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’ Classic and Hit Songs (41–50)
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.
Cherry PieWarrant
A signature song from Warrant, a band that epitomized the American glam metal scene.
Vocalist Jani Lane reportedly wrote it in just 15 minutes at the request of the record label president.
It’s the title track of the album Cherry Pie.
The lyrics, which compare a loved one to a sweet and irresistible pie, are straightforward and passionate.
This track blends an uplifting, catchy guitar riff with an irresistibly singable pop chorus, letting you fully savor the glitzy world of LA metal.
Released in September 1990 as the lead single from the album of the same name, it became a major hit, reaching No.
10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Give it a spin when you want to crank up the mood—perfect for drives and parties!
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.
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.
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.
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.
That’s AllGenesis
Genesis is a band famous for having drummer Phil Collins as a member.
Their 1983 album “Genesis” reached No.
1 on the UK Albums Chart, and the track “That’s All” peaked at No.
6 on the US charts.
Its simple, tight performance and vocals convey a mature confidence.