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 (101–110)
Dressed For SuccessRoxette
A track released as a single in 1988 by the Swedish rock duo Roxette.
It became a hit around the world, reaching No.
2 on the Swedish charts, and was certified Platinum in Australia.
Suddenly Last SummerThe Motels
This is a 1983 hit song with a Japanese title that evokes the scent of the ’80s: “Omoide no Last Summer.” The Motels, formed in California in the 1970s and led by vocalist Martha Davis—known for her mysterious allure and languid delivery—were a new wave band that scored their biggest successes in the ’80s.
Still sporadically active in the 2020s, they landed two Top 10 hits on the U.
S.
charts during their peak decade, and the song introduced here is one of them.
Its restrained arrangement leaves a strong impression, and it carries a distinctly grown-up atmosphere—a genuine classic.
If you have an unforgettable summer memory, why not play this track as your background music and let your thoughts drift back with nostalgia to those days that can never return?
SailingChristopher Cross
When it comes to AOR heavyweights and quintessential figures, Christopher Cross from Texas, USA, stands out.
His self-titled debut album, released in 1979—also known in Japan by the unique title “The Man from the South”—not only became a global hit but also achieved the historic feat of winning five Grammy Awards.
Among the tracks on that debut album is the masterpiece “Sailing,” which won two of those Grammys.
Opening with grand strings and centered on a melody delivered in Christopher’s angelically clear high tenor, it’s a beautiful ballad that drifts gently like calm waves—utterly mesmerizing.
On a midsummer night, if this song comes on in the car as you’re heading home after a long day of fun, it’s perfection!
Round and RoundRatt
RATT, known as a band that epitomized the ’80s glam metal scene with their striking looks and advanced musicianship.
This track from their 1984 debut album “Out of the Cellar” became a major hit with its catchy riffs and memorable chorus, reaching No.
12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics, themed around love, heartbreak, and the cycles of life, resonated with many listeners and are etched into memories alongside summer moments.
Featured in films like “The Wrestler” and the TV series “Stranger Things,” the song has remained beloved for years.
It’s the perfect pick to amp up an energetic vibe—whether on a summer drive or at a BBQ with friends.
Roll With ItSteve Winwood
A perfect love song for summer—and one I’d also like to recommend as a motivational anthem—is “Roll With It.” It’s a track released by British rock musician Steve Winwood.
The lyrics are strikingly poetic, conveying a message to a loved one that “you can overcome any hardship.” It’s the kind of song that can give you courage when you listen, and it could work as a message song for someone you love.
While the lyrics don’t include any explicitly summery words, his passionate vocals somehow evoke a sense of summer.
Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (111–120)
Hot In The CityBilly Idol
In the 1970s, Billy Idol was the vocalist for Generation X, a punk band that debuted as the younger counterparts to the Sex Pistols.
It’s impressive that he’s still active today as a singer and actor, maintaining the same punk style as in the old days.
Dancing In the DarkBruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity with a musical style rooted in pop rock and heartland rock.
He’s an indispensable figure when discussing American rock and a great artist who has had a significant impact on contemporary music.
His classic “Dancing in the Dark” is crafted as a very breezy pop-rock track.
It perfectly captures the feeling of an American summer, so it’s recommended for those who love the films and streetscapes of the U.
S.
from that era.