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: Aaron Benes
  • 10. Still Rock 'n' Roll by Billy Joel
    Wasn't the 80's all about rock and roll anyway?
  • 9. I Guess Thats Why They Call It The Blues by Elton John
    Eltons best work was in 70's, but is still one of the best
  • 8. Kiss by Prince
    C'mon
  • 7. Careless Whisper by Wham!
    Great seduction ballad
  • 6. You're my Inspiration by Chicago
    Best love song of the 80's. Actually Chicago produced all the good love songs.
  • 5. Life In The Fast Land by Eagles
    Best song by the best 80s band
  • 4. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
    Why doesn't anyone have this on their list!! This is the first song that even comes to mind when someone says the word 80's.
  • 3. Jesee's Girl by Rick Springfield
    It may not even make my top 50 of all time, but it is in my top 3 for the 80's. Great jam.
  • 2. We Built This City by Jefferson Starship
    I don't care if everyone thinks this song is bad. It DEFINES the 80s
  • 1. Back in Black by AC/DC
    This song can continually be rocked out to.
This list took much time on jumbling around the order, but should be taken under great consideration.
By: T-MONEY
  • 10. Enter the Sandman by Mettalica
    Classic....breautiful....Rocks
  • 9. Thunderstruck by AC/DC
    Incredible Longevity---Played in every sports arena (stadium) today
  • 8. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    Aaron there's ur song This song is wat we call a money song.
  • 7. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns n' Roses
    Great power ballad...simply put. Goes down smooth every time
  • 6. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns n' Roses
    This song is the epitomy of 80's rock
  • 5. Round And Round by Ratt
    Great song....1-hit wonder right there boys and girls
  • 4. Shoook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
    Still popular today.
  • 3. Don't Stop Believin' by journey
    great song
  • 2. Panama by Van Halen
    How could you forget this great Rock&Roll song?
  • 1. Open Arms by Journey
    The greatest ballad of all time (Aaron I look like steve perry" James )Period.
The 80's were a great period of rock music, power ballads, and big hair.
By: Jan
By: Tello Salduci
  • 10. Depeche Mode by Never Let Me Down
    This song has a haunting subliminal reference to Gahan's later heroin addiction I do firmly believe.
  • 9. UB40 by Red Red Wine
    This song has probably appeared on more soundtracks than any other.
  • 8. Goodbye Horses by Q Lazzarus
    Tough to put a former cab driver on the top 10 list of the 80s who only made 1 song, but this chilling track will make anyone who hears it think back to Buffalo Bill's monologue in the award winning Silence Of The Lambs. This song was made in 88, and is on The Married To The Mob soundtrack, but its notoriety soared when Bill dresses up like a woman in Demm's other movie.
  • 7. Every Breathe You Take by The Police
    Not too much explanation needed here.
  • 6. How Do I know? by Whitney Houston
    I don't really care for Whitney (or her addictions), but this track on her debut album really made me move. It doesn't completely sell out to the new-wave dance of 1985, and keeps some of it's bluesy roots. Narada Micheal-Walden's brainchild here. The song really is a boisterous track.
  • 5. Land of Confusion by Genesis
    Land of Confusion is an excellent track. Read the lyrics before listening to the song.
  • 4. Everybody Wants to Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    This duo deserves mention. Mad World is another great track, but this one apprised the Americas of who they were.
  • 3. Living Daylights by A-Ha
    Probably the best thing about Timothy Dalton's inaugural 007 appearence.
  • 2. Have In Mind by Cetu Javu
    An excellent track by an obscure band. Their Spanish tracks are great too.
  • 1. Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
    Depeche Mode are my favorite band. Their music has a unique style to it that resonates with the user, and stands out due to its macedoine of melodic genres that it comprises. This particular track si the group's undisputed masterpiece. (Best video I have seen too).
Tried to mix it up a bit with my selections, but I am pro-electronic/synth (especially in this era).
By: Donald Lind
By: E. Benes
  • 10. You're The Voice by John Farnham
    Corny yet inspirational.
  • 9. Great Southern Land by Icehouse
    Atmospheric electro-pop tune which was robbed of commercial success.
  • 8. Girls On Film by Duran Duran
    Duran Duran demonstrates why they dominated the decade. Catchy hit with provocative filmclip to match.
  • 7. In A Big Country by Big Country
    A crossover hit with impelling lyrics.
  • 6. You Spin Me Right Round by Dead Or Alive
    Twenty years later and its still a dance-floor favourite.
  • 5. 99 Luftballons by Nena
    Massive 1980s hit from Deutschland which includes many references to the Cold War.
  • 4. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    "I want my MTV." One of the best guitar riffs ever.
  • 3. Planet Earth by Duran Duran
    Duran Duran's most underrated hit. A definite new wave classic.
  • 2. Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode
    With it's bizarre instrumentation, metallic beats, buzzy synthesizers and intriguing lyrics, this song is unforgettable.
  • 1. Shout by Tears for Fears
    A timeless classic which incorporated many key elements of 1980s new wave.
The top 10 tunes of the 1980s according to myself. Unfortunately, some great songs just missed out. Notable mentions include "I Ran" by A Flock Of Seagulls, "Little Lies" by Fleetwood Mac, "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, "The Living Daylights" by A-ha and "Dark Spaces" by Richard Clapton.
By: ferasabutaqieh
  • 10. Burning Heart by Survivior
  • 9. Beat It by Michael Jackson
  • 8. You'r A Women by Bad Boy Blue
  • 7. You Can Win (If You Want) by Modern Talking
  • 6. Brother Louie by Modern Talking
  • 5. Atlantis Is Calling by Modern Talking
  • 4. Self Control by Laura Braningan
  • 3. Touch In The Night by Cilent Circle
  • 2. In The Heat Of The Night by Sandra
  • 1. You Are My Heart, You Are My Soul by Modern Talking
By: Lilly
  • 10. I Know There's Something Going On by Frida
  • 9. Blue Monday by New Order
  • 8. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of this by Eurythmics
  • 7. Church Of The Poison Mind by Culture Club
  • 6. Planet Earth by Duran Duran
  • 5. You Spin Me Round by Dead Or Alive
  • 4. Girls just wanna have fun by Cyndi Lauper
  • 3. Searching by Hazell Dean
    One of the best club tracks of the 80's
  • 2. Only You by Yazoo
    My secnd fav band with my second fav track...Moyet's lush vocals and Clarkes fruity synth would dominate the charts the year this gem was released
  • 1. When All IS Said And Done by ABBA
    My fav song by my fav band from my fav album ever ever ever ever! The Sound of Pure Syntho pop at it's best!
Way too many other bands too mention but thumbs up also to Siouxsie and the Banshees, Erasure, Thompson twins, FGTH,TFF, Police, The Flirts, Lime, ...and the list goes on
By: Laura Di Pace
  • 10. La Isla Bonita by Madonna
  • 9. Touch me by Samantha Fox
  • 8. Cherry Cherry Lady by Modern talking
  • 7. Enola Gay by OMD
  • 6. Shout by Tears For Fears
  • 5. I Like Chopin by Gazebo
  • 4. I Know There's Something Going On by Frida
  • 3. Happy Children by P.Lion
  • 2. Big in Japan by Alphaville
  • 1. Sounds Like A Melody by Alphaville
    THE BEST!
By: Hippy Halfwit
  • 10. Under Pressure by David Bowie and Queen
    Do I need to explain this one?
  • 9. Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty Macoll
    A christmas song that gets a whole bar swinging and singing any time of year - surely the true mark of a classic
  • 8. If I Was by Midge Ure
    nuff said
  • 7. We Didnt Start The Fire by Billy Joel
    Has got to be the ultimate list song ever
  • 6. Alive And Kicking by Simple Minds
    Was a tough decision between this and DYFM so thought what the hell they both should be here
  • 5. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    Countless 80s film soundtracks cant be wrong
  • 4. Marys Prayer by Danny Wilson
    Pretty much a one hit wonder but what a hit Everything is wonderful Everything is heavenly
  • 3. Mad World by Tears for Fears
    Yes kids it was a cover and this versionis sooooooooo much better
  • 2. Hourglass by Squeeze
    The chorus has got to be one of the catchiest (is that a word?) of the 80s
  • 1. Oblivious by Aztec Camera
    The song is divine with lyrical prowess from the 17 year old Roddy Frame worthy of the likes of Morrissey or Michael Stipe and the tune s damn fine too............
In truth I could probably do 10 different lists depending on my mood I have purposely kept The Smiths and New Order etc out cos it would have taken too long to make comments on the songs
By: Michael Black
By: Enmanuel G.
  • 10. Words by F.R. Davis
    Don't ask me why I like this song, you won't understand
  • 9. If You Leave by OMD
    Ok I admit it, I love "Pretty in Pink".
  • 8. Boderline by Madonna
    The 80s were cheezy but who cares!
  • 7. Forever Young by Alphaville
    I'll always remember my best pal in HS loved this song and we used to sing along to it.
  • 6. Notorius by Duran Duran
    Maybe not the best DD song but it is to me since it's one of those songs that bring good memories back.
  • 5. I'm On Fire by Bruce Springteen
    One of the best rock songs of the 80s. Some hardliner might think that "Born in the USA" sucks since it was a mixture of pop & rock but I think it's one of the coolest albums ever made.
  • 4. The Power Of Love by Peter Cetera
    From the movie "Karate Kid II". It doesn't get any more 80s than that
  • 3. You Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House
    One of the best bands ever! These guys just rock and this song brings back great memories.
  • 2. Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone by Glass Tiger
    I've tied these 2 songs because I love them both. They bring back memories of my last year of HS. Glass Tiger is a great band.
  • 1. Magic by Olivia Newton John
    Some may think this's a 70s song but it was release in 1981 actually (IIRC). This's my fav song of the 80s, period.
I'd make a million entries list but I think I just summarized my fav songs from the 80s even when many were left out: Huey Lewis & The News, Dan Hartman, Brian Adams, Richard Marx and others.
By: kiley
  • 10. Easy Lover by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins
    I love both of their voices!
  • 9. I Ran by Flock Of Seagulls
    one of those songs that you know could get stuck in your head
  • 8. Alone by Heart
    Always loved this song because it had strong vocals and strong "music" behind it!
  • 7. Down Under by Men at Work
    ..you better run you better take cover.....
  • 6. I'm So Excited by Pointer Sisters
    Ok so i couldn't pick one Pointer Sisters song because these are my absolute favortes of the group!
  • 5. Love is a Battlefeild by Pat Benatar
    I loved the music video!
  • 4. Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
    I love this song!
  • 3. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    ...all i can say is this has a lot of memeories to it! me and my freinds know the WHOLE lyrics!
  • 2. Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
    Even tho this was a "one hit wonder" kind of a song it still rocks. Its lyrics are really uplifting..."Ain't nothin gonna break my stride, ain't nothin gonna slow me down, OH NO, I gotta keep on movin!"
  • 1. Rock the Casbah by The Clash
    This song is awesome! The first time I heard it it instantly became my favorite....gotta love the Clash!
Ok this was a quit hard task..tear tear I love many many 80's songs that just couldn't fit on this "Top Ten" list lol but I do have to say that the 80's had the best music(even tho i wasn't an 80's child) and what else decade could you find a song about "Sunglases at Night"!
By: Leanne
  • 10. Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
    Come on.. You know you sung it!
  • 9. When I See You Smile by Bad English
    THe power balad chorus... Loves it.
  • 8. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    Dude... Obvious.
  • 7. Love Shack by B-52s
    Who didn't dance to this in high school?
  • 6. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson (aKa Whacko Jacko)
    So catchy.. Brilliant. Michael is a genius.
  • 5. Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll by Guns 'N' Roses
    Listen to the song. Do iiiiiit :
  • 4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham
    JITTERBUG dammit! LOL.
  • 3. Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
    Enough said.
  • 2. I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
    TIED!
  • 1. Always by Bon Jovi
    Soooooooo sweet. I LOVE it. One of my favourite songs EVER. :)
Keep in mind when reading my list that I am only 17 years old... Most of these songs are older than I am =P
By: roby
  • 10. Don't Know What You Got by Cinderella
    -
  • 9. Dance by Ratt
    -
  • 8. Breaking The Law by Judas Priest
    -
  • 7. Hot For Teacher by Van Halen
    -
  • 6. Billie Jean by Micheal Jackson
    -
  • 5. Radar Love by White Lion
    -
  • 4. Youth Gone Wild by Skid Row
    -
  • 3. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
    -
  • 2. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    -
  • 1. Round 'n' Round by Ratt
    - really good song
these are my fav rock songs of the 80s
By: Nono
  • 10. Material girl by Madonna
  • 9. Our house by Madness
  • 8. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by Eurythmics
  • 7. Ella vendrá by Don Cornelio y la Zona
  • 6. Bizarre Love Tiangle by New Order
  • 5. Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
  • 4. Love Is A Shield by Camouflage
  • 3. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
  • 2. Big Mouth Stricks Again by The Smiths
  • 1. Lovesong by The Cure
    o la version de Voltaire
Haced un promedio!!!
By: Lou
  • 10. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears for Fears
    Would choose all TFF's songs if I could!! guitar and Curt's voice in EWTRTW are amazing. The piano intro and the bit where Roland sings 'Oh i feel so.....' is just fantastic.
  • 9. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Excellent introduction, very catchy but I still can't reach the high notes! Also, remember I remember the video at the end when Morten looks at the girl - just the look on his face did something to me!
  • 8. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
    Beautiful, quite haunting song with a video that yes, did scare me (those faces I think!)
  • 7. Rio by Duran Duran
    What can I say! just pure pop perferction. Nick's keyboards at the beginning just make this song (but I think I am a little biased though!)
  • 6. Talk Talk by Talk Talk
    Another very under-rated band of the 80's. His voice was very distinctive and suited their songs perfectly.
  • 5. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    Very catchy, also liked Wishing as well, video did make me feel a bit dizzy though!
  • 4. Pale Shelter by Tears for Fears
    I can relate to the lyrics with my previous relationship - 'I've been here before, there is no why, no need to try, I thought you had it all, I'm calling you, I'm calling you' Superb.
  • 3. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo
    Very catchy, good pop song. Remember Limahl's hair more than anything in the video but he did look quite cute!
  • 2. The Reflex by Duran Duran
    Gets me dancing every time! The bit just before the chorus is excellent and I just love Nick's pout in the video in that bit!
  • 1. Famous Last Words by Tears for Fears
    From the The Seeds of Love album. Roland's voice just makes me melt! The lyrics are so beautiful as well - 'After the wash, before the fire,I will decay, Melt in your arms. Just lovely!
It was so hard to choose just 10! Being a massive Tears for Fears fan (Roland especially, miaow!)it was hard to pick others!. I was born in 1982 so I guess I was born about 15 years to late, although its great to still have the memories
By: Deanne
By: Allan
  • 10. It's Raining Men by Weather Girls
  • 9. Every Breath You Take by Police
  • 8. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poisen
  • 7. All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You by Heart
  • 6. Live To Tell by Madonna
  • 5. We Didnt Start The Fire by Billy Joel
  • 4. With Or Without You by U2
  • 3. Summer Of 69 by Bryan Adams
  • 2. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'n' Roses
    classic
  • 1. Eternal Flame by Bangles
    The ultimate pulling song at the school discos.
By: Jim Bob Cooter
  • 10. Cum on Feel the Noize by Quiet Riot
    I don't see how you can feel noise, but its sick anyways.
  • 9. Jane Says by Jane's Addiction
    Jane says she's through with Sergio. He treats her like a rag doll. But thats ok man, she dont like him anyways.
  • 8. Hot for Teacher by Van Halen
    Reminds me of my 75 year old English teacher.
  • 7. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns n Roses
    I cannot hum this riff.
  • 6. One by Metallica
    The guy in this song is really unlucky cuz hes almost dead.
  • 5. Grant is a Retard by Jimmy and the Jaguars
    Not many people know this band or song, but it is just insane. The guitar solo is sort of like Richie Blackmore and Slash combination.
  • 4. Dr. Feelgood by Mötley Crüe
    Reminds me of my 75 year old English teacher.
  • 3. Back in Black by AC/DC
    Back in White just doesnt sound as good.
  • 2. True Men Don't Kill Coyotes by Red Hot CHili Peppers
    True men must not kill coyotes or eat quiche.
  • 1. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
    It reminds me of Micheal Jackson. Haha good times....

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