Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
When it comes to the music scene of the ’80s, it’s often said that here in Japan, Western music was at its most dazzling, and the era produced countless hit songs that remain vivid in both memory and record.
With the disco boom, the spread of synthesizers that brought glittering, flashy sounds, and the visual strategies built around music videos following the birth of MTV, a succession of legendary superstars emerged.
In this article, we’ve focused on summer hits from the ’80s, while also weaving in tracks with a summery feel and timeless songs that seem perfect for listening to in the summer.
For those who lived through the era, it’s nostalgic; for younger listeners, it’s fresh.
Enjoy this selection of hits!
The golden age of Western pop! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the ’80s (1–10)
Summer Of ‘69Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams, a major star born in Canada and a singer-songwriter who remains active well into the 2020s.
With his handsome looks and husky voice as his weapons, he commands enduring popularity here in Japan as a natural-born rock ’n’ roller.
This song, included on his classic album Reckless—released in 1984 and a massive hit that sold 12 million copies worldwide—is one of his fan favorites.
Known in Japan by the title “Omoi de no Summer,” the track is also a quintessential summer song in the United States, and none other than Taylor Swift has covered it in her concerts.
Its breezy, upbeat sound and nostalgic, wistful melody will continue to be loved across generations.
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
It’s a beautiful ballad classic that everyone has heard at least once.
With guitarist Andy Summers’s historic guitar riff, Stewart Copeland’s simple yet spot-on drumming, and Sting’s wistful vocals, it’s a flawless, history-making mega-hit.
While the lyrics don’t explicitly mention summer, the period when this song was dominating the top spot on the U.
S.
charts happened to be during the summer.
Those who experienced it in real time probably hear this song and think back to the summer of 1983.
This track evokes a quiet, nostalgic emotion—give it a listen while picturing scenes from a distant summer day.
The Boys of SummerDon Henley
Don Henley, the drummer and singer of the Eagles—one of the greatest bands in rock history—and a hugely successful solo artist in his own right.
This song, released in 1984, was a major hit and a co-write with Mike Campbell, the guitarist from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
Beyond its commercial success, it also earned high critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal.
Its lyrics nostalgically portray memories of a past romance and the summers of youth—making it a song that resonates especially with listeners in their 30s and 40s.
It’s also fun to listen while imagining American youth culture of the time, paying attention to lyrics that mention things like a Cadillac and a Deadhead sticker.
Girls Just Want To Have FunCyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper, who announced her retirement from touring in 2024 and, as many will recall, wrapped up a hugely successful final Japan tour in April 2025, is known as an innovative female artist who rose to great prominence in the 1980s and forged a strong bond with her Japanese fans.
When it comes to her signature songs, it has to be the massive 1983 hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” It’s an overwhelmingly brilliant celebration of women and a timeless anthem that delivers positive energy in any era—making it a perfect choice for midsummer background music as well.
PanamaVan Halen
This is one of the signature songs by Van Halen, the hard rock band from California, whose powerful guitar riffs leap into your ears and set your heart racing.
Released in June 1984 as the third single from the album “1984,” it became a classic that reached No.
13 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart.
The title was inspired by a race car called the “Panama Express” that David Lee Roth spotted in Las Vegas, and the song channels a love of cars through its exhilarating sense of speed.
Its biggest draw is, without a doubt, Eddie Van Halen’s overwhelming guitar work, coupled with the real engine sound of a 1972 Lamborghini Miura S heard in the bridge, creating a visceral impact.
It’s the perfect track for a midsummer drive or whenever you want to get pumped up!
CongaMiami Sound Machine
When it comes to Latin disco in the ’80s, we mustn’t forget the signature hit by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine.
Released in 1985 by this American band led by Estefan, who was born in Cuba, the track captivated the world with its innovative sound, seamlessly blending Latin rhythms driven by energetic percussion and a bold brass section with a catchy pop melody.
It peaked at No.
10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the remarkable feat of charting simultaneously on the pop, dance, Black, and Latin charts.
As a pioneering work that opened the door for Latin music to enter the mainstream U.
S.
market, it continues to influence countless artists to this day.
Hungry like the WolfDuran Duran
A dynamic dance tune that captures the feeling of a hunter hungry like a wolf, this track stands as a defining song of the early 1980s New Wave scene and still shines with undimmed appeal today.
Inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, the lyrics thrillingly express fierce desire and primal impulses in love, while Simon Le Bon’s sensual vocals lend a taut tension to the entire piece.
Featured on the album Rio, it achieved global success—its innovative, adventure film–like music video, shot in Sri Lanka, became a hot topic on MTV and won the 1984 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.
With sparkling synths from the Roland Jupiter-8 and a funky groove, it’s the perfect track for a summer drive or a beach party!