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)
The ReflexDuran Duran
Emerging from the “New Romantic” boom and becoming a standout presence, Duran Duran released The Reflex as the third single from their 1983 album Seven and the Ragged Tiger.
It is also remembered as the band’s first song to reach number one on the U.
S.
charts.
Cum On Feel The NoizeQuiet Riot
This is an irresistibly upbeat party anthem that epitomizes the frenzy of ’80s L.
A.
metal! Performed by the American band Quiet Riot, it practically transports you into the excitement of a live show just by listening.
A cover of a song originally released by Slade in the ’70s, its lyrics carry a simple yet powerful message: forget your everyday frustrations and let’s all go wild together.
Released in 1983, it was included on the landmark album Metal Health, the first heavy metal record in history to reach No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
Thanks to the massive success of this track, the band shot to stardom.
Also featured in the film Footloose, this song is the perfect companion for a drive or anytime you want to boost your mood!
[1980s] Classic and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (31–40)
Nothin’ But A Good TimePoison
One of the quintessential LA metal bands, Poison delivers the ultimate party rock anthem.
With lyrics that boldly proclaim “Let’s have an absolute blast tonight,” breaking free from the dull everyday grind, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to throw your fist in the air.
Featured on their smash-hit album Open Up and Say… Ahh!, released in April 1988, it was also memorably used in the film Mr.
& Mrs.
Smith.
Whether you want to blow off some steam or kick off the weekend, this track is guaranteed to lift your spirits—truly a song that epitomizes LA metal.
Somebody Save MeCinderella
It’s a classic by the American band Cinderella that captures a cry from the heart seeking freedom and escape from everyday constraints.
Tom Keifer’s raspy vocals intertwined with bluesy guitar riffs create a driving, irresistibly cool sound.
In the lyrics, the protagonist, while longing for someone to save them, dashes into the night determined to enjoy it to the fullest.
The album Night Songs, which features this track, was released in 1986 and sold over three million copies in the U.
S.
The song itself was released as a single in April 1987 and was frequently played on MTV.
When you feel the need to break free from something, why not surrender yourself to this straightforward rock ’n’ roll?
I Wanna Be SomebodyW.A.S.P.
W.
A.
S.
P.
is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, USA, also known for their provocative stage shows.
Their debut song, which put their name on the global map, is a rock number that sings of the universal longing to “be somebody.” Their debut album, W.
A.
S.
P.
, released in 1984 and featuring this track, is known as a classic and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
Its powerful guitars and catchy melodies are sure to stir the listener’s heart.
If you’re looking to break out of your current situation or reach for big dreams, this song will surely give you courage.
Its selection at No.
84 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” also speaks to its appeal.
Never EnoughL.A. Guns
L.
A.
Guns from the U.
S.
are a band with full-on dirty, sleazy charm, yet their lyrics are pretty intense—this addictive track has captivated many with that very gap.
Sung over powerful guitar riffs and a catchy melody is a theme of human desire that can never be satisfied.
That slightly decadent, ravenous message is a major part of the song’s appeal.
Back in 1989, their second album Cocked & Loaded, which includes this track, reached No.
38 on the U.
S.
charts and was certified Platinum.
If you want to experience the wild, glitzy world of LA metal, this is a perfect place to start.
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.