In the 80s - Top Ten Lists of Eighties Songs

What are your top ten favorite songs from the 80s?

This page currently edited by: Quirk. Past editor: RetroGuyDK, Absolutely Vile, Junior

By: Z-Dogg
There are many, many other great 80's songs, but these are the best I can think of right now. Starship is my favorite band if you hadn't guessed.
By: Savo Bojanic
  • 10. Dire Straits by Tunnel of Love
    For all those guitar enthusiasts like me.
  • 9. Shake the Disease by Depeche Mode
    Believe it or not I think their 90's stuff was probably the best work they did.
  • 8. Listening by Pseudo Echo
    Another band from Australia that was as 80's as you can get(remember the guitar keyboards). For those who have not heard them, I recommend them.
  • 7. Freedom by Wham
    An excellent song with a good melody that's great to sing along to.
  • 6. The Reflex by Duran Duran
    This band had numerous good songs.
  • 5. Burn for You by INXS
    As i'm from Australia I had to put in an Aussie band.
  • 4. I want to break free by Queen
    Good band from the 70's and the 80's.
  • 3. Electric Dreams by Human League
    Like the song. Don't know about the movie.Band was alright.
  • 2. Fade to Black by Metallica
    More on the 80's heavy metal scene.
  • 1. Victims by Culture Club
    EXCELLENT SONG. EXCELLENT BAND
These are more my favourite artists than songs. I think today's music is too monotomous and lacks creativity. It's either rock or dance. Eighties was a decade where you could do both.
By: Nikki
  • 10. White Lines by Grandmaster Flash
    There were good things and bad things about the eighties, this song talks about the not so great side of the eighties
  • 9. Here Comes the Rain Again by Eurythmics
    Annie Lenox's voice is hypnotizing
  • 8. Stand and Deliver by Adam Ant
    One of his many good songs.
  • 7. Love Plus One by Haircut 100
    Too bad they had only one album as a complete group.
  • 6. Rock Lobster by B-52's
    They played this song at every school dance from jr. high thru high school learned to like it...it sure ain't Love Shack.
  • 5. Poison Arrow by ABC
    Good song to listen to when you're angry about relationships.
  • 4. Purple Rain Soundtrack by Prince
    Every song from that album is fabulous and I can/do listen to the whole thing over and over again.
  • 3. I Confess/Save It for Later/Mirror in the Bathroom by English Beat
    Couldn't choose one with this group, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger are the tops
  • 2. Time by Culture Club
    how I feel about life...love...
  • 1. True by Spandau Ballet
    Simply lovely song, from such a well dressed group.
Great site, I came of age in the eighties ( late elementary through high school) so this site really brought back some memories of growing up. Some honorable mentions:Roxanne (and the following saga) started by UTFO, Juicy Fruit - Atlantic Starr, Stepping Out - Joe Jackson, The Finest - SOS Band.
By: dmitri
By: B.J. Freeman
  • 10. About a Girl by Nirvana
    Back in '89, before Nirvana had much of a pop thing going in their music, Kurt Cobain wrote this song which hinted at what was to come. Very catchy, melodic, and fun.
  • 9. With or Without You by U2
    More U2, but what can I say, they were just so good. U2 was at their peak in the late eighties and I think it's some of the best music ever made.
  • 8. Beautiful World by Devo
    A very good song about the troubles of the world and how it's not as beautiful as it seems. The music is so soft and calm, and not as bouncy as most of Devo's other songs. Very good.
  • 7. (Don't You) Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    I've had this in my head lately and I absolutely love it. I really like the vocals in the chorus. Just a great song.
  • 6. The Flame by Cheap Trick
    More about flames... This song is very good, better than any of their other songs.
  • 5. Eternal Flame by Bangles
    This one just gets me. I don't know, it's just a very moving song.
  • 4. Pictures of You/One More Time by The Cure
    One of my favorite bands from the eighties. It wasn't a question of whether to put these guys on, but rather which songs to put on. Great band, great songs.
  • 3. Pride/All I Want is You by U2
    'Pride' is about Martin Luther King and it is a great song. 'All I Want is You' is a slower song that just gets me. Both songs are very moving, in different ways.
  • 2. Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol
    Billy Idol ruled, and this song was way better than any of his others. It just rises above the others. It's great.
  • 1. Minor Threat by Minor Threat
    An old school punk band from the early eighties. They are one of my favorite bands and absolutely had to have the top spot.
Honorable Mentions: "Girls" by the Beastie Boys - How come nobody else mentions these guys? "Blue Monday" by New Order - The music just makes you want to move. "Life O' Riley" by NOFX - A little ska tune from this now well-known punk band. "Lullaby" by The Cure - I just love the little riff in this song and the whispered vocals. "Take On Me" by A-ha - Doesn't everybody like this song?
By: Aytac Azgin
  • 10. St. Elmo's Fire by John Parr
  • 9. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
  • 8. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
  • 7. Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears
  • 6. Africa by Toto
  • 5. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
    Another great rock ballad that captures me at the first listen
  • 4. Love Bites by Def Leppard
    One of the greatest rock ballads
  • 3. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
    A song that everyone knows and enjoys.
  • 2. True Faith by New Order
    This is the song that makes New Order an unforgetable
  • 1. Arthur's Theme by Christopher Cross
    The best romantic song I've ever listened.
By: Rudy Avila
  • 10. Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
  • 9. Its The End of The World as We Know It by REM
    Everytime I hear this song, I think of movies such as Armageddon, ID4, Night of The Comet, When Worlds Collide, War of The Worlds, Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and Earthquake.
  • 8. Blue Monday by New Order
    Orgy sucks!!!!
  • 7. White Wedding by Billy Idol
  • 6. Valley Girl by Frank and Moon Zappa
    Funny song!!!!
  • 5. Kids in America by Kim Wylde
  • 4. Turning Japanese by The Vapors
  • 3. Dancing in Heaven by Q-Feel
  • 2. Never Ending Story by Limahl
    The song to my all time fav. movie
  • 1. You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive
There are sooo many more, to bad I can't list them all!!!
By: Chantel Copes
  • 10. Stop to Love by Luther Vandross
    this song was sooo cool
  • 9. Breakin (Aint No Stoppin Us) by Ollie and Jerry
    If you remember this song you are a good one...it came form the mother of all break dancing movies "breakin".
  • 8. (Keep Feelin)Facination by The Human League
    I like this song becasue it makes you feel good. which was needed if you were a kid in the mid 80's
  • 7. I feel for you by Chaka Khan
    Chaka Khan...Chaka Khan...Chaka Khan-Chaka Khan
  • 6. 24/7 by Dino
    Dino was one of those performers who has one or two hits during his whole career but the hits that he had seemed to have an impression on me (if he is still performing please let me know
  • 5. Alphabet Street by Prince
    I love the rap that Kat does on this track. This song really does not get the respect that it should (maybe because of its cheesy video)
  • 4. Automatic by Pointer Sisters
    I was 10 when this song came out and I almost broke my neck trying to break dance on this darn song
  • 3. Nite and Day by Al B. Sure
    HE WAS SOOOOOOOO CUTE IN THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!and the song was great too.
  • 2. Symptoms of true love by Tracie Spencer
    Many really son't remember this. Ms. spencer was only 12 or 13 when she recorded this...she later on had a hit with "Tender Kisses" and "Love Me"
  • 1. 777-9311 by The Time
    This seems to be the song that I will always remember it keeps on popping up at time to time
When the eighties rolled around, I went through elementary, middle, and high school. The clear fact that i even recalled most of these is amazing because know I can't remember what I did yesterday. It it is permttable I will bring in another list.
By: Michael
  • 10. The Promise by When In Rome
    Another one of the songs that get stuck in your head...a classic example of 80s synth-bopping.
  • 9. Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
    I will always think of the Listerine commercial now when I hear the song, but for me, it defines the 80s.
  • 8. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
    Sure they were a self-made one-hit wonder, but this was probably the greatest prom-theme ever written.
  • 7. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    One of the few classics to emerge from the 80's.
  • 6. Africa by Toto
    A really relxaing song. The lyrics are unintelligible, but the track has a wonderful jazz feel to it.
  • 5. Alone by Heart
    A really spine-chilling ballad. I love Ann Wilson's voice.
  • 4. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    Whenever I hear this song, it stays in my head forever...
  • 3. In Too Deep by Genesis
    Probably the greatest ballad by the greatest rock group of the 80s.
  • 2. Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
    Kind of an overdone song, but I love the synth beats and the rhythm changes.
  • 1. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
    A daring, innovative song and an awesome video. The lyrics of the song are especially interesting and poetic.
By: Martijn Lindeloof
  • 10. Alone by Heart
    Why do misses Morisette, Etheridge think that they're queen of rock?
  • 9. Temptation by Heaven 17
    The ultimate 80's discosong (at least the version that I have)
  • 8. Shout! by Tears for Fears
    If somebody would ask me to name the most typical 80's song....
  • 7. Take on me by A-ha
    I dont think comment is needed here....
  • 6. Running up that hill by Kate Bush
    When I walk through the frontdoor of this song, hearing the rumble I feel like a giant. When I walk through the back-door, I think I can go through the keyhole.
  • 5. Dancing with tears in my eyes by Ultravox
    2 melancholic 2 stop my tears
  • 4. Talking in your sleep by Romantics
    Actually I dont know why...it's not very happy, it's simple, I've never seen the video, but I'm still addicted to it...
  • 3. Don't dream it's over by Crowded House
    The impossible combination:Melancholic and relaxt!
  • 2. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    Why arent there more bands that realise that happiness is one of the most important things in life????
  • 1. Such a shame by Talk Talk
    This song gives me just the feeling of standing on a high mountain, looking down on the world around me. And when I saw the video, with that little, jolly man with the cap, I was immediately addicted!
If there are other 80's fans who are dutch and at an age of about 18 (like me), I'd like to hear from you!!!
By: Shannon Burge
  • 10. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    What's an 80s list without Duran Duran?
  • 9. We Want The Airwaves by The ramones
    Unforgettable.
  • 8. Blue Monday by New Order
    Brilliant.
  • 7. Blister In The Sun by Violent Femmes
    A classic (Has anyone noticed how much the theme from that awful sitcom "Two Guys, A Girl, And a Pizza Place" sounds like this song?).
  • 6. Down In It by Nine Inch Nails
    Trent Reznor's Skinny Puppy ripoff is so catchy. Love those beats, and the uh-uh-uh sample.
  • 5. Dig It by Skinny Puppy
    Shamelessly ripped off by Trent Reznor. :)
  • 4. Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode
    Absolutely astounding production (at the end of the song it almost feels like you are "flying high").
  • 3. She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult
    This rocks. It's just that simple. As soon as the main guitar riff kicks in you'll recognize it.
  • 2. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    Wonderful. Happy and sad at the same time.
  • 1. How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths
    The most depressing, beautiful song ever written. Don't even try to argue.
By: Josh
  • 10. Take on Me by A-ha
  • 9. Sister Christian by Night Ranger
    The power ballad lives on...
  • 8. Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions
    Here I am...
  • 7. Little Fighter by White Lion
  • 6. Don Quiote by Nik Kershaw
    A rare one, but still golden.
  • 5. Power of Love by Jennifer Warnes
  • 4. Doctor Doctor by Thompson Twins
  • 3. Video Killed the Radio Star by Buggles
    Need I say more?
  • 2. Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy
  • 1. Rapture by Blondie
    How can you NOT love this one?
By: Blaine Kideckel
  • 10. Right Here Wating For You by Richard Marx
  • 9. American Girl by Tom Petty
  • 8. St Elmo's Fire by John Parr
  • 7. Nothing's Gonna Stop us Now by Starship
  • 6. John Mellencamp by Jack and Dianne
  • 5. Money for Nothing by Dire Straights
  • 4. Breakfast at Tiffanies by Deep Blue Something
  • 3. Guns n Roses by Sweet Child of Mine
  • 2. Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams
  • 1. With or Without You by U2
By: Chris Murphy
  • 10. Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    One word..fun!
  • 9. I'm Still Standing by Elton John
    20,000 extras can't be wrong!
  • 8. Like A Virgin by Madonna
    Madonna's breakthrough video shows just how sensual a woman she was and continues to be.
  • 7. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    A video as awesome as the song itself...this will forever be Mark Knopfler legacy hit.
  • 6. You Might Think by Cars
    Goes to show you how far we've come...we thought the effects in that video were cutting edge.
  • 5. Legs by ZZ Top
    I'm a sucker for those ugly duckiling to knockout stories.
  • 4. Eat It by Weird Al Yankovic
    I laughed for two days after seeing it!
  • 3. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    The special effects made it a masterpiece.
  • 2. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Amazing what you can do with a talented sketch artist.
  • 1. One In A Million by Romantics
    Hot Babes..not much clothing..'nuff said.
I'm the host of Flashback Friday Night on 98.7 WNNS/Springfield IL. Thanks to the info on your site, we are the most listened to retro show in the Land of Lincoln!
By: Tanya
By: rich sanda
  • 10. sweetheart by frankie and the knockouts
    real smooth. dig the vocals. captures that 1970s-type eighties feeling, like just before new wave takes over.
  • 9. cry little sister by gerald mcmann
    from the lost boys soundtrack. i also love david bowie's "as the world falls down" from the labyrinth soundtrack--both songs enhanced by the movie scene they serve as background for.
  • 8. temptation by heaven 17
    the slow deep noise at the beginning of the song has the same ominous power as the sound of the music in a level of that you've never reached before in an original nintendo game (like the caves in Rygar)
  • 7. rocket queen by guns n roses
    get ripped--this song gets you pumped.
  • 6. one in a million by guns n roses
    when i think of a good accoustic sounding electric guitar, this is what i think of.
  • 5. the chauffeur by duran duran
    what an original arrangement--its that sparse electronic sound brought to a more interesting level.
  • 4. too easy by romeo void
    great voice, and great inflection--her tone is so appropriate for the lyrics--she sounds like she believes what she's saying at a sincere level--far from superficial.
  • 3. lonely in your nightmare by duran duran
    probably the best band of the 80s. i think they've got fairly pretty lyrics, but it's the melodies that kill me.
  • 2. anywhere with you by rubber rodeo
    her voice is like red-painted fingernails tapping on a glass coffee table--totally melodic and awesome.
  • 1. head over heels by tears for fears
    the back and forth between falsetto and normal voice--incredible. the melody, that sequence of four repeated piano notes, everybody singing na na na na na--it's all so awesome
i don't care (much) about nostalgia--i just love the sound. im big into melody--most important part of a song--if the lyrics work well to make the melody more powerful, and the emotion of the singer reflects nicely off both, then that's what I dig. big neil young fan, big joni mitchell fan, like all the early 90s mainstream alternative stuff, but somehow 80s reigns as my favorite vein of music.
By: Liz
  • 10. Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes
  • 9. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
  • 8. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runner
  • 7. Youth Gone Wild by Skid Row
    80s party song. It doesn't sound good unless you play it loud.
  • 6. Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
    It's just a good song hands down.
  • 5. We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
    The best rebel song of the 80s. Play it loud and proud.
  • 4. Cherry Pie by Warrant
    It's my cherry pie!!!
  • 3. Smokin' in the Boy's Room by Motley Crue
    Classic song no questions asked!
  • 2. You Spin Me Round Baby (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive
    This song just makes you wanna dance!!!!!!
  • 1. 18 and Life by Skid Row
    I can write out the words to this song including pauses and solos. It's my all time favorite.
Honorable Mention goes to:I Remember You - Skid Row Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns n' Roses Cum On Feel the Noize - Quiet Riot Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Great White Anything else on the Monsters of Rock CD that I missed. All the songs on Skid Row - Skid Row should be on the Honorable Mention List.
By: Heuvelmanns
  • 10. Rock me tonight by Billy Squier
  • 9. Cover me by Bruce Springsteen
  • 8. The flyer by Saga
  • 7. Every little thing she does is magic by The Police
    One of the best group ever.
  • 6. You better run by Pat Benatar
    Oh Pat, what you tried to do to my heart?
  • 5. Mama by Genesis
    Ah-ah,ah-ah, huh.....
  • 4. Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams
    Before the damn ballads.
  • 3. Radio free Europe by REM
    First album? Whatever the best one.
  • 2. Sunday bloody Sunday by U2
    Learning History by rock'n'roll.
  • 1. This is not America by Pat Metheny and David Bowie
    Two genius. Great song. Great movie.
It's cheating I know, but 10 songs for all the 80's...it's definitly not enough. So excuse me and enjoy my four "top ten" of the 80's. First "rock'n'roll", second "Heavy metal", third "pop" and fouth "love songs". Your website is wonderful. Thank you and excuse me again.
By: Heuvelmanns
  • 10. Cum on feel the noise by Quiet riot
  • 9. Back for more by Ratt
  • 8. Photograph by Def Leppard
  • 7. Why can this be love by Van Halen
    I vote for Sammy.
  • 6. Where eagles dare by Iron Maiden
    Great, great, great show. First album I bought.
  • 5. Sweet child o'mine by Guns'n'Roses
    A classic.
  • 4. Clones by Alice Cooper
    No comment.
  • 3. Crazy train by Ozzy Osborne
    Randy Rhodes guitar. Nothing else to say.
  • 2. Tom Sawyer by Rush
    Powerful song. Best canadian band.
  • 1. Live wire by Mötley Crüe
    This is the band of the 80's.
By: Heuvelmanns
  • 10. We got the beat by Go-Go's
  • 9. Tainted love by Soft cell
  • 8. Pale shelter by Tears for fear
  • 7. Smalltown boy by Bronski beat
  • 6. 1999 by Prince
  • 5. Come on Eileen by Dexy's midnight runners
  • 4. Dreamtime by Daryl Hall
  • 3. Send me an angel by Real Life
  • 2. Into the groove by Madonna
    THE diva.
  • 1. Modern love by David Bowie
    Just for the beginning.

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