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)
Don’t Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrin
Suddenly, but what kind of image do you have of summer? Many people probably picture events like the beach or the pool.
However, some may imagine enjoying a relaxing summer while lying on a sunbed.
For those people, I recommend the piece “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It’s a classic by jazz singer Bobby McFerrin, and it’s a very rare song in which every sound is created solely with his voice.
Its laid-back sound will set the mood for a chill summer moment.
The FlameCheap Trick
A track originally produced for Elkie Brooks, a British singer.
It sings about a love that burns brightly.
Released by Cheap Trick in 1987, it reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley
Rick Astley’s timeless hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” became a global sensation.
It’s so famous that most people have probably heard it at least once.
There’s even an Instagram Live filter that re-creates the music video, and many younger people might know the song from that.
Musically, it’s grounded in synth-pop, which was mainstream in the 1980s.
Synth-pop is also trending again in the 2020s.
If you want to explore the latest in synth-pop with a nod to the past, this song is a great place to start.
The Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (’81–’90)
Self ControlLaura Branigan
Singer Laura Branigan from Brooklyn gained worldwide popularity with a style of delicate, airy vocals paired with quintessential 1980s sounds like synth-pop and new wave.
Self Control is one of her signature works, released as the lead single from the studio album of the same name.
If you’re in your late 20s, you might recognize it from the radio stations in the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Rhythm Of The NightDeBarge
When it comes to dance classics and urban soul anthems that capture the feel of a summer in the ’80s, DeBarge’s “Rhythm of the Night” immediately comes to mind! Signed to the legendary Motown label, this family group—so popular at the time that they were often compared to the Jacksons—released the song in 1985.
It became a refreshing, feel-good hit not only in the U.
S.
but around the world.
With a “funk-latina” vibe where funk and Latin-flavored rhythms intertwine beautifully, the high, clear-toned vocals deliver a wonderfully poppy performance—pure exhilaration.
The impeccable family-group harmonies are another highlight.
As a side note, the track was also featured on the soundtrack of the 2016 Ghostbusters remake.
Your LoveThe Outfield
The Outfield is a rock band based in London, England, that has earned high acclaim worldwide.
They were a major hit in the 1980s, and their songs have continued to be used frequently in the media, so many people will find them familiar.
Among The Outfield’s works, the one I especially recommend for summer is “Your Love.” With its breezy pop-rock sound, it’s perfect as driving music or background music for leisure activities!
Coming UpPaul McCartney
This is the song Coming Up by Paul McCartney, a former member of the legendary rock band The Beatles.
It’s included on the album McCartney II, released during his solo career.
The track makes extensive use of synthesizers and vocal effects, showcasing the same experimental spirit he had in the Beatles era.
Its intricately interwoven rhythms are sure to get under your skin!