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: Eric Black
Great selection everyone, thanks for bringing back the memories and thanks for the chance to voice my opinion. I'll have plenty of great tunes dancing in my head tonight
By: Valery Kharlamov
By: Jimbob
  • 10. The Passion of Lovers by Bauhaus
    This is THE gothic song of the 80s really. Shame about the rest of the album.
  • 9. Eloise by The Damned
    This is SO better than the original. Dramatic...Theatrical...Over the top. It reminds me of the first time I got drunk.
  • 8. Love Like Blood by Killing Joke
    Yet another song I used to play over and over again. I think they used it in a car advert once.
  • 7. Save a Prayer by Duran Duran
    It's funny how my friends and I all really got into early 80s music in the early 90s. This one reminds me of leaving school and the pain of unrequited love. Sigh..
  • 6. Everyday is Like Sunday by Morrissey
    When I was 14 I didn't have many records, just the Cure, Madness, and this one Morrissey song. I used to piss my parents off by playing it over and over and over again.
  • 5. Inbetween Days by The Cure
    This is the song that got me into music. My sister had the album and used to play it all the time, and when she left home she gave it to me, turning me into a little teenage goth. Sad, really.
  • 4. Always the Sun by The Stranglers
    Definitely the most beautiful song of '86.
  • 3. Berserker by Gary Numan
    Gary Numan goes ROCK!!!
  • 2. Waspy by The Bolshoi
    A forgotten classic that's as scary as hell, taken from their "Friends" album. Probably the only song ever to use the line "I beseech You".
  • 1. Stand and Deliver by Adam and the Ants
    It has to be said that Adam Ant WAS the God of the 80s, and this is the finest pop/punk crossover EVER!
There are soooo many songs I wanted to include, "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" by Soft Cell, for instance. "The World Turned upside down" by Billy Bragg. It all means so much to me...
By: John Wiebel
  • 10. Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
    It's a cool song with a cool video.
  • 9. Forever Young by Rod Stewart
    I love this song, and it's really cool.
  • 8. Lean on Me by Club Nuevo
    It's kind of an annoying song, but I still like it.
  • 7. Take my Breath Away by Berlin
  • 6. Free Falling by Tom Petty
    One of those okay-songs.
  • 5. I Stiil Haven't Found What I'm looking for by U2
    This song rocks!
  • 4. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    The video has a bunch of men running around the street, but the song is okay too.
  • 3. 99 Red/Luft Balloons by Nena
  • 2. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    This song is stupid, but I need to fill in the #2 spot in somehow. :-)
  • 1. That's What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick and Friends
    It's a great song!
By: Jess G.
  • 10. Suicide Blonde by INXS
  • 9. Need You Tonight by INXS
  • 8. Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
    That is if 7 and 9 are even considered 80's songs...
  • 7. Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
  • 6. Never Let Me Down by Depeche Mode
  • 5. In God's Country by U2
  • 4. I Will Follow by U2
  • 3. New Year's Day by U2
  • 2. Pride (In The Name of Love) by U2
  • 1. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
Obviously I can't fit all the songs I would've liked, but this is the best I can do... U2's the best band then and now!! And Depeche Mode and INXS beat all the rest because they rule!
By: John Kilduff
  • 10. Into The Groove / Who's That Girl? by Madonna
    I prefer the Madonna of the past over the Madonna of the present!
  • 9. Hey Ladies/Shake Your Rump by The Beastie Boys
    2 great songs from the 1989 Beastie Boys album "Paul's Boutique"!
  • 8. Anything off the Footloose soundtrack by
    It rocks with dance power!
  • 7. Living On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    Great song! It's too bad that now Jon Bon Jovi is friends with Puff Daddy! That takes off points!
  • 6. Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer
    This song is great. Forget Will Smith! Jan Hammer is the dude who summed up what Miami is all about! And he didn't say a word!
  • 5. Take On Me/St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion) by A-HA/John Parr
    2 songs that can inspire you to face the world. Let me tell you a little story---I was inspired by the lyric in "Man In Motion" "You broke the boy in me but you won't break the man". I went by the park where the skate punks hang out. The skate punks made fun of me many times in the past, but I hoped that things would change. I went past the skate park and 2 little kids who probably didn't even know me threw a bottle of Mountain Dew at my bike. I returned later and I apologized because I said "Go to Hell, you little shits! Fuck You" after they threw the object at me. They said okay. We introduced ourselves to each other and I thought I made new friends. They then called me a jerk-off. I said "I knew it! Greenwood Lake kids are the scum of the earth and you're the next generation"! One kid threw a rock at me and the other started chasing me. I hope those little bastards burn in Hell!
  • 4. Hold On by Wilson Phillips
    Now hold on a minute, you're saying! This song came out in 1990! This is an 80s website, ya moron! Well, let me say in my defense that I have a theory about the 90s. I feel that the 80s continued right up to and including 1992 in terms of music, movies and so on! This song reflects that spirit! That's just my opinion, though!
  • 3. Word Up by Cameo
    It's the code word! No matter where you say it, you know that you'll be heard!
  • 2. The Glory Of Love by Peter Cetera
    I love this song!
  • 1. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    Such a beautiful song!
By: John Kilduff
  • 10. Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue
    One of the best 80s metal songs ever!
  • 9. You're A Friend Of Mine by Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne
    A great song about friendship!
  • 8. Johnny Ryall/Shadrach by The Beastie Boys
    More great songs from "Paul's Boutique"!
  • 7. Ride Like The Wind by Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald
    This is a great light-rock song.
  • 6. Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo
    Leave your body and soul at the door!
  • 5. Some Like It Hot by The Power Station
    This song just flat-out rocks!
  • 4. The Look Of Love/Poison Arrow by ABC
    I don't know if I've included these songs on previous lists, but I like them anyway.
  • 3. Walk The Dinosaur by Was (Not Was)
    A great dance song, forever ruined by its use in movies like "The Flintstones". Ick!
  • 2. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves
    Just like # 3, this song has had its reputation slightly tarnished by pinhead marketing executives at movie studios who put songs like this onto their movies.
  • 1. Lucky Star/Live To Tell/Cherish by Madonna
    The Immaculate Collection" is one of the greatest CDs I've ever purchased. These songs are on it, along with many other great ones.This must be my 5th or 6th list, but I can't help it! I love the 80s!
By: Eugene Onegin
By: Litze
By: Michael Goodman
  • 10. Love Buzz by Nirvana
    I had to include something from my favorite band, even though it's a cover and they aren't thought of as an 80's band.
  • 9. Pretty Persuasion by REM
    This is REM's catchiest rock song, without a doubt. Forget it's the end of the world.
  • 8. Monkey Gone to Heaven all of surfer rosa by Pixies
    It's so much fun to crank up a pixies song.
  • 7. Sweet Child O' mine by Guns n' Roses
    Completley moronic and strangley beautiful.
  • 6. Teenage Riot Expressway to yr skull by Sonic Youth
    Teenage riot is the more catchy than Radio Free Europe. The best indi rock song of the 80's.
  • 5. Party for Your Right to Fight by Public Enemy
    this and "don't believe the hype" if you didn't think rap can be good. "It takes a nation of millions" is a classic album
  • 4. Rio/View to a kill/Planet Earth by Duran Duran
    Take your pick, all three are great. Hell, all duran duran's songs are, well, really catchy.
  • 3. New Years Day by u2
    hmm, Didn't realized how much I liked u2, but this song is catchy, haunting, hopeful and it rocks all in one.
  • 2. Unforgetable fire by u2
    beautiful in every way. The haunting verse, the uplifting chorus, the epic instrumental, amazing.
  • 1. Sunday Bloody Sunday by u2
    C'mon it doesn't get anymore intense than this.
Too many honorable mentions: anything by Metallica anything of Louder than Love by soundgarden With or Without You- u2 Walk this Way- Run Dmc Reflex- Duran Duran (I guess once this thing gets you, it's all over) Mudhoney- Touch Me I'm sick
By: J Milo Vera
  • 10. I Can't Wait by Nu Shooz
    A cute ditty from a band which had no more hits...Too bad...They were eighties from top to bottom:tacky and catchy
  • 9. Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
    I was like seven when this masterpiece came out...To this day this song still sounds progressive, soothing, and mysterious...
  • 8. I Love Rock 'n Roll by Joan Jett &the Blackhearts
    The Original Tough Riot GRRRRRRLLL! Also great proof that the 80's were not only about horrible male hair bands like Europe, Winger, and Bon Jovi. Joan could kick any of these lame dorks's butts anytime
  • 7. People Are People by Depeche Mode
    The Mode..I need to say no more
  • 6. Heart and Soul by T'Pau
    Ok, now here's a tune which had it been recorded in the 90's it would have been considered "alternative." They also had some cool hits in england, especially "China in Your Hands."
  • 5. Do You Really want To Hurt Me? by The Culture Club
    Boy Boy Boy...To this day I still remembering crying to this song (High School was cruel and so was love).
  • 4. What have I Done To Deserve This? by Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield
    A Classic!! the Boys could have not chosen a better Lady and a greater tune if I had asked them myself
  • 3. Addicted To Love by Ahhhhhh.....Robert Palmer
    Mr. Palmer was sssssoooooooo attractive back then, and he was so cool among the rest of the 80's popsters and rockers without the need for ridiculous big hair or flashy clothes
  • 2. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
    These are My Girls, I don't care what anybody says...This is their least appreciated song even though it is 80's all over
  • 1. Like A Prayer by Madonna
    Well, she has to be number one if we are talking aboy the 80's!! True, this song is not absolutely representative of the decade at its highest peak (or decadence?) But it simply has a great video, a great melody, awesome lyrics, and a cool scandal to back it up, and anyway weren't the 80's also about scandals, uh?
A top ten is not large enough. Others who are great but don't get in the ranks are: Duran Duran's Notorious, Tears For Fears' Shout, The The and Sinead O'Connor's Kingdom of Rain, Bangles' Walk Like an Egyptia, Belinda Carlisle's Heaven is..., Chaka Khan's I Feel for You, Prince's Kiss, Heart's Never, Janet's Control, Cyndi Lauper's Change Of Heart, Suzanne Vega's Luka, and way many more
By: John Nagle
By: LMS
  • 10. Trailblaze by Shy Reptiles
    Great!, perhaps a little slow.
  • 9. The More You Live The More You Love by A Flock Of Seagulls
    In my opinion, it's the best song of this well-known group. "I Run" is the second.
  • 8. Blind Sublime by Peter Murphy
    Sublime.
  • 7. Rome Wasn't Built In A Day by The Jeremy Days
    It taste of bliss.
  • 6. Someone Like You by Fountainhead
    Simply delicious.
  • 5. Hold On by Danse Society
    This psychedelic song (as those who are familiar with this matter will understand by casting a glance at my list) is one of my favorites, for I love psychedelic and gothic pop.
  • 4. Cowboys by Sad Lovers & Giants
    This is a song with a sound that sends you for a moment to another dimension. This group deserved more attention.
  • 3. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
    It's difficult to choose which is my favorite song of U2, because I consider them as the best and more representative band in the 80's.
  • 2. Don't You( Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    I think this song is one of the hymns of the 80's.
  • 1. My Bag by Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
    This is the best song in the 80's for me. Indispensable for collectors.
Special mentions: Glittering Prize- Simple Minds Fascination Street- The Cure West Of London Town- The Bolshoi Diving For Pearls- 1000 Mexicans Colder Than The Kiss- Snake Corps Love Like Blood- Killing Joke A Girl Called Johnny- The Waterboys It Hurts- The Lotus Eaters Voices- Russ Ballard Only For You- The Essence The Church Of The Poison Mind- Culture Club
By: Damian
  • 10. Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode
    10 on my list!
  • 9. Don't You Want me Baby by Human League
    Cool song, lots of fun
  • 8. There's Always Something There to Remind Me by Naked Eyes
    A great song, love it.
  • 7. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    We never hear this song anymore, and that's just an injustice.
  • 6. Like a Prayer by Madonna
    My friends and I love this song too!
  • 5. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive
    Really cool song, love it a lot.
  • 4. Rock the Casbah by The Clash
    My friend and I love this song!
  • 3. Flashdance-What a Feeling by Irene Cara
    Good dancing song, and awesome!
  • 2. Take on Me by a-Ha
    This is a really cool song, that they should play on the radio more often.
  • 1. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by The Police
    It's the best song in the world!
By: Colt Gay
  • 10. Nazi Punks Fuck Off by Dead Kennedys
    The best tune ever from the best hardcore band!!!!!
  • 9. MTV Get Off The Air by Dead Kennedys
    It's the truth !!!!!!!!
  • 8. Lexican Devil by Germs
    Let's Mosh!
  • 7. Wasted by Black Flag
    Need I Say More!
  • 6. When the Shit Hit's the Fan by The Circle Jerks
    You gotta love it!
  • 5. Let's Have A War by Fear
    Hardcore Classic!
  • 4. Code Blue by T.S.O.L.
    The awsome hardcore band's best tune!
  • 3. Surfin Dead by The Cramps
    This awsome tune from the Cramps is on the soundtrack to the best movie of all time! The Return of the Living Dead
  • 2. Straight to Hell by The Clash
    The best song on Combat Rock
  • 1. I Wanna Live by The Ramones
    The Ramones still got it ,with this awsome tune!
I listed mine backwards 10 is Best 1 is last
By: Richard Giuliani
  • 10. Rockchester 12 by Fats Comet
    Great Industrial Funk
  • 9. Head Hunter 12 by Front 242
  • 8. Genius Of Love by Tom Tom Club
  • 7. Walking On Thin Ice by Yoko Ono
  • 6. Images Of Heaven by Peter Godwin
  • 5. Planet Rock by Soul Sonic Force
  • 4. Buffalo Gals by Malcolm Mclaren
  • 3. Yazoo by State Farm
  • 2. Beat Box by Art of Noise
  • 1. Numbers by Kraftwerk
By: Scott
  • 10. I Feel For You by Chaka Khan
    I bought the LP-sized dance version that lasted for something like 20 minutes! Cool dance tune!
  • 9. I Knew You Were Waiting by George Michael and Aretha Franklin
    What a pairing!
  • 8. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head
    I used to know every word! This one was written by Benny and Bjorn of Abba!
  • 7. Puttin' on the Ritz by Taco
    Sang that one all summer long! What a way to redo a classic.
  • 6. Take on Me by A-ha
    Cool video. Loved the cartoon/real life scenario. Great sound!
  • 5. Physical by Olivia Newton-John
    Wow. I was in love.
  • 4. Neutron Dance by Pointer Sisters
    This was their only song that didn't sound like all the others.
  • 3. Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band
    Bass and keyboards and lyrics mixed well for a very danceable summer hit!
  • 2. I Know There's Something Going On by Frida
    Frida was from Abba, so I loved her solo instantly. The Phil Collins drum beat was so cool.
  • 1. The Winner Takes It All by Abba
    My ultimate favorite group of all time. Loved the piano riff. I was ready to move to Sweden!!Honorable mentions:Can't Shake Loose -- Agnetha Faltskog (another Abba solo), Do That To Me One More Time -- Captain and Tennille (at the beginning of the 80's, but still a great love song), Walk Like an Egyptian -- Bangles
By: Emilie
  • 10. In your eyes by Peter Gabriel
  • 9. The flyer by Saga
  • 8. Live wire by Mötley Crüe
  • 7. Sunday bloody sunday by U2
  • 6. Don't dream it's over by Crowded house
  • 5. Why'd you lie by Colin James
  • 4. Live to tell by Madonna
  • 3. This is not America by David Bowie
  • 2. Raspberry beret by Prince
  • 1. Tom Sawyer by Rush
Thank you for this incredible website. Viva the eighties.
By: Brian Meacham
By: Gabriela Valladares

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