The 1980s: a decade of vibrant music, bold fashion, and unforgettable sounds. To celebrate this iconic era, we've compiled a list of the best songs, drawing from the rich tapestry of artists who defined the decade. This isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a journey through a period that shaped modern music, influencing countless artists that followed. From the infectious pop melodies that dominated the airwaves to the raw energy of hard rock anthems, the 80s offered a diverse musical landscape. Think of the innovative synth-pop sounds, the power ballads that filled stadiums, and the groundbreaking artistry that pushed creative boundaries. We've included tracks that showcase the decade's breadth of talent, from the unforgettable vocals of pop icons to the groundbreaking guitar riffs that defined a generation.
This selection isn't just a ranking; it's a testament to the enduring power of music. These songs, many of which remain instantly recognizable today, continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, proving their timeless appeal. Whether you were a teenager living through the decade or a younger listener discovering its magic for the first time, this collection promises a diverse and exhilarating musical experience. Prepare to be transported back to a time when music ruled the world, reminding us why these sounds remain as captivating as ever. The impact of these artists and their music on subsequent generations is undeniable, and this list serves as a celebration of that lasting legacy.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Take on Me | a-ha | Hunting High and Low | 2B+ |
| 2. Sweet Child O' Mine | Guns N' Roses | Appetite For Destruction | 2B+ |
| 3. Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | Thriller | 2B+ |
| 4. Every Breath You Take | The Police | Synchronicity (Remastered 2003) | 1B+ |
| 5. The Final Countdown | Europe | The Final Countdown (Expanded Edition) | 1B+ |
| 6. Livin' On A Prayer | Bon Jovi | Slippery When Wet | 1B+ |
| 7. Africa | TOTO | Toto IV | 1B+ |
1. Take on Me (a-ha - 1984)
"Take On Me" a-ha's iconic 1985 hit, transcends its synth-pop origins. The song's enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued streaming and the fervent online engagement surrounding its groundbreaking music video. This innovative visual, a masterful blend of rotoscoping and animation, garnered critical acclaim, winning numerous MTV Video Music Awards and cementing its place in music history. Initially struggling to chart, "Take On Me" ultimately soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its infectious melody and timeless appeal. The song's layered meaning, interpreted by some as a metaphor for embracing life's challenges, contributes to its lasting resonance with audiences worldwide.
2. Sweet Child O' Mine (Appetite For Destruction)
Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine" a testament to the enduring power of rock music, transcends generational and cultural boundaries. Initially inspired by Axl Rose's relationship with Erin Everly, the song's iconic Slash guitar riff propelled it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented its place in music history. Its global success, marked by over a billion views and numerous accolades including a Grammy Hall of Fame induction, showcases its broad appeal. The song's enduring popularity resonates deeply with listeners, creating a shared experience across generations, reflected in the countless personal stories associated with its enduring legacy.
3. Billie Jean
Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" released in 1983, is a cornerstone of 1980s pop music. While Rolling Stone magazine hasn't explicitly ranked it within a specific "100 Greatest 80s Songs" list, the song has been extensively featured in their articles and retrospectives on Jackson's career and the era's defining music. This R&B/pop masterpiece, with its infectious bassline and innovative synth arrangements, perfectly captured the decade's embrace of electronic sounds and sophisticated production techniques. The song's impact was immediate and lasting; its innovative music video, featuring the iconic Moonwalk, revolutionized music videos and cemented "Billie Jean's" place in popular culture. The song's exploration of themes surrounding fame and relentless media attention also resonated with the anxieties of the era.
4. Every Breath You Take - Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)
The Police's "Every Breath You Take" released in 1983, is a quintessential 80s track that transcends its era. This haunting synth-pop ballad, with its memorable melody and Sting's signature vocals, perfectly captures the decade's blend of romanticism and underlying unease. While not explicitly ranked by Rolling Stone on a definitive 80s best-of list, the song's enduring popularity and cultural impact have ensured its place in numerous discussions and articles celebrating the decade's music. Its success, marked by eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, solidified its status as a defining song of the 1980s, influencing countless artists and continuing to resonate with listeners today. The song's enduring appeal is evidenced by its two Grammy Awards and recognition by BMI as the most-played song in radio history, a testament to its lasting impact on music and popular culture.
5. The Final Countdown
Europe's "The Final Countdown" released in 1986, is a quintessential 80s anthem. The song's instantly recognizable keyboard riff, layered with soaring vocals and powerful guitar, perfectly embodies the decade's embrace of arena rock and synthesized sounds. Its sci-fi themed lyrics, inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” tapped into the Cold War anxieties and burgeoning space exploration narratives of the time. While not explicitly ranked by Rolling Stone on a specific "greatest 80s songs" list, the magazine has frequently cited it as a defining track of the era, highlighting its enduring popularity and influence on the 80s hard rock and glam metal scene. The song's anthemic chorus and memorable melody solidified its status as a stadium-filling classic, ensuring its place in 80s music history.
6Livin' On A Prayer
Bon Jovi
1986
Slippery When Wet
7Africa
TOTO
1982
Toto IV
8Eye of the Tiger
Survivor
1982
Working Class Dog
9Sweet Dreams
Eurythmics,Annie Lennox,Dave Stewart
1983
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
10Another One Bites The Dust
Queen
1980
The Game (Deluxe Remastered Version)
11Time After Time
Cyndi Lauper
1983
She's So Unusual
12Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Wham!
1984
13Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Tears For Fears
1985
Songs From The Big Chair (Super Deluxe Edition)
14I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Whitney Houston
1987
Whitney
15Take My Breath Away
Berlin
1986
Slippery When Wet
16Don't You
Simple Minds
1985
Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe)
17Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
1981
Escape (2022 Remaster)
18Like a Prayer
Madonna
1989
Faith
19Purple Rain
Prince
1984
Purple Rain
20With Or Without You
U2
1987
The Joshua Tree (Super Deluxe)
21True Colors
Cyndi Lauper
1986
True Colors
22Super Freak
Rick James
1981
Street Songs (Deluxe Edition)
23Here I Go Again
Whitesnake
1982
24Money For Nothing
Dire Straits
1985
Money For Nothing (2022 Remaster)
25Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
1988
Tracy Chapman
26Rock the Casbah
The Clash
1982
Combat Rock (Remastered)
27She Drives Me Crazy
Fine Young Cannibals
1989
The Raw & The Cooked
28Faith
George Michael
1987
Faith
29Under Pressure
David Bowie,Queen
1981
Hot Space (Deluxe Remastered Version)