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 (11–20)
Into The GrooveMadonna
This song, which sings of a passion for the dance floor and a budding romance, is a hit released in July 1985 by Madonna, the American “Queen of Pop.” Created as an insert song for the film Desperately Seeking Susan, it’s a dance-pop masterpiece co-written with keyboardist Stephen Bray.
Its rhythmic sound, woven from synthesizers and drum machines, pairs with captivating lyrics that beckon listeners to the dance floor.
It spent four consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the UK charts, becoming her biggest hit in Britain.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to feel like you’re falling in love or to turn up the energy at a summer party.
Ain’t NobodyRufus and Chaka Khan
An indispensable figure when discussing the funk scene of the 1980s, American singer Chaka Khan—hailed as the “Queen of Funk”—released this ultimate dance classic in 1983 as part of the band Rufus.
The song is a passionate love ballad that lays bare her feelings for a beloved, showcasing Chaka Khan’s overwhelming vocal prowess in full.
Its striking synthesizer phrase in the intro is unforgettable once heard, and it was also featured on the soundtrack of the film Breakin’.
Topping the U.
S.
R&B chart and winning a Grammy, this timeless masterpiece continues to be loved across generations, perfectly suited for summer drives or special moments shared with a partner.
JumpVan Halen
Van Halen is a rock band that epitomizes hard rock and heavy metal.
They’re extremely popular in Japan as well, and if you’re into rock—even if you’re young—you’ve probably heard of them.
One of their signature tracks is Jump.
Chances are you’ve heard this song at least once through some form of media.
Its memorable synthesizers blend perfectly with its crisp rock sound, making it an ideal BGM choice for enjoying time at leisure facilities in the summer.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s massive hit with that gloriously flashy synth sound in the opening—80s to the max! Even the Japanese title “Suteki na Somebody” (literally “Lovely Somebody”), which really feels of its time, perfectly matches the vibe of the track.
Like “How Will I Know,” her first U.
S.
No.
1, this one was also written by the husband-and-wife duo George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, resulting in a sparkling, danceable pop song.
Beyond her overwhelming vocal power, Whitney—still with a touch of innocence—beltedly asking “Won’t someone dance with me?” is just impossibly cute.
It’s not exactly a summer song, but with that memorable cover of Whitney in a tank top, it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits when you play it in the summer!
Endless Summer NightsRichard Marx
From the assertive snap of the snare and the romantic tone of the saxophone right in the intro, this is a song that practically screams the ’80s.
It’s one of the signature tracks by American singer-songwriter Richard Marx, whose 1987 debut album, “Richard Marx,” became a sudden smash and catapulted him to stardom.
Released as a single from that debut in 1988, it was also a hit that reached No.
2 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart.
The lyrics vividly portray a summer romance that never lasted, and anyone who’s had a similar experience will likely find themselves empathizing with the song’s protagonist.
It’s fresh and breezy, yet tinged with a certain melancholy—that bittersweet mix is part of its charm.
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates
The 1980s saw booms across a variety of genres.
Among them, the genre known as blue-eyed soul strongly reflected the musical sensibilities of the time and carried a distinctive mood.
Daryl Hall & John Oates were a duo emblematic of blue-eyed soul and gained worldwide popularity.
Their song “Private Eyes” is one of their classics, a piece that blends the adult ambiance of blue-eyed soul with a fresh, upbeat sound—making it a perfect melody for a summer night.
Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (21–30)
Hot Summer NightsMiami Sound Machine
In the 1980s Western music scene, many people would probably name Miami Sound Machine as the band that best evokes “summer.” They’re also famous as the band fronted by Gloria Estefan, one of the most iconic female singers in Latin music.
As the title suggests, this song is peak summertime—and it was even featured in the blockbuster film Top Gun.
Although it was released as a single only in certain countries, including Japan, the assertive 80s-style snare, flashy horn section, ringing synths and guitars, and catchy melody will make anyone who remembers that era want to start dancing.
It’s the kind of track you’d want to play on a cassette tape rather than streaming or CD!