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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[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs (71–80)
Call MeBlondie
Blondie is an American new wave band fronted by the blonde beauty Debbie Harry.
With a unique blend of punkish energy and pop sensibility unlike other bands, they captivated many fans.
Call Me is one of their most famous songs, topping both the UK and US charts in 1980.
Somebody Save MeCinderella
It’s a classic by the American band Cinderella that captures a cry from the heart seeking freedom and escape from everyday constraints.
Tom Keifer’s raspy vocals intertwined with bluesy guitar riffs create a driving, irresistibly cool sound.
In the lyrics, the protagonist, while longing for someone to save them, dashes into the night determined to enjoy it to the fullest.
The album Night Songs, which features this track, was released in 1986 and sold over three million copies in the U.S.
The song itself was released as a single in April 1987 and was frequently played on MTV.
When you feel the need to break free from something, why not surrender yourself to this straightforward rock ’n’ roll?
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.
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.
Wake Up DeadMegadeth
In February 2023, Megadeth—one of the Big Four of thrash metal and one of the most important bands in the history of heavy metal—played their first show at the Nippon Budokan, a performance that also made headlines for featuring former member Marty Friedman.
Their relationship with Metallica is so famous it’s practically a part of metal history itself, and when discussing the metal and rock scenes of the 1980s, their songs are absolutely indispensable.
Wake Up Dead is a classic that opens their breakthrough second album, Peace Sells…
but Who’s Buying?.
Its intricate and complex structure sets it apart from more straight-ahead thrash, perfectly embodying what central figure Dave Mustaine himself calls “intellectual thrash metal.”
Never EnoughL.A. Guns
L.A.
Guns from the U.S.
are a band with full-on dirty, sleazy charm, yet their lyrics are pretty intense—this addictive track has captivated many with that very gap.
Sung over powerful guitar riffs and a catchy melody is a theme of human desire that can never be satisfied.
That slightly decadent, ravenous message is a major part of the song’s appeal.
Back in 1989, their second album Cocked & Loaded, which includes this track, reached No.
38 on the U.S.
charts and was certified Platinum.
If you want to experience the wild, glitzy world of LA metal, this is a perfect place to start.
I Wanna Be SomebodyW.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P.
is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, USA, also known for their provocative stage shows.
Their debut song, which put their name on the global map, is a rock number that sings of the universal longing to “be somebody.” Their debut album, W.A.S.P., released in 1984 and featuring this track, is known as a classic and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
Its powerful guitars and catchy melodies are sure to stir the listener’s heart.
If you’re looking to break out of your current situation or reach for big dreams, this song will surely give you courage.
Its selection at No.
84 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” also speaks to its appeal.