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 were hits in the ’80s (41–50)
Walking On SunshineKatrina and The Waves
A track written by Kimberly Rew, originally the guitarist of The Soft Boys who later became a member of Katrina & the Waves.
It was released in 1985.
The track has been used in many films, including American Psycho.
Lonely Summer NightsStray cats
It was included on the Stray Cats’ 1981 album with the incredible Japanese title “Goin’ DOWN TOWN.” Back then, this classic ballad was constantly on the radio.
Brian Setzer’s richly resonant voice—unbelievable for someone in his twenties—is wonderful.
Like A PrayerMadonna
A track released by Madonna in 1989.
Before its release, it was featured in a Pepsi TV commercial and became a hot topic.
It is characterized by a gospel sound.
The music video, directed by Mary Lambert, was filmed in California and won an MTV Video Music Award.
High ‘n’ Dry (Saturday Night)Def Leppard
The title track of Def Leppard’s second album, High ’n’ Dry, released in 1981 by the hard rock band from Sheffield, England, is a classic that brilliantly captures the excitement and sense of freedom of a weekend night.
Featuring an energetic sound that fuses elements of hard rock and heavy metal, its tightly interwoven guitar riffs and rhythm section create a powerful performance that draws listeners in.
The song has received high acclaim, ranking 33rd on VH1’s “40 Greatest Metal Songs,” and it continues to be cherished as one of Def Leppard’s signature tracks.
Forget about tomorrow—crank it up and enjoy it at full blast at a midsummer night party!
RioDuran Duran
Duran Duran combine stunning looks with advanced musicality, enjoying overwhelming popularity not only in their native UK but around the world, including Japan.
They’re also known as key figures in the so-called New Romantic and MTV movements, and they were hugely popular as idols at the time.
Their 1982 release Rio was a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the UK charts and No.
6 in the US.
The title track, which opens the album, is an ultra-cool, stylish, danceable number driven by John Taylor’s memorable bass lines.
The music video—featuring the band on a boat and relaxing on the beach—perfectly captures a summer vibe and is great fun.
What’s interesting is that despite the song being drenched in summer atmosphere, it’s not actually about Rio de Janeiro.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
A track written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon.
It was inspired by the 1942 film Now, Voyager.
Released in 1981 by American singer Kim Carnes, the track won a Grammy Award.
If You Don’t Know Me By NowSimply Red
Originally written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and released by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, this version by Simply Red, released in 1989, was used in the film American Psycho and won a Grammy Award.