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)
The Final CountdownEurope
It’s a 1986 release by the Swedish band Europe, their signature song that became a worldwide hit and made their name famous.
In Japan, it was used as the theme for TBS’s World Baseball Classic coverage, so you’ve probably heard it at least once.
[1980s] Legendary Western Rock Bands: Masterpieces and Hit Songs (51–60)
Calling On YouStryper
Stryper’s signature song, which brought a fresh breeze to the Western rock scene of the ’80s, fully showcases their identity as a Christian metal band.
The lyrics, which sing about the importance of someone who stands by a lonely heart, carry a universal theme while also conveying a religious message.
Included on the album To Hell with the Devil, released in January 1986, the track gained popularity on MTV and became one of Stryper’s defining works.
Blending elements of glam metal with a melodic sound, it earned broad support and is recommended not only for rock fans but also for those seeking lyrics that speak to the heart.
LovesongThe Cure
The Cure, led by frontman Robert Smith—an eternal cult hero revered by pessimistic music fans around the world—have achieved commercial success not only in their native UK but also in the US, reigning as a stadium-level band while somehow maintaining an aura of the uncanny, the mysterious, and the enigmatic.
In Japan as well, many musicians openly cite The Cure as an influence.
While their music often leans into experimentation and high artistic ambition, they’ve also produced a wealth of accessible pop masterpieces.
Lovesong, the track featured here, showcases their romantic and mellow side.
Its minor-key melody and distinctive bass line evoke a quintessential new wave atmosphere—simply superb.
Though Disintegration (1989)—often referred to as part of their “dark trilogy”—is a brooding work, it became a worldwide hit; Lovesong was included on the album and released as a single.
Many artists have covered this song, and, perhaps unexpectedly, even a genre-blending band like 311 has done a version, so be sure to check it out.
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.
AngelAerosmith
Aerosmith is a band that took hard rock—a niche genre at the time—added catchy arrangements, and elevated it into the mainstream.
Even younger generations have probably at least heard their name.
Their hit song “Angel,” released in 1987, gained worldwide popularity.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Engine,” starring Takuya Kimura, so many people may find it familiar.
Manic MondayThe Bangles
A signature song by The Bangles, the great band born out of Los Angeles.
Written by Prince under the pseudonym “Christopher,” the track became a worldwide hit upon its 1986 release.
Its lyrics, which capture a woman’s feelings on a Monday morning as she heads to work, resonated with many people, and together with its catchy melody it became one of the defining classics of the ’80s.
It reached No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top 10 in many countries, including the UK and Germany.
This song brought The Bangles a new base of female fans and marked a turning point in their career.
Depicting the everyday lives of working people, it continues to be loved by many to this day.
Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne
A masterpiece among masterpieces by the band led by Ozzy Osbourne after he left Black Sabbath—the eponymous group bearing his own name.
Above all, the legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads delivers phenomenal playing, and you can feel the spirit that thrilled guitar kids of the time even through the footage.