Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]

AloneHeart15rank/position

Heart – Alone

A captivating song that resonates with a sentimental atmosphere and a powerful melody.

The Wilson sisters’ strong vocals brilliantly convey the feelings of a protagonist suffering from loneliness and love.

Released in May 1987, it reached number one in the United States and Canada, spending three consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Featured on the album “Bad Animals,” this track became a popular hit and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when spending a long autumn night alone or when thinking of someone special.

Perfect for anyone carrying hidden feelings in their heart.

The ReflexDuran Duran16rank/position

Duran Duran – The Reflex (Official Music Video)

A song by Duran Duran, the British rock band that helped ignite the New Romantic movement and the MTV boom in the 1980s.

With its bright, flamboyant style layered with luxurious choruses, it’s a number that centers on a band-driven sound while also featuring the characteristically New Romantic, pleasing synthesizer tones.

Another One Bites the DustQueen17rank/position

Queen – Another One Bites the Dust (Official Video)

A song by the legendary British rock band Queen.

With its recurring bass phrase and catchy guitar chopping, it’s an unusual, Black-music-style number for Queen.

Released as a single at Michael Jackson’s suggestion, the track became a worldwide hit and one of Queen’s signature songs.

With Or Without YouU218rank/position

U2 – With Or Without You (Official Music Video)

The single that U2, the Irish rock band with the most Grammy wins in the world, released in 1987 is “With or Without You.” It became the band’s first song to reach No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts, and it’s a simple ballad built on a four-chord progression.

The lyrics can be interpreted as a straightforward love song, but given that Bono, the band’s vocalist, is a devout Christian, they are also often read with a religious interpretation.

Purple RainPrince19rank/position

Purple Rain

The signature song “Purple Rain” by Prince, an artist who was active in the 1980s.

This ballad distills his diverse musical sensibilities and is also known as the soundtrack to the film “Prince: Purple Rain.” Blending elements of rock, R&B, and gospel, the track has earned high acclaim worldwide and influenced many artists.

In particular, Prince’s impassioned guitar solo captivates listeners.

Even after his passing, this masterpiece remains beloved by many, so be sure to check it out.

Eye Of The TigerSurvivor20rank/position

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

Eye of the Tiger, the classic by Survivor used as the theme song for the boxing-themed film Rocky.

Released in 1982, the song became a global hit with its fiery lyrics and melody, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.

With its motivating melody and lyrics, it’s perfect to listen to before heading to work, taking an entrance exam, or sitting for a test, don’t you think?

Back in BlackAC/DC21rank/position

AC/DC – Back In Black (Official 4K Video)

Even now, past the 2020s, AC/DC—an Australian rock band boasting record-breaking sales—remain in full force.

Their unwavering musical identity and pure rock ’n’ roll spirit continue to set listeners’ hearts ablaze in any era.

Released in 1980, their masterpiece album Back in Black made history with an astounding 50 million copies sold worldwide, and its title track is truly one of AC/DC’s signature numbers—a quintessential killer tune.

Angus Young, one of the central Young brothers in the band, penned the legendary guitar riff—simple yet tinged with a bluesy flavor—that has been quoted countless times in various contexts.

Brian Johnson, who joined with this album, delivers electrifying shouts; Malcolm Young’s burnished, no-frills rhythm guitar locks in with an ultra-tight rhythm section.

It’s no exaggeration to say this track embodies everything that is the essence of rock.

Play it as loud as you possibly can!