[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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[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (121–130)
Money For NothingDire Straits
It topped the U.
S.
charts in 1985.
It was the very first song aired when MTV Europe launched in 1987.
When the music video’s computer graphics appeared, many music fans were astonished.
The song is also known for having Sting as a co-writer; he was reportedly invited to join the recording while he happened to be vacationing on the island of Montserrat.
(Just Like) Starting OverJohn Lennon
1980 was the year John Lennon departed this world.
Before that tragic incident, Lennon had released the comeback album Double Fantasy under the name John Lennon & Yoko Ono, and this song was issued as its lead single.
It’s a classic that, while evoking the vintage rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s, also conveys a maturity befitting his age.
Hands To HeavenBreathe
A splendid ballad that even exudes a solemn atmosphere, praying to God for a reunion with a loved one.
It’s the signature song of Breeze, a pop band from London.
Beyond the song’s beauty, the striking good looks of the vocalist, David Glasper, also drew considerable attention at the time.
I Wanna Be AdoredThe Stone Roses
This is a signature track from The Stone Roses’ debut album, said to have had a major influence on later British rock bands such as Oasis.
The title means “I want to be adored,” and the song conveys a message about not pretending to be someone you’re not and having confidence in yourself.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (131–140)
Flashdance… What A FeelingIrene Cara
This is a signature song by Irene Cara, used as the theme for the hit 1983 film Flashdance.
Even if you can’t place it at first, many people will recognize it as soon as the chorus comes in.
Besides the original, several cover versions became hits in Japan, and Namie Amuro also covered it in 2008.
Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne
When it comes to Black Sabbath, the band is often regarded as the origin of heavy metal.
After leaving Black Sabbath, vocalist Ozzy Osbourne formed his own band and released the album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980.
The track “Crazy Train” from this album is not only one of his signature songs, but also a classic packed with the appeal of hard rock, including its guitar solo.
Under PressureQueen
It’s said that while Freddie, Queen’s vocalist, handled the lyrics, the song was created amid various discussions, arguments, and quarrels as the other members weighed in.
It’s also famous as a collaboration with David Bowie, and although the original title was supposed to be “People on the Street,” at David’s strong request it was changed to “Under Pressure.”