[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 (51–60)
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.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
After moving away from the glam rock of the ’70s and shifting to a pop-rock direction, David Bowie released “Let’s Dance” in 1983, which became one of his signature songs.
With this track, he succeeded in capturing the hearts of the youth of the time, and it became a major hit.
The album Let’s Dance, which includes the song, was also a worldwide success, establishing David Bowie’s status as a star.
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.
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.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (61–70)
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.
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.
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.