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!
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Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 1980s (61–70)
There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)Eurythmics
A track that sings about happiness from love and pure joy.
Released by Eurythmics in 1985, it reached No.
1 on the charts in the UK, Norway, Poland, and Ireland.
The harmonica solo is performed by Stevie Wonder.
The Power of LoveHuey Lewis & The News
This is the song The Power of Love by the San Francisco-based band Huey Lewis and The News.
The song was used in the film Back to the Future and became a huge hit.
It even achieved the remarkable feat of being nominated for an Academy Award.
The synthesizer sounds are refreshing and pair well with the heavy guitars.
Huey Lewis’s husky voice is masculine and really cool, isn’t it?
On The BeachChris Rae
Chris Rea, who might actually be more popular in Japan as an AOR artist than in his native UK.
For some reason, his songs are often used in commercials.
His irresistibly captivating, husky voice is part of the appeal.
It’s a song about calling out the name of a woman he nostalgically remembers on a beach from the past.
MagicOlivia Newton-John
This is a single released from the soundtrack of the 1980 film Xanadu.
The movie is a fantasy musical that’s often called a legendary flop and even won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director, but the single Magic became a major hit.
This dreamy, upbeat mid-tempo pop number showcases Olivia’s charm to the fullest.
Coming UpPaul McCartney
A track released as a single by Paul McCartney in 1980.
His wife, Linda McCartney, contributed vocal harmonies.
It is said to have been a track that John Lennon liked, and it reached No.
1 on the charts in the U.
S.
and Canada.
Hurts So GoodJohn Mellencamp
A track released as a single in 1982 by American singer-songwriter John Mellencamp.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The music video was filmed in Indiana, where John was born and raised.
Hurts So GoodJohn Mellencamp
This is the song Hurts So Good by John Mellencamp.
It was included on the 1982 album American Fool and was also a hit single from that album.
It was used in the American musical film Footloose.
John Mellencamp also helped popularize heartland rock, a subgenre of country-influenced music.
Its simple blues feel is somehow nostalgic and really hits you in the chest.
It brings back memories of bittersweet youth.