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 (71–80)
Into the GrooveMadonna
The theme song from Desperately Seeking Susan, in which Madonna starred as Susan.
However, the film itself didn’t do very well in Japan.
It’s a catchy, highly commercial dance number, but although it wasn’t released as a single in the United States, it was issued as a single in the UK, Japan, and other countries, where it gained popularity.
Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter TonightStarship
Starship, which split off from Jefferson Starship.
Their biggest 80s hit “Sara” is well known, but afterward this song, also released as a single from the same album, charted as well.
It’s an up-tempo love song that gently speaks to a woman struggling with life.
Play The GameQueen
The girl group Citizen Queen consistently delivers powerful messages centered on women’s empowerment.
In this work, themes focusing on romance and self-expression unfold, conveying positive messages and the importance of self-awareness to listeners.
Released in April 2021, this track further cemented their musical identity.
Drawing on their experience as the opening act for Pentatonix’s world tour, they showcase skills that stand strong on the biggest stages.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to value their individuality or needs a boost of positivity.
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates
Hall & Oates is an American R&B duo.
They are very popular artists in Japan as well.
This song was featured in a digital camera commercial, among others.
In addition to this track, they are also known for hit songs like “Kiss On My List” and “Maneater.”
Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire
The lead single from Earth, Wind & Fire’s 11th album, Raise!, released in 1981, became one of the band’s signature songs.
Incorporating elements of soul and disco, the track is defined by its catchy synthesizer riff and striking vocoder vocals, and it gained popularity as the ultimate party anthem that set dance floors alight.
The music video is known for being the first ever aired on BET’s Video Soul.
With lyrics that encourage sharing love through music and dance and enjoying the night until dawn, the song naturally draws listeners onto the dance floor.
To this day, it remains a beloved classic that transcends generations and is frequently played at parties and celebrations.
Sunday Bloody SundayU2
U2’s signature song released in 1983 is marked by a powerful drumbeat and an intense, stirring guitar riff.
Set against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland conflict, its lyrics express a heartfelt wish for peace.
Opening the album War, it became a song that symbolizes the band’s political message.
It also holds a key place in their live performances, with their 1987 show in Colorado being especially famous.
Universally conveying fear and revulsion toward the cycle of violence, the track continues to move countless listeners to this day.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who longs for peace.
WomanJohn Lennon
A timeless, exquisite love song that continues to resonate with people across generations.
The vocals, blending gentleness with strength, deeply permeate the listener’s heart.
Included on the 1980 album Double Fantasy, it was released posthumously as a single in January 1981.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and No.
2 in the US, and entered the top 10 in many other countries, including Canada and New Zealand.
John Lennon created this piece as an expression of love for his wife, and its universal message of love continues to move countless people to this day.
When you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to give it a listen.