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.
.
.
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 from the 80s (1–10)
ThrillerMichael Jackson
As you know, it’s Michael Jackson.
This is one of his signature songs, and he was known as the King of Pop.
The album of the same title, Thriller, on which this song was included, became the best-selling album in the world.
The album also features other familiar tracks such as Beat It and Billie Jean.
Livin’ On A PrayerBon Jovi
They’re a world-famous rock band that debuted in the ’80s.
Their appeal lies in Jon Bon Jovi’s powerhouse vocals and Richie Sambora’s heavy guitar solos.
They’re especially known for breaking big in Japan first.
Their song “Tokyo Road,” inspired by Japan, is also well known.
Sunglasses at NightCorey Hart
Canadian singer Corey Hart, who scored numerous big hits in the ’80s with his sweet looks and sexy yet powerful vocals.
His track “Sunglasses at Night,” which pairs his voice with a driving beat, was his debut song and the one that launched his career.
Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (11–20)
GhostbustersRay Parker Jr.
Along with the theme song for the 1984 blockbuster film Ghostbusters, Ray Parker Jr.
’s track became so popular it turned into a social phenomenon.
From the memorable opening intro to the overall rhythmic sound, everyone found themselves stepping to the beat and pretending to be Ghostbusters—that is, ghost hunters.
It still sounds fresh even now.
Somebody’s Watching MeRockwell
That unforgettable classic with the striking phrase, “Is somebody watching me?”—the one you can’t help but hum.
Known as the signature song of Rockwell, a formidable talent and son of the founder of Motown, it’s famous for the anecdote that he secured his record deal without revealing his father’s name.
Released in December 1983, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the U.
S.
charts.
The juxtaposition of paranoid lyrics—as if under constant surveillance—with a danceable, catchy synth-funk sound is brilliant.
And on the standout chorus, none other than Michael Jackson lends his vocals.
Featured on his debut album, Somebody’s Watching Me, this track is perfect for Halloween season or whenever you’re in the mood for a little thrill.
Walking On SunshineKatrina of Katrina & the Waves
This is a song released in 1983 that became a big hit as a rhythmic, dance-inducing rock track.
It’s from their debut album and was initially released only in Canada, but later came out worldwide.
Known as a bright and refreshing New Wave sound, it captivated everyone.
Listening to it makes your heart feel like dancing, too.
I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)Daryl Hall & John Oates
They were a popular duo commonly known as Hall & Oates.
Their songs were loved around the world, and they commanded respect as artists of the ’80s.
This song is one that everyone has surely heard at least once—a timeless classic with a fresh feel, featuring a repeating rhythm and stylish saxophone sound.