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: Brandon
  • 10. Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode
  • 9. Down Under by Men At Work
  • 8. Africa by Toto
    Number 8 and 9 are two songs I've always confused with one another, but I still love them.
  • 7. With or Without You / One in a Million by U2 / Guns n' Roses
    I know the GNR song is a prime example of bigotry, but it's always been catchy to me for some reason. Don't hate me for liking it.
  • 6. Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
    I actually don't know if this is from the 70's or the 80's, but my Dad used to play it on guitar for me when I was young, and that was during the 80's.
  • 5. Voice of Harold by REM
    This is a non-single off a b-side album, so most people probably haven't heard of it, but a friend of mine and I decided that it is one of the all time greats, as we played time and time again on the way to watch state football our senior year.
  • 4. Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
  • 3. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    This song had made me hate life two different times because of two different relationships. But it's still great!!!
  • 2. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    This song just flat out rules!
  • 1. You Are the Everything by REM
    Another non-single off the GREEN album. So simple, yet so great.
I stumbled across this site is the early hours of the night and found it to my liking. It's cool how so many people have sent in their lists. These songs are, to me, songs that bring back memories from when I was quite young, as well as memories from the recent years when I realized how much I loved 80's music.
By: Stan
  • 10. Rhythm of the Night by El DeBarge
    Admit it, the Last Dragon was one of the best martial arts flicks of alltime.
  • 9. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head
  • 8. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    This song is the only reason why Puff Daddy's song "I'll Be Missing You" is so popular.
  • 7. Ink and Paper by Modern English
    The other hit.
  • 6. Already Yesterday by The Church
  • 5. Bette Davis' Eyes by Kim Carnes
    Hey, the 7up commercial.
  • 4. A Night Like This by The Cure
    One of their lesser known songs.
  • 3. State of the Nation by Industry
    Just plain awesome.
  • 2. The Promise by When In Rome
    Still remember this one?
  • 1. Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
    Again, Puff Daddy is involved here. Thanks for looking at my list.
What an excellent concept you have come up with. Without further adu, my top ten eighties hit list.
By: Gillian
By: Gillian Lee
  • 10. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N Roses
    This song really kicks. Can't be played quietly.
  • 9. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
    Not just a great video, but also a darned good tune.
  • 8. Moonlight on Water by Kevin Raleigh
    A grossly under-promoted song with great lyrics.
  • 7. Heart and Soul by T'Pau
    I can listen to this over and over.
  • 6. Keep Your Hands To Yourself by Georgia Satellites
    Another great song with nothing fancy, just straight ahead rock and roll.
  • 5. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
    A great group at their best.
  • 4. If You Leave by OMD
    We've all been there. They just put it to music perfectly.
  • 3. Waiting For A Girl Like You by Foreigner
    Possibly the best love song of the last 20 years.
  • 2. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
    Simply a beautiful song. I'll never get tired of it.
  • 1. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    It doesn't get any better than this.
These are my ultimate favorite songs from the eighties. Hope they bring back some memories for all you out there!!
By: Derek G. Johnson
All these songs get my adrenaline pumping and make me think back to the great times when they were such a great part of my life. Other songs to honorably mention are: "Don't Dream it's Over"-- Crowded House, "Glory of Love"--Peter Cetera, and "Never Say Goodbye" -- Bon Jovi. The list could go on and on and on though. The songs from the eighties are incomparable.
By: David Arness
All right, after looking at everyone else's, I am compelled to add my own. I tried to put a little bit of everything into the list, which meant some that I had originally were excluded-here are a few: Tears For Fears, "Head Over Heels" Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "I Love Rock and Roll" Men at Work, "Down Under" Eurythmics, "Sweet Dreams" R.E.M., "Its the End of the World.....and I Feel Fine"
By: Manuel
By: Rich and Richelle Chambers
  • 10. I Melt With You by Modern English
    Nicholas Cage and Deborah Foreman, fer sure,like totally...
  • 9. Crazy for You by Madonna
    Well anything Madonna will do but we had to narrow it down-I still wear those lace up boots too.
  • 8. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
    Just had that 80s sound
  • 7. We are the World by USA For Africa
    Wasn't everyone singing for charity in those days?-if you have the old "record" look to see how many 80s stars are now "has beens"
  • 6. Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams
    We are from Vancouver after all
  • 5. Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen
    Weren't the 80s OUR glory days?
  • 4. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    Who can forget the video??????
  • 3. Purple Rain by Prince
    We knew he was a freak even before he became the symbol,but ya gotta love him anyway
  • 2. Every Breath you Take by Police
    We were all oblivious to the fact that this "love song" was actually about stalking-has such a great 80s feel to it
  • 1. Missing You by John Waite
    Didn't we all break up to this song????
By: Marius
  • 10. Like a Prayer by Madonna
    Good video, strong impression.
  • 9. Every Breath You Take by Police
    Actually, they were gods.
  • 8. Two Suns In The Sunset by Pink Floyd
    Not a big hit, but it was damn well said. As was the whole album.
  • 7. Land of Confusion by Genesis
    Whooey, that was true... I grew up in Romania!
  • 6. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cindy Lauper
    Well, it was different from "All I wanna do...", whaddya think?
  • 5. RnR is King by ELO
    Actually, they had much better songs, but that was a hit, so I picked it.
  • 4. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    A total song of the hearty
  • 3. Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
    It was to come, in the end (of the 80's for me )
  • 2. Breakthru by Queen
    Rhythm of those days...Queen's best video
  • 1. Still Loving You by Scorpions
    Keywords:senior high, conscription to come, beach, night, girlfriends onthe shoulders, dancing like elephants.
Hello, if there is anybody interrested in how did the eighties look from behind the Iron Curtain, there's my favourites. Now, that does not give credit to Breakdance, but I didn't like it at all. But that seems common among the previous lists as well. Man, I wish I was back in high school and told that to my "They Could Be Rappers" mates.

There was also cheese everywhere. Shorties, Modern Talking, CC Catch, BZN... anyone remembers them here? Editor's Note: This list was longer than ten, so the first 17 are listed here.27. Trio, "Da Da Da", Hate to admit it, but I actually hummed with these guys
26. Taco, "Puttin on the Ritz", Nah, I was 14 by that time!
25. Steve Miller's Band, "Abracadabra", Actually, one of my best friends' favourites
24. Spandau Ballet, "Life Line", The first time I changed my hairstyle.
23. Shakin Stevens, "Green Door", Then I turned up my collar- still errect :o)
22. Slade, "Run Runaway", My toughest air guitar power play - (just kiddin...nobody rocks like the 30 yrs old me)
21. Level 42, "Lessons in Love", Solid, serious, REQUIRED
20. Joan Jett, "I Love Rock 'N Roll", Anthem of my college
19. Men At Work, "Down Under", Well, cool, and is in lieu for Jethro Tull, also
18. Dexy's Midnight Runners, "Come on Eileen", Madness...
17. Katrina and the Waves, "Walking on Sunshine", Either that or triple shot espresso
16. Yazoo, "Nobody's Diary", Still listening to it. Still hating Erasure- not for themselves but because Yazoo had to split.
15. Bangles, "Manic Monday", My god, girls were ATTRACTIVE those days
14. Nena, "99 Luftballons", The one and only song that ever sounded better in german. To me, that is.
13. ABBA, "The Visitors", Well, that goes better with the 70's and my childhood, but I just couldn't help it.
12. AC\DC, "For Those About To Rock", Man, was I ready!
11. Tanita Tikaram, "Twist In My Sobriety", And in mine as well. The 90's decade was just about to hit me...

Honorable Mentions: Blondie, Berlin, Stevie Wonder who just called, Hall and Oates, Stars on 45, Depeche Mode who might have been in my top if only they didn't develop such a cult in the end, REM, U2- just couldn't find a song to like best. It's a shame, Jennifer Rush, Live is Life- Opus, B52's, OMD, Bruce Dearest Springsteen, and was I jealous, Bon Jovi, Kim Wilde, I was about to forget H.M. THE WOMAN, Kate Bush, H.M. THE MUSE, Peter Gabriel,Whitesnake, Iron Maiden, man, I think I have to rewrite it all from the start. There were good days even after 86! All that heavy metal...And one of my friends got a video, too.

By: Ruby
  • 10. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runner
  • 9. Jack and Diane by John Cougar Melloncamp
  • 8. Venus by Bananarama
  • 7. Every Breathe You Take by Police
  • 6. Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springstein
  • 5. Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles
  • 4. Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
  • 3. 99 LuftBalloons by Nena
  • 2. Night Moves by Bob Seager
    Ed. Note:This was seventies, 1972 to be exact!
  • 1. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
By: Shannon
  • 10. Save Your Love by Great White
  • 9. Goodbye to Romance/Shot in the Dark by Ozzy
  • 8. Faithfully/Open Arms by Journey
  • 7. Talk Dirty to Me/I Won't Forget You by Poison
  • 6. Heaven/Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
  • 5. Magic Power by Triumph
    A song showing the true power and meaning of musician our lives.
  • 4. Alone Again/Heaven Sent by Dokken
    One of the best bands I can remember inthe80's. I love these guys!
  • 3. Pour Some Sugar on Me/Love Bites by Def Leppard
    Def Leppard is the BEST band from the 80's or any decade to me!
  • 2. Rock of Ages by Def Leppard
    I said it all before.
  • 1. Is This Love by White Snake
    This is my fav cause this is the song that was big when I met my Husband...This was our song.
Alot of the songs i've seen here are great but the music I remember and loved the most in the 80's was Hard Rock/Metal. It was real hard to list just 10. Honorable Mentions: Night Ranger, "Sister Christian", Warrant, "Heaven", Boston, "Amanda", Bon Jovi, "I'll be There For You/Never Say Goodbye". All Powerful Rock Ballads.
By: Bob Staub
By: Kami Schvaneveldt
  • 10. Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
    This song is great. It makes no sense and you can't understand what he's saying half of the time, but it is amazing still.
  • 9. A Little Respect by Erasure
    Erasure in general is fabulous, but this has to be their best work.
  • 8. Somebody by Depeche Mode
    "I'll the things I detest, I will almost like." Didn't your heart just tear when you heard that line for the first time? One of the most genuine love songs out there.
  • 7. The Promise by When In Rome
    This is another great love ballad. I just love it.
  • 6. (Don't You) Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Breakfast Club Associations. This is a great song anyway, but after you see the movie, that song means so much more. Every time you hear this song on the radio, don't you have to stop and wonder if Clare and Bender's relationship lasted more than a day or two?
  • 5. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    I couldn't decide which Thompson Twins song to include in the list- they are a highly superior 80s band. I had to go with the classic though. Everyone loves this one!
  • 4. City S by Howard Jones
    OK, so technically, this song isn't 80s - it was released in 1992. But Howard Jones is one of the best 80s musicians, and I think this is his best. It's not very well-known. Check out the final track on his Best of CD. I promise, it's amazing.
  • 3. Road to Nowhere / I Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For by Talking Heads / U2
    "Road to Nowhere", Another movie association - the Little Monsters. I liked the song better than the movie thoug I loved the chorale introduction. / "I Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For", The most amazing band EVER. I had to give them huge credit for this amazing song. I like the version on Rattle and Hum with the choir even better than the original.
  • 2. In Your Eyes / Forever Young by Peter Gabriel / Alphaville
    "In Your Eyes". Say Anything. Tears. Emotions. Need I say more? "Forever Young", This song has personal meaning for me, but I am sure it does for everyone. This was the final song played at every senior prom that has taken place since it's release.
  • 1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears For Fears
    Tears For Fears is my all-time favorite band. This song is just amazing. "There's a room where the light won't find you. Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down." Truly the best song ever written.
I love the eighties more than anyone else, I promise! You definately have the most informative and entertaining 80s page on the web. I LOVE it! Thanks for making it available! Here is my top ten 80's list!
By: d-Wizz
  • 10. I Ran by A Flock Of Seagulls
    (1982) Only big hit for this band - an Aussie #1 for 4 weeks!
  • 9. Shattered Dreams by Johnny Hates Jazz
    (1987) First single from a short-lived English band who had other hits such as "I Don't Wanna Be A Hero", and "Heart Of Gold", from their first album "Turn Back The Clock"
  • 8. Just Can'T Get Enough by Depeche Mode
    (1982) Written by Vic Clarke, who also composed the classic Yazoo hit "Don't Go" the same year.
  • 7. Two Of Hearts by Stacey Q.
    ^(1986) From the debut album "Better Than Heaven", which also kept dance floors pumpin' in '87 with "We Connect" and "Insecurity".
  • 6. I Know There's Something Going On by Frida
    (1982) Debut solo single from this quarter of ABBA, featuring Phil Collins playing drums and producing.
  • 5. What Is Love by Howard Jones
    (1984) From the album "Human's Lib", which also features the tracks "New Song", and "Hide & Seek".
  • 4. Together In Electric Dreams by Giorgio Moroder & Philip Oakey
    ^ (1984) From the movie "Electric Dreams"
  • 3. Stay The Night by Benjamin Orr
    ^(1986) Slightly obscure track from the Cars' bass player's debut solo LP "The Lace"
  • 2. (I Just Died) In Your Arms by Cutting Crew
    ^(1986) From the album "Broadcast"
  • 1. Pacific by 808 State
    (1989) Classic track from the debut album "808:90"
If you want an 80's song to replace #18, it would have to be ALONE^ by Heart, from their "Bad Animals" album, 1987. Honorable Mentions:
20. 1927, "To Love Me" (1988) From the debut album of this Australian band, "...ish", which had it's entire first side released as Top 20 singles. Big hits included "If I Could", and "That's When I Think of You"
19.^ Genesis, "Invisible Touch" (1986) The comeback single from the comeback album. Who could forget "In Too Deep" or "Land of Confusion"
18.^ Savage Garden, "To The Moon & Back" (1996) Sorry... but this is definately a classic. I know it's not an 80s song, please forgive me....
17. Information Society, "Think" (1990) Only single I know of from this artist. It's kind of groovy. Sources lead me to believe it was recorded late in 1989, but not released until 1990. From ChuckyG: That is correct!
16. A-ha, "Take On Me" (1985) Norwegian group whose debut album "Hunting High And Low", produced this international #1, plus the memorable "Train of Thought", and thesemi-classical "The Sun Always Shines On T.V." Essential 80's listening!
15. Kids In The Kitchen, "Something That You Said" (1985) Australian band, this single is from their second album, "Shine". Their debut single "Change In Mood" (1983), was also notable.
14.^ Soft Cell, "Tainted Love" (1981) How could this song NOT be in a list of great 80's songs!
13. Venetians, "Inspiration" (1986) Another Australian band, this single followed up their Australian Top10 "So Much For Love". From their second album "Calling In The Lions"
12. Koo de Tah, "Too Young For Promises" (1985) One hit wonder Australian studio group. Their self-titled albumyeilded three Australian hits, this, the first got to #5, "Think of Me" and "Body Talk" just snuck into the bottom of the Top 40.
11. Pat Benatar, "Sex As A Weapon" (1986) Little known Benatar track, only available on the mini LP "Seven The Hard Way". Written by Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly - writers of some of the best 80's music.

Tracks marked with a ^ are going to be covered by d-Wizz and included aspart of my albums as they develop. Watch for them. I'll be attempting to preserve the spirit of the 80's as I record each one. You are welcome to reply to memy e-mail is s334669@student.uq.edu.au
By: Stacy L.
  • 10. One Night In Bangkok by Murray Head
    An original sounding song. Buy the Chess album and listen to the Bangkok instrumental that leads into this song. And crank it.
  • 9. Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly) by Icicle Works
    Makes no sense to me whatsoever, but what a drumbeat and a hook you can't help singing to.
  • 8. Secret Separation by The Fixx
    I know, everybody likes "One Thing Leads To Another," but this song is so unlike them, simple and catchy.
  • 7. Our House by Madness
    Nobody knows who Madness are, but everyone loves this song. Great sound and fun to sing along with.
  • 6. Take On Me by A-HA
    The obligatory A-Ha tune. I almost put "The Sun Always Shines On TV" here instead, but the video and great memories put this song one step ahead.
  • 5. Always Something There To Remind Me by Naked Eyes
    Too fun to leave out.
  • 4. Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
    Totally original, unforgettable lyrics, and one of the few songs my friends and I agreed we all liked as teenagers.
  • 3. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    You hear the violin at the beginning and you smile. Saw these guys sing this on SNL and only then realized that they had no guitars in the song!
  • 2. Forever Young by Alphaville
    Really pleased to see how many lists this haunting song is on. Just builds up to the end, taking you with it.
  • 1. Run Runaway by Slade
    Not an eighties band (did the original Cum On Feel The Noize), but the best drum beat ever, electric guitar, violin, and stupidity. See that chameleon, lying there in the sun, all thanks to everyone, Run Runaway"! I dare you not to sing along.
Love the sight. Been reading lists for the better part of 2 hours and have an overwhelming need to throw in my 2 cents worth. So the following are my top ten eighties tunes, not necessarily in the order that they appear.... Honorable Mentions: OMD, "Forever Live and Die", Yes, "Leave It", Sly Fox, "Let's Go All The Way", Peter Schillings, "Major Tom (Coming Home)", Slade, "My Oh My", Talk Talk, "It's My Life", Matthew Wilder, "Break My Stride", ABC, "Be Near Me", Baltimora, "Tarzan Boy", The Other Ones, "Holiday", Icehouse, "Crazy". Thanks for letting me vent! Keep up the good work. It's been more fun than I care to admit in public.
By: Shayne Wagner
  • 10. Shadow of Love by The Damned
    An underrated and underappreciate band. They are one of my long time favorites.
  • 9. Election Day by Arcadia
    This song is so dark and moody, yet danceable.
  • 8. Postcards from Paradise by Flesh for Lulu
    So colorful and danceable. I remember seeing them open up for Gene Loves Jezebel. They outperformed GLJ hands down!
  • 7. Love and Pride by King
    I so desperately wanted to get a pair of Doc Martins and spray paint them after I saw this video. But alas Doc Martins were just as expensive then as they are today.
  • 6. Total Eclipse of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    This one is on just about everyone's list. But it is still a fave. Istill get misty eyed when I listen to this.
  • 5. Victims by Culture Club
    When I was sad, I usually listened to this right after "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and ended up sobbing.
  • 4. Two Tribes by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    Even to this day, the FGTH concert was the best I had ever been to! I think I'm the only one who liked this song more than "Relax"
  • 3. Boys Of Summer by Don Henley
    I think this one speaks for itself.
  • 2. A Way by The Bolshoi
    THE most unappreciated band of the 80's. They had this great sound and Trevor Tanner's lyrics and vocals were spellbinding.
  • 1. Misfit by Curiosity Killed The Cat
    I think this was their only hit. I remember I tried so hard to dance like the lead singer. Never got even close but I had fun trying and provided a few good laughs for my friends!
Honorable Mentions:Duran Duran "Save A Prayer", Love & Rockets "No New Tale To Tell", The Cult "Rain"/"She Sells Sanctuary", Modern English "I Melt With You"
By: Char
By: John
  • 10. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
  • 9. Don't Change by INXS
  • 8. One Thing Leads To Another by The Fixx
  • 7. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
  • 6. Burnin' Down The House by Talking Heads
  • 5. Talking In Your Sleep by Romantics
  • 4. One Night In Bangkok by Murray Head
  • 3. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo
  • 2. Turn Up The Radio by Autograph
  • 1. Relax by Fankie Goes To Hollywood
While perusing the web tonight, I happened upon your page. To say the least, it is the most complete and informative eighties site I have seen on the web. I like to think I know a little about the infamous, dreadful, exciting, or whatever verb you use too describe that decade. I graduated from high school in 1979 and within 6 months was working at the number 1 rock and roll radio station in the country, WPLJ in New York City. My program director for the first two years was a guy named Mark Goodman. Trivia time. Do you know who he is? One of the first veejays on MTV. I know, big deal. That is my fifteen minutes of fame. Where does all this lead too you ask yourself? I don't know, but you have to admit it is pretty cool! I left the Big Apple in 1982 after a serious bout with numerous drugs (I lost). A friend of mine in my hometown of Wichita, Kansas owned a nightclub, and was in desperate need of a disc jockey. Guess what I did? Yea, I took the damn job. I did this for about 6 1/2 years and then moved on to bigger and better things, building airplanes. This is my top ten list of what I think is the best of the 80's. Just show the list and my e-mail address and trash the rest. Nobody else needs to know my boring ass life story. Thanx for remembering. John.

From ChuckyG: Actually, I find your "boring ass life story" interesting and I think other might, so I left it in. It's nice to see some background info about a person posting a list. I'll yank it if you do mind. Oh, and I lost your email address, so I couldn't post it.

By: Aimee
  • 10. Don't You Want Me Baby? by Human League
  • 9. Oh Mickey by Toni Basil
  • 8. Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh
  • 7. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
  • 6. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
  • 5. Man in Motion by From the St. Elmo's Fire Soundtrack
  • 4. I had the Time of My Life by From the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
  • 3. Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Lepard
  • 2. Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benetar
  • 1. Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore by REO Speedwagon
    My first crush was to this song..and I never forgot it.
By: Jerry Coleman
Well, Its 1 am on a Friday Morning, and I have nothing better to do, so here is my contributions to your overwhelming list of top 10's Editor's note: Missing item #3

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