[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs
The 1980s brought changes to music history and had a huge influence on later musicians.
Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire.
.
.
Even those who didn’t live through the era can sink into a sense of nostalgia that feels familiar somehow.
Compared to modern songs, the classics of the ’80s often boast purer song quality and stronger musical structure—or, seen another way, the larger market meant bigger budgets, letting you enjoy luxuriously produced sounds.
Find a favorite track and really dive into it!
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[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (71–80)
Woman in LoveBarbra Streisand
Her presence as both an actress and a singer was indispensable in the ’80s.
This song became her biggest hit, a ballad whose blend of poignancy and grandeur captivated everyone.
Despite being an actress, her powerful, diva-like vocals likely stem from having performed as a singer in nightclubs during her teenage years.
Can’t take my eyes off youBoys Town Gang
This is a quintessential dance track from the 1980s.
It was such a popular anthem that whenever it played in dance clubs—then commonly called discos—everyone would start dancing.
In Japan, it’s known by the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru,” and it remains enduringly popular today.
Sweet Child o MineGuns N’ Roses
Formed in 1985, Guns N’ Roses has continued their activities despite numerous lineup changes.
They scored many hits in the late 1980s and became a globally popular band, but among their songs, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” was especially beloved.
The memorable guitar intro and Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals further elevate the appeal of this track.
Sunday Bloody SundayU2
Speaking of U2, they’re now a monster band in the rock world, but in the ’80s they were still a promising up-and-coming act.
Their third album, War, released in 1983, was a powerful work that tackled social issues and religious views in their native Ireland head-on, and it’s regarded as an early masterpiece that set the stage for their breakthrough.
RelaxFrankie Goes To Hollywood
Their debut single “Relax” was banned by many broadcasters in various countries at the time due to issues with its lyrics.
However, its powerful sound gained popularity, and it has been included in disco compilations and compilation CDs as one of the defining hits of the ’80s.
In Japan, it’s so famous that the chorus alone has even been used in commercials.
Got My Mind Set on YouGeorge Harrison
A former member of The Beatles.
You could say this is one of his signature songs as a solo musician.
He released many tracks as a solo artist even after The Beatles disbanded, so be sure to check them out!
ManiacMichael Sembello
It reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
in 1983.
He originally made his name on the jazz scene, but he also built a track record as a session musician for major rock artists, which led to his big break on the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Flashdance.
Phil Ramone, who handled the film’s music, happened to like this song—originally written for a horror movie—and decided it was perfect for the protagonist’s training scenes.
It didn’t get much attention, but he’s also a master guitarist.
The highlight is the guitar solo in the interlude.