1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs

Breaking The LawJudas Priest

Judas Priest – Breaking The Law (Official Music Video)

A track by Judas Priest, a metal band globally renowned by the moniker “Metal Gods.” Released as a single from their sixth album, British Steel, it features a hard-edged sound paired with melodious, catchy guitar work.

While comparatively simple in beat for Judas Priest, its aggressive vocals and sound sent metal fans around the world into a frenzy.

In under three minutes, this smash hit packs in everything that makes Judas Priest compelling—a song you’ll want to replay over and over.

You Spin Me RoundDead Or Alive

Dead Or Alive – You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) (Official Video)

Dead or Alive, the British band often cited as pioneers of Eurobeat and Hi-NRG.

Released as a single in 1984, this track became their first global hit.

The lyrics, likening an intense possessiveness toward a love-at-first-sight crush to a record spinning at high speed, are particularly striking.

Pete Burns’s powerful vocals fused with synths carrying a rock-like aggressiveness make for a sensational sound.

Also featured on the classic album Youthquake, the song reached No.

9 on the UK Albums Chart.

If you love dance numbers that set the floor on fire, this is an unmissable track.

Add it to your party playlist and you’re guaranteed to get everyone dancing.

StandR.E.M.

R.E.M. – Stand (Video)

When it comes to music of the ’80s, many people might picture a flood of hit songs born from flashy, big-budget productions.

In reality, though, it was also an era when indie bands—who would later sweep the world under the banner of alternative rock—were beginning to find their voice, distinctly separate from the mainstream.

Formed in 1980 in the United States, R.

E.

M.

was truly a pioneering presence.

Regulars on college charts across the country and wildly popular at the time, they continued on to massive success after going major.

“Stand,” included on Green—their first major-label release and the record that can be considered their breakthrough—was a hit notable for its catchy melody even among their catalog.

Influenced by the bubblegum sound of the ’60s, it’s an unusually bright, upbeat pop song for them.

As the band’s self-deprecating remark puts it, it’s “the most ridiculous song we’ve ever written,” and it’s interesting that the lyrics are deliberately straightforward.

That said, the simplicity of the message is precisely what makes it hit so directly.

In My DreamsDokken

Dokken – In My Dreams (Official Music Video)

A signature song by the American band Dokken that portrays a longing for a lover you can meet only in dreams.

The piece is captivating not only for Don Dokken’s wistful, high-toned vocals but also for George Lynch’s aggressive yet dazzling guitar solo.

The contrast between the heartrending melody and the intense guitar sound further accentuates the song’s dramatic atmosphere.

The album featuring this track, Under Lock and Key, was certified Platinum in April 1987.

Why not immerse yourself in the lyrical allure of hard rock while picturing a beautiful story?

Don’t Stop Me NowQueen

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)

The moment the piano intro starts, you’re swept up in a rush of excitement that makes your heart dance—this is one of the signature songs by the British band Queen.

Released as a single in 1979, it’s included on the classic album “Jazz.” Written by Freddie Mercury, the song brims with overwhelming energy and euphoria, declaring, “No one can stop me.” Guitarist Brian May reportedly had reservations at first about its unabashedly hedonistic content.

In Japan, it’s well known from commercials for Cosmo Oil and JR Central, as well as its use in the film “Shaun of the Dead,” and just listening to it makes you feel invincible.

It’s a timeless killer tune that’s perfect for pumping up a drive or a party.

Senses Working OvertimeXTC

XTC – Senses Working Overtime (Official Video)

XTC, a band that enjoys a cult following around the world, debuted in the UK during the height of the 1978 punk boom.

Centered around Andy Partridge—whose genius songwriting, distinctive aesthetic, and perfectionism are well known—they produced many works that have left their mark on UK rock history, and they have a devoted base of enthusiasts in Japan as well.

XTC are known for meticulous production, experimentation, and a quirky pop sensibility, but the song introduced here, “Senses Working Overtime,” stands out as especially pop and melodious within their discography.

While it tones down some of XTC’s usual idiosyncrasies, it remains a beloved classic among many music fans.

Starting with this track is a great way to enter their sonic world.

Burning Down the HouseTalking Heads

Talking Heads – Burning Down the House (Official Video)

Let me introduce one of the signature hits by the New York legends Talking Heads, who left an enormous mark on the 1980s New Wave scene and achieved not only critical acclaim but also commercial success: “Burning Down the House.” The spark for the song came when drummer Chris Frantz attended a concert by P-Funk groups like Parliament and Funkadelic, who were hugely popular at the time, and was deeply impressed.

That’s why the track’s sound draws heavily on inspiration from Black music.

This attempt—a white rock band’s reinterpretation of funk—went on to exert a substantial influence on later indie rock and alternative rock artists.