The Best Songs of the 1980s

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Music from this era not only defined the times but also laid the groundwork for future generations of artists and genres. In this article, 123 Review delves into the best songs of the 1980s, exploring iconic tracks, notable music videos, influential artists, and the cultural impact of the decade’s music.

Iconic Songs That Defined the 1980s

Synthpop Anthems

Synthpop emerged as a defining genre of the 1980s, characterized by its extensive use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. This genre brought a futuristic sound to the mainstream and produced some of the most memorable tracks of the decade. Key synthpop anthems include:

“Take On Me” by A-ha: This track is renowned for its catchy melody and groundbreaking animated music video, which combined live-action with pencil-sketch animation.
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics: With its pulsating synth riff and Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals, this song became an international hit and remains a staple of 1980s music.
“Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode: This early hit for Depeche Mode showcased the band’s knack for infectious melodies and danceable beats, setting the stage for their future success.

Rock Classics

Rock music continued to evolve in the 1980s, with many bands achieving legendary status and producing timeless anthems. Some of the most iconic rock classics of the decade include:

“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi: This song’s anthemic chorus and relatable lyrics about overcoming struggles made it a global hit and an enduring rock anthem.
“Back in Black” by AC/DC: As the title track of their best-selling album, “Back in Black” features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history and solidified AC/DC’s place in the rock pantheon.
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: Written for the movie “Rocky III,” this song’s driving beat and motivational lyrics made it an instant classic and a staple of workout playlists.

Hip-Hop Breakthroughs

The 1980s saw the rise of hip-hop from its underground origins to mainstream popularity, with pioneering tracks that laid the foundation for the genre’s future. Key hip-hop breakthroughs include:

“Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang: Widely regarded as one of the first rap songs to gain mainstream attention, this track introduced hip-hop to a broader audience.
“Fight the Power” by Public Enemy: With its politically charged lyrics and powerful production, this song became an anthem for social justice and a defining track of the hip-hop genre.
“The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five: This song’s unflinching portrayal of inner-city life and its innovative use of electronic beats set a new standard for storytelling in hip-hop.

New Wave Hits

New wave music, which blended elements of punk, pop, and electronic music, produced some of the most memorable songs of the 1980s. Notable new wave hits include:

“Blue Monday” by New Order: This track’s innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines made it a landmark in electronic music and one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time.
“Whip It” by Devo: With its quirky lyrics and catchy synth riff, “Whip It” became an unexpected hit and a quintessential new wave track.
“Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes: This song’s raw, acoustic sound and infectious energy made it a favorite among fans of alternative and new wave music.

Greatest Hits by Genre

Pop Sensations

Pop music reached new heights in the 1980s, with artists producing some of the most unforgettable hits of all time. Some of the era’s most iconic pop songs include:

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson: The title track from Jackson’s best-selling album features a haunting music video directed by John Landis, which set a new standard for music videos.
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna: This song’s catchy melody and provocative lyrics helped Madonna become a pop icon and set the stage for her future success.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper: With its upbeat tempo and feminist message, this song became an anthem for women and a staple of 1980s pop music.

Heavy Metal Masterpieces

Heavy metal gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s, with bands producing some of the genre’s most iconic tracks. Standout heavy metal songs include:

“Enter Sandman” by Metallica: This song’s heavy riffs and dark lyrics made it a defining track for Metallica and a classic of the heavy metal genre.
“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne: Featuring one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock history, this song solidified Osbourne’s status as a solo artist and a heavy metal legend.
“The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden: With its powerful vocals and complex guitar work, this song became a defining track for Iron Maiden and a staple of the heavy metal genre.

R&B and Soul Tracks

R&B and soul music produced smooth and powerful hits in the 1980s, with artists delivering some of the most memorable songs of the decade. Key R&B and soul tracks include:

“What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner: This song’s soulful vocals and catchy melody made it one of Turner’s biggest hits and a classic of the R&B genre.
“Super Freak” by Rick James: With its funky bassline and memorable chorus, this song became a major hit and an enduring favorite of the 1980s.
“I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan: Featuring innovative production and Khan’s powerful vocals, this song became a major hit and a defining track of the 1980s R&B scene.

Punk Rock Favorites

Punk rock continued to thrive in the 1980s, with bands producing energetic and rebellious songs that became anthems for a generation. Notable punk rock favorites include:

“London Calling” by The Clash: This song’s powerful lyrics and driving beat made it a defining track for The Clash and a classic of the punk rock genre.
“Holiday in Cambodia” by Dead Kennedys: With its biting social commentary and fast-paced punk sound, this song became a favorite among punk rock fans.
“Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones: Although released in the late 1970s, this song continued to be a staple of punk rock in the 1980s and remains an iconic track of the genre.

Notable Music Videos of the 1980s

Groundbreaking MTV Moments

MTV revolutionized the music industry by popularizing music videos and turning them into an essential part of an artist’s image. Some of the most groundbreaking MTV moments include:

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson: Directed by John Landis, this 14-minute music video combined horror and dance in a way that had never been seen before, setting a new standard for music videos.
“Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel: This video, known for its innovative use of stop-motion animation and claymation, won numerous awards and remains a landmark in music video history.
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits: Featuring early computer-generated imagery (CGI), this video was one of the first to showcase the potential of digital animation in music videos.

Memorable Concert Performances

Live performances in the 1980s became iconic events, with some concerts achieving legendary status. Notable performances include:

Queen at Live Aid (1985): Freddie Mercury’s electrifying performance at Wembley Stadium is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in rock history.
Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA Tour (1984-1985): Known for his energetic and marathon-length concerts, Springsteen’s tour became a defining moment of 1980s rock.
U2’s The Joshua Tree Tour (1987): U2’s tour in support of their landmark album featured powerful performances and helped solidify the band’s status as one of the biggest acts in the world.

Visual Storytelling in Music

Music videos began to tell intricate stories, enhancing the impact of the songs and adding a new dimension to the music experience. Notable examples include:

“Take On Me” by A-ha: This video combined live-action and animation to tell a romantic and adventurous story, becoming one of the most memorable music videos of the 1980s.
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna: With its controversial themes and powerful imagery, this video pushed boundaries and sparked discussions about art and censorship.
“Land of Confusion” by Genesis: Featuring puppet caricatures of political figures, this video provided a satirical commentary on the state of the world and became a memorable visual statement.

Iconic Choreography

Dance routines in music videos left lasting impressions and became cultural phenomena. Some of the most iconic choreography includes:

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson: The zombie dance in this video is one of the most famous dance routines in music history and continues to be imitated and celebrated.
“Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson: This video featured intricate and synchronized dance moves that showcased Jackson’s talent and became a defining moment in her career.
“Vogue” by Madonna: The dance moves in this video popularized the “vogueing” style, which originated in the underground ballroom scene, and became a cultural phenomenon.

Influential Artists of the 1980s

Pop Icons

The 1980s produced several pop stars who defined the decade and left a lasting legacy on the music industry. Some of the most influential pop icons include:

Michael Jackson: Known as the “King of Pop,” Jackson’s music, dance moves, and music videos revolutionized the industry and set new standards for pop performance.
Madonna: With her bold and provocative style, Madonna became a pop culture icon and a trailblazer for female artists in the music industry.
Prince: A multi-talented artist, Prince’s eclectic music and flamboyant persona made him one of the most influential musicians of the 1980s.

Rock Legends

Rock music in the 1980s saw the rise of legendary bands and artists who produced some of the most iconic rock songs of the decade. Key rock legends include:

Bruce Springsteen: Known for his heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances, Springsteen became a symbol of American rock music and blue-collar resilience.
U2: With their anthemic sound and socially conscious lyrics, U2 became one of the biggest rock bands in the world and left a lasting impact on the genre.
Guns N’ Roses: Known for their raw and rebellious sound, Guns N’ Roses brought a new edge to rock music with hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”

Emerging Rap Artists

Hip-hop’s rise to prominence in the 1980s was marked by the emergence of influential rap artists who paved the way for future generations. Notable emerging rap artists include:

Run-D.M.C.: This pioneering group brought hip-hop to the mainstream with their innovative sound and collaborations with rock artists, such as their hit “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith.
LL Cool J: Known for his charisma and lyrical skills, LL Cool J became one of the first hip-hop artists to achieve mainstream success and longevity.
Beastie Boys: Blending punk rock and hip-hop, the Beastie Boys brought a unique sound to the genre and achieved major success with their album “Licensed to Ill.”

British Music Influencers

British bands and artists played a significant role in shaping the music of the 1980s, influencing global trends and producing timeless hits. Key British music influencers include:

Duran Duran: Known for their stylish music videos and catchy pop-rock sound, Duran Duran became one of the defining bands of the 1980s.
The Police: With their fusion of rock, reggae, and new wave, The Police produced some of the decade’s most memorable hits, such as “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.”
Culture Club: Fronted by the flamboyant Boy George, Culture Club’s blend of pop and new wave produced hits like “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.”

Songs of the 1980s That Achieved Chart Success

Billboard Hot 100 #1 Singles

Songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart became defining tracks of the decade and achieved significant commercial success. Notable #1 singles include:

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police: This song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics made it a massive hit and one of the most played songs of the decade.
“Call Me” by Blondie: As the theme song for the movie “American Gigolo,” this track showcased Blondie’s versatility and became a major hit.
“Faith” by George Michael: This song’s catchy beat and memorable music video helped George Michael achieve solo stardom and became one of the defining tracks of the 1980s.

Long-Lasting Chart Performers

Some songs stayed on the charts for extended periods, becoming enduring favorites and defining the musical landscape of the 1980s. Key long-lasting chart performers include:

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: This song’s motivational lyrics and driving beat made it a favorite for sports and workout playlists, keeping it on the charts for a long time.
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John: With its upbeat tempo and provocative lyrics, this song became a major hit and remained on the charts for an extended period.
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie: This romantic duet became one of the biggest hits of the decade and a favorite at weddings and events.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Collaborations

Collaborations between artists produced some of the most memorable songs of the 1980s, bringing together unique talents and creating iconic tracks. Notable collaborations include:

“Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie: This song’s powerful vocals and distinctive bassline made it a major hit and a classic of the 1980s.
“Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder: This song’s message of racial harmony and its catchy melody made it a significant hit and a defining track of the decade.
“Dancing in the Street” by David Bowie and Mick Jagger: This energetic cover of the classic song became a hit and a memorable moment in 1980s music.

One-Hit Wonders

Some artists achieved major success with a single hit song, leaving a lasting impact on the decade despite their brief time in the spotlight. Memorable one-hit wonders include:

“Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners: This song’s catchy melody and distinctive vocals made it a major hit and an enduring favorite of the 1980s.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell: With its infectious beat and haunting lyrics, this song became a major hit and a staple of 1980s music.
“99 Luftballons” by Nena: This song’s catchy melody and political message made it a major hit in both its original German version and its English translation, “99 Red Balloons.”

Cultural Impact of 1980s Music

Influence on Future Generations

The music of the 1980s laid the groundwork for future genres and artists, with its influence continuing to be felt in contemporary music. Key influences include:

Synthpop: The use of synthesizers and electronic instruments in 1980s music paved the way for modern electronic and pop music, influencing artists like Lady Gaga and The Weeknd.
Hip-Hop: The emergence of hip-hop in the 1980s set the stage for the genre’s dominance in the 21st century, with artists like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar building on the foundations laid by pioneers like Run-D.M.C. and Public Enemy.
Rock and Metal: The sounds of 1980s rock and metal influenced the development of alternative and grunge music in the 1990s, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam drawing inspiration from artists like Guns N’ Roses and Metallica.

Integration of Technology and Music

The 1980s saw the integration of new technologies in music production, which had a lasting impact on the industry. Key technological advancements include:

Synthesizers and Drum Machines: The widespread use of synthesizers and drum machines in the 1980s revolutionized music production and created new possibilities for sound and rhythm.
Digital Recording and Sampling: The advent of digital recording and sampling allowed for greater precision and creativity in music production, leading to the development of new genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music.

Music as a Reflection of Social Change

Songs of the 1980s often reflected the social and political climate of the time, addressing issues like poverty, war, and social justice. Notable examples include:

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen: Despite its patriotic-sounding chorus, this song’s lyrics critique the treatment of Vietnam War veterans and highlight the struggles of working-class Americans.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid: This charity single, featuring a star-studded lineup of British and Irish musicians, raised awareness and funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
“We Are the World” by USA for Africa: Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, this charity single brought together a diverse group of artists to raise money for famine relief in Africa and became a global anthem for humanitarian efforts.

Role of Music in Movies and Television

Music played a significant role in movies and television in the 1980s, with soundtracks becoming an essential part of the entertainment experience. Notable examples include:

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins: As the theme song for the movie of the same name, this track became a major hit and a defining song of the 1980s.
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.: This song’s catchy melody and memorable chorus made it a major hit and an enduring favorite of the decade.
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin: As the love theme for the movie “Top Gun,” this song became a major hit and a defining track of the 1980s.

Popular Soundtracks of the 1980s

Blockbuster Movie Themes

Iconic movie soundtracks from the 1980s became major hits in their own right, with songs that became synonymous with the films they accompanied. Notable movie themes include:

“Purple Rain” by Prince: As both a soundtrack and a standalone album, “Purple Rain” produced multiple hits and showcased Prince’s musical genius.
“Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara: This song’s upbeat tempo and inspiring lyrics made it a major hit and a defining track of the 1980s.
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: Written for “Rocky III,” this song’s driving beat and motivational lyrics made it a defining track of the 1980s and a staple of workout playlists.

Compilation Albums

Compilation albums featuring various artists and hit songs became popular in the 1980s, providing listeners with a diverse selection of music. Notable compilation albums include:

“Now That’s What I Call Music!”: Launched in the UK in 1983, this compilation series featured a mix of hit songs from various artists and became a major success.
“The Breakfast Club” Soundtrack: Featuring songs like “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, this soundtrack became a defining album of the 1980s and a staple of teen culture.

Songs That Became Cultural Phenomena

Certain songs from the 1980s transcended their original context and became cultural phenomena, leaving a lasting impact on music and popular culture. Notable examples include:

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson: This song’s infectious beat and Jackson’s moonwalk dance move became iconic moments in music history.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses: With its memorable guitar riff and powerful vocals, this song became an anthem of 1980s rock and a staple of the genre.
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna: With its provocative themes and powerful imagery, this song sparked discussions about art and censorship and became a defining track of the 1980s.

Influence of Soundtracks on Popular Music

Soundtracks from the 1980s had a significant influence on popular music, with songs from movies becoming major hits and shaping the musical landscape of the decade. Notable examples include:

“Footloose” Soundtrack: Featuring multiple hit songs like “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams and “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler, this soundtrack became a major success and defined the sound of the 1980s.
“Top Gun” Soundtrack: With hits like “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, this soundtrack became a major hit and a defining album of the 1980s.

Underrated Songs from the 1980s

Hidden Gems

Some songs from the 1980s didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as others but remain hidden gems worthy of recognition. Notable hidden gems include:

“Save a Prayer” by Duran Duran: This song’s dreamy melody and introspective lyrics made it a fan favorite, even if it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of the band’s other hits.
“More Than This” by Roxy Music: With its smooth vocals and atmospheric sound, this song became a favorite among fans of new wave and art rock music.
“Under the Milky Way” by The Church: This song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics made it a favorite among fans of alternative and new wave music.

Lesser-Known Artists

Some artists from the 1980s didn’t achieve the same level of fame as others but produced memorable songs that deserve recognition. Notable lesser-known artists include:

The Replacements: With their raw and energetic sound, The Replacements became a favorite among fans of punk and alternative rock, producing memorable tracks like “Bastards of Young” and “Can’t Hardly Wait.”
Echo & the Bunnymen: With their atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics, Echo & the Bunnymen became a favorite among fans of new wave and post-punk music, producing hits like “The Killing Moon” and “Lips Like Sugar.”
The Smiths: With their distinctive sound and Morrissey’s unique vocals, The Smiths became a favorite among fans of indie and alternative rock, producing memorable tracks like “This Charming Man” and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”

Regional Hits

Some songs achieved significant success in specific regions, becoming favorites among local audiences even if they didn’t achieve national or international fame. Notable regional hits include:

“I Melt with You” by Modern English: This song became a major hit in the US despite its modest success in the UK, becoming a favorite among fans of new wave music.
“She Sells Sanctuary” by The Cult: This song became a major hit in the UK and a favorite among fans of rock and alternative music, even if it didn’t achieve the same level of success in the US.
“Love Plus One” by Haircut One Hundred: This song became a major hit in the UK and a favorite among fans of new wave and pop music, even if it didn’t achieve the same level of success in the US.

Impactful B-Sides

Some B-sides from the 1980s became fan favorites and achieved significant recognition despite not being released as official singles. Notable impactful B-sides include:

“Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac: Originally a B-side to “Go Your Own Way,” this song became a fan favorite and was later included in the band’s live performances and re-releases.
“How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths: Originally a B-side to “William, It Was Really Nothing,” this song became a major hit and a defining track for The Smiths.
“Erotic City” by Prince: Originally a B-side to “Let’s Go Crazy,” this song became a favorite among fans and a defining track of Prince’s career.

The 1980s was a decade of musical innovation and cultural shifts, producing some of the most memorable and influential songs of all time. From iconic synthpop anthems to groundbreaking hip-hop breakthroughs, the music of the 1980s continues to resonate with audiences and shape the sound of contemporary music.