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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- Hidden gems of Western music. Lesser-known songs.
- Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs from the 1980s
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- Songs you'll want to listen to in autumn. A selection of recommended hits from 80s Western music!
- [2025 Updated Edition] Western songs to listen to in summer: recommended summer tracks
- Classic Western hip-hop songs recommended for summer
Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (91–100)
Down UnderMen At Work
Men at Work are one of the quintessential Australian rock bands of the 1980s.
While they’re a rock band, their sound leans more toward new wave, and every one of their songs brims with a striking individuality.
Among their catalog, a track that’s especially perfect for summer is Down Under.
One of the styles they’d later be known for—reggae rock—was already emerging at this point, giving the song a relaxed yet groovy feel, while retaining the distinctive character typical of new wave.
Give it a spin as your summer driving music.
Steal AwayRobbie Dupree
A sweet love song by lovers singing, “Let’s sneak out at night, just the two of us.” From the intro, romance is in full bloom.
Robbie Dupree, from Brooklyn.
His debut album was even nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
The Japanese title is “A Night for Just the Two of Us.”
It’s Still Rock and Roll to MeBilly Joel
A track released as a single by Billy Joel in 1980.
One of his most popular tracks, it reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
It has been covered by artists such as Drake Bell, Kid Rock, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Love ShackThe B-52’s
The B-52’s are a powerful group whose singing instantly gives you a boost the moment it hits your ears.
They’re a new wave band from Georgia that churned out hit songs throughout the ’80s.
Also keep an eye on the hairstyles and fashion of the two vocalists, Kate and Cindy.
Stone In LoveJourney
A song that stirs nostalgia for our younger days, as if those fond summer nights are calling, reminding us of how hopelessly in love we were.
When it comes to Journey, this album is the one—taken from Escape, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
It’s a quintessentially Journey track: edgy, catchy, and full of punch.
SledgehammerPeter Gabriel
This is the song Sledgehammer, released under the solo name of Peter Gabriel, the original lead vocalist of the legendary British rock band Genesis.
It’s included on the 1994 album Secret World Live.
His distinctive vibe and soulful voice haven’t changed since his Genesis days! It’s a well-balanced fusion of funk and rock, showcasing his talents as a songwriter to the fullest.
MagicThe Cars
A single hit from The Cars’ fifth album, Heartbeat City.
This was the period when they had broken into the mainstream and were shining the brightest.
The music video for this song, which starts with “It’s summer!”, made waves for its surreal imagery—Ric Ocasek walking on a swimming pool, surrounded by mysterious people.