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 Hit in the ’80s (71–80)
Take On Mea-ha
When it comes to the most popular genres of the 1980s, synth-pop tops the list.
Since the 2020s, it has been rediscovered along with a revival boom, so many of you are probably familiar with it.
“Take On Me” is a signature track by a-ha, released in 1984, and it became a worldwide hit.
Its synth sound, evocative of the era, perfectly suits the summer vibe.
Be sure to use it as driving music or as background music for your leisure activities.
Cruel SummerBananarama
This female group with the distinctive name Bananarama is a trio from England formed in 1981.
Riding the disco boom of the time, they produced many hit songs that became well known here in Japan.
The track—given the Japan-only subtitle “Chigireta Heart” (“Shredded Heart”)—was released in their home country in 1983, and later became their breakout hit in America after being featured in the classic film The Karate Kid.
For some, the song may bring back nostalgic memories of a scene from the movie.
Including the slightly amateurish vocals, it’s a breezy, poppy tune, yet—as you might guess from the title—the lyrics intriguingly recount the bittersweet experiences of summer.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
Bon Jovi is a rock band that represents not only America but the global hard rock scene.
Their songs are used across various media in Japan, so even younger people are likely familiar with them.
Among Bon Jovi’s tracks, one of the most popular is “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Released in 1986, it’s crafted as a sharply executed hard rock number.
As such, it’s the perfect song for summer driving music.
When Doves CryPrince
A single cut from the 1984 album Purple Rain.
It was Prince’s first major hit, spending five consecutive weeks at number one on the charts and earning platinum status with over two million copies sold.
Despite its memorable riff, it’s experimental in that it repeats the same melody without a traditional chorus.
The breezy, beeping programmed sounds evoke the trends of the ’80s.
Even now, it sounds incredibly stylish—testament to a timeless talent.
Don’t Answer MeThe Alan Parsons Project
The Alan Parsons Project is the project of Alan Parsons, who made his name as an engineer on works by mega-acts like The Beatles and Pink Floyd and also found success as a solo musician.
The song being introduced here, “Don’t Answer Me,” is a track they released in 1984 that became a hit.
It strikes a remarkable balance: while it features a conceptual sound crafted with the meticulous production techniques he honed behind the scenes, it remains highly accessible.
With its refreshing melody and pleasing choral work, it’s like a model pop song; yet combined with its bitter-end lyrics, the songwriting’s subtle sense of poignancy and melancholy is striking.
It’s a classic you might deliberately choose to listen to alone at the end of summer.
Summer GirlsY&T
Y&T is a hard rock band from California.
Alongside Van Halen, they were active on the rock scene in the 1980s.
Their band name is said to come from the Beatles album Yesterday and Today, a group they deeply admire.
Their music videos, brimming with the brightness of the ’80s and a summery vibe, are also great.
Summer FunThe Barracudas
The Barracudas are a British surf rock band formed in 1979.
This track was released as a single in 1980 and reached No.
37 on the UK Singles Chart.
The track was inspired by the advertising campaign for the 1960s car, the Plymouth Barracuda.