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 (51–60)
99 LuftballonsNena
It’s a song released in 1983 by the German band Nena.
Although the lyrics are entirely in German, it became a rare example of a worldwide hit.
In Japan, it’s known as “99 Red Balloons,” and it became famous for being used as the opening theme of the variety show “Warau Inu no Jōnetsu.”
Down UnderMen At Work
It’s a hit song that represents the 1980s and is loved worldwide as a piece that symbolizes Australian culture and identity.
With a catchy melody and quirky lyrics, it’s full of humor and incorporates uniquely Australian slang and cultural elements.
Released in November 1981, it was included on the album “Business as Usual.” It simultaneously reached number one on the U.
S.
and U.
K.
charts, and has cultural significance, having been used at the 1983 America’s Cup and the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the charm of Australia or enjoy the new wave sound of the ’80s.
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.”
Last ChristmasWham!
Last Christmas by Wham! was a massive hit in the 1980s.
Since it’s a song used by many media outlets in Japan, I’m sure many of you are familiar with it.
Even in the 2020s, isn’t this the song that comes to mind when you think of Christmas? With Wham’s sweet vocals and beautiful sound, it’s a pop number that also achieved huge commercial success.
[1980s] Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Legendary Western Rock Bands (61–70)
Pride In the Name of LoveU2
U2 is an Irish rock band.
Formed in 1980, they are a rare band that has neither undergone any lineup changes nor disbanded, and they have continued to perform at the forefront of the music scene to this day.
They are known as a no-nonsense band that does not shy away from making political statements, and they have received numerous awards over the years.
“Pride (In the Name of Love)” is a song released as a single from the 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
Bon Jovi is a hard rock band from the United States.
They have many fans in Japan and are known for numerous hit songs.
“You Give Love a Bad Name” is a single released in 1986, and the album containing the song, “Wild in the Streets,” stayed at No.
1 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart for eight consecutive weeks.
Welcome To The JungleGuns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses is an American band.
“Welcome to the Jungle” was released as a single from their 1987 debut album.
The song features incredibly cool, driving guitars.
Its views on YouTube have surpassed 200 million.