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 (21–30)
Dirty DianaMichael Jackson
A track that sings about women at concerts and clubs.
Featuring a rock edge, it was released by Michael Jackson in 1988.
The music video, directed by Joe Pytka, was filmed in Los Angeles.
Permanent VacationAerosmith
The title track of the album Permanent Vacation, released by Geffen Records in 1987, is a work that symbolizes Aerosmith’s musical rebirth as they sought to overcome drug addiction.
Skillfully blending hard rock with elements of pop metal and blues, its sound features a lively rhythm and catchy melodies, making it a key song that signaled a new direction for the band.
The album, including this track, sold over five million copies and achieved 5× Platinum certification, marking a major success.
Put it on for a summer drive or a get-together with friends, and you can fully soak in the atmosphere of the golden age of ’80s Western pop and rock!
The Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (31–40)
Cold HeartedPaula Abdul
This is the song “Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdul, a singer from the United States who colored the 80s.
It’s included on the album “Forever Your Girl,” released in 1988.
The intricately layered synthesizer sounds are remarkably well crafted.
Overall, it’s a very funky track that makes you want to start dancing.
KissPrince & The Revolution
Released in 1986, this track brilliantly blurs the line between funk and pop, overturning musical conventions with an innovative approach—one of Prince’s quintessential songs that showcases his genius.
By completely eliminating the bassline and building a minimalist arrangement from just drum machine, choppy guitar, and a mesmerizing falsetto vocal, it stands as a milestone that opened up a new frontier for funk music.
Featured on the album Parade and used as part of the soundtrack to the film Under the Cherry Moon, it hit No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts in April 1986, becoming Prince’s third American number-one single.
Sparse yet overwhelmingly groovy, it’s a classic I highly recommend to anyone who wants to feel funk coursing through their whole body—even on sweltering summer days.
Goin’ CrazyDavid Lee Roth
From the very first seconds, the hard rock sound explodes, and David Lee Roth’s uniquely energetic vocals leave a strong impression! This is one of the signature tracks from the new band Roth formed with guitarist Steve Vai and others after leaving Van Halen.
It was released in September 1986 as the second single from the album “Eat ’Em and Smile.” Blending hard rock with glam metal, it also drew attention for its music video, which showcased Roth’s trademark humor and flamboyant theatrics, and it reached No.
66 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
It’s a thrilling rock number you’ll want to blast at full volume on a hot summer day with your mind switched off!
Sea Of LoveRobert Plant
Robert Plant, former vocalist of Led Zeppelin.
There’s no doubt he’s a legend in the rock world, but if you were a teenager in the ’80s, you might have first discovered him through this song.
Plant covered a hit number from ’59, and his relaxed, unforced singing felt refreshing.
Eyes Without A FaceBilly Idol
A track by British rock musician Billy Idol, released as a single in 1984.
It features female backing vocals in French.
The track was a hit worldwide, reaching No.
4 on the charts in the United States and New Zealand.