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 hits of the 80s (21–30)
Crazy for YouMadonna
Madonna, the American singer known as the “Queen of Pop.” This work is a signature ballad that reinvented her image and led her into new territory.
It was the first time the dance-pop star delivered a tender love song, expressing in a straightforward way the uncontrollable, passionate feelings of falling head over heels for someone.
Produced in March 1985 as the theme song for the film Vision Quest, it reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts in May of the same year.
It also became the milestone that earned Madonna her first Grammy nomination.
If you listen to it while experiencing a bittersweet romance, it will surely resonate with your heart.
Its sweet, romantic melody evokes the dazzling nights of the 1980s.
Uptown GirlBilly Joel
This song features a lively melody strongly influenced by 1960s doo-wop.
Billy Joel skillfully portrays a universal love story in which a working-class young man falls in love with a woman from high society.
Set to a bright, cheerful tune, the piece depicts a romance that transcends social class and was released as a single from the album An Innocent Man in September 1983.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and became a major hit, selling approximately 975,000 copies.
In 1984, it was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award and received high praise as a sophisticated pop tune.
Its upbeat rhythm and hopeful message encourage a positive outlook on love.
Take My Breath AwayBerlin
This is the award-winning ballad that served as the love theme for the 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun, honored with an Academy Award.
It was performed by the American band Berlin, with the composition handled by disco maestro Giorgio Moroder.
Teri Nunn’s passionate, soulful vocals leave a strong impression.
The bittersweet yet burning emotions of falling in love—so overwhelming you can hardly breathe—resonate warmly alongside the majestic synthesizer tones.
Released in June 1986, the song reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
singles chart.
It’s sure to make a romantic evening with someone special even more dramatic.
Back In BlackAC/DC
The album featuring this song is the third best-selling album in the world, following Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.
It’s still a familiar name for rock fans, isn’t it? In 2016, Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses joined the tour as the vocalist.
Can’t take my eyes off you.Boys Town Gang
A classic that lit up the disco scene of the ’80s.
Its sweet, bittersweet lyrics and danceable rhythm make it especially memorable.
Released in 1982 by Boys Town Gang, it became a massive hit across Europe, reaching No.
1 in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, and No.
4 in the UK.
This version is a cover by a San Francisco–based post-disco band of the original 1967 song.
Its exhilarating, dance-floor–filling sound and straightforward lyrics about being in love are its biggest charms.
Perfect for livening up karaoke or spicing up a party—this is a track so full of positive energy it’ll get your body moving the moment you hear it.
Don’t Stop Believin’Journey
A hit song by Journey, a band that epitomizes so-called “arena rock.” It was one of the numbers frequently covered by college bands around 1990.
You can fully enjoy the magnificent vocals of Steve Perry, often regarded as the best singer in the band’s history.
Everybody Wants To Rule The WorldTears for Fears
Tears for Fears is a British duo, and besides this song they’re also known for their hit “Shout.” Many of their songs have delicate melodies and lyrics that are calming to listen to.
The featured “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is also notable for its refreshing intro.