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: John Bagwell
  • 10. Take On Me by a-ha
    Seemed to keep cropping up on the radio no matter the time of day. Great listening any time of the day.
  • 9. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
    Another of her favorites that also became one of mine.
  • 8. Heaven Is A Place n Earth by Belinda Carlisle
    First real girlfriend loved this song, it became one of my favorites. Went separate ways after high school. Wonder where she is now?
  • 7. Heart And Soul by T'Pau
    Loved the canon-style of rock and talk-singing. Excellent blend, very catchy without being anoying.
  • 6. Cry Little Sister by Gerard McMann
    Loved the movie, loved the song even more.
  • 5. Toy Soldier by Martika
    Just sticks with me.
  • 4. The Look by Roxette
    What in the world could make those brown eyed girls so blue?
  • 3. Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles
    Song with a style and beat that really foreshadowed the "techno" style still to come.
  • 2. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
    First time I heard it was on "Karate Kid" - the first one. The other two, well, (ouch!)
  • 1. Forever Young by Alphaville
    Were we not all young once? "I want to be forever young!!!!"
I loved growing up inthe 80's. Born in the early 70's let me grow up in the peace and quiet of the late 80's. Post-Vietnam and Pre-911. Those really were the days.
By: John jaybee Alo
  • 10. Taste Of Love by Den Harrow
  • 9. State Of The Nation by Industry
  • 8. Boys Don't Cry by The Cure
  • 7. 2 Rivers by The Adventures
  • 6. Upside Down by 2 Minds Crack
  • 5. What's Your Name? by Depeche Mode
  • 4. I Melt With You by Modern English
  • 3. Love Moves in Strange Ways by Blu Zoo
  • 2. Kitchen Sink Drama by Soft Cell
  • 1. Moore To Lose by Siona Dancing
Honorable Mentions Feels Like Heaven- Fiction Factory The Distance Between Us- Fra Lippo Lippi How Soon Is Now- The Smiths Ghost In You- The Psychedlic Furs Absolute Reality- The Alarm Dum Dum Girls- Talk Talk Telecommunication- The Flock Of Seagulls Thinking Of You-The Colourfield Smalltown Boy- The Bronski Beat Envelope Ideas- The Dawn Doctor Doctor- The Thompson Twins This is The Day- The The Dancing with Tears in my Eyes- Ultravox Borderline- Madonna Time After Time- Cyndi Lauper Victims- The Culture Club thanks 80's for giving us the best decade ever!!! Peace
By: Jammn Jake 90fm stevens point
  • 10. Don't Know What You Got 'Til It's Gone by Cinderella
  • 9. Small Town by John Cougar
  • 8. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns 'n' Roses
  • 7. Fallen Angel by Poison
  • 6. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
  • 5. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
  • 4. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
  • 3. You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi
  • 2. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
  • 1. I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
    Rocked in the 80' 90's and oh yeah in the 2000's
By: Gimics
By: Renato
  • 10. Always On My Mind by Pet Shop Boys
    When we can't forget someone
  • 9. Piano In The Dark by Brenda Russel
    To listen to in a dark room drinking white vine
  • 8. Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
    Needs no comments
  • 7. Yo No Se by Pajama Party
    We can't be stopped listening this latin rhythm
  • 6. One Moment In Time by Whitney Houston
    Excellent to finish relationships
  • 5. Infinity by Guru Josh
    You feel like flying over oceans
  • 4. Rent by Pet Shop Boys
    Have you already been in love with a scort girl?
  • 3. Unexpected Lovers by Lime
    I lived in one night exactly what is written in the lyrics and that beat...
  • 2. Silent Morning by Noel Page
    Until the present days I can't remember a song that makes everybody wake up and dance not mattering the age
  • 1. Fascinated by Company B
    It was playing in a night club when I met the most beautiful woman I've ever had in my entire life, and she made me feel fascinated.
That's my 80's top
By: Redd
By: LawrenceBuck
  • 10. Open Your Heart by Madonna
    The "Queen of Pop"; no list would be complete without the Material Girl. She taught me to think of women as being just as powerful as men. Pretty cool, hunh?
  • 9. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    The most played song of all time (I think???) The Police helped define the eighties.
  • 8. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
    I want this phrase engraved on my tombstone. These guys are smarter than most pop groups. They don't take themselves as serioulsy as most people believe they do.
  • 7. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    What can you say about this guy? The most slickly produced album maybe of all time. Too bad he turned into a complete celebrity freak.
  • 6. Panama by Van Halen
    Van Halen were an incredible 80's band. Hard rock/Top Forty.
  • 5. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    This song turned out to be an accurate reflection of the social values of the "me generation". And a great eighties band.
  • 4. Jack And Diane by John Cougar
    One of my first albums was "American Fool". An American classic.
  • 3. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    So stylish that it gave them substance...an eighties icon.
  • 2. Heart Of Glass by Blondie
    The first "new wave" hit single. Blondie were, not ahead, but RIGHT on time.
  • 1. When Doves Cry by Prince & The Revolution
    The single most talented artist of the eighties. Think of all the songs that he recorded and all the songs of his that others recorded!!!!!
This is just a list of some songs that I remember being on the radio. Pop radio RULED during the eighties! (I could come up with other 80's comprehensive lists.) Enjoy!
By: Paul aka Bloopy
  • 10. Nagasaki Sauce (1985) by Macc Lads
    The pub-going lads from Macclesfield jokingly sing about food in this catchy tune.
  • 9. Expecting To Fly (1988) by Headless Chickens
    A twisted dark alternative song from a cult New Zealand band.
  • 8. Ballad Of Bodmin Pill (1989) by New Model Army
    I'm not the first person to mention this song on this page, it's an edgy, catchy post-punk tune that you can't help but love.
  • 7. Satan's Fall (1983) by Mercyful Fate
    No doubt most people aren't into satanic power metal but this is an epic song and a big highlight of Mercyful Fate's music.
  • 6. Eye Of The Beholder (1989) by Metallica
    A brilliant song from And Justice For All
  • 5. Working For The Company (1987) by Anti-Nowhere League
    An absolutely amazing song to come from what was supposedly a crude British punk band, this song is industrial-sounding late 80s rock of sorts and is a must-hear!
  • 4. Yeah Right (1981) by Girlschool
    An upbeat tune with fun guitars from the British girls of metal
  • 3. Blackened (1989) by Metallica
    Another brilliant song from And Justice For All
  • 2. Harvester Of Sorrow (1989) by Metallica
    I guess this is my theme song, a solid powerful song from my favourite album of all time: And Justice For All - an album which combines so much emotion and anger to make something special.
  • 1. I Love Rock 'n' Roll (1982) by Joan Jett
    A cover of The Arrows but nonetheless a great rock tune and inspiration for many, far too catchy as well.
But in the 80s I was just watching The Muppets!
By: Veronica Harry
  • 10. Something About You by Level 42
    Where are they now? LOL...this song was great.
  • 9. Demolition Man by Sting
    You think they'd get back together if I sold both kidneys?
  • 8. Run To You by Bryan Adams
    Best Bryan Adams song ever.
  • 7. Here Comes The Rain Again by Eurythmics
    Can't say much....but this song is great.
  • 6. Human Nature by Michael Jackson
    Oh...the days when Michael was cool. That song was my favorite off the Thriller album, and I think it was the best song he's sung.
  • 5. Sweet Love by Anita Baker
    Amazing artist, very underrated. That song is gorgeous, and her voice is beautiful.
  • 4. Modern Love by David Bowie
    Bowie rocked, end of story.
  • 3. Mama by Genesis
    I know a lot of people don't like the Phil Collins days of Genesis, but you gotta admit, this song was great. Collins' maniacal laugh still makes my hair stand on end.
  • 2. Wrapped Around Your Finger by The Police
    Wow. What a band. Damn them for breaking up. I'd sell my kidney to see them live.
  • 1. Englishman In New York by Sting
    I have to stop whatever I'm doing - wherever I am, no matter what time it is - when this song comes on. Be yourself, no matter what they say.... Yeah, I'm a HUGE Sting fan.
Honorable mentions: Howard Jones-What is Love, Opus-Life is Life, Def Leppard-Love Bites, Tina Turner-What's Love Got To Do With It
By: robin
  • 10. Vienna Calling by Falco
    Another good Falco-song. #10 in the UK 1986.
  • 9. You Win Again by Bee Gees
    Heard it nearly every day long time ago. I think i heard it TOO much but I still like it.
  • 8. Juliet by Robin Gibb
    This song I really like more than every Bee Gees-song. It has got such a fantastic rythm.
  • 7. Jeanny by Falco
    This refrain - woah. Very good song.
  • 6. The Final Countdown by Europe
    Everybody knows it, (nearly) everybody likes it.
  • 5. China Girl by David Bowie
    This great melody, especially at the beginning. I love it!
  • 4. Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor
    Nearly the only BIG hit of them... but the song is fabulous.
  • 3. Big In Japan by Alphaville
    Just a great song....
  • 2. You're The Voice by John Farnham
    He's really got THE voice. Great melody, great text, great song.
  • 1. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco
    A really great song and a big hit everywhere in the world. Some people say that he had only this one hit, but this isn't really true. :/
Yeah.... the 80s are really great. 8)
By: JAIME BRACAMONTE ALVAREZ
THE LIST IS NOT IN SOME ESPECIAL ORDER, IT´S ONLY TEN OF A LOT MARAVELOUS SONGS.
By: Lumil
Que si coleguitas, los ochenta han dado lo mejor de la música de todos los tiempos (o no)
By: Mr Osama Bin Davis
By: Christian Eckles
  • 10. We Didnt Start The Fire by Billy Joel
    ehhh this song pretty much summed up the 20th century in about 4 minutes.
  • 9. White Wedding by Billy Idol
    Another famous 80's song
  • 8. Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
    Seriously... who hasent heard of this song
  • 7. Bad Medicine by Bon Jovi
    Bad medicine is what I need
  • 6. Working For The Weekend by Loverboy
    If theres is anyone out there who hasent heard this one its awesome... and true
  • 5. Round And Round by Ratt
    Awesome hair band Song
  • 4. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    We got ot install microwave ovens... Custom kitchen deliveryeyeye's we got to move these refrigertators.. we got to move these color TVeeeee's. Conclusion: This song rocks!
  • 3. Rock You Like A Hurricane by Scorpions
    Great Song by a Great Band.
  • 2. Midnight In Tokyo by Y&T
    I'm suprised more people havent heard of Y&T, midnight in tokyo is an excellent song. Any 80's rock fan should listen to this one.
  • 1. The Final Countdown by Europe
    This is the greatest song ever! Mic Michaeli was excellent on the keybord along with Joey Tempest with the vocals. This song is a must listen and is very catchy.
Alright to some things up 80's music rules (especially rock), their are so many other bands out there i didnt even get to name. If anyone out there ever wants to talk about 80's rock (especially Europe) i would be happy to. Anyway... Its the Final Countdown where leaving together ahh what the hell i'm done L8tr.
By: Kellie
  • 10. Don't You Want Me? by The Human League
    makes u feel good!
  • 9. Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles
    so retro!
  • 8. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    love it :)
  • 7. Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    how can you not like bon jovi?
  • 6. Hurt So Good by John Cougar
    everyone loves john mellancamp..
  • 5. Whip It by Devo
    just a party tune
  • 4. Red Red Wine by UB40
    awesome
  • 3. Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor
    rocky..that says enough
  • 2. Centerfold by J. Geils Band
    enough said
  • 1. Jack & Diane by John Cougar
    this song is so great, it continues to be awesome!
all these songs are great for anyone who even sorta likes 80s music
By: Karla
I was born in 1984 so I really missed out on the 80's the first time through. Every one of these songs makes me sing along everytime I hear it! Not sure if all of these songs are from the 80's, but I think they are.
By: DR. Nathan Lundquist
  • 10. Shock The Monkey by Peter Gabriel
    Tisk,tisk for this shocking[pardon the pun]snub of one of the great singles of the 80's
  • 9. In My Room by Yazoo
    Everyone had their album,"Up stairs at eric's"
  • 8. Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant
    top ten reggea.
  • 7. Call Me by Blondie
    Richard Gere as a gigilo,and blondie wrote the theme.
  • 6. Beautiful World by Devo
    This video defined early mtv.
  • 5. I Will Follow by U2
    Their first big single
  • 4. Da Da Da by Trio
    Those silly germans.
  • 3. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    How did ya miss it.
  • 2. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Great song.
  • 1. Train In Vain by The Clash
    It came off of london calling,and with punk attitude,the clash didn't list it on the album,then released it as the single.
By: Brianne Jazz
  • 10. Hot Girls In Love by Loverboy
    Loverboy, was such a total classic 80's pre fab rock group, that I had to include them, and even though this wasn't their biggest hit, it's one that screams fantastic 80's rock.
  • 9. She Bop by Cyndi Lauper
    This song made it cool to be explicit, and landed a spot on the Filthy Fifteen. She did what no female dared to do, and wrote a song about you know what. I mean WOW!!!
  • 8. Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles
    Well, what can I say, they were a great band, all girls. Plus this dance is idiot proof, and had everyone in 1986 "walking like an egyptian!" Oh, the trends.
  • 7. Rebel Yell by Billy idol
    This song is a phenomenal mixture of punk, and metal. Billy Idol was the coolest 80's punk, and with the lip and the fist punch, how can you deny it. Still one of the most noticable of Idol's songs off his best album ofcourse.
  • 6. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
    I absolutely love U2, and I think that Bono is one of the most noble and modest singers alive. He and U2 really stand for something, this was a great alternative track that i can listen to over and over again. Plus we need to remeber that the 80's weren't just pop music like so many people think. Every style was important, new wave, metal, rock, punk, pop, and alternative.
  • 5. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
    They're image, they're songs, and ofcourse Boy George! He was different, and his voice was really different too. That's what makes this ong so great, they were so new, and cool, nobody had seen anyone like them. Just a great band and classic hit!
  • 4. Everything She Wants by Wham!
    People like to say that George Micheal's lyrics and songs were way too poppy. Well he actually wrote fantastic lyrics, they are great! He and Andrew Ridgley were a powerhouse team. I love their songs, and they're very danceable too. So pop one in and hit a dance floor!
  • 3. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'n' Roses
    The Guns are one of the greatest metal bands ever. They were so huge in the late 80's, and defined the late 80's rock. Between Slash's power chords, and Axl's wheezy whail, they were such a cool sound. One of the greatest metal songs of ALL time.
  • 2. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    Not even words can describe the success of this album, Thriller is the all-time best selling album, and it's title track, Thriller was amazing. Plus it had the first ever mini movie music video, and the dancing in it speeks for itself.
  • 1. Rio by Duran Duran
    Such an upbeat song, which personified the 80's image, style, and sound.For God sakes, the album cover was a Nagel. Definate 80's, plus they're just so dang cute! They tought the world to have fun with their vidoes too! Rio is such a fun song and video. Still totally listenable, a track that stands the test of time!
Well, this was really hard, to choose songs that are more about impact than popularity. I mean these songs really had to change pop culture, thats why it's so hard to choose JUST 10!!!
By: Bea
  • 10. Pride (In The Name Of Love) by U2
  • 9. The Look by Roxette
  • 8. White Wedding by Billy Idol
  • 7. Blue Monday by New Order
  • 6. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
  • 5. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'n' Roses
  • 4. With Or Without You by U2
  • 3. Like A Prayer by Madonna
  • 2. The Sun Always Shines On TV by a-ha
  • 1. Take On Me by a-ha
By: Louie
  • 10. It's A Sin by Pet Shop Boys
    yeah
  • 9. Girl, You Know It's True by Milli Vanilli
    Cool
  • 8. Big In Japan by Alphaville
    YEAH
  • 7. Reality by Richard Sanderson
    Nice
  • 6. Bad by Michael Jackson
    It's cool
  • 5. Midnight Lady by Chris Norman
    I sing it for my love
  • 4. Cheri Cheri Lady by Modern Talking
    MT again
  • 3. Brother Louie by Modern Talking
    Look to song 2
  • 2. You're My Heart, You're My Soul by Modern Talking
    The best Band of the World
  • 1. Jeanny by Falco
    Dramatic

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