1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
When it comes to the 1980s, it’s often called the “golden era” of Western rock music.
From the perspective of rock bands, it was a time when many veteran groups—still active today—made their debuts, and countless worldwide hits that went down in history were born.
This time, we’re spotlighting hit songs and classics by Western rock bands from that very 1980s!
Alongside energetic, quintessentially ’80s rock numbers and stadium-ready ballads, we’ve assembled a varied lineup that also reflects the era’s birth of the so-called New Wave—unbound by traditional rock—and the alternative rock that would lead into the 1990s.
[1980s] Classic and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (1–10)
Sweet Child o’ MineGuns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses, the legendary rock band that has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
In Japan, anyone who likes rock will know this famous band.
Their appeal lies, above all, in their classic hard rock sound.
Their straightforward lyrics and sound are especially compelling for those who love hard rock.
Sweet Child o’ Mine is one of their signature songs, released in 1987.
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
One of the greatest bands to come out of the UK, The Police.
Their active years were 1977 to 1985, and then 2007 to 2008—only about a decade in total—but the classic songs they left behind are still talked about today.
Their biggest appeal is, above all, their distinctive rock sound infused with reggae.
Every Breath You Take is one of their best-known hits, released in 1983.
Pay attention to their unique sound that sets them apart from other bands.
Back in BlackAC/DC
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!
BatteryMetallica
Metallica, the legendary rock band regarded as pioneers of the thrash metal genre.
Their fast-paced metal sound won widespread popularity and had a significant impact on the modern rock scene.
Their hit song “Battery,” released in 1986, gained worldwide acclaim.
It’s a work that lets you fully experience their hallmark thrash metal—relentlessly fast and quintessentially them.
Be sure to check it out.
Livin’ On A PrayerBon Jovi
Bon Jovi is a band that represents American hard rock.
Within hard rock, there are a variety of styles.
Bon Jovi’s hard rock often has a sharp edge, and even listeners who aren’t used to heavy sounds can take it in smoothly.
Their hit song “Livin’ On A Prayer,” released in 1986, garnered huge popularity.
In Japan, it’s also known as the theme song of Nakayama Kinnikun.
Open armsJourney
Journey is a band that gained international popularity in the 1980s.
Although they have changed members multiple times and are still active today, their most famous era is probably the 1980s when Steve Perry was the lead vocalist.
Their appeal lies above all in their wide-ranging style.
From hard rock to catchy ballads, they’ve released music across various genres.
Open Arms is one of their most famous works among those ballads.
With or Without YouU2
U2 is a monumental band emblematic of the 1980s, and since the ’90s they have boldly pursued a variety of musical experiments, remaining at the top of the scene without a single lineup change.
Among the many classics they’ve contributed to music history, let’s spotlight With Or Without You, their first single to reach No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts and also their first CD single.
Released in 1987 as the lead single from the masterpiece album The Joshua Tree, it has become one of their signature songs and a staple of their concerts.
Its quintessentially U2 dramatic, expansive sound conjures images of stadium audiences breaking into a massive sing-along.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which frontman Bono has said depict the anguish born from the contrast between himself as a rock star and as an ordinary man.
Incidentally, it was used as the theme song for the Japanese film Solomon’s Perjury, released in 2015, so some younger listeners may have discovered the song there.