[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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- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
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- 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 (161–170)
Come On EileenDexys Midnight Runners
It hit number one in the U.
S.
in 1983.
The frontman, Kevin Rowland, came out of the punk scene, and it’s said that this song wasn’t really their usual style.
In the UK they had another hit, “Geno,” but in the U.
S.
they shot to the top and then disappeared just as quickly—that’s the impression I have.
The music video was a bit odd too.
They showed up in overalls and bandanas.
Hippies? At first I even wondered if they were a jug band.
Still, the song itself is absolutely outstanding.
Secret LoversAtlantic Starr
Released in 1985, “Secret Lovers” is the third single from Atlantic Starr’s sixth album, “As the Band Turns.” “Secret Lovers” became a hit for Atlantic Starr on the pop charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (171–180)
Tainted LoveSoft Cell
The original was sung by Gloria Jones in 1964, but Soft Cell’s cover turned it into a major hit.
The Japanese release title was “Utagarenaki Ai” (literally, “Stainless Love”), which is the opposite in meaning to the modern interpretation.
Many young people resonated with Marc Almond’s emotional vocal delivery.
Shy BoyBananarama
When you think of Bananarama, their hit song “Venus” is the most famous.
But they have plenty of underrated gems, including this early track.
The trio’s laid-back harmonies and unique fashion are their trademarks, and their music videos served as style inspiration for ’80s girls.
When I Think Of YouJanet Jackson
It hit No.
1 in the U.
S.
in 1986.
It was a big hit from the album Control, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who reached the pinnacle as dance/R&B producers in the ’80s.
Both Janet and the duo used this work as a stepping stone to become top stars.
Incidentally, they became the first siblings to each score separate No.
1 hits in the U.
S.
The music video, styled like a musical, was also outstanding.
They Don’t KnowTracey Ullman
As an actress, Tracey Ullman continues to be active in films and TV dramas.
Her nostalgia-filled music video truly showcases her acting prowess.
Her comedic performance is irresistibly cute.
And there’s even a surprise appearance at the end by the real Paul McCartney.
Material GirlMadonna
If Michael Jackson was the defining male artist of the ’80s, then wouldn’t Madonna be the defining diva of the ’80s? Even more than 30 years after her debut, her continued success truly makes her the “Queen of Pop.”