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] Classic and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (31–40)
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.
To Hell With The DevilStryper
Stryper, the American band known for their striking yellow-and-black visuals.
This song, which embodies their beliefs, carries a powerful message of rejecting every temptation and staying on the right path.
Beyond the lyrical world, the dramatic progression woven by Michael Sweet’s soaring high-tone vocals and the heavy guitar sound is equally captivating.
It’s the title track from the classic album To Hell with the Devil, released in October 1986, and the album achieved the landmark of becoming the first Christian metal record to be certified Platinum in January 1988.
When you want to accomplish something or fire yourself up, listening to it might give you great courage.
RaptureBlondie
With its fearless sound and innovative style, this track brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the 1980s.
Its bold fusion of new wave and hip-hop astonished music fans at the time.
Released in January 1981 and included on the album Autoamerican, the song quickly became a worldwide hit.
From frenzied club dance scenes to tales of extraterrestrials, its unconventional lyrics offer a captivating world.
Packed with Blondie’s spirit of musical adventure and creativity, it showcases the possibilities of music beyond genre boundaries.
It’s the perfect track for an energetic vibe, whether on a night drive or at a party with friends.
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).
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.
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs (41–50)
Every Rose Has Its ThornPoison
A quintessential ballad from Poison, the standard-bearers of ’80s glam metal.
Its luscious melody and bittersweet lyrics vividly capture the pain of heartbreak.
Released in October 1988, it became the band’s only U.
S.
number-one hit.
Issued as a single from their second album, Open Up and Say.
.
.
Ahh!, it was a worldwide smash.
The lyrics, which liken the fleeting, fragile beauty of love to the thorns of a rose, have resonated with countless listeners and remain timeless.
It’s a song to play when you want to soothe a broken heart or deepen your feelings for someone special.
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.