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: Tim
  • 10. For Whom The Bell Tolls by Metallica
    This is just simply a great song
  • 9. Paradise City by Guns 'n' Roses
    This song needs no comment eveyone knows how good it is
  • 8. Two Minutes To Midnight by Iron Maiden
    These guys will never cease to amaze me
  • 7. Higher Ground by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
    This song is actually written by stevie wonder
  • 6. Run To The Hills by Iron Maiden
    Another epic song from maiden who are still writing more epics
  • 5. One by Metallica
    one of the greatest songs ever written
  • 4. Seek And Destroy by Metallica
    Metallica........... Loved and hated. I mean what the hell was with st. Anger It's just not up to metallica standard. Anyhow This is an awesome song
  • 3. Aces High by Iron Maiden
    This is The first Iron maiden I really listened to and I've never looked back since
  • 2. Unchained by Van Halen
    These guys are as talented as they get man, Eddie rocks!
  • 1. Master Of Puppets by Metallica
    Tonnes of sick Riffs,Awesome solos, crazy lyrics, What more could you want
These songs are in no particular order
By: Lobo
  • 10. Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go Go's
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 9. Don't Change by INXS
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 8. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'n' Roses
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 7. La Isla Bonita by Madonna
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 6. Wake Up Dead by Megadeth
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 5. Peace Sells But Who's Buying? by Megadeth
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 4. Princes Of The Universe by Queen
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 3. I Want To Break Free by Queen
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 2. A Kind Of Magic by Queen
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
  • 1. Radio Ga Ga by Queen
    CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
THE BEST THING FOR MUSIC IN THE 80'S WERE: NEW WAVE, HEAVY METAL/THRASH/SPEED METAL,ROCK, AND POP
By: Jonas Aastrand
  • 10. Radio Free Europe by R.E.M
    Couldnt leave R.E.M all out of the list. Their music inspired me to write music of my own as well as Roxettes Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson did. Thanks all.
  • 9. Chances by Roxette
    Melancholy for me.
  • 8. Soul Deep by Roxette
    One of the few from their first album that they still play live the year i write this: 2004! 1986-2004 = almost 20 years in their live rotation :D
  • 7. Secrets That She Keeps by Roxette
    From their first album. If you havent heard it its a MUST!
  • 6. Dangerous by Roxette
    Typical Gessle song. Shake it.
  • 5. Listen To Your Heart by Roxette
    Doesnt need furter introducing, I hope.
  • 4. Half A Woman, Half A Shadow by Roxette
    Marie Fredriksson at her best.
  • 3. Dressed For Success by Roxette
    Bang, hit and run a la Gessle and a great contender to "The Look".
  • 2. So Far Away by Roxette
    I really wanted to have Joyride and Fading like a flower on the list, but they were from the nineties :E
  • 1. The Look by Roxette
    Anyone heard of it now that I mention it ? :)
Since all above missed them, Ill take their revenge and wanted to only post Roxette songs. They deserve to be here, being the most famous band from Sweden of all time. Almost made it but just cant leave R.E:M out in the cold so they get the "10".
By: Satan Lee
  • 10. Don't Come Around Here No More by Tom Petty
    Alice turns into a cake, what more do you need?
  • 9. Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung
    What an yuplifing song...
  • 8. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    "When you want to go to it."
  • 7. Whip It by Devo
    Whip it good.
  • 6. Our House by Madness
    I introduced this song to my school.
  • 5. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns 'n' Roses
    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  • 4. Down Under by Men At Work
    Vegemite
  • 3. Rock The Casbah by The Clash
    The rabbi, the Arab and the armadillo.
  • 2. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    What can I say?
  • 1. I Ran by A Flock Of Seagulls
    The absolute best.
HOnorable mentions: A-ha, Take on Me, Yes, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Aerosmith, Walk This Way, INXS, I Need You Tonight, Wall Of Voodoo, Mexican Radio, Tommy Tutone, Jenny, Midnight Oil, Beds Are Burning.
By: Andrew
  • 10. Say, Say, Say by Paul McCartney feat. Michael Jackson
    Great song, even more amazing someone like paul McCartney can still make hits like these even 25 years after The Beatles.
  • 9. BIllie Jean by Michael Jackson
    Bad was miles better, but this is too a great, great track. From it's catchy Bass Line to the dance moves of the pop maestro in the video, this was a winner for Jacko.
  • 8. With Or Without You by U2
    Nice song, pretty basic track but cleverly put together in the end making a pretty emotional song.
  • 7. Dude (Looks Like A Lady) by Aerosmith
    Very addictive stuff here as usual. Good idea for a song, not to mention the great guitar riffs that follow.
  • 6. Walk This Way by Aerosmith feat. Run DMC
    The original is good, but I think it just sounds so much better with Run DMC in it, AS MUCH AS I HATE RAP, this is a prefect combination of Rock and Rap.
  • 5. Rock The Casbah by The Clash
    For a group that I think didn't hold much of a ground breaking career, they sure did make one hell of a song though.
  • 4. Girls On Film by Duran Duran
    Almost as brilliant as the other 2, but just a little behind. Still, a superb track that still plays often today.
  • 3. Bad by Michael Jackson
    This is his best song, it's incredibly awe inspiring and it's got a great beat to it.
  • 2. Rio by Duran Duran
    Another great song from the Kings of the 80s. This one is almost as brilliant as the first...
  • 1. The Reflex by Duran Duran
    Took me a couple times to listen to before I truly became addicted, but this song is unbelievably addictive, I jump around in my room playing it on my guitar it's so catchy.
The 80s were definately the GREATEST decade of music ever, yep, even better then the 60s, or the 70s. Such great music, such great groups who put on stunning performances whenever they had to, especially the likes of Duran Duran, Aerosmith, and Michael Jackson. It saddens me that this great music couldn't carry on into the 90s, compared to the crap we listen to now, this is worth a thousand times more then modern music. I hate rap, and anything to do with it. I hate the way RnB has completely been changed from it's original heritage. Put simply I hate modern music.
By: avril romina
By: Alexis Gutierrez A
  • 10. Do You Wanna by Modern Talking
    Definitibly, the song of my life.
  • 9. Whenever You Need Somebody by Rick Astley
    it was a change in the way i heard music, a good song, makes me feel so happy, remenbering my 13
  • 8. Hands To Heaven by Breathe
    No one in the world will never write a song so beauty...
  • 7. Love In The First Degree by Bananarama
    A song that invites us to enjoy for a long time.
  • 6. My Bed Is Too Big by Blue System
    All the sensuality, All the blood in my body get hot when i hear the remix version
  • 5. In 100 Years by Modern Talking
    A song that i was used to image the future of love, especially extended version...Live Mt foreverˇˇˇ
  • 4. In The Heat Of The Night by Sandra
    May be the best female voice of Europe, all her albums are...passion and power.
  • 3. How To Be A Millionaire by ABC
    When i heard this song, it was a wowˇˇˇ
  • 2. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
    A work of art of this singer...
  • 1. You Can Win If You Want by Modern Talking
    the only i can say the best of euromusic, all MT music i will never forget...
the 80s music was, is and will be the perfect work of art created by men...no other music styles will be better thas this...i carry it on forever in my mind, in my heart, in each inch of my skin. I love you all.
By: zigmund
Honourable mention: Bryan Adams - Summer of '69, Lionel Richie - Hello, Nena - 99 Luftballons, Belinda Carlisle - Summer Rain, Phil Collins - Sussudio, Bananarama - Venus, Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf, The Hooters - And We Danced, Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It, Icehouse - Great Southern Land
By: skervo
  • 10. True by Spandau Ballet
    Heard the Muzak version of True in an airport recently. Truly a crime against humanity.
  • 9. Waiting For The Great Leap Forward by Billy Bragg
    The only artist on my list who is still making music, as vital and timely as ever.
  • 8. Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth
  • 7. Forever Young by Alphaville
    Still gets me kind of weepy when I hear it.
  • 6. Mickey by Toni Basil
  • 5. Centerfold by The J. Geils Band
  • 4. Spirit In The Sky by Doctor And The Medics
    A one-hit wonder recycled.
  • 3. In A Big Country by Big Country
    I love the anthem-like quality of this songs and so many others from this era.
  • 2. Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant
  • 1. 99 Red Balloons by Nena
    Hate the fact that so many of these 80's treasures are being used in commercials, but still, this one's a keeper.
There are so many great picks! It was fun to reminisce about where I was when I first heard each of these.
By: DM
By: Logick
\o/ rock on!!
By: K.
  • 10. Hey Ladies by Beastie Boys
  • 9. It Takes Two by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
  • 8. Life Loves A Tragedy by Poison
  • 7. 5150 by Van Halen
  • 6. Love And Affection by Def Leppard
  • 5. Let's Go All the Way by Sly Fox
  • 4. Something About You by Level 42
  • 3. The Angel Song by Great White
  • 2. Rocket Queen by Guns 'n' Roses
  • 1. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns n Roses
By: Bonny
  • 10. The Cars by Just What I Needed
  • 9. Head On by The Pixies
    The Pixies are too amazing to even begin to describe.
  • 8. A Little Respect by Erasure
    A favorite of mine, and every gay man.
  • 7. In A Big Country by Big Country
  • 6. Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears
    I love the beginning of this song.
  • 5. The Promise by When In Rome
  • 4. When Doves Cry by Prince
    Very sexy.
  • 3. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    Amazing. The best song to karaoke to while crawling on the ground.
  • 2. Modern Love by David Bowie
    I love him. I want to eat him up.
  • 1. I Know It's Over by The Smiths
    I just think the lyrics to this song are amazing, but they make me sad.
By: eddie tiu
  • 10. Stand/Orange Crush by R.E.M.
  • 9. Away/Sunday Morning by Bolshoi
  • 8. With Or Without You/Desire by U2
  • 7. True/I'll Fly For You/Only When You Leave by Spandau Ballet
  • 6. Upside Down by Two Minds Crack
  • 5. Build by Housemartins
  • 4. German Girl by The Lotus Eaters
  • 3. Just Like Heaven/Close To Me by The Cure
    perfect description of the song
  • 2. Turn Back The Clock by Johnny Hates Jazz
    how i wish i could!
  • 1. Duel by Propaganda
    one of the best!
i dont like mondays=boom town rats/hungry like a wolf-duran2/most of the songs of morrissey and the smiths,depeche mode,the cure
By: Douglas Shano
  • 10. 99 Red Balloons/Luftballons by Nena
    A European group that know how to rock. This song was all about pure fun and just jumping around to it on the dance floor. The German Version is the best even though you don't know what she is saying.
  • 9. Let's Dance/Under Pressure by David Bowie/David Bowie & Queen
    Let's Dance had one of the best dance beats ever and Under Pressure was just awsome song.I like pretty much anything David Bowie did, but these two songs had to be my favourites and that's why I had to put together.
  • 8. Take On Me by a-ha
    A perfect example of an 80's group that made an awsome song and then disappear. This song was turned up everytime it came on the radio and it still is turn up when I hear. An 80's CD won't be an 80's CD without this song.
  • 7. Summer Of '69 by Bryan Adams
    A true Canadian rock is all that is needed to describe Bryan Adams and this song is one that made him that. What Canadian doesn't know this song and doesn't like it to a point. It was his best ever.
  • 6. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    A pure 80's song of it's time. The Simple Minds had to be one of the best 80's group and this song stood out among them all. You just got love the keyboard solos.
  • 5. Phil Collins by In The Air Tonight
    The drum work in this song has to be the best drum work ever. The way it starts of slowing and then blows you away just at the end, leaves you hoping that the song continues. Phil Collins has to be one of the best drums ever.
  • 4. How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths
    Dark, mysteries, compelling and alittle suicidaly. The Smiths were alittle bit darker than many of the upbeat 80's groups, but they are a must group for 80's list. This song has to be their best. Pure Smiths was this song. This song could be release in are time and still rock.
  • 3. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    The number one band of techno-rock music ever, at least that's what I think. And this song says it all. This song had amaze mix of techno sounds with aswome dance beat.
  • 2. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Sting has to be one of the best musicans and songwriters in music. However, when he was with the Police, he was unbelieveable. It has been said that they didn't get along as band, while it seems it didn't stop from make great music. This song be the best example of them all.
  • 1. With Or Without You by U2
    It has to be one of U2's best songs. The distinct sound of the Edge on guitar with Bono interesting voice is perfect on this song. To any listener, it sounds just like a plain old love song, but to a U2 fan, you know it is more than that.
The 80's music was interesting, fun and has some artist that really did some awsome music. However, some of it was pretty cheezy at points, but under all that terrible stuff was some awsome music that still lingers around today. The 80's music rocked!(techno-ed)
By: Brittney Lee
By: Dennis Pearce
  • 10. Paradise City by Guns 'n' Roses
    guaranteed to have you singing along!
  • 9. Dancing On The Ceiling by Lionel Richie
    its hard to imagine a happier song!
  • 8. Poison by Alice Cooper
    an under-ratedly catchy song
  • 7. Little Red Corvette by Prince
    funny opening line, great song
  • 6. Walk Of Life by Dire Straits
    really happy song, really moody album
  • 5. Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    cheesy and great fun!
  • 4. Jump by Van Halen
    all you need to hear is the first few seconds and youre back in the 80s again!
  • 3. Purple Rain by Prince
    a truly beautiful song, 8 mins and 41 secs just isnt long enough!!
  • 2. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'N' Roses
    have you ever heard anyone make a guitar sing better than slash?
  • 1. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    i could never tire of this song, its so much fun!!
bring back the days of long hair, leather jackets, ripped jeans & tight spandex!!
By: Melissa
  • 10. (I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles by The Proclaimers
    Great song at the pub!!!!!! Gets the crowd all singing along.
  • 9. Brass In Pocket by The Pretenders
    Im special........ What a great song to listen to when your down.
  • 8. Wild Thing by Tone Loc
    A hell of a sexy song!!
  • 7. Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode
    Alternative music in todays eyes
  • 6. Antmusic by Adam And The Ants
    One of the forgotten songs....... Im sure this is 80s could possibly be late 70s i cant remember.
  • 5. What I Like About You by The Romantics
    Great words!!
  • 4. Mickey by Toni Basil
    My rollerskating days!!
  • 3. Turning Japanese by The Vapors
    Great song
  • 2. Holiday by Madonna
    One of the best Maddonna songs.
  • 1. Heart Of Glass by Blondie
    Love it love it love it
Eurythmics, The Bangles, B52s, UB40....... theres too many and what about all the one hit wonders. I call it the decade of one hit wonders. Sooo many great songs yet cant remember them all.
By: Jess
  • 10. Love Song by Tesla
    Who doesn't love this song? It's beautiful.
  • 9. With Or Without You by U2
    The Edge plays beautiful guitar in this one.
  • 8. I Remember You by Skid Row
    Sebastian Bach is such a hottie.
  • 7. House Of Pain by Faster Pussycat
    The song has so much meaning.
  • 6. What It Takes by Aerosmith
    Steven Tyler sings it so well. The words just flow with the song.
  • 5. Without You by Motley Crue
    The song is great. The lyrics are great. The singing is great. Everything is great!
  • 4. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
    He sings it with such emotion. I love Brett Michaels and his singing.
  • 3. Paradise City by Guns 'n' Roses
    The best band in the whole entire world!
  • 2. The Ballad Of Jayne by L.A. Guns
    That song is so beautiful, the way he sings it! OMG!
  • 1. I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
    My number 1 favorite song of all time. Richie plays some of the best guitar riffs I have ever heard.
By: Ben
  • 10. Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears
    I first heard this on the Donnie Darko soundtrack, its been one of my favorites ever since. Its just... different.
  • 9. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
    Was actually recorded in 1979, but this is definitely '80s song. The style here later influenced bands such as The Cure and Tears For Fears as well.
  • 8. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'n' Roses
    GNR doesn't have a huge catalogue of awesome songs, and this is one of the few. "November Rain" was '91.
  • 7. Sultans Of Swing by Dire Straits
    Smooth steel guitar sound, great song from a great band.
  • 6. Burning Down The House by Talking Heads
    More reason to put David Byrne as one of my favorite vocalists. Talking Heads were great, and this I narrowly put as my favorite.
  • 5. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Best song to play late at night, very pleasent.
  • 4. Rio by Duran Duran
    "Hungry Like the Wolf" comes close, but I always preferred this, synth riff, sax solo, and all.
  • 3. Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles
    Sort of thing I'll be caught singing to myself at odd moments.
  • 2. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    Not like the Cure's depressing songs, which most of them are... still, an amazing song. As cheesy as it sounds, the lyrics are nice too...
  • 1. Take On Me by a-ha
    Brilliant intro, catchy synthesizer, incredible vocal range. Definitely an all-time favorite of mine. Not the only good A-Ha song by a long shot, but I consider it the best.
'80s music has been my favorite for a while now, even though I was still in diapers at the end of '89. It was a close race, too... making a Top 10 wasn't easy.

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