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 of the 80s (11–20)
Wake Me Up Before You Go GoWham!
This song is better known by its Japanese title.
Its up-tempo melody and clear, refreshing vocals fit perfectly with the word “ukiuki” (cheerful, bubbly).
It’s still a familiar tune today as the opening theme for a morning news show.
The vocalist, George Michael, continued a successful solo career after Wham! disbanded, but he passed away in 2016.
Hungry Like the Wolf (2009 Remastered Version)Duran Duran
Duran Duran enjoyed overwhelming popularity among younger generations as an ’80s rock band.
Known as a British new wave band, this song is one of their signature tracks.
Some thirty-plus years later, the rock band Muse covered it, showing how their sound has left a significant influence on later rock bands.
Time Waits For No OneFreddie Mercury
This is an alternate version of a song the late Freddie Mercury recorded in ’86 as the title track for the smash-hit musical Time.
Since it was originally one of his major hits from the ’80s, it carries the flavor of that era.
With only piano and his voice, the song’s simplicity, beauty, and power—and his unique vocal style—once again make me feel the greatness of Freddie Mercury.
And I am simply, utterly overwhelmed by his vocal prowess.
Faith (2010 Remastered Version)George Michael
This is a major hit by George Michael, who disbanded the globally popular duo Wham! in 1986 and made his solo debut the following year.
At the time, the album’s popularity was unimaginable—not listening to it was unthinkable—and the whole world was captivated.
It sold 25 million copies worldwide, and its popularity in Japan was immeasurable.
Last ChristmasWham!
A timeless classic that resonates with many as a winter tradition.
Its crystalline vocals and lyrics portraying a love that feels within reach yet remains unattainable convey the pain of heartbreak while retaining a certain warmth, touching listeners’ hearts in any season.
Released in December 1984, it held the No.
2 spot on the UK Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks.
Royalties from the song were donated to relief efforts for the Ethiopian famine.
In 2019, a film inspired by the song was also released.
It’s a track that kindles a gentle light of compassion in listeners’ hearts on chilly nights.
Why not savor the beloved sound of the ’80s while tuning in to a universal message that has never faded with time?
Pour Some Sugar On MeDef Leppard
It’s a popular song by a British rock band that was active in the ’80s.
The heavy drums are emblematic of ’80s hard rock.
The melody is simple too, so I imagine it was a big favorite among Japanese hard rock fans.
Of course, it was also popular worldwide.
Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hits of the 80s (21–30)
1999Prince
This is Prince’s smash-hit album released in 1982, created when he was already brimming with talent from a young age.
With this record, which sold four million copies in the U.
S.
, he instantly stood shoulder to shoulder with the defining artists of the 1980s.
His distinctive songs, vocals, and fashion captivated the entire world.