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 (41–50)
POWER OF LOVEHuey Lewis & The News
It’s the theme song of the smash-hit film “Back to the Future,” and in Japan it’s also well known as the Honda Integra commercial song.
Starting with a slightly earthy verse, it makes a brilliant turn into a synth-tinged, poppy chorus.
Nostalgic? Or Fresh? Great Western Pop Masterpieces and Hit Songs of the 80s (51–60)
Girls Just Want to Have FunCyndi Lauper
A quintessential dance-pop classic of the 1980s that symbolizes freedom and liberation.
Cyndi Lauper’s dazzling vocals are unforgettable.
Released on her 1983 debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” the song reached the top 10 in more than 25 countries worldwide.
Its music video—shot in New York’s Lower East Side—caused a stir on MTV at the time and won Best Female Video at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards.
With lyrics celebrating women’s independence and empowerment, it resonated with many and became an anthem of the feminist movement.
It’s the perfect track to liven up parties and events.
Nothing’s Gonna Stop LoveStarship
It’s their signature song, which became the theme for the comedy film “Mannequin” and reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
It’s a slow-tempo rock number, but the build-up from the guitar solo in the latter half through the key change is excellent.
Their other hit song, “San Francisco Is a Rock City,” is also well-known from morning news programs, much like Wham!.
Waiting On A FriendThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a British rock band that has been active from the 1960s to the present.
This song is included on the 1981 album Tattoo You, and features Mick Jagger delivering a subdued vocal performance.
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor
Many people probably feel like running when they hear this song, don’t they? In addition to being used as the theme song for the Sylvester Stallone film Rocky III, it also served as the entrance theme for the famous professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Like a VirginMadonna
I think many people who aren’t familiar with Western music still know Madonna.
This globally famous artist is still releasing music, and recently stirred up public attention with a pop, hard-hitting music video that shows no signs of her age.
Caribbean Queen (No More Love On the Run)Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean is a British soul and R&B singer.
His soulful voice captivated countless listeners, but it was the disco boom of the ’80s when his music truly shone.
The boom, of course, reached Japan as well, and he was a legendary singer who helped shape the mood of the discos that young people flocked to night after night.