Oldies Western Music: Popular Rankings [2025]

Like A VirginMadonna50rank/position

Madonna – Like A Virgin (Official Video)

An iconic song by the queen of ’80s pop, centered on themes of purity and rebirth.

It captures the sensation of being reborn through new love, expressed with Madonna’s signature sexy and provocative vocals.

The sophisticated dance sound, produced by Nile Rodgers, took the club scene by storm at the time.

Released in November 1984 as the lead single from the album Like a Virgin, it spent six consecutive weeks at No.

1 in the U.

S.

Her shocking performance at the MTV Video Music Awards is still talked about today.

It’s recommended for those who want to savor the thrill of new romance or immerse themselves in the vibe of ’80s disco.

Let’s DanceDavid Bowie51rank/position

David Bowie – Let’s Dance (Official Video)

David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.

The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.

Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.

The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.

It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.

Waiting for a Girl Like YouForeigner52rank/position

Waiting for a Girl like You

This is a slow number from Foreigner, a US-UK mixed rock band of veteran musicians, included on their 1981 album 4.

Lou Gramm, whose soulful voice evokes the great British rock vocalist Paul Rodgers, sings with restraint as he delivers lyrics about feeling destined to meet a woman who has finally appeared before him and asking to confirm that feeling.

In the chorus, his emotional shouts are incredibly powerful, shaking the listener’s feelings to the core.

The floating, atmospheric sound that makes effective use of synthesizers is very characteristic of the 1980s, and the way it creates a sharp contrast with Lou’s vocals shows the band’s keen sense of style.

Take My Breath AwayBerlin53rank/position

Berlin – Take My Breath Away (Official Video – Top Gun)

This is the award-winning ballad that served as the love theme for the 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun, honored with an Academy Award.

It was performed by the American band Berlin, with the composition handled by disco maestro Giorgio Moroder.

Teri Nunn’s passionate, soulful vocals leave a strong impression.

The bittersweet yet burning emotions of falling in love—so overwhelming you can hardly breathe—resonate warmly alongside the majestic synthesizer tones.

Released in June 1986, the song reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

singles chart.

It’s sure to make a romantic evening with someone special even more dramatic.

Dream OnAerosmith54rank/position

Aerosmith – Dream On (Audio)

Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” included on their 1973 debut album.

Although it didn’t make a big splash on the charts at the time, its 1975 re-release achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the U.

S.

Top 10.

With Steven Tyler’s heartfelt vocals woven together with a plaintive piano-driven melody, the song stands as a quintessential classic rock ballad.

It’s also fresh in our memories that in 2023 it surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.

A song that lingers in everyone’s heart, its timeless appeal continues to be loved across generations.

Hot StuffDonna Summer55rank/position

Hot Stuff

Donna Summer, the legendary female singer known as the “Queen of Disco.” Her disco music is strongly influenced by soul and R&B, with a soulful arrangement on every track.

Among her works, the most famous is “Hot Stuff.” Released in 1979, it has continued to be used widely across various media to this day.

At Universal Studios Japan’s “Monster Rock and Roll Show,” the graveyard groupies Hip and Hop perform this song, so even younger audiences may find it familiar.

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest WordElton John56rank/position

Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

This gem of a piano ballad, poignantly detailing the pain of parting, is a work released in 1976 by the British artist Elton John.

As a relationship nears its end, it delicately portrays the question “What must I do to be loved?” alongside the inner struggle of being unable to voice an apology.

Unusually, Elton John first created the melody and part of the lyrics, after which Bernie Taupin completed the song.

It reached No.

6 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart, was included on the album Blue Moves, and, in 2002, topped the UK charts through a collaboration with Blue.

Its quiet yet urgent melody and profound emotional expression will surely resonate when you seek to soothe the pain of heartbreak or are contemplating a farewell with someone dear.