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 (31–40)
The Final CountdownEuropa
Europe is a hard rock band from Sweden and a pioneer in popularizing Nordic metal.
The intro of this song is famous and is often used as background music in serious scenes on variety shows and the like.
The album of the same title that includes this song became a hit, selling 6.
5 million copies.
Is There Something I Should Know?Duran Duran
Released in 1983, this song became Duran Duran’s first UK number-one hit.
Centered on a troubled romantic relationship, it expresses doubts and anxieties toward a lover.
Nick Rhodes’s distinctive keyboard sound stands out, showcasing the band’s unique blend of pop and rock.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the music video juxtaposes surreal color and black-and-white imagery and was hugely popular on MTV in 1983.
During the 1983/84 Seven and the Ragged Tiger tour, it was reportedly performed as the opening song.
It’s a perfect track for anyone grappling with complicated love, and you may discover something new each time you listen.
Holding Out for a HeroBonnie Tyler
This song was produced for the soundtrack of the 1984 film Footloose.
Bonnie Tyler’s powerful, husky voice is striking, isn’t it? Some of you may remember it being used in the scene where the teenagers have a tractor race in the movie.
Later, in May 1986, it was included on and released as part of the album Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire.
The lyrics, which long for a hero who is “strong, fast, and just back from the fight,” resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a track that can give you energy when you want to find the hero within yourself or need the courage to face difficulties.
Break My StrideMatthew Wilder
Matthew Wilder, a new wave musician and a figure from the music genre that was popular in the 1980s.
His music consisted of pop songs that boldly incorporated synthesizers, known as synth-pop.
While synthesizers are mainstream now, back then they were novel and cutting-edge instruments.
BadU2
A song released to the world in 1984 by a rock band that Ireland is proud of.
Although it tackles a socially conscious theme, portraying people suffering from heroin addiction, you can feel a powerful sense of encouragement throughout.
Included on the album The Unforgettable Fire, it reached No.
19 on the charts and has continued to be loved as one of U2’s signature songs.
Their performance at Live Aid in 1985 is especially famous—the passionate 12-minute rendition left a lasting impression on many.
Highly recommended for those who need the courage to face issues of drug dependency or who are interested in social issues.
Nostalgic? Or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (41–50)
CenterfoldThe J. Geils Band
The song released in 1981 marked a major turning point in the J.
Geils Band’s career.
It spent six consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s first big hit.
It can be considered one of the defining tracks of the ’80s, standing alongside artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.
Its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm are striking and will lift your spirits the moment you hear it.
It was also used in a Suzuki “ALTO” commercial, so many people may recognize it.
It’s a perfect track for a drive and a great pick when you want a change of pace.
ARTHR’S THEME (BEST THAT YOU CAN DO)Christopher Cross
A gemlike ballad that sings of love and dreams against the backdrop of a moonlit New York night.
Released in 1981 as the theme song for the film “Arthur,” this piece won both an Academy Award and a Grammy and remains one of Christopher Cross’s signature songs, beloved by many to this day.
His sweet, wistful vocals and the piano’s tones seep into the heart, beautifully capturing the feelings of people wavering between dreams and reality.
The song reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Gold certification.
It’s perfect for those struggling with love or for moments when you want to reminisce about someone special.
Wrapped in Cross’s voice, why not spend a dreamy moment yourself, somewhere between the moon and New York City?