Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs from the 1980s
The 1980s transformed music history and had a profound impact on later musicians.
Even those who didn’t live through the era can bask in a sense of nostalgia that feels somehow familiar.
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper.
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We researched pop hits from the West that defined the ’80s.
From those, we carefully selected the most popular tracks based on reliable feedback from music fans who visit our site.
Find a favorite track and dive in!
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Nostalgic? Or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (61–70)
FootlooseKenny Loggins
This is also a movie theme song.
It’s a work by Kenny Loggins, who is known as the singer of the theme from the movie Top Gun.
Kenny Loggins is a highly accomplished artist who won a Grammy as a composer in the 1970s.
It’s a song you still often hear these days, including in TV commercials.
Dancing In the DarkBruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is an American musician with an astonishing record of having sold over 100 million records.
He is a musician who will surely appear on any timeline when discussing music of the 1970s and 1980s.
His appeal lies in rock sung with a sexy flair, in a style influenced by R&B.
Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO
This is a power ballad by Chicago, released in May 1982, known for its poignant, heart-tugging melody.
Centered on breakup and reconciliation, it poignantly conveys the difficulty of apologizing and the hope of mending a relationship.
The song spent two consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy.
It earned high praise worldwide, topping the charts in many countries.
Peter Cetera’s crystalline vocals blend beautifully with David Foster’s sophisticated production.
It’s a perfect song for anyone hoping to repair a cherished relationship after a breakup or a fight.
Say You Say MeLionel Richie
Released in 1985, this song features Lionel Richie’s warm vocals that seep into the heart, brimming with love and hope.
Its lyrics, which convey the importance of human connection, deeply resonate with listeners.
Used as the theme song for the film White Nights, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
In 2008, it ranked 74th on Billboard’s 50th Anniversary Hot 100 list.
It’s a track that gives you courage when you want to reaffirm bonds with friends or when you’re feeling lost in life.
Purple RainPrince
Following the release of the album Purple Rain, the eponymous film that marked Prince’s acting debut also drew major attention, winning both an Academy Award and a Grammy.
He achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one simultaneously with a single, an album, and a film—the first time since The Beatles.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
Released in 1986, this track became Bon Jovi’s first No.
1 hit in the United States.
Jon Bon Jovi’s powerful vocals and the catchy chorus are especially memorable.
The lyrics, centering on betrayal in love and emotional scars, resonated with many listeners.
As the lead single from the album “Slippery When Wet,” it propelled the band to international superstardom.
Its energetic sound is packed with elements that epitomize the rock scene of the ’80s.
With a universal message that speaks to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or betrayal, it’s perfect for a drive or whenever you want to lift your mood.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper
It’s a song that has become a standard number, having been covered by numerous artists and used repeatedly in commercials.
Cyndi Lauper, who is also known as a great admirer of Japan, has even appeared on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen.