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: Isaac Holmes
  • 10. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    Come on, you love it.
  • 9. Thriller by Micheal Jackson
    Had to.
  • 8. Fade to Black by Metallica
    The sadest song they've ever done.
  • 7. Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses
    The solo at the start still gives me chills.
  • 6. Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden
    This song "made" Maiden.
  • 5. Master of Puppets by Metallica
    This song has so many memorable parts in it, a classic.
  • 4. Sabatoge by Beastie Boys
    Not much to say about this one, it's just here.
  • 3. Back in Black by AC/DC
    A powerful song, a message that they'll live on.
  • 2. Hallowed be thy Name by Iron Maiden
    The Best Heavy Metal song ever made.
  • 1. One by Metallica
    Just a chilling song that has some amazing parts to it.
I tried to no make this list all Metallica and Iron Maiden but it was hard.
By: Cathy Maines
  • 10. Oh Sherry by Journey
    Journeys the oppinamy of sappy hair bands after Bon Jovi of course and Guns n Roses.
  • 9. Small town by John Cougar
    The mid-west's national antheme.
  • 8. Pour Some Suga On Me by Def Leppord
    Im hot sticky sweet from my head down to my feet.Not a good pickup line.
  • 7. Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi
    I'd like to ride on his steel horse anytime.LOL.
  • 6. Africa by Toto
    You didn't want to like the band at first because of the way they look but once the song played...
  • 5. Sister Christan by Knight Ranger
    Awsome power ballad from a awesome band.
  • 4. Outta My Dreams And Into My Car by Billy Ocean
    Best video of all time hands down.
  • 3. Gloria by Laura Branigan
    Great get up-n-go song.
  • 2. Billie Jean by Micheal Jackson
    The most scandelous song of the 80s by far.
  • 1. Its My Life by Talk Talk
    How could I forget..its the best song ever!
Cant forget the fab five Duran Duran of course, all their songs were hits.
By: Prankstaa84
  • 10. I Wanna Be A Cowboy(1986) by Boys Don't Cry
    Very popular in clubs, unfortunately that was about the extent of their popularity.
  • 9. Shattered Dreams(1988) by Johnny Hates Jazz
    Melodramatic pop. Ideal for those days that you just dont wanna get out of bed.
  • 8. American Soviets(DJ SINGLE) (1987) by CCCP
    Quite Bizarre, but hey it was the 80s.
  • 7. Beat 'Dis(1986) by Bomb The Bass
    Used Samples from classic television shows such as Dragnet and Thunderbirds.
  • 6. Pump Up The Volume(1987) by MARRS
    Most memorable example of Undergound Hip Hop/Dance making a mainstream impact. (Also a prime example of sampling and Mixing)
  • 5. Stimulation(1986) by Wa Wa Nee
    One of those one hit wonder Australian bands of the mid to late 80s.
  • 4. Get Out Of My Dreams, Get Into My Car(1988) by Billy Ocean
    Cheerfully 80s. Perfect for that long drive home from work.
  • 3. I Eat Cannibals(1982) by Total Coelo
    I always despised this song but after listening to it over and over i developed a liking for it. Cleaver and catchy lyrics.
  • 2. Im Only Shooting Love(1984) by Time Bandits
    Pop/Funk/Disco Fusion with a magnificant falsetto chorus.
  • 1. Waiting For a Star To fall(1988) by Boy Meets Girl
    I love this song, what else can I say?
Europe -Final Countdown(1986), Koo Deh Tah -Too Young For Promises(1985), Player 1 - Space Invaders(1980), Baltimora- Tarzan Boy(1986), Cameo - Word Up(1986), Toto- Africa(1982), Harold Faltermeyer- Axel F(1985) Kim Wilde- Keep Me Hangin' On(1986), Simple Minds- (Don't You) Forget About Me(1985), Sheena Easton-Morning Train (1981)
By: ned
Corrections to some earlier posts: Don McLean – American Pie, 1971 Styx – Renegade, 1978 Supertramp – The Logical Song, 1979 Blondie – Call Me, 1979 Police – Message in a Bottle, 1979 Losing My Religion – R.E.M., 1991 A Letter to Elise – The Cure, 1992 Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order – not Bizarre Love Song
By: Ed
  • 10. Abracaddabra by Steve Miller band
    Not many people like , but I do.
  • 9. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    Another classic you can't live without
  • 8. Who Can It Be Now by Men at Work
    Everybody knows this song.
  • 7. Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    Nice 80's club song
  • 6. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
    Classic Movie Song..
  • 5. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    An 80's Classic in my book
  • 4. Chains of Love by Erasure
    This group was good
  • 3. Cruel Summer by Bannaramma
  • 2. Obesession by Animotion
    I loved this tune!
  • 1. Send Me an Angel by Real Life
    Great Tune of the 80's.. Woo Hoo!!
80's Songs rocked, not much hardcore rap like now a days..
By: Tones
  • 10. Dreams by Van Halen
    Sammy Hagar took Van Halen to #1 for the first time (Billboard) but the 5150 set packs a real punch with EVH shining through with his amazing talent.
  • 9. He's Back (Remixed Version) by Alice Cooper
    Theme to Friday The 13th Part V...The Horror movie scene was all worth it in the 80's
  • 8. Photograph by Def Leppard
    Any song about Marilyn Monroe deserves merit although I could easily chosen other Def Leppard tracks.
  • 7. Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Cairns
    The husky voice is enough...oooh yeah!
  • 6. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns n' Roses
    The starting riff sounds very much like a ending of a early track THe Angels track...hmmmm
  • 5. Turning Japanese by The Vapours
  • 4. Short Memory by Midnight Oil
    I could of picked any Oils track but this one has such intense drama in the way it sounds and PG sings it
  • 3. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    First time I heard it there was such a relative neaning behind it all
  • 2. Jump by Van Halen
    Spandex Pants and all the theatrics of Diamond Dave's Rock n' Rock Circus
  • 1. We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
    Almost 20 years on and this track still rocks with a fist of steel The Ultimate 80's Rock Rebellion Anthem
The 80's was a magical era musically. Too many options and way too much FUN had by all. Freeze Frame it !!
By: Danny Boy
  • 10. King Of Wishful Thinking by Go West
    Great breakup song (for a guy)
  • 9. Through the fire by Chaka Khan
    "Through the fire, To the limit, to the wall, For a chance to be with you I’d gladly risk it all"
  • 8. Right on Track by Breakfast Club
    "...There must be some kind of bad connection 'Cause this music does not sound the way it did "
  • 7. Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
    Great to dance to (or watch girls dance to)
  • 6. Time by Culture Club
    For some reason, till this day, I find myself singing to this.
  • 5. When in Rome by The Promise
    Excellent one hit wonder
  • 4. Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
    reminds me of an ex - "It's time to bring this ship into the shore, And throw away the oars, forever."
  • 3. The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News
    I remember this along with the movie Back to the Future "Tougher than diamonds and stronger than steel you won't feel nothin' till you feel"
  • 2. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    The girl has an awesome voice, very sensual, exotic.
  • 1. Beat it by Michael Jackson
    No denying it, the best song of the 80's, by one of the greatest artists No denying it, the best song of the 80's, by one of the greatest artists that ever lived.
wow...there were just too many to list. The 80's live on!
By: Raul Ramirez
  • 10. Lessons To Love by Level 42
    La escuche por primera vez del disco d mi mejor amigo.
  • 9. Walk Of Life by Dire Straits
    Llena de vida
  • 8. Kiss On My List by Daryl Hall & John Oates
    Rola muy especial, no conozco a alguien que diga que no le gusta.
  • 7. Heaven by Bryan Adams
    Unica, digna de los 80's
  • 6. Sister Cristian by Night Ranger
    Tierna y romantica
  • 5. Every Rose Has A Thorn by Poison
    Balada de un grupazo
  • 4. When The Heart Rules The Mind by GTR
    Con una gran fuerza y originalidad. Simplemente única
  • 3. Only Time Will Tell by Asia
    Inolvidable, aún la escucho con mi esposa, y esta rola nos identifica cuando nos conocimos!!!
  • 2. Eye In The Sky by The Alan Parsons Project
    Esquisita, se adelantó a su epoca.
  • 1. Hold Me Now by Thompson's Twins
    Una de las mejores canciones escritas de los 80's, me recuerda mi juventud y muchos buenos amigos.
Espero que les sea de utilidad mi aportación. Saludos
By: romeo
  • 10. Two Of Hearts by Stacey Q
  • 9. Take My Breathe Away by Berlin
  • 8. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
  • 7. Relax by Frankie Goes To Holliwood
  • 6. She's Fresh by cool and the gang
  • 5. The World In My Eyes by Depeche Mode
  • 4. Duri Duri by Click
  • 3. hurricane by Tapps
  • 2. Togheter Forever by Rick Astley
  • 1. Square Rooms by All Corley
if somebody knows a guy who used to have a ferrari in the 80's write me please citrusromeo@ibiza-mail.com
By: Ash
  • 10. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
    The greatest band in the world
  • 9. Throw Your Arms Around Me by Hunters & Collectors
    One of the best Songs of all time
  • 8. Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
    Big Big Ballad
  • 7. Rain by Dragon
    One of the best Australian Bands of all time
  • 6. Centrefold by J Geils Band
    My Angel is the Centrefold.
  • 5. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    How Good
  • 4. And We Danced by The Hooters
    Awesome song
  • 3. No More Words by Berlin
    Their best hit by far
  • 2. I Want Your Love by Transvision Vamp
    Wendy James - how sexy!
  • 1. The Warrior by Scandal featuring Patti Smyth
    What a chorus
The greatest era in music ever. Not into any of the gangsta rap crap and all the dance music of today. Give me synthesisers, big ballads, glam rock and big hair anytime!
By: Zack
  • 10. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
    gotta get boy george in there
  • 9. Peter Piper by Run DMC
    old school
  • 8. Jitterbug (Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go) by Wham!
    he's gay? really?
  • 7. Rockit by Herbie Hancock
    awesome video too
  • 6. Rock the Casbah by The Clash
    beautiful
  • 5. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
    like the opening especially...very 80s
  • 4. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    essential
  • 3. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    excellent synth pop
  • 2. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    great dance song
  • 1. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    Classic...great for driving too
By: Mel
All of them are great, catchy songs. There are more I would like to include like Total Eclipse of the Heart, I Died in your Arms Tonight, Karma Chameleon, Cars, the list is endless.
By: Paul Dee
  • 10. Upside Down by Diana Ross
    The Best Dancable Song: Upside Down, Boy You Turn Me, Round And Round...
  • 9. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
    The Best Female Voice: This Young Black Girl With Her Wonderful Voice And Critical Lyrics Was A Real Sensation
  • 8. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
    The Best Alternative Song: Even If It's In Some Way A Classical 80's Song
  • 7. Forever Young by Alphaville
    The Best German Band: They Did Other Great Songs Like "Bifg In Japan"
  • 6. Carrie by Europe
    The Second Best Love Song: And Also The Award For The Cutest Haircut.
  • 5. China In Your Hand by T'Pau
    The Second Best Female Voice: I Still Love This Song
  • 4. Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
    The Best Sad Song: We're Fools To Make War...
  • 3. The Unknown Stuntman by Lee Majors
    The Best TV-Song: Do You Remember The Blonde Girl In The Bathtub?
  • 2. Russians by Sting
    The Best Lyrics: Do The Russians Love Their Children Too?
  • 1. All Out Of Love by Air Supply
    The Best Love Song: I'm all out of love, î'm so lost without you...
By: Suzy
  • 10. When will I be famous by Bros
    OK, OK, let me explain... ;) I have never been a fan of any 'boy band' including Bros. But when I hear this song it reminds me of the times when I was in primary school and my classmates were crazy for Bros...
  • 9. Purple Rain by Prince
    Don't really like the man, but have to admit he is a musical genius. And there's no 80s chart without him.
  • 8. With or without you by U2
    I have never been a huge U2 fan, but I like this song.
  • 7. She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
    A FINE song...
  • 6. Michael Jackson by Dirty Diana
    I don't like the recent MJ, but the MJ of the 80s was cool and made some cool music!! I am rather a child of the late 80s, maybe that's why my favourite MJ album is 'Bad', not 'Thriller'. What I like about this song is that it so powerful and passionate, as well as the video.
  • 5. Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh
    Beleive or not, I have discovered this song only recently...
  • 4. Africa by Toto
    SOOOOOOOO beautiful...
  • 3. Down Under by Man at Work
    It's catchy, it's funny, I like it.
  • 2. Breakthru by Queen
    I just couldn't leave out Queen! My favourite Queen song is actually 'Innuendo' but that's already 90s, so I put Breakthru here.
  • 1. Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
    Simply a BEAUTIFUL song!! I especially like the concert version.
There are so many songs I could add for very different reasons. Some of them are really great music (or at least music I find great), others just remind me of something or someone. It can also well be that tomorrow I would pick totally different songs for my Top 10...
By: Alicia True
All right. I admit I have a favourite band. Is there anything wrong with that? No. Of course not!!! Especially when they put Danny Elfman's talent with a group like that! I didn't comment on the songs because I would go on forever. Also, I would like to point out that I do not have a favourite Boingo song, because I love every one equally!!! I put Dead Man's Party and Weird Science at the top 2 spots because they are the most well-known of all the Boingo stuff. Boingo defined the Eighties for me, even if I was born in '86...HA!!!!
By: Brittany Marie
  • 10. We Got The Beat by The Go Go's
    "See the people walking down the street...we got the beat" {It's a good song, it's up-beat, and good to listen to.}
  • 9. Crazy For You by Madonna
    "I'm crazy for you, Touch me once and you'll know it's true, I've never wanted anyone like this, it's all brand new. You'll feel it in my kiss, I'm crazy for you." {This is one on Madonna's Greatest songs!}
  • 8. Video Killed The Radio Star by R.E.M
    "Video killed the Radio Star." {It's kinda pointless, but it's entertaining.}
  • 7. Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benater
    "Hit me with your best shot, fire away." {Oh yes, this song is great! One of my ALL time favorites.}
  • 6. Heaven is a place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle
    "They say in heaven love comes first, we'll make heaven a place on earth." {I like this song because Belinda has a beautiful voice, and it truly shows in this song. And it's Awesome!}
  • 5. Big Girls Don't Cry by Four Seasons
    "told my girl we had to break up,thought that she would call my bluff, but she said to my suprise, Big Girls Don't Cry" {ONE OF MY FAVORITES!}
  • 4. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    "When the working day is done, oh girls they wanna have fun, oh girls just wanna have fun." {Good song for rebellious, fun-loving Girls.}
  • 3. Tell It To My Heart by Kelly Llorenna
    "Tell it to my heart, tell me I'm the only one, is this really love or just a game." {This song is Great!}
  • 2. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    "Beat it, beat it, no one wants to be defeated" {One of his greatest, there's many more of his songs I like, such as "Billie Gean", or "The Way You Make Me Feel." But I don't like what he's done to himself, he's really let himself go.}
  • 1. Call Me by Blondie
    "Call me, my love call me call me baby anytime, call me" {Awesome Song!}
There are many more songs I could add to this list. The 80's was one of the best music era's.
By: Frank
  • 10. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    The Flock's sound is unique (as were their haircuts) and easy to listen and rock to.
  • 9. Heartbreak Beat by Psychedelic Furs
    Like Don't You Forget About Me a defining 80's tune.
  • 8. Obsession by Animotion
    Get's me dancin all the time. Sexy too!
  • 7. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    Classic Cure
  • 6. View To a Kill by Duran Duran
    The best Duran Duran song.
  • 5. It's My Life by Talk Talk
    The kids today think No Doubt penned this song. Try the original for once.
  • 4. Lunatic Fringe by Can't Remember Group's Name
    One of the best unknown songs of the 80's
  • 3. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Defined the 80's
  • 2. I Melt With You by Modern English
    A classic one-hit wonder 80's tune. Never gets old.
  • 1. Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode
    If you see them live you'll know why its first!
By: Tommy McNulty
  • 10. Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townshend
  • 9. Voices Carry by Til Tuesday
  • 8. Young Turks by Rod Stewart
  • 7. Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy
  • 6. Take On Me by Aha
  • 5. Foreigner by I Want to Know What Love Is
  • 4. Take me Home Tonight by Eddie Money
  • 3. Africa by Toto
    On the beach at sunset
  • 2. Your Love by The Outfield
  • 1. Don't Stop Believing by Journey
    Driving late at night through the city
Jesse's Girl-Rick Springfield, Enjoy the Silence-Depeche Mode, Things can only get better- Howard Jones, Send me an Angel-Real Life, Every Rose has its thorn-Poison, Always Something there to Remind Me- Naked Eyes, King of Wishful Thinking- Go West
By: David
  • 10. Talking In Your Sleep by Romantics
    Catchy song.
  • 9. Legs by ZZ Top
    Girls, legs, more girls, legs. Need I say more. Great video about a shy girl that gets a cool new look and some attitude from 3 ZZ Top girls.
  • 8. Heart And Soul by Huey Lewis & The News
    Excellent song from the news.
  • 7. Drive by The Cars
    Sometimes confusing video but the song is beautiful.
  • 6. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    I wasn't big on this when it first came out but it grows on you and the lyrics are catchy.
  • 5. Rio by Duran Duran
    Gotta have one Duran hit in there.
  • 4. Every Breathe You Take by The Police
    One of the best videos ever done.
  • 3. Nova Heart by The Spoons
    One of the best keyboard songs. Extended version is the best.
  • 2. Boys Of Summer by Don Henley
    This is a great song to drive too. The video was excellent except for the half naked men jumping up and down.
  • 1. The Look by Roxette
    The often forgotten Swedish group is still big in Europe. This song rocked. Followed by Dangerous, Dressed For Success & Listen To Your Heart.
Listen To Your Heart - Roxette Shout - Tears For Fears Beat It - Michael Jackson Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper Careless Whisper - Wham The Reflex - Duran Duran
By: Oz
  • 10. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Early 80's - Once I ran to you, now I'll run from you . . . the love we share seems to go nowhere. Where else can we get lyrics like these except from the 80's! It's great! What a song! Great beat. 'Dundt, dundt' tainted love, oh I love you though you hurt me so.
  • 9. Bird Fly / Whisper To a Scream by Icicle Works
    1984 self titled album - And who as ever heard of this song? Great drum beat thru the song. Have not seen this on any play list! This is a virtual unknown song, but it is awesome to crank up!
  • 8. Voices by Russ Ballard
    1984 self titled album - Who has heard this song recently? Probably no one. Check it out, it's worth it. Another Miami Vice song. Great song! Don't look back look straight ahead, don't turn away the voice it said. I hear voices, voices.
  • 7. Let's Go All the Way by Sly Fox
    1985 Oleander - Anybody remember this one? It's a great 80's tune but is forgotten. Was featured on Miami Vice.
  • 6. Kid In America by Kim Wilde
    1989 self titled album - It's all about that 80's sound isn't it. Kim Wilde nails it in this song. I did not see this song listed in others lists?
  • 5. Take On Me by A-Ha
    1987 Hunting High and Low - Perfect song of the 80's! Another great unforgetable video. Maybe deserves better than a #5?
  • 4. Simply Irresistable by Robert Palmer
    1989 Addictions Vol. 1 - Who can forget this video and sound! Robert Palmer is always putting out good music. Check out Looking For Clues also.
  • 3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    1983 She's So Unusual - What a voice! What a video! Great dance song. Check out Be Bop also.
  • 2. I Ran by A Flock of Seagulls
    1988 self titled album - What other song could it be to come in second. Who can forget that video and their unique sound. Perfect 80's song all the way.
  • 1. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    1983 Rythm of Youth - Out of any one song anybody can think of, this song sticks in your head for sure. Total 80's for this song and video! This is the epiphany of the 80's. Another MWH song to remember is Pop Goes The World.
Obviously there are two areas that split the 80's into a musical genera. There is Heavy Metal and then there is Alternative. Since the 80's were defined mostly by the New Age, Punk, Alternative, Retro scene. And this was the up and coming thing back then. I chose mostly these types of songs. I would add these other artists too: Adam Ant, Falco, OMD, Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, Cure, Fixx, Pet Shop Boys, Tears For Fears, REM, Talking Heads, Mighty Lemon Drops, After the Fire, Boy George, Wham, U2, Big Country, Love and Rockets, Howard Jones, Erasure, Dream Academy, Taco, Talk Talk, Men at Work, Peter Gabriel, and so on, and so on.

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