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’ 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?
AloneHeart
A single by the rock band Heart, formed around the Wilson sisters and a pioneering, globally popular group centered on female rock musicians.
It was a massive hit that topped the Billboard chart for three consecutive weeks, and the contrast between the crystalline piano and the weeping guitar really stirs the heart.
Even today, the arrangement—layering a powerful vocal over a classic ballad ensemble—makes you think, “This is the quintessential rock ballad.” It’s a gem of a track packed with the delicacy and beauty unique to a band led by women.
[1980s] Classic and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (31–40)
Don’t Stop BelievinJourney
Formed in the early 1970s and still active today while evolving their musical style, Journey left its strongest vocal impression with Steve Perry among all their singers.
He delivered numerous hits with his vocals.
Here, we highlight Don’t Stop Believin’, a smash hit from their 1981 album Escape.
Start Me UpThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a band that has never disbanded and has continued to be active on the front lines from the 1960s to the present.
Over their long career, they have taken on a variety of styles, spanning a wide range that includes classic rock, hard rock, psychedelia, and blues rock.
Their hit song “Start Me Up,” released in 1981, is crafted as an exhilarating piece of dance music.
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!
Take on mea-ha
It’s a single released in 1985 by the Norwegian band a-ha.
The music video, which made extensive use of animation, became a hot topic and was repeatedly featured on MTV, helping to trigger its worldwide mega-hit status.
It later became a classic among classics, covered by numerous musicians.
AfricaTOTO
This is a song from the American AOR band TOTO’s 1982 album TOTO IV, led by Jeff Porcaro and David Paich.
It’s one of their signature songs, which reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The album also includes another of their signature songs, Rosanna.