’90)
Don’t CryASIA
A supergroup formed in 1982 by members hailing from some of the biggest names in the progressive rock scene of the ’70s.
There’s none of the typical prog complexity here; instead, John Wetton’s outstanding pop sensibility shines through in catchy songs that became massive hits worldwide.
When Doves CryPrince
Purple Rain, the masterpiece by Prince, who passed away in 2016.
Released in 1984, the album became a massive hit, and its track When Doves Cry was also released as a single in Japan under the title “Beat ni Dakarete.” Its distinctive guitar intro and danceable rhythm still have a timeless appeal even today.
Cum On Feel The NoizeQuiet Riot
After the band’s founder Randy Rhoads left to join Ozzy Osbourne, they began activities with a revamped lineup.
In 1983, this cover of a Slade song became a massive hit, making them the first heavy metal band to reach No.
1 in the U.S., but they struggled afterward and disbanded in 1989.
No Sleep Till BrooklynBeastie Boys
A legendary unit that evolved from a punk band and became a pioneer of white hip-hop.
Rather than a funk-leaning rap style, their “rap rock,” characterized by punkish beats and a hard rock vibe, exerted an enormous influence across a wide range of genres.
Down UnderMen At Work
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1983.
The band is an Australian group formed in 1979 around Colin Hay.
The album “Business as Usual,” which includes this song and “Who Can It Be Now?,” topped the U.S.
charts for 15 weeks.
They also won the Grammy for Best New Artist—truly the height of the “Down Under” boom.
Darlin’ IVanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams, a former Miss America who continues to thrive as a model, actress, and singer.
This is a classic on par with her huge ’80s hit “Save The Best For Last.” An R&B ballad with an air of mature allure, included on the album “The Right Stuff.”
Upside DownDiana Ross
Diana Ross is a superstar who kept producing hits from her time with The Supremes in the 1960s.
She went solo in the ’70s and became widely known as a diva.
This song was such a massive hit that it can be considered one of her signature tracks.
Its crisp, stylish, and tasteful sound was played constantly in clubs—and in Japan at the time, there wasn’t a day it didn’t spin at the disco.
As a dance number, it had a tremendous impact on music history.
Chariots of FireVangelis
The theme song from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which won Best Picture and Best Original Score at the 54th Academy Awards.
It’s a signature masterpiece by Vangelis, a world-renowned composer who has worked not only on original albums but also on numerous film, television, and stage scores.
Just hearing the main phrase is likely to make most people feel they’ve heard it at least once.
A Night To RememberShalamar
This is a landmark of post-disco sound created in January 1982 by Shalamar, one of America’s leading R&B groups.
Its catchy melody line and groove-laden rhythm made it an iconic track that electrified dance floors.
Released as a single from the album “Friends,” it reached No.
44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
5 in the UK.
The song was also used in a commercial for the Harvester restaurant chain and featured in the TV series “Girlfriends.” With its shimmering blend of synthesizers and a funky bassline, it offers the full thrill of 80s disco.
Whether you love dance music or need a guaranteed party-pleaser, this track won’t disappoint.
ShoutTears for Fears
A song that catapulted these UK natives to fame in the United States and around the world.
Since two of the original members experienced their parents’ divorce in childhood, many of their songs lean toward anti-establishment themes, boldly and consistently presenting soft-spoken laments and cries about the state of the world.