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’ Masterpieces and Hit Songs (21–30)
I Love Rock ‘n’ RollJoan Jett & The Blackhearts
Released in January 1982, this rock anthem cemented the popularity of American rock band Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
It was a massive hit, dominating the U.
S.
singles chart at No.
1 for seven weeks.
The powerful guitar riff and rousing handclaps contain the kind of rock magic that gets your body moving before you even think about it.
The track is a single from the classic album “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” and some may remember it being featured in the film “10 Things I Hate About You.” Unconditional love for rock ’n’ roll and the joy of connecting with people through music—those pure feelings come straight to the heart, carried by a powerful vocal.
Why not give it a listen on a morning when you want to start your day on a high note?
Goo Goo MuckThe Cramps
Wednesday, directed and executive-produced by none other than Tim Burton, became a hot topic when it premiered as a new Netflix drama series in 2022.
In episode 4, a scene where Wednesday performs a gothic dance went viral on social media, drawing attention to the background music used in the scene.
The song playing is The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck,” a cover of a track that was a hit in 1962 by Ronnie Cook & the Gaylads.
The Cramps are a legendary band of garage rock and psychobilly born out of New York, a group that commanded enormous influence in the underground scene.
They never achieved major commercial success per se, but it’s fascinating to see their music being spotlighted in the 2020s—and it’s something worth knowing that this kind of sound was being made back in the 1980s.
Genius of LoveTom Tom Club
Many of you have probably heard the striking intro phrase of “Genius of Love” and thought, “I’ve heard this somewhere before.” Its funky feel—steeped in the influence of Black music—and its oddly laid-back groove leave a strong impression.
“Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club—the side project formed by the rhythm section of the legendary new wave to post-punk band Talking Heads—is a classic also known in Japan by its alternate title, “Akuma no Love Song.” The track itself was a hit and remains one of their signature songs, but it’s also been widely used as a sampling source.
The most famous example is Mariah Carey’s massive hit “Fantasy.” It’s frequently referenced in the hip-hop world as well, so it’s fun to dig into the examples!
Dr. FeelgoodMötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe, a band that epitomizes the LA metal scene of the ’80s.
The title track from their landmark 1989 album Dr.
Feelgood became a signature song that powered the band to their first No.
1 on the U.
S.
album chart.
Known for being created while the members were sober from drugs and alcohol, the song tells a story of the pleasures—and the ruinous dependency—brought by a figure known as the “doctor.” Riding on a blend of funky rhythms and heavy guitar riffs, you can practically see the protagonist getting drawn deeper into a dangerous world.
Why not immerse yourself in the heat of ’80s rock while experiencing the power and groove that defined LA metal?
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.
The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.
Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.
The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.
It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.
Rock MeGreat White
Great White is an American band that blazed through the LA metal scene with hard rock rooted in the blues.
Their signature track was released as a single from the album Once Bitten in June 1987.
Its appeal lies in the sound where the muscular guitar riffs intertwine with Jack Russell’s passionate, soaring vocals, conveying an irresistible impulse and earnest desire to surrender your whole heart.
Peaking at No.
60 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song blends the glitz of LA metal with the melancholy of the blues—perfect for a drive or when you want to get pumped up.
Give yourself over to the searing rock sound and you’re guaranteed to be swept up in a rush of exhilaration!
Pour Some Sugar On MeDef Leppard
An irresistible, top-tier melodic hard rock number that grabs your ears and won’t let go.
Paired with sultry lyrics, this song was crafted as an invitation to those seeking a sensual experience, and it’s featured on the classic 1987 album Hysteria.
It became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the U.
S.
Billboard charts.
Its music video, frequently aired on MTV, also made waves and catapulted the band’s popularity.
With Joe Elliott’s powerful vocals perfectly matched to a catchy guitar riff, this track remains an enduring classic that still gets heavy rotation on classic rock stations.
It’s the perfect song for parties or whenever you want to lift your mood.