[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.
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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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- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (101–110)
Rock the CasbahThe Clash
Many references to Western music in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure include punk bands, and a representative example is the Stand name “Clash” used by Squalo in Part 5, Golden Wind.
It’s said to be based on The Clash, one of the defining British punk bands of the 1970s, known for their aggressive performances, their genre-blending music that incorporated reggae and dub, and their socially conscious stance.
As mentioned, not only their early punkish sound but also their later albums, which show musical evolution, are all compelling—so I recommend giving them a listen, even if you’re not a dedicated punk fan.
The One That You LoveAir Supply
When talking about the Western music scene of the ’80s, we mustn’t forget Air Supply.
Everyone was captivated by their beautiful voices, lush sound, and grand melodies.
Following their previous hit “Lost in Love,” this song became one of their biggest hits.
You could say it established the quintessential Air Supply sound.
I remember hearing it everywhere—on the streets, in cafés, in all sorts of places.
Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire
This is a track included on the album “Raise!” released in 1981 by the American funk band Earth, Wind & Fire.
The song is pure groove—both the lyrics and the performance scream that tonight’s party anthem is set! It’s a dance number through and through.
Stray Cat StrutStray cats
From the late 1970s through the ’80s, Brian Setzer became the musician who epitomized the neo-rockabilly boom.
He also thrived with the big band The Brian Setzer Orchestra, but many people probably still prefer him in the three-piece band Stray Cats.
In his early twenties back then, with his blond pompadour perfectly styled, he always looked incredibly cool.
I’m Coming OutDiana Ross
Producer Nile Rodgers, upon learning that Diana Ross was hugely popular with gay audiences, thought it would be interesting to incorporate language familiar to the gay community into the lyrics, and created this song.
Although Diana Ross initially disliked the track, it ultimately became a big hit, and she eventually made it a staple to perform at the opening of her shows.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (111–120)
Chariots of FireVangelis
The theme song from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which won Best Picture and Best Original Score at the 54th Academy Awards.
It’s a signature masterpiece by Vangelis, a world-renowned composer who has worked not only on original albums but also on numerous film, television, and stage scores.
Just hearing the main phrase is likely to make most people feel they’ve heard it at least once.
Let It WhipDazz Band
A classic that topped the R&B chart.
Formed in Ohio, the band took its name from “danceable jazz,” becoming The Dazz Band and racking up hit after hit.
With a fresh sound and groove that have been loved for many years, they’ve continued performing in recent years as well, and this track always fires up clubs and discos.
Released in 1982.