[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 (’81–’90)
Jessie’s GirlRIck Springfield
It hit No.
1 in the U.
S.
in 1981.
After appearing on the TV drama General Hospital, he became an instant star thanks to his handsome looks.
Riding that momentum, this song also shot to No.
1 in his main field of music.
It likely became a hit not because of his acting popularity, but because the song itself was good.
Rick, who plays guitar whenever he has a spare moment, also loves slide guitar, and there are rumors he’ll release a blues album next.
I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder
It’s a song released in 1984, also known for being used on the soundtrack of the Gene Wilder–directed film The Woman in Red.
It was originally provided to Bread & Butter, with lyrics by Yumi Matsutoya and arrangement by Haruomi Hosono, but there’s an anecdote that Stevie’s side requested to release it first as the film’s theme song.
Can’t Fight This FeelingREO Speed Wagon
Reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
in 1985.
A massive hit ballad in a style they excel at.
They were once dubbed “the most famous band in America that doesn’t sell,” but their steady dedication to live performances paid off when Keep On Loving You became a surprise No.
1 hit in the U.
S.
in 1981.
For some reason, they’re a band that makes you feel “if you work hard, you’ll be rewarded.” It doesn’t have much to do with the lyrics, but the music video, which reflects on a person’s life, makes me cry every time I watch it.
Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, a quintessential rock musician active since the 1970s, scored a massive hit with “Born in the U.
S.
A.” released in 1984.
Despite its upbeat sound, the lyrics are serious, centered on the Vietnam War.
Interpreted in various ways over the years, it remains a beloved song and can be considered one of the defining hits of the 1980s.
I Feel for YouChaka Khan
Released in October 1984 by American singer Chaka Khan, this track blends gleaming synthesizers with a masterful rap by Grandmaster Melle Mel.
It transforms Prince’s original into a vibrant mix of R&B, funk, and hip-hop, reaching No.
3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
1 on both the R&B and Dance charts.
Issued as the lead single from the album “I Feel for You,” it became one of the defining songs of her solo career.
Featuring Stevie Wonder’s distinctive chromatic harmonica, it’s a perfect choice for heating up the dance floor or indulging in classic ’80s disco sounds.
Take your time (Do it right)The SOS Band
A quintessential disco sound of the 1980s from America’s representative R&B group, the S.
O.
S.
Band.
Its sophisticated arrangement—woven from a groovy bassline and synthesizers—and Mary Davis’s powerful, soulful vocals are irresistibly compelling.
Released in March 1980, their debut single spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.
S.
R&B chart and became a platinum-certified smash hit.
As the lead single from the album “S.
O.
S.
,” it brilliantly fused disco, funk, and soul into an innovative sound.
Its danceable beat and smooth melody make it perfect as background music for parties or a drive.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (91–100)
CONGAGloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
It’s no exaggeration to say the Latin rhythms captivated everyone—this song became a massive hit worldwide.
Its bright, upbeat groove was very popular in Japan as well, drawing large crowds to their concerts there.
Gloria Estefan, the lead vocalist, is also highly regarded for her ballads, and her solo work was attracting significant attention.