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: Krys
  • 10. Man In The Mirror/Another Part Of Me by Michael Jackson
    Reminds me of 4th grade and the sadly departed Captain EO at Disneyland
  • 9. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker
    When I was like 5 I couldn't get away from "who you gonna call" -well you know
  • 8. Parents Just Don't Understand by D.J Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
    I wanted Will Smiths room in the video
  • 7. Ragdoll by Aerosmith
    This is the best Aerosmith song
  • 6. Lost in Emotion by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
    This song and head to toe
  • 5. Monkey/Faith by George Michael
    I still have no idea what that song means but its still good.
  • 4. I Say Nothing by Voice Of The Beehives
    My friend introduced me to this late eighties band that no one has everheard of, but they are so good, check them out
  • 3. Forever Your Girl / Opposittes Attract by Paula Abdul
    Paula abdul had the best songs, they were fun to dance too, and easy to sing too, even if she couldn't sing at all!
  • 2. I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
    Every time I hear this song I start to dance and sing like I was a kid again
  • 1. Who's That Girl / Cherish by Madonna
    I loved this movie so much even though everyone else hated it, and cherish is like the last great eighties song from Madonna before she tried to reinvent herself for the nineties.
Okay here's my list of the ten best songs of the eighties, some of them are pretty cheesy....but I was 11 when the eighties ended so these where all I really knew! Some other great songs of the eighties?-Bananarama-I heard a rumor,Venus, Tiffany-I think were alone now, Debbie Gibson- Out of the blue, Lost in your eyes, Rick Astley- Never gonna give you up, Flashdance(what a feeling),Def Leapord-Hysteria, Love bytes, Pour some sugar on me, Cyndi Lauper-Girls just wanna have fun, good enough, Ton Loc- Wild thing, Funky Cold medina, Phil Collins- Sussudio, Two hearts, Whitney Houston-How will I know, Expose-come go with me, Zapp and Roger-I want to be your man, Dancing in Heaven, Hall andOates-Private eyes, The Jets- You got it all, I loved you, cross my broken heart, LL cool J- I need love, around the way girl,Belinda Carlisle-Heaven is a place on earth, circle in the sand, mad about you, Fleetwood Mac-Everywhere,Little Lies, Stacie Q- two of hearts, we connect, New Edition-Cool it now,Beach Boys-Kokomo, Janet Jackson-Control, When I think of you, Bette Midler-Wind beneath my wings, There are so many eighties songs I love, I just wish I was older to have appreciated the decade more!

Thanks for creating a place for all eighties fans to enjoy, even though mostly everybody who was a teen in the eighties disregards all us eighties kids as not knowing anything about the decade, I think that the eighties were the best time to be a kid or a teenager!!

By: Noelle
  • 10. Screamin' in the Night by Krokus
    I'll never forget this video--truly crazy but a great conversation piece in 9th grade
  • 9. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    Remember this coming back from X-mas Break and everyone was dancing in my dorm room (JMU) while listening to this song (Jan. of 1988)
  • 8. Sweet Child of Mine by Guns -n- Roses
    I was dating a druggie but this song always reminds me of the good times
  • 7. Run Runaway by Slade
    I lived in Louisville, KY from 1982 to 1984 and this song is one of the ones that reminds me of fooling around in the church youth room.
  • 6. The Stand by The Alarm
    Remember this video? This group is one of those that others never seem to have heard of, much to my dismay....They were spray-painting on a giant tarp behind the band in this video.
  • 5. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    This one also reminds me of Eagle Hall, my freshman dorm at JMU and my "wingmate", Susie Lee, who knew what was cool and what was not....
  • 4. Everything off Xanadu by Olivia Newton-John and ELO
    I was young, granted, but this movie was so romantic, and I particularly loved the ELO songs, mostly "All Over the World" and "Don't Walk Away".
  • 3. Desperate But Not Serious / Strip by Adam Ant
    In Louisville, this girl named Shelly Staples was TOTALLY into Adamand she got me hooked too....He is SOOOO hot, even today!
  • 2. Wind Him Up by Saga
    This memory is also Louisville, a guy named Lee Smith from Westport Road Baptist Church (my safe haven) taped this album for me, and I've never heard anything that wonderful since!!!!
  • 1. What About Me by Moving Pictures
    No-one remembers this video! It was from 82, I think, and had the band playing in a small pub somewhere in the United Kingdom....Awe-inspiring...."What about me/ It isn't fair/I've had enough/now I want my share/can't you see/ I wanna live/ but you just take more than you give"
I turned 11 in 1980 and 21 in 1990. So this was the music of my formative years :-) All-Time Favorite Band of the 1980's JOURNEY. Honorable Mention:Peter Cetera "Glory of Love", Wall of Voodoo "Mexican Radio", Soft Cell "Tainted Love", Duran Duran "Save a Prayer" / "The Chauffer", Loverboy "Lovin' Every Minute of it", Asia "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", Scandal "Goodbye to You"
By: Todd Merchant
By: Nicholas Ealy
These are in no particular order. Other Favorites: Tracy Chapman, "Tracy Chapman" U2, "Rattle and Hum" The Sugarcubes, "Life's Too Good" Siouxsie and the Banshees, "Kaleidoscope" The Cure, "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me"
By: JA***
  • 10. Driving Away From Home by It's Immaterial
  • 9. Birds Fly/Whisper to a Scream by Icicle Works
  • 8. Guns of Brixton by The Clash
  • 7. Naive Melody/This Must be the Place by Talking Heads
  • 6. Other Voices by The Cure
  • 5. Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
  • 4. Baggy Trousers by Madness
  • 3. Fools Gold by Stone Roses
  • 2. Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat
  • 1. How Soon is Now? by The Smiths
None of these songs need any explanation and I cant put any order to them as none are better than the others. Here's the 10 best mainstream songs from the 80s (in my own estimation).
By: JA***
  • 10. Psych Out by Meat Beat Manifesto
  • 9. Hold Your Ground by Gorilla Biscuits
  • 8. I Know You Got Soul by Eric B. & Rakim
  • 7. Crucified by Agnostic Front
  • 6. $.036 by Killing Joke
  • 5. Hot With Fleas by Severed Heads
  • 4. 12XU by Minor Threat
  • 3. Sharkey's Day by Lori Anderson
  • 2. Banned in D.C. by Bad Brains
  • 1. Institutionalized by Suicidal Tendencies
These are the 10 best alternative/underground songs from the 80s (in my own estimation).
By: Retroraider
  • 10. Out of Touch by Hall and Oates
    Probably the best band of the eighties. I like almost everything they did. By the way, the best song on the Big Bam Boom album is "Bank on your Love" which never hit top 40. How about a re-release, RCA?
  • 9. Go Wild in the Country by Bow Wow Wow
    "I don't like you. I don't like you, Tim. I don't wanna like you. I'll shop around." This is the first time I have heard it set to music anyway...
  • 8. Sign Your Name by Terrence Trent D'Arby
    This was mine and my girlfriend's song in 1988. And you just do not know how much I miss her now.
  • 7. Girl by The Time
    The Time is better known for Purple Rain and by their funky danceable beats. But this song, which was the first hit by them on the R&B charts, is one of the smoothest and most feeling ballads I have ever heard. You really have to hear this song to appreciate it.
  • 6. Catch Me I'm Falling by Real Life
    Just a really energetic song... and one you can't find anywhere anymore. It hit number 40 for one week on Billboard.
  • 5. We Got The Juice by Attitude
    Old school is one of my favorite types of music, and this song represents what I like best about it. You can't sit down when this song is on. Oh, for the days when rap was about having fun.
  • 4. 1999 by Prince
    In high school, during lunch break we would run a "radio program". This song hit #1 the first week we played it, and this was when the album was first released. Forget Little Red Corvette.
  • 3. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N Roses
    The ultimate driving down the highway with the stereo loud song. And one of the best albums ever made.
  • 2. It's My Life by Talk Talk
    The best use of nature sounds ever ever ever. And it's easy to relate to.
  • 1. Dreaming by Orchestral Manouevers In The Dark
    This is the story of my life told by my favorite band. And that in anybody's book would be their favorite song.
I am now forcing myself to limit these choices to ten. I could easily do 100. Thanks for asking, and for whoever else reads it, thanks for sorting through.
By: Craig Holder
Honorable Mention:Duran Duran, "Hungry Like the Wolf" REO Speedwagon, "Can't Fight this Feeling" U2, "With or Without You" Cars, "Drive"
By: Adrienne and Shauna
  • 10. Voices Carry by Til Tuesday
    The music video takes place in a theater.
  • 9. She-Bop by Cyndi Lauper
    This song is about masturbation.
  • 8. Venus by Bananarama
    Bonus? Bonus? Banus? Venus? Adrienne got up on a chair and sang this song in English class. Not really.
  • 7. 99 Luftballons by Nena
    Or red balloons. I can still see it, it looks like a dot now.
  • 6. That's What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick and Friends
    Sometimes fat people move away. Sometimes other fat people cry about it. They played this song at middle school dances. The principal used to sing. Also, we love the background music in this.
  • 5. 1999 by Prince
    Shauna's song. The first song we're going to hear that year.
  • 4. Don't Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John with Kiki Dee
    Shauna's symbol is a broken heart. Also, this song comes on right before "Imagine" on Adrienne's funny tape.
  • 3. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    Or eat it. Or cheat it. etc. BEAT THAT!
  • 2. Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
    Adrienne's mom likes this song. So does Shauna's. So Shauna knows how that is.
  • 1. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
    This song was played during the big game in gym class.
We are Adrienne and Shauna and we are best friends forever and nine months and a day. We didn't know each other in the 80s, but there are some songs from that time which we hold special to our friendship.
By: Diane Aguilar
  • 10. Talk Talk by Talk Talk
    Betrayal, not taking someone seriously, bad relationship--someone's having a bad time with love!
  • 9. All I Want Is You by U2
    All I have to do is think of the video and tears start pouring down my face
  • 8. Save a Prayer by Duran Duran
    Listen to that song and ATTEMPT to try to tell me that DD didn't have musical chops--just ATTEMPT to!
  • 7. Dancing With Tears in My Eyes by Ultravox
    Truly the most powerful song in Ultravox's catalog; it defies gravity
  • 6. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    One of the few songs from the '80s I liked during that decade--it's schmaltzy, but it works!
  • 5. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
    Sure, it may not seem like a sad song, but when you think of the lead singer's suicide, it's really hard trying to swallow back those tears
  • 4. Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
    Say what? just listen to the lyrics and you'll find yourself crying--"I never done good things...", especially.
  • 3. With or Without You by U2
    Sure, Bono's singing may have been over-the-top, but the rest of the band come to the rescue with excellent musicianship
  • 2. Love My Way by Psychedelic Furs
    Listen to this song from beginning to end and hear the soaring vocal. Then watch the tears just roll on down
  • 1. The Seventh Stranger by Duran Duran
    The TRUE best song off "7 & The Ragged Tiger", it's also the song I would kill to see performed live!
I knew I'd seen this page before...I thought I'd submitted my list...oh well...here are some lists of mine.... The Top Ten according to Diane Aguilar(who graduated from high school in 1997--yes, folks, I'm a '90s teen). These are the Top Ten Songs to Cry Bitterly Over.
By: Diane Aguilar
  • 10. Politics of Dancing by Re-Flex
    I don't know whatever happened to them, but they sure picked a great one for their one hit!
  • 9. I'll Tumble 4 Ya by Culture Club
    I'm not a Culture Club fan, but this song is undeniably catchy and is IMO the best song they ever released
  • 8. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive
    Their songs pretty much all sound the same to me, but this one is the one that stand out
  • 7. New Years Day by U2
    Sure, it's a rock song--it's also a helluva catchy song, and is great fun to dance to when the clock strikes 12 on that day
  • 6. Fashion by David Bowie
    It's a stylistically wonderful, stylish song with a neato chorus, "We are the bourgeois and we're coming to town, BEEP BEEP!"
  • 5. The Reflex by Duran Duran
    Dammit if that isn't the catchiest, hardest-song-to-get-rid-of Number One you've ever heard!
  • 4. Bang Your Head (Metal Health) by Quiet Riot
    Sure, you HEADBANG to it...but you can also DANCE to it! it's got that whole backbeat thing working for it!
  • 3. Round and Round by Ratt
    The best "pure '80s metal" song ever released, this song is also one that's hard to get rid of
  • 2. My Own Way (Night Version) by Duran Duran
    Disco-ey punk recreated for your listening pleasure...if you don't like to dance, you will once you try this on for size!
  • 1. New Moon on Monday by Duran Duran
    Okay, so I'm a Duranie--this does not mean I'm biased! "NMOM" is classic, the video's the best, and I LOVE it!
These are the Top Ten Songs to Boogy Your Socks Off:
By: Diane Aguilar
  • 10. Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions
    Don't say you don't like this song--it's grand, and it's wonderful!
  • 9. Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac
    The synthesizer work alone is worth the $14.99 you'd spend for the album this jewel comes from!
  • 8. Standing on Top of the World by Van Halen
    The best VH song I've ever heard, and proof that Sammy Hagar COULD replace David Lee Roth (now this new guy I'm not so sure of)
  • 7. New Frontier by Donald Fagen
    This is cool central--jazzy riffs, hooks galore, intelligent lyrics ("in case the reds decide to push the button down")--excellent!
  • 6. Hold on Loosely by .38 Special
    Great Southern rock in the tradition of Lynyrd Skynyrd...if you don't get addicted to it, you're not listening to it!
  • 5. Touch of Grey by Grateful Dead
    Oh, this song is beautiful! I can see why so many people are Deadheads--this song alone is WON-DER-FUL!!
  • 4. Under Pressure by ZZ Top
    The best song from ZZ Top--if you try to deny yourself the pleasure of this song's company, you're missing out!
  • 3. Waiting on a Friend by Rolling Stones
    A slow-paced song you'd listen to on a hot summer day, sipping iced tea idly on your stoop while you people-watch
  • 2. Undercover of the Night by Rolling Stones
    My favorite Stones song, and the coolest vid they've ever made...now why this song wasn't bigger is beyond me
  • 1. Hey Nineteen by Steely Dan
    It barely came in under the wire (1980), but it's worth including here....the Dan has GOT IT!
These are the Top Ten '80s Classic Rock Songs:
By: Amanda
These are some of the more (if not most) important (IMHO) singles of the 1980s (in no particular order). ...and five runner up songs 11. Hall and Oates, "Private Eyes" 12. Duran Duran, "Rio" 13. Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, "Ebony and Ivory" 14. The Police, "Every Breath You Take" 15. Bruce Springsteen, "Born in the U.S.A." I'm not saying I loved each and every one of these songs (far from it), but when I think "80s music" I think of these little ditties.
By: Ollie
  • 10. My Adidas by Run DMC
    When I first heard this, I ran out and got a pair!
  • 9. Ever Changing Moods by The Style Council
    Has a good blend of Rock, Ska and Harmony (good horn section too)
  • 8. Last Summer by Motels
    A cheesy video but song is great...Reminds me of my summer part time job in highschool
  • 7. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now by The Smiths
    This group didn't get the recognition that they deserved....a fun and witty song.
  • 6. Your Love by The Outfield
    This song is a lost classic!
  • 5. Harden My Heart by Quarterflash
    Something about this love reminds me of my first girlfriend (and no...I wasn't terrible boyfriend) "L"
  • 4. Message Of Love by The Pretenders
    Oh yeah! Makes you wanna jump up and shake your tail!
  • 3. Peace Love And Understanding by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
    It was the "give peace a chance" song of the 80's
  • 2. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2
    As someone else put it...without a question, definitely one of the best albums of the 80's
  • 1. Can't Get Used To Losing You by The English Beat
    A classic remake of a Andy William's song...Also one of my favorite bands of the 80's
The thing is that everyone has a sentimental memory (good or bad) when they hear a certain song from the past....thsi is my list. HONORABLE MENTION China Crisis, "Arizona Skies" Double, "Captain Of Her Heart" (Pass the cheese whiz!) Benny Marones, "Into The Night" Prince And The Revolution, "Let's Go Crazy" Scorpions, "Blackout"
By: Melanie
  • 10. We Built This City by Starship
  • 9. A Good Heart by Feargal Sharkey
    I thought this guy was just the sexiest (eighties does that to you)
  • 8. Underneath The Radar by Underworld
  • 7. Poison Arrow by ABC
  • 6. Harden My Heart by Quarter Flash
  • 5. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
    I scoured the shops every week till I found a cd with this song
  • 4. Centrefold by J. Geils Band
    A classic to dance around to
  • 3. Queen of Hearts by Juice Newton
  • 2. Fame by Irene Cara
    Looved the show. lovve the song
  • 1. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
    my alltime favourite, my friends call me a nuclear explosion when this song comes on
Boy is it hard to pick them. I have my rather large stack of cd's from the eighties here and to just pick ten out of hundreds is difficult, and I canny do it captain. I hope you don't mind fifteen (Mind you I could do about a list of 50 or more!!) have you thought of getting votes from people and making a top 1000 list as voted by people just on the one list........ just an idea!! 15. The Escape Club, "Wild Wild West" 14. Black Lace, "Agadoo" 13. Wham, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" 12. Europe, "The Final Countdown" 11. Limahl, "Neverending Story".

Honourable mentions: Nik Kershaw, "Wouldn't It Be Good","The Riddler" any really (what a babe) Frankie Goes to Hollywood, "Relax" natchany songs on Footloose cd Any from St Elmos Fire and Breakfast Club Soft Cell "Tainted Love"

more, more, must put more. my fingers want to type more but my sister is saying stop, stop, you'll overload the system. thanx for the great page.

By: Steve
  • 10. She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult
    This song rocks
  • 9. Heartbreak Beat by The Psychedelic Furs
  • 8. Somebody's Baby by Jackson Browne
    From "Fast Times At Ridgemont High"
  • 7. To Live And Die In L.A. by Wang Chung
    From the movie of the same name.
  • 6. After The Fall by Journey
    A great song from "Risky Business."
  • 5. How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths
    A classic
  • 4. Almost Here You Sigh by Rolling Stones
    An overlooked gem from the Steel Wheels CD
  • 3. Tunnel Of Love by Bruce Springsteen
    A great song that was left off of his greatest hits CD.
  • 2. Lips Like Sugar by Echo & The Bunnymen
  • 1. King Of Pain by The Police
    The best band from the 80's
Chucky - I love your website ever since I found out about it through Details Magazine. Here is my top 10 song list submitted for your approval.
By: Jonathan McLeroy
  • 10. Train of Thought by A-Ha
  • 9. Don't Stand So Close To Me by The Police
  • 8. The Edge of Heaven by Wham!
  • 7. Small World (Part One) by Huey Lewis and the News
  • 6. Everybody Want to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
  • 5. Shake by Andrew Ridgeley
    I know it was made it 1990, and you want 80's top ten's but I love this song.
  • 4. What Have I Done To Deserve This? by Pet Shop Boys
  • 3. How to be a Millionare by ABC
  • 2. Where did you Heart go? by Wham!
  • 1. Everything She Wants (Long Version) by Wham!
Honorable Mentions: 5. Lindsey Buckingham, "Go Insane" 4. Wham!, "Last Christmas" 3. George Michael, "Faith" 2. Andrew Ridgeley, "Red Dress" 1. Wham!, "Ray of Sunshine"
By: Robert C. Gilbert
  • 10. Everybody's Working/Weekend / Et cetera by Loverboy
    I remember being called into service to sing this tune a few times (as a Lighting operator --- it was quite a stretch) --- (after the band's Vocalist lost his voice due to Laryngitis) --- I filled in numerous other times when the Vocalist supposedly forgot the lyrics, Et cetera.
  • 9. Play Guitar by JCM
    This song was really only performed with style by a band called The Infants (at a dance at my Girlfriend's High School). None of the bands I operated Lighting for covered it as well as they did.
  • 8. 867-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tutone
    Last Chance (one band I worked extensively with) covered this song to a T.
  • 7. Switching To Glide by The Kings
    I know I've operated Lighting for this song with some band but can't place the name of the band.
  • 6. Good Girls Don't by The Knack
    One I remember thinking about the tear-down while operating.
  • 5. Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles
    I operated this tune perfectly --- in spite of the fact that it was my first hearing of the song.
  • 4. Everybody Wants You by Billy Squire
    Because of this song I remembered Last Chance having a 4-way Audio system for its in town gigs (the Bass thump on the ends of the lines).
  • 3. White Lies by Jason & The Scorchers
    The usual "test song" of about 75% of the bands I worked with in the 80's.
  • 2. Turning Japanese by The Vapours
    Last Chance's usual Finale'.
  • 1. Tears On Your Anorak by The Drivers
    One of very few songs I don't have on anything but .45 (didn't make it to CD).
To start off I'll tell you a little about myself! I was a Freelance Rock Lighting/Audio Technician/Operator back in the Early/Mid 80's --- so I'm quite familiar with the music of the decade! I've assembled a list of some of my favorite tunes --- with a brief description of why I like the song so much! I have a web site --- if you'd like to read about some of my adventures! The site is:http://www.cal.shaw.wave.ca/~bcpgd/ Honorable mentions:
David Wilcox, "Too Cool" Was referred to as 2c on our set lists.
Platinum Blonde, "Doesn't Really / Leaders / Et cetera" I've always liked this group (in spite of 'Comments' about the band from my co-workers (Audio Operator, Band Members)).
Billy (William) Idol, "Dancin' With Myself" Performed by The Infants and Last Chance.
Sex Pistols, "Anarchy" You gotta love lines like "...I am the Anti-Christ --- I am an Anarchist..."
A.T.F., "Der Kommissar" This song was Kewl because I never had to pay any attention to the Vocals --- as I was just pissin' around with it during breaks (D.J.music).
Romantix, "Talkin'/Sleep" The Delay (Echo) on Sleep...eep...eep, Et cetera was great (it used to drive the Audio operator up the wall trying to get it right.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood, "Relax" One of the songs The Mancini Brothers did not half badly but when they lost their Keyboardist kind of lost its appeal, as it didn't have any of the neat Sounding effects. I could just be picking nits here though because as I recall it was the song I was playing Bass Guitar during a show when my knowledge of PLAYING THE BASS GUITAR DURING A SHOW gave out.
The Cars, "You Might Think / Magic / Et cetera" I like these songs because the Audio Operator looked EXACTLY like Ric Ocasek (singer from The Cars) although HE didn't see the connection.
The Hooters, "And We Danced" One song where I could just run the chasers and switch the front wash between the Choruses and Verses.
Don McLean, "American Pie" A true classic.
Men Without Hats/Hits/Talent, "The Safety Dance / Pop Goes" The Audio operator called this band Men Without talent as their music was very simplistic.
Images In Vogue, "Call It Love" Used as the first song of the second or third set as we'd quietly set the Stage up then just start playing when the Audience wasn't expecting it.
Tom Cochrane, "Lunatic Fringe / White Hot / Et cetera" I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting this Gentleman --- I have never operated tech for anything of his --- I just enjoy it immensely.
Teenage Head, "Let's Shake / Tornado / Et cetera" I had the experience of operating Lighting for this band.
Bon Jovi, "Livin / You Give Love... / Runaway" As with Tom Cochrane --- but I never actually met Bon Jovi.
Pat Benetar, "Heartbreaker / Hit me...best shot / Et cetera" When I saw her live recently I wasn't impressed --- however this was probably because she opened for R.E.O. Speedwagon and Foreigner --- so she got the worst:play time, volume, Lighting, Et cetera (I would have much rather she played last).
Boney M, "Rasputin" A classic in bars.
Sherriff, "When I'm..." What else can I say about this tune?
The Police, "Roxanne / Can't Stand / So Lonely / Message...Bottle" These are all songs I've either operated Lighting for, seen the Infants perform live, or had Friends who liked the songs.
Luba, "Raven's Eyes" The Delay (Echo) on Eye-eye-eyes are where I'd use the A.C.L.'s.
Katrina & The Waves, "Do...Cryin' / Walkin'...Sunshine" I learned to play Do you want crying on the Bass Guitar, so I'm kinda partial to this band.
Squeeze, "Another Nail For My Heart / Pullin'" As with the Infants gig --- this is another couple songs they did great!
Harlequin, "Innocence" "Innocence --- all you ever pleaded...!"
Honeymoon Suite, "New Girl Now / Stay in...Light" I always liked Johnny Dee & Company.
Rock & Hyde, "Dirty Water / I Will / Talk To Me" I never really experienced much of this band until the late 80's (after I'd kinda gotten out of the Lighting business) --- however I would have loved to do these tunes.
Payolas, "Eyes...Stranger" As above.
Kim Mitchell, "Go For Soda / Lager & Ale" We did these two in the "Five Man Club Technical Band."
J. Geils, "Love Stinks / Centerfold / Freeze-frame" Great Rock tunes.
George Thorogood, "Born To Be Bad" "On the Night I arrived my daddy said 6:O5 --- it's the meanest one we've had yet."
Bruce Springsteen, "Working On The Highway" Saw the Martini Bros. Do a slowed down cover of this song; suggested it to Last Chance; they copied it.
Wang Chung, "Dance Hall Days / Everybody Have Fun..." Not really sure why I like this band.
Journey, "Don't Stop Believing / Wheel In Sky / Et cetera" Powerful vocals a la Steve Perry; strong Guitar c/o Steve Smith.
Bread, "Everything I Own" Last Chance did just the choruses of this song in an A Capella setting before one of their shows.
Dexy's Midnight Runners, "Come On Eileen" Hillbillies of the World Unite!
The Village People, "Y.M.C.A. / Macho Man" So Corny it's classic.
Baltimora, "Tarzan Boy" Truly excellent.
David Bowie, "Modern Love" "...But I never waved bye-bye..."
Nena, "99 Red Balloons" Great!
Et cetera, Et cetera, Et cetera!This is just the tip of the Iceberg, I could go on for days, however time doesn't permit.
By: Polar
  • 10. Steal Away by Robbie Dupree
  • 9. Pilot of the Airwaves by Charlie Dore
  • 8. Let's Go All the Way by Sly Fox
  • 7. Take On Me by A-ha
  • 6. Lay Your Hands On Me by Thompson Twins
  • 5. The World Don't Need Another Lover by Giant Steps
  • 4. Keep the Fire by Kenny Loggins
  • 3. Take Me to the Top by Loverboy
  • 2. Satisfied by Richard Marx
  • 1. Perfect Way by Scritti Politti
Honorable mentions: An honorable mention list could go on forever :] But here are a few that I'd like to have included on the Top 10 if I had room: Rush (everything), Billy Joel, "The Night is Still Young", Christopher Cross, "Ride Like the Wind", Ratt (everything from their second and third albums), AC/DC, "Back in Black", Bangles, "Walking Down Your Street", the Beastie Boys (everything), Paul Carrack, "I Live By the Groove" and "Don't Shed a Tear", Tina Turner, "One of the Living", Arcadia, "Election Day", Heart, "Never", Dead Or Alive, "You Spin Me Round" and "Brand New Lover", Ready for the World, "Oh Shelia" and "Digital Display", Kenny Loggins, "I'm Free (Heaven Help the Man)", and Journey, "Girl Can't Help It".
By: Tara Sullivan
  • 10. I Don't Want To Be a Hero by Johnny Hates Jazz
    I haven't a clue why this song didn't chart as high as (or higher than) "Shattered Dreams" , you can't get sick of this song.
  • 9. Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home) by Paul Young
    One of his best songs of the 80's, maybe ever.
  • 8. Words by Missing Persons
    They were the most underrated band of the 80's, but this is a great pop song.
  • 7. Souls by Rick Springfield
    A very minor hit, but a great song with the usual fantastic guitar solo found in most all of Rick's songs.
  • 6. Don't Stand So Close To Me by The Police
    This is one of the best Police songs ever written.
  • 5. Authority Song by John Cougar Mellencamp
    Parents hate this song (that's reason enough to love it)! It is a very cool rock song to play full blast in your bedroom and just wait for the neighbors to complain..
  • 4. Election Day by Arcadia
    This is one of the most sKrEwEd up songs I've ever heard. I mean come on, the line.."how'd you fit in with this flim flam and judy"???. I stil have yet to figure out why I like it!!
  • 3. Father Figure by George Michael
    I've loved this song since I was about 10 years old, and I just recently discovered the meaning of It's lyrics. (Imagine my surprise.)
  • 2. Everything She Wants by WHAM!
    This is probably one of their best songs, it has such a great sound.
  • 1. Do You Believe In Shame? by Duran Duran
    This is the best 80's and Duran Duran song. It's not really a dance tune, it's not really a ballad either, it's just a fantastic and haunting song that after the first time you hear it, you don't forget it.
It has come to my attention that a lot of the top ten lists are missing some great songs, here are my opinions. (Don't be too critical of my selections, I did not live the 80's as they happened, but they are a welcome alternative to Hanson now.)

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