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: Jennifer
By: DEPECHE_FAN
  • 10. A Mirage by The Essence
    Great guitar song
  • 9. Nowhere Girl by B-Movie
    I wish it was from Depeche ;-)
  • 8. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
    It makes me cry
  • 7. Fantasy girl by Johnny O
    Beautiful song, great memories fo me
  • 6. Forever Young by Alphaville
  • 5. The Great Commandment by Camouflage
    Synth-pop anthem
  • 4. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
    how can i say!
  • 3. Butterfly On A Wheel by The Mission
    I don't know too much songs from this band, but this one is wonderfull
  • 2. Charlotte Sometimes by The Cure
    Second best band in the world, Robert Smith is a poet
  • 1. Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode
    greatest band ever, Never let me down again isn't their best song, their best song is Enjoy the Silence, the best song in history, but it's from the 90's
I'm only 22 years oldnow but I love the 80's music, there are a lot of great songs in the 80's, also find these: Every song from Depeche Mode and The Cure, the best bands in the world, some anthems from The Pixies like Debaser,Here comes your man, Where is my mind or Dig for fire, The Smiths, greatest guitar-pop band and a lot of synth-dance-new wave songs like Bolero by Fancy, Golden Dreams by nvisible Limits, I like Chopin by Gazebo and many others.
By: B. Logan
  • 10. She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
    This song capped off the decade with a old skool/new age feel, I loved it!
  • 9. Run to You by Bryan Adams
    I have a put a canadian on list!
  • 8. Atomic by Blondie
    the song is so catchy!
  • 7. Billie Jean by Micheal Jackson
    Who could forget this guy, the 80's were definetly his decade.
  • 6. Rock You Like a Hurricane by The Scorpions
    gotta love 80's rock
  • 5. White Wedding by Billy Idol
    What ever happened to this guy?
  • 4. I Ran by A Flock of Seagulls
    a beam of light with you
  • 3. Money for Nothing by Dire Straights
  • 2. Africa by Toto
    The first time I heard this song I was blown away
  • 1. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    When i think of the 80's, I hear this song.
I only lived three years in the 80's but I consider them the best years of my life! 1987 is the best year!
By: jocelyn
  • 10. So Alive by Love And Rockets
    I love that guys voice!
  • 9. Midnight Blue by Lou Gramm
    It's got the lyrics, the beat, and sounds great cranked!
  • 8. The Promise by When In Rome
    I think I'm the only person who remembers this song...
  • 7. When I'm With You by Sheriff
    Still gives me chills...
  • 6. Crazy For You by Madonna
    So sweet!
  • 5. The Way You Make Me Feel by Micheal Jackson
    Anything by M.J. from the 80's deserves a place on this list. But, this song's my fav by him.
  • 4. Wishing Well by Terence Trent D'Arby
    Totally cool...
  • 3. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Just damn good!
  • 2. Melt With You by Modern English
    Made a smooth transition into a classic modern rock song still played in heavy rotation.
  • 1. With Or Without You by U2
    A completely timeless song by a completely timeless band
By: Ryan Red
By: Stephanie Jacobs
By: Felix Zabala
  • 10. When Doves Cry by Prince
    Arguably the best artistic pop song of the decade...still very fresh when listened to today.
  • 9. Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
    One of the most influential songs by one of the most inluentiual bands of that era.
  • 8. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    "I have a picture, pinned to my wall..."
  • 7. Need You Tonight by INXS
    The sexiest dance song of all time. Arguably one of the best groups of the whole era! Very innovative music videos from that album.
  • 6. Whip It! by Devo
    Song from band that made nerds & nerdy cool! Helped Put MTV on the map...which led to other great songs/groups. Mothersbaughs do lots of cartoon music now too!
  • 5. Love plus One/Favorite Shirts(Boy Meets Girl) by Haircut 100
    Sorry to cheat hear with two songs-unavoidale can never think of one without the other. Upbeat & happy. The whole album is awesome!
  • 4. Love My Way by Psychedilic Furs
    Haunting..."goth"ic before "goth" became a phrase
  • 3. Sunday, Bloody Sunday by U2
    Awesome song with political message.
  • 2. Blasphemous Rumors by Depeche Mode
    Dark, moody, poignant comment on society.
  • 1. Blue Monday by New Order
    The defining "club song" of all time!
Most my choices were "progressive" due to nature of the 80's. Very difficult to leave out some of the rap, and Nirvana. I am sure that if I re-did this list tomorrow some of my choices would have been different!
By: romy
  • 10. Your Love by Lime
  • 9. Sara Perche Ti Amo by Ricchi E Poveri
    very very very good italian song, i love it !
  • 8. Party All The Time by Eddie Murphy
    sound of the 80's, yeah!
  • 7. The Final Countdown by Europe
    dadadada da dadada da da........it's the final countdown !!!
  • 6. Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth
    reggae song with children voices in the chorus, wonderful it's all my youth !!!!
  • 5. Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
    very good
  • 4. Un Autre Monde by Telephone
    wonderful song!!!!!!!!! good sound !!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 3. La Isla Bonita by Madonna
    when we talk about 80's we're obliged to mention Madonna, aren't we ? why this song ? because it's the only one of all her songs which was #1 in France (in 1986)
  • 2. When The Rain Begins To Fall by Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora
    i love the video of this song !!!!!!
  • 1. Paradise Mi Amor by Lune De Miel
    wonderful song of 1985
By: Debra Cassar
  • 10. Ride on Time by Black Box
  • 9. Reward by Teardrop Explodes
  • 8. Sometimes by Erasure
  • 7. Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat
  • 6. Stop by Sam Brown
  • 5. Heaven 17 by Temptation
  • 4. Soft Cell by Tainted Love
  • 3. Human League by Don't You Want Me?
  • 2. Dead or Alive by You Spin Me Round
  • 1. Stop! by Erasure
By: John
  • 10. Careless Whisper. by Wham!
    OK so you're probabley not into the bubble gum stuff either like wake me up before you go go... bu this one is in a CLASS by itself! It is in the vein of stuff you expect from someone more spanish like Julio Iglesias... but only George Michaels put the right touch to it! I'm not always a big sax enthusiast but this and the other(#9) are definate exceptions.
  • 9. You Belong To The City. by Glenn Frey
    What a TV show! I think I saw every one and it was the coolest thing too when it was big. Miami Vice is in this song.
  • 8. Axel F by Herbie Hancock
    What a mpvie...what a song! It made alot of us wanna move.
  • 7. Beat Street by Melle Mel
    Well I went out and got some parachute pants just like everyone else and got some cardboard to do the butt spin on too!
  • 6. Playin With The Queen Of Hearts. by Juice Newton
    My 5th grade teacher sang this in her country rock band at our school back in 82 or 83.
  • 5. Another One Bites The Dust. by Queen
    You know this was big back then.
  • 4. Beat It by Ms. Michael Jackson
    Well the whole albumn was cool even though he changed after that, but this was definately a biggy.
  • 3. Mr. Roboto by Styx
    Mr. Roboto was back there too. Secret secret I got a secret...Kill roy kill roy... God that was awesome back in the day!
  • 2. Centerfold by J Giles Band
    Another I remember from the 4th grade.
  • 1. Blonde by Call Me
    The first song I remember from the 80's.
Well I've left of so much like for instance Everybody wants to rule the world by Tears for Fears, but I think I could put at least 100 songs from the 80's on the same plane. A perfect 10 for all of those oldies but goodies from the 50's and 80's!!!
By: Sean Ingram
  • 10. Everybody Wants Some by Van Halen (David Lee Roth era)
    "Better Off Dead" had a great rendition of it with the hamburger dancing on the grill while John Cusack was playing "mad scientist" in the kitchen until the big-bad boss man walks in on him.
  • 9. Ewok Celebration Song/Rap by MECO
    C-3PO rapping? Man, that's too much! Anyway it was on the charts for a short time.
  • 8. Everybody Dance by Ta Mara And The Scene
    Great dance track with the electronic guitar effects on that solo. Where is she now?
  • 7. One Of the Living (Mad Max:Beyond Thunderdome) by Tina Turner
    Great Song for a great movie sequel in the Mad Max trilogy. I'm glad that she/her character wasn't killed off in the movie.
  • 6. Waterfall by Wendy And Lisa
    They had that video with Lisa playing this grand piano with water flowing inside of it. Damn, that was COOL! Wendy let in to that guitar of hers on that solo.
  • 5. Shadows Of The Night by Pat Benatar
    Great costume video! She is a great singer!
  • 4. Captain Of Her Heart by Double
    This song had an awesome video to it. The whole song was haunting. I love it even to this day
  • 3. Shot In The Dark by Ozzy Osbourne
    Looked better than he does now.
  • 2. Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham
  • 1. Tall Cool One by Robert Plant
    Saw him in Richmond, Virginia back in 1990 with the Black Crowes opening. Great Show!!
By: paula smith
  • 10. Africa by Toto
  • 9. Drive by Cars
  • 8. Carry by Europe
  • 7. Doors by Light My Fire
  • 6. Lady In Red by Erick Clapton
  • 5. Depeche Mode by Personal Jesus
  • 4. Paloma San Basilio by Juntos
  • 3. Soda Stereo by Juegos De Seducción
  • 2. La Isla Bonita by Madonna
  • 1. Dreams by Van Halen
By: andy m
  • 10. She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby
    Catchy, but when you were a 15 year old male the girls in the video were the main attraction.
  • 9. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    Dunno why but I just loved this song. Has to be an 80's classic.
  • 8. Africa by Toto
    Smooth and very easy on the ear.
  • 7. Land Down Under by Men At Work
    Being Australian I love this song. Will be forever an Australian icon.
  • 6. West End Girsl by Pet Shop Boys
    Pioneers in the 80's. Their music still has a modern feel even today.
  • 5. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    Seems to be a common favourite, and rightly so. Brings back great memories with this great song.
  • 4. Vienna by Ultravox
    Suave, a classy 80's piece.
  • 3. Belfast Child by Simple Minds
    Close your eyes and concentrate on this song. Feel the emotion with a Celtic musical backdrop.
  • 2. Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
    The master at his brilliant best.
  • 1. Telegraph Road by Dire Straits
    A classic epic of a song. The guitar build-up is stirring and superb.
There are so many great 80's songs. We all have differing views of what constitutes a top ten. You all have chosen some fantastic songs in your lists.
By: Mucho Bwaks (ADMU 1992-1996)
  • 10. The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death by The Housemartins
  • 9. Panic / Ask Me by The Smiths
  • 8. State of Art by Friends Again
  • 7. Thank You by Pale Fountains
  • 6. The Bridge by Cactus World News
  • 5. Whatever Possessed You by The Care
  • 4. Brighter by Railway Children
  • 3. Leave Me Alone by New Order
    does anyone have the tab of this? or a nokia ringtone/ .rtx file?
  • 2. When All's Well by Everything But The Girl
    one of the most distinct female voices in the world. continuously reinventing in a subpop Madonna sort of way
  • 1. Total Recall by The Sound
    it's all such a blur as time goes so quickly....
XB102, NU107.5, Social D Monile, Jingle Mag, DJ Mark Cross, Roel Lazo, the Brotherhood & Tommy Lozada: you made it possible. Thank you.
By: Frank
  • 10. Like A Virgin by Madonna
    The video vixen makes her smashing debut.
  • 9. Urgent by Foreigner
    I happen to find a song about booty calls even existing fascinating.
  • 8. Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
    C'mon, it's the theme to Top Gun.
  • 7. Carribean Queen by Billy Ocean
    Feel that infectous groove.
  • 6. Always Something There To Remind Me by Naked eyes
    Mellow, but not whimpy.
  • 5. St. Elmo's Fire (man In Motion) by John Parr
    Movie good. Song better.
  • 4. Time For Me To Fly by REO Speedwagon
    Overall, best 80's band in my book.
  • 3. (i Just) Died In Your Arms Tonite by Cutting crew
    Great for cruising.
  • 2. Billie Jean by Micheal Jackson
    Can you moonwalk? Ok, then.
  • 1. I Ran (so Far Away) by A Flock of Seagulls
    With a name like that, you'd think they'd have more staying power.
By: Helen a.k.a. Phoenix
  • 10. Final Countdown by Europe
    Powerful and energetic, expressive and bright.
  • 9. I like Chopin by Gazebo
    A melody for rainy days and romantic hearts.
  • 8. Bolero by Fancy
    I just love it!
  • 7. Sahara Night by F.R. David
    One of the most representative creations of the high-energy genious.
  • 6. Only You by Savage
    Slightly melancholic, beautiful melody. Italo-disco is great!
  • 5. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Nice up-tempo composition with the nostalgic smell of the 80s.
  • 4. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    That's already classics.
  • 3. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    A true masterpiece by the King of Pop - and what a video!
  • 2. Big In Japan by Alphaville
    Catchy and melodious, a perfect new-wave style example.
  • 1. Forever Young by Alphaville
    The Hymn of youth. The hope and the light. The song for-ever. Mesmerizing, hypnotizing, touching, giving chills. Too many epithets? Well, it's Alphaville - they are still the best and will ever be!
By: Thomas J. Clark, Jr., Esq., PhD
  • 10. Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
    Beautiful vocals.
  • 9. Doritos and Yoohoo by Homie and the Don'cha Know Mees
    Toke it!
  • 8. Fight for Your Right (to Party) by Beasties
  • 7. Pac Man Fever by Some Fat Hillbilly Dudes
    The song is still stuck in my head.
  • 6. On My Own by Patti Labelle/Michael McDonald
  • 5. I'm on Fire by The Boss
    Jersey!!!!!!!!
  • 4. I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man by Prince
  • 3. Wasted Years by Iron Maiden
    The ULTIMATE party/driving headbanger.
  • 2. Tough Guys by REO Speedwagon
    Little Rascals song.
  • 1. Jump by Van Halen
    It still a great tune to crank in the truck. I loved this song!
This website is hysterical :)
By: Stu
  • 10. Panama by Van Halen
    Big hair, Spandex, DLR's ass hanging out, Eddie drugging it up, Michael boozing up via Jack Daniels, Alex smoking like a chimmeny... "I sit down, ease the seat back..." I mentioned the sex things already right?
  • 9. Bigmouth Strikes Again by Morrissey
    "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said I'd like to smash every tooth in your head; Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed." Now this is one guy who missed the concept of happy-go-lucky times in the 80s! Morrissey rules!
  • 8. Fight for Your Right to Party by Bestie Boys
    Nothing like three guys from the 'burbs picking up on the ultimate sex, drugs and..... rap?!?!?!
  • 7. In the Air Tonight/Smugglers' Blues by Phil Collins/Glenn Frey
    Miami Vice. The ULTIMATE 80s show! 'Nuff said!
  • 6. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
    What a great song for such a typical 80s movie (Real Genius). Sort of like the other theme songs that went with Pretty in Pink, Breakfst Club, 16 Candles, St. Elmos Fire, etc...
  • 5. Dancin' with Myself by Billy Idol
    The hair! The Scowl! The Road Warrior outfit! The video with him bouncing up and down for 3 minutes on a roof top only to be electricuted at the end?????
  • 4. Legs by ZZ Top
    Did I mention sex was part of the 80s?
  • 3. I'm On My Way by Motley Crue
    Not the first, but definitely the best big hair/hard rock band acting sensative for the women to get in their... well you know the rest of the story.
  • 2. 1999 by Prince
    Any song about partying in the future is a good choice... Everyone had conversations about what they would be doing on Dec 31, 1999.
  • 1. 40 by U2
    It always got you psyched up at the right times... Beats Sunday, Bloody Sunday AND News Years Day in my opinion.
The Cure, INXS, any UK syntha-pop artist (Pet Shop Boys, Psychadelic Furs, English Beat, Depeche Mode, Level 42, Squeeze, Spandau Ballet... you name it!), Madonna -- but that's because she is the 80s herself (her mucis is terrible), Peter Gabriel (specifically, "So!"), any big hair band (Warrant, Guns 'n Roses, Skid Row, Stryper, Poison.. this list is endless!), Talking Heads/David Byrne, Duran Duran, Culture Club... andany other band I may have missed from "The Wedding Singer," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Last American Virgin" or John Hughes movie soundtracks.
By: Zizi
  • 10. Here Comes Your Man by Pixies
    It's a fuck*** geat song!
  • 9. This is the Day by The The
    to dance with friends
  • 8. Is This Love? by Whitesnake
    NO COMMENTS
  • 7. Torch by SoftCell
    Everybody knows this songs but nobody knows who sing.
  • 6. Back On The Chain Gang by The Pretenders
    it's a music for friends.
  • 5. Modern Love by David Bowie
    bowie is the king
  • 4. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cindy Lauper
    It's fun!
  • 3. Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
    It's sensual... It looks like a lesbian song.
  • 2. Boys don't Cry by The Cure
    It's a song of a whole gothic generation. Cool, modern.
  • 1. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
    This song is sad, romantic and looks like a prophecy...
By: Alan
  • 10. Johnny and Mary by Robert Palmer
    Still can't believe it's by him.
  • 9. Somebody by Depeche Mode
  • 8. Synchronicity by The Police
    I had to think about which I preferred, this one or Every Breath You Take. Synchronicity edges out EBYT today.
  • 7. Who Wants To Live Forever by Queen
    I've listened to a wide range of rock music, hence the departure. A good song's a good song no matter the style.
  • 6. True by Spandau Ballet
    The crime is that I couldn't hear this song for 15 years. Once it left the charts, nobody played it anymore until about 6 years ago.
  • 5. Blaspemous Rumours by Depeche Mode
  • 4. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
  • 3. Shout by Tears for Fears
  • 2. Here is the House by Depeche Mode
  • 1. But Not Tonight by Depeche Mode
These aren't in any order, and thanks to some of the other lists reminding me of songs that really should be on a top 100 list, but I'm finding few quite qualify for my personal top 10. Sorry for all the DM...they have so many songs, and it seems I really consider quite a few to be the best songs of the 80s.

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