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.
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
- The Greatest American Rock Band [All Time Best]
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]
- Legendary hard rock masterpieces and popular songs etched in the history of music
- Classic songs by foreign (non-Japanese) all-female bands. Recommended popular tracks.
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- [Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Classic and Popular Songs
- Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs from the 1980s
- Songs you'll want to listen to in autumn. A selection of recommended hits from 80s Western music!
Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (11–20)
PanamaVan Halen
If there’s one song that epitomizes the heavy metal scene of the 1980s, it’s this one.
Crafted by Van Halen, the track is defined by Eddie Van Halen’s stunning guitar riff.
It appears on the album 1984 and was released in January 1984.
It’s a hugely popular song among rock fans.
Interestingly, the lyrics were inspired by a race car David Lee Roth saw.
The music video is full of playful touches, including a bass shaped like a Jack Daniel’s bottle.
It’s a perfect track for a drive or a party.
I Wanna RockTwisted Sister
Twisted Sister, a hard rock band emblematic of the ’80s.
Their songs captured the hearts of young people yearning for rebellion and freedom.
This track is included on the album Stay Hungry, released in May 1984.
With its catchy chorus and driving beat, it has become an anthem loved across generations.
In the music video, actor Mark Metcalf plays a strict teacher, depicting a challenge to school authority.
The song gained worldwide popularity, reaching No.
4 in Argentina and No.
5 in Norway.
It’s a must-listen not only for rock fans but also for anyone who wants to express their true self.
Dr. FeelgoodMötley Crüe
This song is the signature track by Mötley Crüe, one of the quintessential hard rock bands of the ’80s.
Centered on a Los Angeles drug dealer, it carries a cautionary message drawn from the band’s own past experiences.
Included on the album Dr.
Feelgood, released in September 1989, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
It also earned high acclaim, including a Grammy nomination in 1990.
Its blend of hard-edged music and socially conscious lyrics makes it a must-listen not only for rock fans but also for those interested in social issues.
You Shook Me All Night LongAC/DC
AC/DC is a legendary rock band representing Australia, known for their dynamic, fiery hard rock.
When it comes to AC/DC, they’re a band with plenty of powerful, feel-good tracks that get everyone fired up.
Among them, one song I especially recommend is this track from the album Back in Black.
I’m sure everyone’s heard it at least once.
Released in July 1980, this song was the first single after new vocalist Brian Johnson joined the band.
There’s even talk that it was inspired by Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” and it delivers a crisp, high-voltage hard rock sound.
Be sure to check it out.
Rainbow In The DarkDio
A signature song of Dio that could be called synonymous with ’80s heavy metal.
Released in October 1983, this track is distinguished by Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals and its fantastical lyrics.
The words, which portray loneliness, inner struggle, and hope, resonate with many listeners.
Issued as a single from the album Holy Diver, it also performed well on the charts.
Its enduring appeal is evident, having been used over the end credits of the film Thor: Love and Thunder.
It’s a must-listen not only for rock fans, but also for anyone feeling lost in life.
Livin’ On A PrayerBon Jovi
A song by Bon Jovi, the American rock band renowned worldwide.
Its distinctive intro, played on guitar with a talk box, grabs listeners’ attention right away, and the husky vocals lift the energy in this catchy number.
It’s one of Bon Jovi’s signature tracks from the 1980s, frequently heard in Japan on television and elsewhere.
Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s (21–30)
(Wish I Could Fly Like) SupermanThe Kinks
When you hear “the most quintessentially British band,” which group comes to mind? The Kinks are a defining act of the UK rock scene, and today we’re spotlighting their distinctive foray into disco rock.
This track is a thrilling number that cheekily answers the record label’s request for “a song that works in clubs,” filtered through the band’s own wit.
Its driving four-on-the-floor beat intertwined with crisp, choppy rock guitar riffs practically forces your hips to move.
Delve into the lyrics and you’ll find the protagonist’s grumblings as he wavers between hero-worship and harsh reality—exactly the kind of irony that showcases Ray Davies at his best.
Released as a single in January 1979, it reached No.
41 on the U.
S.
charts.
It’s perfect for dancing at a party while savoring the deeper message beneath the groove.