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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The Golden Age of Western Music! Recommended Summer Songs That Hit in the ’80s (31–40)
Summertime RollsJane’s Addiction
Like R.
E.
M.
and Red Hot Chili Peppers, they are a California group that gained popularity as an alternative rock band.
This track is from their 1988 debut album, Nothing’s Shocking.
Summer NightsVan Halen
A hit tune from Van Halen’s seventh album, 5150, released in 1986.
After lead vocalist David Lee Roth left to pursue a solo career, the newly joined Sammy Hagar rose to the challenge, matching Dave’s energy.
Thanks to that, the album was a huge success, and this track also charted.
Club TropicanaWham!
This is a hit song by the popular duo Wham!, also known for having British pop icon George Michael as a member.
Released in 1983, it reached No.
4 on the UK charts.
Even the title alone exudes the height-of-summer vibe.
Starting with the chirping of insects, the intro invites you straight into summertime, bringing a smile to listeners’ faces.
A funky bassline, crisp guitar chops, flashy horn section, and rhythmic piano tones… even now, well into the 2020s, putting this track on is sure to hype up the sweltering summer.
Be sure to check out the music video too—it’s heartwarming to see the two members of Wham!, both blessed with stunning looks, enjoying their summer vacation!
Cold HeartedPaula Abdul
A track released as a single in 1989 by American singer Paula Abdul.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The music video, a tribute to the film Flashdance, was directed by David Fincher.
Forever YoungAlphaville
A track that sings of the virtues of youth and the fear of aging and death.
It was released as a single in 1984 by the German rock group Alphaville.
The track has been used in many forms of media, including the TV drama One Tree Hill.
Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the ’80s (41–50)
Jessie’s GirlRIck Springfield
This is the song “Jessie’s Girl” by the handsome Australian singer Rick Springfield.
It’s included on the 1981 album Working Class Dog.
With this track, Rick Springfield won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
It’s a very fresh and catchy song, with a repeatedly used phrase that really sticks in your head.
KokomoThe Beach Boys
Speaking of summer, this is a U.
S.
No.
1 hit from 1988 by the legendary Beach Boys.
It was featured in the coming-of-age film “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise.
Set to their breezy harmonies, it name-checks resort spots like Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.
It’s a song that makes you want to head to the beach right now.