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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- Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
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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
- [Western Music] Cool Three-Piece Bands: Recommended Trios Roundup [2025]
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
[1980s] Masterpieces and hit songs by legendary Western rock bands (101–110)
Born in the U.S.ABruce Springsteen
This is Bruce Springsteen’s hit song from 1984.
It sings about veterans returning from the Vietnam War.
The lyrics vividly portray soldiers who went to the front lines for their country, came back bearing various wounds, and were treated as nuisances in many places and met with harsh treatment after returning home.
Even though the events took place decades ago, the song’s content remains thought-provoking.
In contrast to those lyrics, the upbeat energy of the music and Springsteen’s powerful vocals have inspired the hearts of many listeners.
Walk Of LifeDire Straits
A song by Dire Straits, who were active from the 1970s through the 1990s and enjoyed worldwide popularity for their unique musical style that added originality to roots music.
Released as the fourth single from their fifth album, Brothers in Arms—known as their biggest hit with sales exceeding 30 million copies—the track hooks you with an arrangement that’s catchy yet distinctly apart from the trends of the time.
Its light, exhilarating sound still feels irresistibly addictive even today.
It’s a number that, while pop, carries a unique sense of melancholy—one that makes Dire Straits’ lasting popularity easy to understand.
Teen Age RiotSonic youth
One essential 1980s rock band is Sonic Youth.
Their musicality, artwork, and ideas had a tremendous impact on the rock band boom of the ’90s.
While they’re categorized as alternative rock, they also released many experimental tracks with a fresh spirit aimed at upending the alternative scene.
Perhaps that’s one reason their work never seems to lose its luster.
Once In A LifetimeTalking Heads
Talking Heads, a band that thrived during the early-1980s New Wave boom.
Their track “Once in a Lifetime” is famous for featuring ambient musician Brian Eno as producer.
Perhaps thanks to Eno’s influence, long, ambient-like tones are woven throughout, creating the song’s powerful impact.
Personally, I think the music video is fantastic as well, and highly recommend watching it.
Sowing the Seeds of LoveTears for Fears
Tears for Fears is a British duo consisting of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.
“Kokomo” is a single released in 1989 that reached No.
5 on the UK chart and No.
2 on the US chart.
It’s a high-quality work that skillfully blends a psychedelic feel with a pop sound.
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Famous and Hit Songs (111–120)
Should I Stay Or Should I GoThe Clash
The Clash, the punk band famous for that striking album cover of smashing a guitar and a forerunner of the 1970s punk boom.
“Should I Stay Or Should I Go” is a 1982 track from the later period of their career, and rather than being just a hard-hitting punk song, its laid-back performance is also a highlight.
Hand In GloveThe Smiths
Before forming The Smiths, vocalist Morrissey worked as a writer.
Their literary lyrics resonated with many young people, earning the band wide support as a post-punk act.
When discussing The Smiths, the presence of guitarist Johnny Marr—who crafted their sound—is also indispensable.
Though their active period was short—just five years from 1982 to 1987—they left behind a wealth of classic songs as a rock band.