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 (111–120)
La BambaLos Lobos
Originally a traditional Mexican folk song popular at weddings and other celebrations.
This version by Los Angeles-based Los Lobos was released in 1987 and reached No.
1 on charts around the world.
Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that hit in the ’80s (121–130)
PhysicalOlivia Newton-John
A refreshing pop track released in 1981 by Olivia Newton-John.
During production, its working title was “Let’s Get Physical.” The sexy music video was directed by Brian Grant.
Nothin’ But A Good TimePoison
An energetic rock number that blows away the summer heat.
Featured on Poison’s second album, “Open Up and Say.
.
.
Ahh!” released in 1988, this track voices a desire to break free from everyday struggles.
With its catchy melodies and powerful sound, it’s perfect for summer drives and outdoor festivals.
C.
C.
DeVille’s guitar solo is a highlight as well.
The song peaked at No.
6 in the U.
S.
and was frequently played on MTV.
It’s a great pick when you want to let off steam or get hyped with friends.
Losing My ReligionR.E.M.
R.
E.
M.
, the legendary rock band that has had a global impact.
They formed in 1980 and disbanded in 2011, yet their popularity remains strong, and they continue to be widely respected by fans in the alternative rock scene today.
Among their works, the one I especially recommend for summer is Losing My Religion.
It’s alternative rock with a slightly dark, acoustic arrangement, and its deeply atmospheric melody makes it a perfect track to listen to on a late summer night.
We Got The BeatThe Go-Go’s
An energetic track from The Go-Go’s that dominated the rock scene of the 1980s.
Featured on their debut album Beauty and the Beat, it was also released as a stand-alone single in 1981.
Marked by its rhythmic drumbeat and catchy guitar riffs, it’s brimming with the kind of appeal that electrifies the dance floor.
The lyrics vividly depict young people dancing to the music and having fun late into the night, perfectly capturing the liberating spirit of summer.
It’s also famous for being used in the opening of the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
With a timeless charm, it remains a perfect song to play on hot summer nights when you’re heading out for a drive with friends.
Turn Up the RadioAutograph
Known as a hit from the ’80s, this song centers on breaking free from everyday life in search of a balance between work and play.
As the lyric “turn up the radio” symbolizes, it’s a refreshing number that fully highlights the liberating power of music.
Included on the debut album Sign In Please, released in 1984, it reached No.
29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of the following year.
Boosted by heavy rotation on MTV, it became widely recognized as the band’s signature track.
It remains hugely popular today, even featuring in the opening of the film Hot Tub Time Machine.
It’s a perfect song for a summer drive or blowing off steam after work.
The energetic vocals and guitar sound are sure to get your heart racing.
School’s OutKrokus
A hard rock band from Switzerland that was popular in the ’80s.
The original is Alice Cooper’s hit tune from ’79.
It’s a cheerful song that proclaims, “We don’t need no textbooks, no classes, no teachers! It’s summer vacation, so goodbye to school!” You often hear it used in school-themed horror movies.