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: Sanja Kosovic
  • 10. Careless whisper by George Michael
  • 9. Keep The Faith by Jon Bon Jovi
  • 8. Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler
  • 7. Wicked Game by Chris Isaac
  • 6. Sultans Of Sphinx by Dire Straits
  • 5. I Just Died In Your Eyes Tonight by Cutting Crew
  • 4. Like A Prayer by Madonna
  • 3. Stop by Sam Brown
    Very good song!
  • 2. Listen To Your Heart by Roxette
    Wonderful!
  • 1. Moonlight Shadow by Mike Oldfield
    The best song ever released!!!!!!
I tried to put in the best songs of 80's because I'm really CRAZY about the 80's...but there is so much song that I couldn't remember the right list,so this one might be the closest...Enjoy!!!
By: juan carlos
By: Valerie
  • 10. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    You have no excuse for not knowing this song.
  • 9. Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
    LOVE IT! It's just so...so...eighties!
  • 8. Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
    Yet another movie song! But hey, the eighties were all about the movies right? (I'm kidding)
  • 7. If You Leave by OMD
    One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite movies.
  • 6. What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara
    It just makes you want to dance in front of stuffy ballet school administrators...or just bop your head in the car:)
  • 5. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    This video kicked butt! It's such a cheesy, low budget video, but who cares? The song rocks!
  • 4. Open Your Heart by Madonna
    And I did with this song! Another feel good pop tune.
  • 3. Rio by Duran Duran
    Duran HAS to be on a top ten list...it's just the law:) This song epitomizes the synthy-ness of the eighties...Si, Nick, Roge, Andy and John do it again!
  • 2. Hazy Shade of Winter by Bangles
    I love a good rock/pop song and this is as good as it gets for me. Chicks with guitars and lots of hair spray and mini skirts!!
  • 1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
    This is one of the first songs Ican remember from my "babyhood". My mom loved this song and as such played it a lot. It still makes me feel good everytime I hear it!
By: Holley and Louie
  • 10. Straight Up by Paula Abdul
    Perhaps this should have been number three.
  • 9. Sussudio by Phil Collins
    I ssssssimply couldn't sssssssing along. Too many ssssssssssssss.
  • 8. Dynamite by Jermaine Stewart
    I will never again admit I liked this song. In fact, I didn't. If anybody asks....
  • 7. Shake Your Love by Debbie Gibson
    We all liked it. We all denied it.
  • 6. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
    How could I possibly show my face with Howdy Doody blaring?
  • 5. Elvira by The Oak Ridge Boys
    I still won't listen to this one in public.
  • 4. Fame by Irene Cara
    A song begging to be lip synched...
  • 3. Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles
    Loved the song, loved the video, attempted the little dance....as long as no one was within 10 miles of me.
  • 2. Happy To Be Stuck With You by Huey Lewis and The News
    Actually, anything by Huey Lewis and The News.
  • 1. We Are The World by USA for Africa
    I hid my copy, need I say more.
This is a top ten list of songs that we loved, but would rather be forced to do the 'stupid choo choo train' line dance on American Bandstand than be caught listening to. C'mon, we all had our teen hangups.
By: Christine
  • 10. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
  • 9. I Feel For You by Chaka Khan
    Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan. This song's just got an awesome beat:)
  • 8. Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen
    Two words - Dirty Dancing.
  • 7. Whip It by Devo
    Hated the music video when I first saw it, but now I'm thinking, geeks can be SO cool. Devo proved this to be true.
  • 6. Take On Me by A-Ha
    The music video was truly revolutionary for its time. Whenever I think of New Wave music, this song always pops into mind:)
  • 5. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo
    I STILL stumble over the name of this band. Just love the bass line.
  • 4. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
    I'm crossing my fingers that they play this at my prom!! Unfortunately, the DJ'll probably play something by Backstreet Boys or Britney Spears - yuck. Too bad 80s music isn't played too much at high school dances.
  • 3. A View to a Kill by Duran Duran
    In my opinion, Duran Duran IS New Wave - no question about it.
  • 2. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    Oh my gosh, "The Breakfast Club" must be the epitome of the 80s. Great song to accompany a great movie.
  • 1. Tenderness by General Public
    My heart skips a beat everytime this song comes out in the end of "Weird Science." It makes me want to go skipping and always put me in a good mood:)
I never really had the chance to experience 80s music, especially the earlier New Wave hits, since I wasn't old enough. But 80s music is just SO fun to listen to compared to what's out there on the radio today. I guess I'm trying to make up for all that I missed out on, hehe. There really is a movement beginning in teens (especially the older ones) coming back to 80s music.
By: Kimberly
I could be here for endless days naming off great 80's songs... hours at a time just on bands such as Depeche Mode and the Cure cause you know I just can't get enough
By: DLW
  • 10. Summergirls by Dino
    Say what you want, this song still jams.
  • 9. Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham
    I'm suprised this song hasn't been mentioned. It has the most perfect guitar solo.
  • 8. Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
    ..and the best Michael Jackson album.
  • 7. Chains Of Love by Erasure
    This song is so energizing.
  • 6. Digging Your Scene by Blow Monkeys
    ...remember this one?!?!?
  • 5. If You Leave by OMD
    Another song that reminds me of the 80's.
  • 4. Make It Last Forever by Keith Sweat
    Slow jams never sounded so good.
  • 3. Piece Of My Love by Guy
    The best R&B song by far.
  • 2. I Still Believe by Brenda K. Starr
    This version is better than Mariah's.
  • 1. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    The ultimate 80's song.
By: DJ Dave
  • 10. I Can't Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar
    I had to add this song since I drive a red Porsche 928. I play it everytime I wanna just get in my car and just drive.
  • 9. I Can Dream About You by Dan Hartman
    It's just a happy, sing along, feel good song.
  • 8. Cry Little Sister by (Lost Boys Soundtrack) Gerard McMann
    This song is just incredible. I get more requests for this song than any other. The movie rocked too.
  • 7. Erotic City by Prince
    It's made for the club scene, but what a shame they never could play this on the radio.
  • 6. Burning Up by Madonna
    An early 80's killer club dance tune. I still wanna hit the dance floor everytime I hear it.
  • 5. Animal by Def Leppard
    Hysteria was the first cassette tape I ever wore out, all because of this song.
  • 4. Mickey by Toni Basil
    Such a cheesy song. Such a fun song.
  • 3. Hard to Say I'm Sorry by Chicago
    This song seemed to apply to every girlfriend of every relationship I had during the 80's....and 90's.
  • 2. Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N' Roses
    You just wanna step on the gas pedal a little harder when this comes on the radio.
  • 1. Girls, Girls, Girls by Motely Crue
    This song just keeps rocking right from the sound of that Harley cranking up.
I am an Atlanta adult nightclub DJ and listen to these songs every night and never seem to get tired of them. I turned 18 in 1980 and loved them then, and still do to this day.
By: Ray
  • 10. Listen To Your Heart by Roxette
    I just liked this song and still do.
  • 9. The Final Countdown by Europe
    I first heard this, really heard it when I found the tape in my parents dresser. I looked at the cover and thought hmmmm.....so I listened to it and it was and is one of my all time favorites. The whole album is great! The Fianl Countdown is also what the 80's stood for in my opinion.
  • 8. What About Love by Heart
    I remember listening to this song, well tape as a matter of fact on the way to elementary school alot.
  • 7. Heaven Is A Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle
    This song is what the 80's stood for in my mind - love, joy, happiness, and rockin pop melodies! Everytime I hear this song I can think back and see the 80's - how it used to be so much better then in my opinion. Another great song.
  • 6. Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen
    I heard this on the radio one time and I remember my dad saying "this song is cheesy but its a good song" and I said yeah, it is cheesy but I liked it to. You know just a few days ago I bought the Dirty Dancing soundtrack(just for this song) and have been constantly listening to this song ever since. I really like it, great song!
  • 5. Kiss Me Deadly by Lita Ford
    Me, my dad, and my brother thought this song was coooool. And it is a cool song.
  • 4. Unknown - forget the name of it by The Cure
    I forget the name of this song but it was the video where it took place in the cave the whole time. You know, I really didn't like this song......but I always watched the video when it was on, I just couldn't trun it. In a way I guess I did like the song. I thought the vocals and lyrics and just the whole thing was cheesy........but a part of me didn't. One of those things that you hate but you love I guess.
  • 3. Born To Be My Baby by Bon Jovi
    This wa smy fave Bon Jovi Song at the time when New Jersey came out. I'd always sing it. I loved Bon Jovi.
  • 2. Heaven by Warrant
    This video was always on(or at least I would always catch it) I loved this song, it was my favorite. I used to think Jani Lane was god. Remember the wink.
  • 1. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N' Roses
    I was real young in the 80's(I was born in 1980) but I do have lots of memories that stick with me to this day.......some do bring a tear to my eye. I remember when I first seen this video. Me, my dad, and my brother would be going Shanananana.....neeese, neeese, my brother did it the best. I loved Guns and Roses - I was a little rocker swingin on my swings listening to Sweet Child O' Mine single(still have the original and its in good shape). Aaaah, the memories.
I am a metalhead, thats why there's pretty much all 80's rock listed here. But I do have a soft side, everyone does. And aside from all of the head bangin' 80's metal I listen to I also like the pop/new wave/soft rock/you name it from the 80's. I'm starting to realise/accept this more now then I did a few years ago. The 80's rocked!! plain and simple, I remember all of the times I watched MTV everyday. The volume on the TV maxed out, just chillin. I remember all the bands, the clothes, the big hair, I just loved eveything about the 80's. My dad said to me one time - "what are you gonna do when Bon Jovi or all of these other guys aren't around anymore?" I said "I'm still gonna listen to em". As I got older and the 80's moved out I realised how great the 80's were,and I wish they had never left. I won't let go of the 80's, though I'm not totally stuck in the 80's. You can always remember.
By: Suzanne
By: Rich Kapalin
  • 10. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    Travelled to Florida the summer this song came out and no matter what station I put on, this song always seemed to be on the radio.
  • 9. Jump by Van Halen
    The opening notes of this song always inspired me to crank the volume on my radio as loud as possible!
  • 8. The Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    This was one of those songs in the 80s that if you said you didn't like it, you were a dweeb (along the lines of Rock Me Amadeus by Falco). Liked the original, not the remix (s-s-s-s-...)
  • 7. Invincible by Pat Benatar
    This song never seemed to get the attention it deserved on the airwaves, amd the movie it was from (The Legend of Billie Jean) was kind of strange, but this was definitely Pat's top 80s effort.
  • 6. Shout by Tears For Fears
    I was probably one of the only people I knew that loved this song and absolutely HATED Everybody Wants To Rule The World. I wonder why this song was never used for a Shout commercial?
  • 5. Atomic Dog by George Clinton
    The biggest dance song of all time, in my opinion. Having trouble getting people to dance? Put this record on and no one can stand to sit down. Still stands the test of time.
  • 4. Twilight Zone by Golden Earring
    This is one of those songs (like Jump at #9) that begs you to blast the music through your speakers so that the whole neighborhood can hear it.
  • 3. Let's Go Crazy by Prince & the Revolution
    One of the definite 80s songs that was perfect for school dances. The 7 minute 12" mix was the best!
  • 2. Midnight Blue by Lou Gramm
    This was definitely a song that deserved more airplay, it ranks right up there with Gramm's efforts with Foreigner.
  • 1. You Dropped A Bomb On Me by Gap Band
    This is one of my 3 all time favorite hits. Had to run out and get the 12" single with the 13 minute remix!
This song only contains my ten favorite uptempo hits of the 80s, so I had to submit a 2nd list of my ten favorite 80s ballads as well.
By: Rich Kapalin
  • 10. Love You Down by Ready For The World
    A top ten hit while I was stationed in Germany, I played this song as a DJ and used two copies to make an extended mix of the song.
  • 9. Will You Still Love Me? by Chicago
    I didn't think I would like Chicago after Peter Cetera left, but this powerful ballad proved me wrong!
  • 8. I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
    This song came out the year I graduated (1985) and it sent chills down my spine every time I heard it.
  • 7. Don't Wanna Lose You by Gloria Estefan
    Worked at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, the summer this song was released and it had special meaning for me when I left.
  • 6. Hold On To The Nights / Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
    Couldn't pick just one, they're both so good to listen to! Both had special meaning at the time.
  • 5. Eternal Flame by Bangles
    A beautiful song that just melts your heart when you hear it.
  • 4. Into The Night by Benny Mardones
    I loved this song both times it was released (1980 and 1989). Just something about the raspy voice with the sweet melodies that got to me.
  • 3. Hello by Lionel Richie
    Beautiful song, beautiful video, about the discovery of love.
  • 2. Foolish Beat by Debbie Gibson
    The most beautiful ballad by the best singer/songwriter/prdoucer of the 80s.
  • 1. Hands To Heaven by Breathe
    The ultimate song for lovers who have to part ways in hopes of seeing each other again someday.
I see how many others listed Honorable Mentions but to do so would take too long and waste too much space.
By: M. Montgomery
  • 10. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    My eyes water every time i hear it...
  • 9. Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    The coolest thing i had ever heard at age 13.........
  • 8. If You Leave by OMD
    More memories (sigh)
  • 7. Shout by Tears for Fears
    Great for cruising the beach!!!
  • 6. Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy
    1 hit wonder?? Song still stirs lots of emotions.
  • 5. I Still Have Not Found What Im Looking For by U2
    From the best album of the 80s. My best friend and i wore out 2 copies in 87.......
  • 4. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Off of one of the best albums of the 80s!! Never gets old!!
  • 3. Don't Dream it's Over by Crowded House
    Such a great song!! Many a fond memories when i hear it...
  • 2. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
    The Best Song by one of the best!!!
  • 1. Under The Milky Way by The Church
    Have not seen this one on many lists. Still gives me goosebumps!!
So many great songs. Must mention True Faith by New Order, What You Need by INXS, Everything Counts by Depeche Mode. Lets not forget, Billy Idol, The Cure, Duran Duran, The Fixx, Pet Shop Boys, and Prince.... Hell i need a TOP 500. Love the site keep it up.
By: Mitch
  • 10. Send Her My Love by Journey
    I know this goes against my "theme" but this song is very special to me. It connects me to my lost love. Wherever you are Renee, I love you!
  • 9. She's an Angel by The Stompers
    The Stompers were a Boston band that never got the break they deserved. A great band that Boston Globe voters rated higher than locals like The Cars and Aerosmith! I can't remember how many shows we went to, but I loved them all.
  • 8. Careless Whisper by Wham!
    The US version of the many UK "hair" bands popular in the 80's
  • 7. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
    An 80's "Anthem"
  • 6. Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    A bit of a one-hit-wonder, but it was a blockbuster!
  • 5. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    Classic 80's band
  • 4. Rio by Duran Duran
    Getting into the heavy hitters now. DD had so many great songs, their sound shaped the decade.
  • 3. Take on Me by A-Ha
    Again, an 80's Anthem, with one of the best videos ever!
  • 2. Time (Clock of the Heart) by Culture Club
    No band was more 80's than Culture Club. Their look and sound was made for MTV !
  • 1. True by Spandau Ballet
    I hear this song, close my eyes and I AM back in the 80's.
There were so many great songs in the 80's. It's like being asked to chose one child over another. While everyone has songs that mean something special to them, to me the 80's "sound" was the "Synth/pop" style that toady is unmistakable. I don't think I've purchased more than 12 CDs from bands that have come out since 1989. To me, nothing will ever be better than the music from the 80's!
By: martin allan
  • 10. love an adventure by pseudo echo
    american style australian pop
  • 9. hot for teacher by van halen
    as guitar solos go this is it for commercial 80's music
  • 8. the power of love by franky goes to hollywood
    "cleaning my soul"
  • 7. vienna by ultra vox
    the vainest song of a vain decade
  • 6. rattle snakes by lloyd cole and the commotions
    a great sound for any era, infact quite atypical of the 80's
  • 5. fade to grey by visage
    the best of the futuritic style songs with an artistic film clip
  • 4. burning up by madonna
    young madonna was very underrated as artist and look
  • 3. hungry like the wolf by duran duran
    the band is synonymous with this time and this is their best song
  • 2. only shooting love by time bandits
    high pitch voice, thematically classic, perfectly 80's
  • 1. take on me by a-ha
    ultimate 80's film clip and keyboard
By: Rob Hofmann
  • 10. Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles
    Probably the most important song in the 80s because it kicked off MTV.
  • 9. Money for Nothing by Dire Straits
    The exact antithesis of Video Killed the Radio Star, and a great video to boot.
  • 8. Sister Christian by Night Ranger
    How many times did you crank up your speakers and sing along with "Motoring/ what's your price for flight?"
  • 7. Paul Revere by Beastie Boys
    You could really substitute any Beasties song in this slot.
  • 6. Safety Dance by Men at Work
    You know it.
  • 5. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    The song that has appeared in movie previews more times than "I Feel Good".
  • 4. When Doves Cry by Prince
    That first guitar lick is priceless.
  • 3. You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi
    Don't think, just bang.
  • 2. She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
    Utterly infectious.
  • 1. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
    Seriously, my legitimate favorite song of the 80s. Just watch "Say Anything".
My list is neither comprehensive or legitimate. The 80s was the decade for cheesy singles, and as such I've listed some of my favorites. Pleasure was knowing a song was bad and that you liked it anyway. Honorable mention goes to every cheesy pop hit from Huey Lewis, Wham, Michael Jackson, Def Leppard, and Whitesnake.
By: Carlo Panarelli
By: Glyn
  • 10. Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
    Honorable Mention: China Girl, This Is Not America
  • 9. Pride (In The Name Of Love) by U2
    Honorable mention(s): The Unforgettable Fire, With Or Without You
  • 8. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Honorable mention: Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime)
  • 7. Love My Way by Psychedelic Furs
  • 6. Great Southern Land by Icehouse
  • 5. Synchronicity II by The Police
    Honorable mention(s): Every Breath You Take, Everything She Does Is Magic, Message In A Bottle
  • 4. Hunters and Collectors by Talking To A Stranger
  • 3. Atmosphere by Joy Division
  • 2. O Superman by Laurie Anderson
  • 1. A Forest by The Cure
    Honorable mention(s): Any song could have made it for The Cure, but I've had to run with their 'anthem'.
If only there was more than ten: MiSex, Bauhaus, Duran Duran, The Pixies, New Order, Sisters of Mercy, and loads others...
By: Julio
  • 10. Anything For You by Gloria Estefan
    Her best song ever
  • 9. Run To You by Bryan Adams
    Bryan really got down in this one
  • 8. The One That You Love by Air Supply
    One of the greatest wedding songs of all time
  • 7. (Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon
    It was a nice song
  • 6. I Wanna Know What Love Is by Fouriner
    This was there greates song ever
  • 5. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    Great MJ song, and Slashe's guitar beat was awesome
  • 4. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    Def Leppard rocked in this one
  • 3. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'N Roses
    Great, awesome song
  • 2. Making Love Out Of Nothing At All by Air Supply
    One of the greates love songs of all time
  • 1. Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    Awesome, lovely song.
By: Roberto Catril
  • 10. Love is just the game by Peter Brown
  • 9. Situation by Yazoo
  • 8. Black Cars by Gino Vanelli
  • 7. New Sensation by Inxs
  • 6. Hello again by The Cars
  • 5. Jounge Roemer by Falco
  • 4. Blue Monday by New Order
  • 3. I feel for you by Chaka Khan
  • 2. New song by Howard Jones
  • 1. Rockit by Herbie Hancoack
Mi mente no puede apartarse de esta musica que me acompaņo en los mejores aņos de mi vida, y que estara con migo por siempre

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