Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
Aerosmith, Queen, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC…
From the legendary Western rock that defined the 1980s, here are the classic and hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
It’s a mighty playlist by rock giants who rewrote the history of music worldwide.
Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the '80s (1–10)
Another One Bites the DustQueen
A song by the legendary British rock band Queen.
With its recurring bass phrase and catchy guitar chopping, it’s an unusual, Black-music-style number for Queen.
Released as a single at Michael Jackson’s suggestion, the track became a worldwide hit and one of Queen’s signature songs.
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
This song, included on their 1983 release Synchronicity, reached number one on the Billboard chart.
The Police emerged in Britain during the height of the late-’70s punk rock and new wave movements, and with their distinctive style of incorporating reggae into rock, they were also known as “white reggae.”
Take on mea-ha
A song by the Norwegian trio band a-ha.
With a catchy keyboard intro and an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm, it’s a refreshing track.
Its layered choral work feels pleasant—just listening to it makes your heart dance—and it stands as one of the Western pop numbers that symbolize the dawn of the 1980s.
Back In BlackAC/DC
This song, included on their sixth album Back In Black released in 1980, is one of their signature works.
This album was the first after Brian Johnson joined the band, replacing Bon Scott, who had died in an accident.
It was a massive hit, selling around 49 million copies.
AngelAerosmith
This song, included on their ninth album, Permanent Vacation, released in 1987, reached No.
3 on the U.
S.
charts the following year.
In Japan, it was also used as the opening theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.
m.
drama.
At the time, the band was hailed as one of the “Big Three” of rock—KISS, Queen, and Aerosmith.
We’re Not Gonna Take itTwisted Sister
Twisted Sister, one of the quintessential heavy metal bands of the 1980s.
Known as one of their signature songs, this track is loved worldwide as a symbol of freedom and defiance.
With a powerful message of “not yielding to oppression,” it’s a song that instills courage in listeners.
Included on the 1984 album Stay Hungry, it became the band’s only Top 40 hit.
It was re-released in 2016.
The song has been adopted as an anthem for various social movements and was used during the 2018 teachers’ strikes in the United States.
It’s recommended when you need a change of pace or want to stand firm in your convictions.
Talk Dirty To MePoison
“Talk Dirty To Me,” the signature hit by Poison, one of the quintessential hair metal bands of the ’80s.
The song features lyrics packed with glam-rock flair and a rebellious spirit.
Released as a single from their 1986 debut album “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” it reached No.
9 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.
Its huge success in the United States and Canada rapidly boosted the band’s profile.
Bursting with an energetic, wild vibe that evokes the ’80s rock ’n’ roll scene, it’s a must-listen for anyone nostalgic for their youth or eager to savor the full charm of ’80s rock.