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.
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- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- [Grabs Your Heart] A Compilation of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2025]
- Hidden gems of Western music. Lesser-known songs.
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
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- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs (71–80)
Lay It DownRatt
Ratt, a rock band that was a leading force in the LA metal genre, debuted in 1981 and disbanded in 1992.
They later reunited in 1997 and have continued to perform ever since.
Their hit song Lay It Down, released in 1985, reached No.
11 on the mainstream rock chart.
For fans of LA metal and glam metal, this is an irresistible track.
Be sure to check it out.
JumpVan Halen
Van Halen was a hard rock band that drew tremendous attention in the early days when hard rock and heavy metal were starting to boom.
The guitarist, Edward Van Halen, is also famous for popularizing the tapping technique.
Their hit song “Jump,” released in 1984, became a worldwide success.
Crafted as an electro-infused rock track, its sound is steeped in the atmosphere of the 1980s.
The Perfect KissNew Order
New Order is a British band that originated from the legendary group Joy Division.
The Perfect Kiss, released in 1985, was New Order’s first single.
It’s a work that coolly expresses dark, fervent, swirling passions through an electric sound.
RioDuran Duran
When it comes to the British rock band Duran Duran, their appeal surely lies in their new wave sound.
In particular, they’re regarded as pioneers of the New Romantic genre that emerged from new wave.
Their trendy sound, which likely had a major influence on Japanese musicians and J-pop, evokes the mood of the 1980s.
RelaxFrankie Goes To Hollywood
Introducing the debut single by Frankie Goes to Hollywood as a provocative anthem emblematic of the 1980s New Wave scene.
With lyrics laden with sexual innuendo and a distinctive sound, it sparked widespread controversy, and its popularity soared after the BBC banned it from broadcast in January 1984.
The track became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the UK Singles Chart.
Through sexual metaphors, the song explores the balance between tension and release and underscores the importance of pursuing life’s goals.
Created in collaboration with producer Trevor Horn, it resonated deeply against the backdrop of peak AIDS-era anxieties, drawing attention as a song with a powerful, timely message.
ForeverKISS
Kiss is a band that has been hugely active from the early days of hard rock to the present.
Despite their distinctive visuals, they are highly regarded by music enthusiasts around the world for their solid, fundamentals-based playing and catchy sound.
Their hit song “Forever,” released in 1989, was their second single from the album yet reached No.
8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It remains a hard rock classic that continues to influence many artists today.
Blue MondayNew Order
New Order is a techno-rock band that originated from Joy Division, a seminal post-punk group.
Their appeal lies in a musical style that blends various genres—techno, house, electronica, electro-pop, synth-pop, and disco—into a rock framework, earning them a devoted global fanbase.
Their hit song “Blue Monday,” released in 1986, garnered worldwide popularity.