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 (51–60)
Blue MondayNew Order
As an innovative track emblematic of the 1980s, this work left a profound mark on the history of dance music.
Its blend of icy electronic sounds and poetic lyrics captivates listeners.
Released in March 1983, it set a record as the best-selling 12-inch single in music history.
With over 3 million copies sold worldwide, its popularity shows no signs of fading.
The lyrics, which address unfaithful relationships and the struggle against socially imposed, cookie-cutter ways of living, resonate with many.
It’s a perfect song both for nights when you want to dance at a club and for moments of solitary introspection.
FlashQueen
A signature song by Queen that changed the history of rock ’n’ roll.
The majestic soundscape created for the film Flash Gordon still moves listeners to this day.
Released on December 8, 1980—the same day the sad news of John Lennon’s death broke—this track was followed by a performance of Imagine at the next day’s concert as a tribute to Lennon.
Its vast sonic world, woven from synthesizers and guitar, gives the sensation of racing through outer space.
Also used as the theme for F1 broadcasts, it’s the perfect song to boost the excitement of watching sports or to fire yourself up.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
He is an artist with numerous awards, including Grammy Awards.
In 1996, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A Japanophile, he owned a vacation home in Kyoto in the 1980s.
David Bowie, too, suddenly passed away in 2016.
More Than WordsExtreme
This song is known for its beautiful acoustic guitar tone.
Although the band is extremely famous for this track, they’re actually a full-on hard rock band featuring guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, well-known among rock fans.
Nostalgic? Or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (61–70)
Paradise CityGuns N’ Roses
It’s a rousing, fan-favorite track from their 1987 debut album Appetite for Destruction that grabs listeners’ hearts and never lets go.
Its catchy guitar riff and powerful drum beat brilliantly capture both the allure of the American Dream and the harshness of reality.
Released as a single in January 1989, it peaked at No.
5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Often performed to close out their live shows, it sends audiences into a frenzy.
Packed with the essence of Guns N’ Roses, this is one of the defining songs of the ’80s—perfect for getting pumped up on a drive or at a party.
We are the WorldUSA For Africa
It’s a charity song featuring various artists that addresses hunger in Africa.
The chorus is so famous that it’s even included in music textbooks.
The lyrics were written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and the composition was handled by Quincy Jones.
Old Time Rock & RollBob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
This commanding, powerful mid-tempo 8-beat! It’s quintessential American rock ’n’ roll—Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Bob Seger’s wild vocals feel absolutely amazing, too.
Put this song on and you’ll be transported straight back to the ’80s!