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: Rianna
  • 10. Never Surrender by Corey Hart
    should be higher up on the list but i couldnt make up my mind
  • 9. Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money
    THE MONEY MAN!!!!!!
  • 8. High Enough by Damn Yankees
    I love this song
  • 7. Tender Years by John Cafferty
    He has one of the best voices ive ever heard
  • 6. Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor
    she might be scarey but still a good song
  • 5. Purple Rain by Prince
    What else can i say?
  • 4. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    Basically any song by micheal is good but this is the best
  • 3. Sister Christian by Night Ranger
    who doesnt like this song?
  • 2. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
    just a great song
  • 1. Careless Whisper by Wham!
    George micheal....enough said!
every generation can appreciate the talent they had in the 80s from the music to the movies. I am forever stuck in the 80s.
By: Todd Moore
  • 10. Land of Confusion by Genesis
    Great song--Great Video
  • 9. A View To A Kill by Duran Duran
    Most popular Bond song ever--and for good reason!
  • 8. Whip It by Devo
    I have the 3-D concert they did on TV, and you know what? This is the only song during that whole concert worth anything!
  • 7. We Are The World by USA For Africa
    The ultimate 80s benefit tune
  • 6. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
    The only song of his I still care to listen to.
  • 5. Down Under by Men At Work
    Men At Work followed the Stray Cats and came just before Huey Lewis and the News for me. This was their best song ever.
  • 4. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    Just plain out fun.
  • 3. If This Is It... by Huey Lewis & The News
    One of the best songs from Sports, and definitely the best of the videos.
  • 2. Runaway Horses by Belinda Carlisle
    Belinda did a bunch of great songs, but this is probably her best ever.
  • 1. Rock This Town by The Stray Cats
    Stray Cats were the first Rock band I got into as I was becoming a teenager and I still love them. This is one of my favorite towns ever!
80s music was the best music ever. There's a lot more great tunes than I could list here--especially from movies like Footloose, Top Gun, and Beverly Hills Cop. I only wish the music of today was this great!
By: Beanie
By: tessa
By: Daniel
By: Sonic Boom
  • 10. I Don't Want To Live Without You by Foreigner
    I LOVE Foreigner. They are one of my all time favorite groups, and this one of their absolute best!!!!
  • 9. Remo's Theme (What If) by Tommy Shaw
    Tommy Shaw is a member of Styx. This song was the theme song to the cult classic "Remo Williams:The Adventure Begins".
  • 8. Don't Wait For Heroes by Dennis DeYoung
    ex-Styx keyboardist/vocalist Dennis DeYoung is very gifted, and this song from his first solo album "Desert Moon" is an excellent power pop tune.
  • 7. Love Theme From St. Elmo's Fire (Instrumental) by David Foster
    David Foster is a musical genius, but he's better known as a producer than an actual recording artist though.
  • 6. Road Of The Gypsy by Adrenalin
    This song is from the movie "Iron Eagle", and I absolutely love it.
  • 5. Hard To Say I'm Sorry/Get Away by Chicago
    Another classic Chicago tune.
  • 4. You're The Inspiration by Chicago
    Chicago is a great band, and this is one of the best songs they ever did.
  • 3. The Touch by Stan Bush
    This song from "Transformers:The Movie" is a classic that should've gotten LOTS of radio airplay back when it was released.
  • 2. Forever Young by Alphaville
    When I first saw the video for this song on VH1 Classic in mid-2002, I immediatley fell in love with it. One of the best songs ever written in my opinion.
  • 1. Sentimental Street by Night Ranger
    Night Ranger is one of my all time favorite bands, and this is the best song they've ever done (sorry Sister Christian). Anyone that hasn't heard "Sentimental Street" already should DEFINATELY check it out!!!
By: Leo
  • 10. World In My Eyes by Depeche Mode
    I could write down only DM's tracks but i won't.I'll try to be fair
  • 9. I Can't Escape Myself by Sound
    ...and where is my mind?
  • 8. Photographic by Depeche Mode
    Great lyrics great beat...just great
  • 7. Face To Face by Twins
    when you're in the mood for a dance
  • 6. Fire In Cairo by Cure
    The definition of Post-punk music
  • 5. Die Roboter by Kraftwerk
    The german version is amazing
  • 4. Big In Japan by Alphaville
    What can i say for this one?
  • 3. The Great Commandment by Camouflage
    Don't know much for this band but they have 2 great tracks this is the first
  • 2. No Tears by Tuxedomoon
    One of the best tracks and it was a b-side
  • 1. Transmission by Joy Division
    OK my fave band ever
By: Anonym
  • 10. Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
    Another soundtrack song... "Top Gun".
  • 9. Drive by The Cars
    Lovely...
  • 8. Kokomo by The Beach Boys
    Remember the movie "Cocktail" with Tom Cruise?
  • 7. Separate Ways by Journey
    Journey didn`t just have sappy love songs! Here`s the evidence.
  • 6. Girls On Film by Duran Duran
    Duran Duran, need I say more?
  • 5. Wouldn`t It Be Good by Nik Kershaw
    This is just so eighties...
  • 4. Don`t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    Simple Minds are one of the greatest bands of the eighties. This song was on the soundtrack to the movie "The breakfast club". Must see!
  • 3. Maniac by Michael Sembello
    From the soundtrack to the movie "Flashdance". Extremely catchy tune.
  • 2. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    The song and the video revolutionized music in eighties.
  • 1. Panama by Van Halen
    Van Halen with David Lee roth was a great period. This song is just the ultimate party song. Go get it!!
What a great site!! What more can I say?!
By: Mottley Kidd
  • 10. Round And Round by Ratt
    This was a hard decision but Round And Round by Ratt sounds so much like the '80s and thats something I love in my music. This band never achieved legendary status like Motley Crue, Guns N Roses or AC/DC but they still released some great stuff that went over looked in the sea of glam rockers that copied the image of Motley Crue but Ratt were one of the greats of the decade that we know and love, the '80s!!
  • 9. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
    It just made the '80s. Released in 1980 after the untimely death of legendary front man Bon Scott. The band quickly bounced back with Brian Johnson and released their most popular album ever!!!! This song is classic AC/DC, very hard to resist!!!
  • 8. Turn Up The Radio by Autograph
    If anyone remembers this song, you will most likely agree with me putting this song on the list!!!
  • 7. Take On Me by a-ha
    Worth the mention for it's immortal tune that we all know and love, but it's tune ain't the only great part, from beginning to end, this song does the '80s proud!!!
  • 6. In My Darkest Hour by Megadeth
    Im my humble opinion, the greatest metal tune ever. The music to this song was incredible, the only thing people could say bad about it is the dark theme it has, but everyone feels like that at one point in their life.
  • 5. Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue
    This was on the charts a very long time in the mid '80s. It was the first time Motley Crue showed a softer side as opposed to their previous "Shout At The Devil" persona.
  • 4. Cars by Gary Numan
    The main tune to this song is so '80s its not funny....but its damn sure enjoyable!!!
  • 3. Peace Sells by Megadeth
    Anyone remember this prime cut of heavy metal with that OH SOOO familiar bass line!!!
  • 2. Out Ta Get Me by Guns 'n' Roses
    A somewhat overlooked song by most, but it mirrored the rock n roll lifestyle which is sadly dead and gone today...
  • 1. Wildside by Motley Crue
    Motley Crue rocked harder than any other band, not just with their music but they truly lived the rock n roll life. This song is a reminder of that!
This list isn't what I'd call the top ten best songs of the '80s. I think thats impossible to narrow an entire decade down to just ten songs, but the songs I mentioned definately make the '80s (and me) very proud. Anyway, Im just a 16 year old so my collection of music ain't as big as some other peoples, but if you saw it, you'd know its strongly based around the 80s. May the 80s live on forever!!!!!!
By: TaLbUs
  • 10. Israel by Siouxsie And The Banshees
  • 9. Let Her Go by Strawberry Switchblade
  • 8. Pan Within by The Waterboys
  • 7. Bringing Home The Ashes by The Wild Swans
  • 6. Matador / Incubus Succubus by Xmal Deutschland
  • 5. Sunday Morning by The Bolshoi
  • 4. China by Red Rockers
  • 3. Duel Jewel by Propaganda
  • 2. The Killing Moon / Seven Seas by Echo & The Bunnymen
  • 1. Burning Flame by Vitamin Z
The eighties... the era which ushered a different kind of music... this was the peak of many unsinkable tunes which up to now, stations still has the pleasure of airing.
By: Hannah
  • 10. Riot Act by Elvis Costello
    "Tryin' to be so bad is bad enough/Don't make me laugh by talkin' tough" -- That kind of emotion is hard to beat, for such a "mellow" song.
  • 9. Strict Time by Elvis Costello
    "Thinkin' 'bout grand larceny/Smoking the everlasting cigarette of chastity" -- killer.
  • 8. The Loved Ones by Elvis Costello
    This song makes me think of The Sopranos.
  • 7. Pills And Soap by Elvis Costello
    The piano pieces in this amaze me.
  • 6. Love Field by Elvis Costello
    I didn't even know this song existed until I bought Girls-Girls-Girls.
  • 5. Our Little Angel by Elvis Costello
    One of the saddest (and yet, most hilarious) songs I've ever had stuck in my head. It's amazing, the serious things EC says with such a light attitude.
  • 4. I Want You by Elvis Costello
    This is one heckuva creepy "love song" -- much like Every Breath You Take. A lot of fun to sing along to, though.
  • 3. Satellite by Elvis Costello
    Makes me think of illustrations of the Roaring 20's.
  • 2. Tramp The Dirt Down by Elvis Costello
    ...Makes ME hate Margaret Thatcher -- and I'm an American teen!
  • 1. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror by Elvis Costello
    Butterflies, turtles, and boys in tigerskin trunks. It doesn't get much better than this.
By: Melissa
  • 10. Our House by Madness
  • 9. Midnight by The Monkees
    They have always been one of my favorite bands, and had some good songs in the 80's. This is my favorite, and shows how good of a singer Micky Dolenz really is.
  • 8. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
  • 7. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
  • 6. Pale Shelter by Tears For Fears
  • 5. Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles
    The first music video shown on MTV... but it was Mike Nesmith (of the Monkees) thatgot the idea and channel started in the 70's. He sold it, then it became MTV.
  • 4. Planet Earth/Late Bar by Duran Duran
    The b-side to Planet Earth is just as good, if not better, than the single.
  • 3. Self Control by Laura Branigan
    This is much better than Gloria.
  • 2. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
  • 1. The Reflex by Duran Duran
    If I have to pick just one #1, this would be it. Followed by Rio, Girls on Film, Notorious, Is There Something I Should Know?, Hungry Like the Wolf, etc...
Keep in mind that I wasn't born until '85, missing half of the 80's and barely remembering the other half. I didn't find out about Duran Duran either until 2002 or so, and quickly became a duranie. Honorable mentions go to Japan, Romeo Void, Yes, Talk Talk, Depeche Mode, and Kajagoogoo.
By: Mike
There are so many good songs from that decade... I struggled trying to narrow it down to 10. I feel that I may have done some songs an injustice by not doing the whole tie thing, but oh well. Most of my songs are just songs that my friends and I sing along to while we're out on weekends. If you want a great 80's soundtrack, check out Donnie Darko... ridiculous 80's songs on there.
By: MaryEllen Sears
  • 10. Something About You by Level 42
  • 9. I Don't Want to Live Without You by Foreigner
  • 8. Life's Been Good by Joe Walsh
  • 7. Can You Feel It by The Jacksons
  • 6. Jeopardy by Greg Kihn Band
  • 5. You Dropped A Bomb On Me by Gap Band
  • 4. 867-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tutone
  • 3. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
  • 2. One Thing Leads To Another by The Fixx
    Still can't get the video out of my head whenever I hear this song.
  • 1. Rock With You by Michael Jackson
    Before he was a freak
By: Jessica
  • 10. Jesse by Carly Simon
    The song I was named after! (They thought I was going to be a boy)
  • 9. Tired Of Toein' The Line by Rocky Burnette
    Another sentimental song between my mom and I. You should check it out.
  • 8. Tomorrow's Lies by Berlin
    I saw them live in concert and they're awesome. This was my favorite song.
  • 7. I'm Going Down by Bruce Springsteen
    A sentimental song, between me and my mom...We used to dance together to this song when I was a kid.
  • 6. Loverboy by Billy Ocean
    I loved the video to this song and I love the song!
  • 5. Heart And Soul by T'Pau
    A one hit wonder, but it was great.
  • 4. Hold The Line by Toto
    Another terrific rock song.
  • 3. Africa by Toto
    I saw them do this live on a concert and let me tell ya, its GREAT!
  • 2. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco
    Another great song!
  • 1. Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell
    This is just a classic, in my eyes.
Just check all these songs out if you haven't already. They're some of my alltime favorites...Wish I could've added more!
By: c.o.l.t.
  • 10. Epic by Faith No More
    best rap metal or funk metal band
  • 9. I Want It All by Queen
    king of rock - queen
  • 8. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
    one of the best ballads ever
  • 7. Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue
    crue`s best song ever
  • 6. You`ve Got Another Thing Comin` by Judas Priest
    the album screaming for vangeance is good, but the song is the best
  • 5. Paradise City by Guns 'n' Roses
    if paradise city is so good, i would die to live in it
  • 4. Panama by Van Halen
    better than jump? maybe
  • 3. Poison by Alice Cooper
    dangerously good
  • 2. Foolin' by Def Leppard
    the best song that def leppard ever recorded
  • 1. Bang Your Head by Quiet Riot
    it can`t be better
the best music was made in 80`s. you can say whatever you want, you will be wrong
By: Ace
  • 10. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
    Always loved Edge's guitar riffs!
  • 9. Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi
    Great Band! This is a classic.
  • 8. A Kind Of Magic by Queen
    My favourite song from queen
  • 7. Paradise City by Guns 'n' Roses
    "Apetite for destruction" was a brilliant album. This one excellent song.
  • 6. What It Takes by Aerosmith
    Aerosmith is my favourite band. Unfortunately, the 80s weren't a very good time for them. This one of the exceptions. A great ballad.
  • 5. Hell's Bells by AC/DC
    It was hard for me to put "Hell's Bells" this low!
  • 4. Never Say Goodbye by Bon Jovi
    It's a masterpiece.
  • 3. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
    I don't usually like Whitesnake, but this song blew me.
  • 2. Patience by Guns 'n' Roses
    No coment! None needed!
  • 1. Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution by AC/DC
    Funny that my favourite song of the 80s appeared in 1980. It's almost a 70s song! :)
By: Miguel Angel
By: Rogan Smith
  • 10. Love Come Down by Evelyn Champagne King
    I love everything about this song. The video looks like she filmed it in the Caribbean too. Just a fun, catchy tune you can vibe with.
  • 9. Let The Music Play by Shannon
    This woman was only 21 when she recorded this song. "We started dancing and love put is into a groove." I love the lyrics. I used to put this on to feel empowered.
  • 8. Smooth Operator by Sade
    I'm a big Sade fan. She's my favourite singer. This song is so nice. It's uptempo and it's really the first song that exposed me to Sade. That's why it's a personal favourite. I begged my mother to tell me who that was belting out that tune beautifully on the radio.
  • 7. Being Boring by Pet Shop Boys
    Amazing. This is one of my favourite groups of all time. These guys are terrific.
  • 6. Never Tear Us Apart by INXS
    Not only is this song amazing, the video is as well. I miss Michael so much. His voice is haunting on this song. It's so powerful and resonates within the soul.
  • 5. A Night To Remember by Shalamar
    This song will make you get up and dance. It has such terrific arrangement. Shalamar was an amazing band. Too bad they don't make them like this anymore. I especially like the ending. Give it a try.
  • 4. Careless Whisper by Wham!
    A beautiful love song of betrayal. George Michael said he wrote this song when he was 15. I can't believe it! That guy is so talented. If you've never heard this song, you are missing out. The saxophone intro draws you into the song. You're gonna fall in love with it.
  • 3. Maneater by Hall & Oates
    A hip advisory song warning every man to beware of a woman who will love you and leave you broken hearted quickly. The lyrics are unlike anything ever. I miss groups like Hall & Oats. This is when music was creative as well as listenable.
  • 2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    These guys are amazing. I fell in love with this song after it appeared at the end of a movie called "Real Genius" with Val Kilmer. This song has incredible lyrics, great music and is incredibly arranged. Don't let these guys' appearance fool you. They sing beautifully.
  • 1. Sweetest Taboo by Sade
    An amazing song about a lover's hypnotic impact. Sade's voice is like crushed velvet and her sound really influenced the 80s and beyond. I can't imagine the industry without her.
80s music was the best. So many artists are still sampling from that era. I miss talented artists.
By: pat gondaq

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