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] Classic and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (31–40)
Who Can It Be Now?Men At Work
Men at Work is a band from Australia.
“Who Can It Be Now?” is a smash hit released in 1981.
It starts with a memorable saxophone intro, followed by Colin Hay’s slightly deadpan-sounding vocals.
Their success was so influential at the time that it even led to the coining of the term “Aussie rock” (Australian rock).
Still Loving YouScorpions
A song by Scorpions, who had been active since the dawn of the German rock scene and became a world-famous rock band following their successful break into the American market.
Released as the second single from their 9th album, Love at First Sting, the track is a love song that also drew attention for its lyrics, which subtly alluded to their homeland’s division into East and West at the time.
With an arrangement featuring emotional vocals and soul-stirring guitar phrases, it embodies the poignant melancholy that can be considered synonymous with German HR/HM.
Its dramatic melodies and song structure captivate listeners and don’t let go—a power ballad whose massive success is easy to understand.
AmandaBoston
A song that could be called a monument of ’80s rock was born.
This superb power ballad, woven from a luscious melody line and lyrics that resonate with the heart, has never lost its luster.
Opening the album “Third Stage,” released in September 1986, the track became a major hit in the United States and Canada, achieving the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock charts.
It brilliantly captures the exhilaration and anxiety of confessing one’s love, making it a perfect song for those who treasure memories of their first love or who want to express their feelings to someone special.
Where the Streets Have No NameU2
U2 is a rock band from Ireland.
They are a globally renowned rock band and hold the record for the most Grammy Awards won by a group artist in history.
Their song “Where the Streets Have No Name” is one of their hits and was released as the opening track of their fifth album, The Joshua Tree.
With its refreshingly bright melody, it’s a great pick for those who enjoy clean, understated rock—be sure to give it a listen.
Gentlemen Take PolaroidsJapan
Japan, the beautiful five-piece born in London, bears a band name deeply familiar to Japanese ears.
Centered around the overwhelmingly charismatic David Sylvian and filled with distinctive personalities, they lived up to their name by first catching fire in Japan—earning a “big in Japan” reputation that included playing the Nippon Budokan on their first visit.
Evolving from early glamorous rock toward a more art-driven synth-pop, they cultivated a singular aesthetic and rose to a solitary, rarefied stature.
Their 1980 single Gentlemen Take Polaroids, also the title track of the album of the same name, became the first song in their career to enter the charts in their home country, the UK.
Immerse yourself in its flowing synths, Mick Karn’s sinuous fretless bass, and a melody that is pop yet intensely decadent.
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs (41–50)
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates
A cool, urban Hall & Oates smash hit packed with AOR flavor.
It’s a single from their self-titled album released in 1981, and it spent two consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
They are often regarded as leading artists in the genre known as “blue-eyed soul.”
Talking in Your SleepThe Romantics
When it comes to iconic pop-rock songs of the ’80s, you can’t talk about them without mentioning this track by The Romantics.
Centered on the theme of secrets spoken in sleep, the song portrays a deep bond between lovers.
Included on the album In Heat, released in February 1983, it became a massive hit in the United States, even reaching No.
1 on the Billboard disco chart.
Its sound—fusing new wave and rock—brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone wanting to spend an intimate moment with a partner or soak up that ’80s vibe.