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.
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
- 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
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
- 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] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Famous and Hit Songs (111–120)
This Charming ManThe Smiths
Despite being active for only about five years, The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important bands in 1980s Britain and have a large, fervent fanbase.
They didn’t necessarily achieve record-breaking commercial success, but countless musicians have been influenced by them, and they enjoy a cult following among Japanese music fans who love British rock.
Among the many wonderful classics born from the songwriting partnership of frontman Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, let’s look at one of their signature tracks, “This Charming Man.” Released in 1983 as their second single, it became a breakthrough hit, reaching number 25 on the charts despite not being included on an album.
There’s no need to belabor the excellence of Morrissey’s refined vocals and Marr’s inventive guitar work, which stands apart from simple power chords—but the song’s melodic, singing bass line and light, sprightly drumming are also truly outstanding.
The lyrics, with their narrative quality, are quintessentially Morrissey—bookish and suggestive—inviting a variety of interpretations.
Sunday Bloody Sunday-HQU2
A world-renowned rock band from Ireland.
This is their third single, a song themed around the 1972 “Bloody Sunday” incident that occurred in Ireland.
With this hit, the band became known worldwide.
It’s a work notable for the straightforward, hard-hitting lyrics that U2 excels at.
Just Like HoneyThe Jesus and Mary Chain
A song released in November 1985 that paints a world of luscious love.
Featured on The Jesus and Mary Chain’s debut album Psychocandy, this track is striking for its fusion of feedback noise and beautiful melody.
Within its grand, Phil Spector–influenced sound, the sweetness and anguish of romance are brilliantly expressed.
Jim Reid’s emotionally rich vocals really resonate.
Also known for being used in the ending of the film Lost in Translation, this piece remains a landmark of noise pop that continues to captivate many music fans.
EpicFaith No More
Faith No More is an American band that rose to popularity from the late 1980s to the 1990s, presenting a genre-defying sound rooted in funk metal and crossover influences.
After the eccentric Mike Patton joined as vocalist, their third album, The Real Thing, released in 1989, became a major hit.
The track Epic from that album is a classic: its rap-style verses, melodic chorus, and funky groove are unbelievably cool.
Later released as a single, it climbed to No.
9 on the Billboard charts.
Serving as a kind of bridge to 1990s alternative rock, it’s a must-listen if you haven’t heard it yet.
Our Lips Are SealedFun Boy Three
Terry Hall, the vocalist of The Specials—a quintessential 2 Tone ska band—sadly passed away in December 2022.
After leaving the band, he formed a new group called Fun Boy Three.
At the time, the UK had many rock musicians who were producing sounds influenced by Black music such as funk, and Fun Boy Three was very much part of that trend.
Although their active period was less than two years, the albums they released were commercially successful.
Our Lips Are Sealed was co-written by Jane Wiedlin, guitarist of the Go-Go’s, and Terry Hall, and is known for having been released in separate versions by both artists—both of which became hits.
HallelujahHappy Mondays
A British rock band, affectionately known as “Hapiman.” It’s also well known that their name comes from New Order’s classic track “Blue Monday.” Their appeal lies in Shaun Ryder’s commanding vocals and their catchy dance-pop sound.
About A GirlNirvana
Some of you who saw this song’s title might be thinking, “Isn’t Nirvana a band from the ’90s?” One of the rock icons that defined ’90s grunge/alternative and etched their name into music history, Nirvana released their debut album Bleach on the esteemed indie label Sub Pop in 1989.
It’s worth remembering that bands like them emerged as a reaction to the glitzy music scene of the ’80s.
The song we’re covering today, About a Girl, was frequently performed live.
Within their discography, it’s a particularly pop-leaning, mellow classic, with a wonderfully languid vibe and dry sonics.
The ensemble, which contrasts quiet and loud by driving the gritty guitars into distortion in the latter half, lands perfectly.
By the way, the drummer at this point wasn’t Dave Grohl, but Chad Channing.