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: dj steve
  • 10. Suedehead by Morrissey
    this song is cool i think it was the first solo song by morrissey by far the best
  • 9. Running In The Family Album by Level 42
    i know it an album but every song is brilliant!!!
  • 8. Red Lights by Curiosity Killed The Cat
    iknow its an album track but its the best on it
  • 7. Always On My Mind by Pet Shop Boys
    i like the album version better (introspective)
  • 6. House Arrest by Krush
    i think they only had 1 hit but it was the daddy of all house tunes
  • 5. Sweet Serender by Wet Wet Wet
    cool song
  • 4. A Night Like This by The Cure
    i still play this band all the time disintigration / the wish fantastic!!!!!!!!!
  • 3. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    same again totally love this band
  • 2. Transmission by Joy Division
    ilove anything by joy divsion they were a band way before there time!!!!
  • 1. Shattered Dreams by Johnny Hates Jazz
    this song takes me right back to when i started my first job
By: Bibian
By: Gwenny
  • 10. Love Shack by B-52's
    Greatest Dance Song of the 80's, without a doubt!
  • 9. Open Arms by Journey
    Another one of those cheesy love songs, yet so wonderful.
  • 8. Beautiful In My Eyes by Josh Kadison
    No words can describe this song, it's beautiful, and is a great song to slow dance too, which is why it was one of the most requested songs at weddings in the 80's.
  • 7. I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
    A very powerful love ballad, one of the greatest ever. The only other one I think could top this one as a POWER ballad would be Michael Jackson and friends AIDS song.
  • 6. Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    Who could NOT love this song? This song was for me the song of my freshmen year. My friends and I sang this song incessantly, we got in trouble in so many classes, for randomly bursting into this song.
  • 5. I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley, and Jennifer Warnes
    The first time I heard this song, was at my 8th grade dance, and I loved it. Then my mom bought me the movie, and I went through 11 of them, before I finally got it on dvd.
  • 4. Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker, and Jennifer Warnes
    This song is so beautiful, and makes me believe in love all over again
  • 3. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
    This song epitomizes cheesy loves songs in the 80's, and i love cheesy.
  • 2. I was Made For Loving You by Kiss
    Another one of those great dance songs, and I love listening to it while I'm driving
  • 1. You Make My Dreams by Hall&Oates
    This song makes me wanna dance, and also make love at the same time.
Okay there were way too many songs to choose from. Was Not Was- Walk The Dinosaur, Holding Out For A Hero- Bonnie Tyler, The Pretenders- I Would Walk 500 Miles, Whip It- Devo, Time After Time- Cyndi Lauper, Heaven Is A Place on Earth- Belinda Carlisle. Those Are My Alternate's.
By: Xena Ward
  • 10. Cars by Gary Numan
    What a song to round out the list. Terrible at best, but far ahead of my number 11, Wang Chung. "Dexter's the dog...And his wife's Bev McBog...du du du...Warren!"
  • 9. The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades by Timbuk 3
    First heard about this song at school by a druggo, but thought it was pretty huge when I heard it. Another weird one, but these are the songs we will never forget. Beat Depeche Mode by half a length.
  • 8. Good Thing by Fine Young Cannibals
    A dead set shocker, yet it has to be in anyway. A fine band this mob, with several other good hits, but this was clearly the pick of the crop.
  • 7. Wild Wild West by Escape Club
    A classic to round out the 80's. While Mandy was handing out valium, the sheriff busy talking to the DJ's. This band typified all that the 80's was and clearly beat Men Without Hats into this list.
  • 6. Gold by Spandau Ballet
    In a word, brilliant. "You've got the power to know you're indestructable." Has anyone produced a better line than that?
  • 5. Just Like Paradise by David Lee Roth
    This man was the 80's. Simple as that. A clear cut above anyone else, he ruined the Beach Boys 'California Girls' by singing way out of tune. His knack for making noises at inapproapriate times was memorable.
  • 4. Mexican Radio by Wall Of Voodoo
    Another oddity. These guys were quite unique, but the song is a classic. "I wish I was in Tiajuana eating barbequeued Iguana." Who on earth came up with that?
  • 3. Oh Yeah by Yello
    Has anyone heard a weirder song than this? Perhaps Captain Beefheart's Magic Band would give it a shake. Unusual yet addictive, a brilliant song.
  • 2. The Perfect Day by Fischer Z
    One of the best bands of the 80's. Well not really. Apart from this and 'So Long' they never really did anything. Great song.
  • 1. Hot For Teacher by Van Halen
    Clearly the greatest song of all time. So out of control that you've just gotta love it. And a fantastic video clip to go with it.
Apologies to more outstanding artists such as Motley Crue, Gunners, Poison, Def Leppard, Brian Adams, AC/DC, Hoodoo Gurus. And other dodgy songs such as 'And We Danced', 'Freeze Frame', 'Turning Japanese', 'Always Something There To Remind Me', and anything by Striper.
By: D.Vickery
  • 10. No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn by The Beastie Boys
    Gotta give it to 'em. They're still goin'.
  • 9. King of Pain by The Police
    They never should have split up.
  • 8. Subdivisions by Rush
  • 7. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
  • 6. Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode
  • 5. Bad by U2
    Not released as a single. The song is from the Unforgettable Fire. The band still play the song live today while touring. Just a great song.
  • 4. Pale Shelter by Tears for Fears
  • 3. Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears
  • 2. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    A great tune. I think the 80's were wrapped around this song.
  • 1. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
    Simply the best song ever recorded. From the opening riffs of The Edge's guitar to Bono's soaring voice. Brilliant.
I think I'm going to have to put together at least a dozen lists, the era had so many good songs.
By: Brian
  • 10. All Those Years Ago by George Harrison
    This 1981 classic paying tribute to John Lennon rocks. R.I.P. George Harrison!!!!
  • 9. Cool Night by Paul Davis
    Great song to play with the one you love. True soft rock gold from 1981.
  • 8. The Doctor by Doobie Brothers
    1989 was the year of 70s group coming back like the Bee Gees, Donna Summers, & The Doobie Brothers to name a few.
  • 7. Centerfield by John Fogerty
    I love the game of baseball! So you know this 1985 classic had to be on the list.
  • 6. Money$ Too Tight To Mention by Simply Red
    I think way to many of us are living this song! How can a song talking about the bad times make you smile? 1985
  • 5. Somebody Save Me by Cinderella
    Everyone just looks at this band as another "hair band". This song shows off their rock chops like no other! 1987
  • 4. The Captain Of Her Heart by Double
    One of the best songs of 1986! The words are pure 80s cheese, but the music more than makes up for it.
  • 3. Running In The Family by Level 42
    "Like a father plays his drums, like a father like a son." Just listen to the words of this song some time. Great song from 1987!
  • 2. Suberbia by Pet Shop Boys
    Hands down one of their best songs. Still play it today often. 1986
  • 1. Panama by Van Halen
    One of the best party songs ever!! No one beats Diamond David Lee Roth. 1984
So many other songs that could have been top 10.."West End Girls" by Pet Shop Boys, "Uner The Milky Way" by The Church, "Holiday" by The OTher Ones, "Girls, Girls, Girls" by Mötley Crüe, "Stages" by ZZ Top and on and on and on!!!!
By: Julie
  • 10. Mr. Roboto by Styx
    It is Styx. What other comment do you need?
  • 9. The Reflex by Duran Duran
    This song is just so bouncy! It has got the great beat to it that just shouts 'I'm From the 80s!'
  • 8. 99 Luftballons by Nena
    First started in Germany then moved to America and became an instant hit!
  • 7. If This Is It by Huey Lewis and the News
    Just a god song by a good band that is often overlooked when people talk about the 80s.
  • 6. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
    A great song by U2. I just love the emotions that the band puts into all their songs.
  • 5. Owner of a Lonely Heart by Yes
    A truely wonderful song.
  • 4. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by Eurythmics
    In about 1983 this song hit the top. It really is a great song to here and remember back to.
  • 3. Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band
    A really fun classic song.
  • 2. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
    A classic.
  • 1. With or Without You by U2
    Possibly one of the most romantic songs of the 80s.
My picks are truely the best.
By: Rafael R. Padron
  • 10. Telefone (long Distance Affair) by Sheena Easton
  • 9. That's What Friends Are For by Dione Warwick And Friends
  • 8. Beat It by Michael Jackson
  • 7. Take On Me by A-Ha
  • 6. Dancing In The Dark by Bruce Springsteen
  • 5. Purple Rain by Prince And The Revolution
  • 4. The Goonies (Are Good Enough) by Cyndi Lauper
    ALL WE GREW UP IN THE 80'S AND WATCHED THIS FILM..AND THE SOUNDTRACK MAKES U DANCE!!!
  • 3. WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT by TINA TURNER
    She came straight from the 70's just to win grammys, and she's a survivor - I love her!!!!
  • 2. Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    This song has the typical sound of the 80's, and it's great!!!
  • 1. We Are The World by USA for Africa
    They were the best, and the documentary about the making of the video is amazing, and I like a lot when Cyndi Lauper screams!!!
By: Rafael R. Padron
By: Ron
By: Samer Sarhan
  • 10. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
    A fantastic love ballad by former Genesis frontman. All you can remember listening to this song is John Cusack carrying a boombox over his head blasting out this song.
  • 9. One More Night by Phil Collins
    A smooth and groovy crooner by Phil Collins. The song was so good even Martin Scorsese loved it, he included it in his movie that year, 1986, The Color Of Money.
  • 8. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    Yeah whatever! Tears For Fears ruled with this song.
  • 7. Love Is A Battlefield by Pat Benatar
    A sensational song about youth, angst, and love. Benatar's sharp and cracking vocals were unavoidable in the 80's. Another good song: Invincible.
  • 6. Live To Tell by Madonna
    This is one of Madonna's least considered songs, but it's musical complexity and aching lyrics and an overall feel that is just breathtaking makes it undeniably original and one of the best of the 80's.
  • 5. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    The most memorable bass line ever played. Sting's masterpiece.
  • 4. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    A song with an awesome tune, and amazing lyrics. Mr Mister only made a couple of hits, but this song remains an unforgettable 80's gem.
  • 3. Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor
    Rising up, back on the street, up on the charts and it's still a hit! Rocky III not only cemented Sylvester Stallone's status as the biggest movie star of the 80's, it also boosted the career of the band Survivor with tremendous hooks and a beat and rhythm that was/still is unforgettable.
  • 2. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    The Breakfast Club is an 80's classic motion picture about the youth of that generation. The movie produced one of the most memorable tunes in rock history. Don't You is an awesome rock tune that you can't feel ashamed of listening to today at high volume in your car with the windows rolled down!
  • 1. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    There's no arguing that Michael Jackson was the biggest star, wrote the best songs and had most of the spotlight in the 80's. Billie Jean is his highlight moment even 20 years on.
Due to change as my list of 80's hits are countless.
By: Samantha
  • 10. Release It by Morris Day & The Time
  • 9. Koo Koo by Sheila E.
  • 8. Mutiny by The Family
  • 7. Mia Bocca by Jill Jones
  • 6. Sex Shooter by Apollonia 6
  • 5. If A Girl Answers (Don't Hang Up) by Vanity 6
  • 4. Valley Vista by Wendy and Lisa
  • 3. Since I Fell For You by Apollonia
  • 2. Pretty Mess by Vanity
  • 1. Sometimes It Snows In April by Prince
By: Casey
  • 10. Get A Haircut by George Thorogood
    What a poke at rock n' roll. ??
  • 9. State of Independance by Jon & Vangelis
    If you know this one, you may understand why I placed it in the top ten. Light hearted with a mix of harmony that flows with the horn.
  • 8. On the Dark Side by John Cafferty
    The 80's really propelled the "movie soundtrack" era and industry. For the money and the content, "Eddie and the Cruisers" soundtrack, (I feel) was the only album with full merrit.
  • 7. Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
    Back to the roots, blues, yet, the story of pain, and reflection for what can't be forgotten.
  • 6. Fine Fine Day by Tony Carey
    One of those songs that reminice of how it was compared to how it could be.
  • 5. Once In A Lifetime by Talking Heads
    "and you may find yourself..." when all the world's questions gang up and hit you at once, this was the song that was written for those days. For... "it's the same as it ever was"
  • 4. United (British Steel) by Judas Preist
    Something about the rythm and the feel to this song places it here.
  • 3. Jack n' Diane (American Fool) by John Cougar
    Just clean good ol' fun.
  • 2. Red Barchetta (Moving Pictures) by Rush
    Nothing to comment except, who can't picture themselves driving this car as you race towards the one lane bridge?
  • 1. Telegraph Road (Love Over Gold) by Dire Straits
    The rise and fall of a town/city, Listen to the story and see how much of it you can understand in today's mixed up world. Yes the song is long, however, in context to the rest of the album (Love Over Gold) it sums up the feel of the album. For those of you who have never listened to this whole album, it is recommended by me that you listen to all 5 tracks. :)
The 80's rock scene ventured and broke into the many facets, all the sub genes that went from "AM" pop dance, rock n' roll had a hard time keeping up, the world changed. the 70's were over, the old bands either kept pace or gave way to the "new" breed of music.
By: D.T.B
  • 10. Pleasure Principle by Janet Jackson
    this was my "Kiss my ass" anthem. Janet rocks!
  • 9. There's No Stoppin Us by Ollie and Jerry
    this was a theme song to myself everytime i played the song - i had to rewind it a good dozen times. the song has a great energy about it. you didn't have to be involved with breakdancing to figure that out.
  • 8. Baby Be Mine by Michael Jackson
    loved the harmonies of his vocals and the music really complemented the track. very sexy song and easy to dance to. while the radio was wearing the hell out of "Thriller" and "Billie Jean" I was going to the unknown.
  • 7. Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar
    this *itch is bad! anything she ever put out was on my radio.
  • 6. Photograph by Def Leppard
    Ok in highschool black people thought i was nuts as i was few of the colored kids listening to rock. I absoulutely love these guys! rock of this caliber deserves to be heard by all.
  • 5. Union of the Snake by Duran Duran
    who didn't want to sleep these guys.
  • 4. I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) by Hall and Oates
    the first 13 seconds leading into the first verse of this song just smokes..... i love the bassline in it and all the other beats. another classic to date.
  • 3. Dress You Up by Madonna
    all i could continue to ask myself was "what is she wearing"?, knowing all the time she would be one of musics dominating sex kittens.
  • 2. Urgent by Foreigner
    back then there was an urgency to see pepole making out to this song. i still can't get enough of this song till this day.
  • 1. Time (Clock of the heart) by Culture Club
    one of the many songs i couldn't wait to hear on the radio as it affirmed my many crushes. Though nighttracks videos (rembember them? were like the saturday night matinee for me...to get to see Boy George...WoW!! although I was unsure whether he liked boys or girls...he pretty much helped me to solidify my own conclusion.
now that you know who's inspired me throughout the years ...go check out our music... http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/01/default.cfm?bandid=23824&content=main&songid=0
By: Paul K
No particular order.
By: Jeremy Graven
  • 10. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by The Eurythmics
    I love Annie Lennox's voice.
  • 9. One In a Million by Guns N Roses
    Say what you will about what were considered to be (for the time) controversial lyrics or what an ass Axl is, this song totally rocks.
  • 8. Boyz-N-the-Hood by Eazy E
    Hip hop has to be represented on any 80s list. It was a toss up between this and PE's Bring The Noise.
  • 7. One by Metallica
    Sure, some of their fans thought this was the beginning of their selling out because of the music video, but it introduced me to thrash metal.
  • 6. Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears
    Easily the best Tears for Fears song.
  • 5. Under Pressure by Queen/David Bowie
    Don't get me started on that godawful cover. At least it was for charity.
  • 4. Don't You Forget about Me by Simple Minds
    80s lists are null and void without including John Hughes.
  • 3. The Mercy Seat by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
    Nothing better than some post-punk about the final moments of a deathrow inmate. All I gotta say is Nick Cave is a god. Johnny Cash's cover is great too.
  • 2. Mercy Street by Peter Gabriel
    Sure, In Your Eyes is great, and the trendy pick. Sledgehammer had the best video. But Mercy Street is pure beauty.
  • 1. Darling Nikki by Prince and The Revolution
    Purple Rain could be the best album of the 80s if not the best album of all time.
I went against the grain of what is thought to be good 80s songs to go with what I think is the best from the decade. Each of these songs are included in all my playlists.
By: Kaleigh and Melissa
  • 10. Get out of My dreams Get into My Car by Billy Ocean
    I love this song!!!
  • 9. Walkin on Sunshine by KC and the Sunshine Band
    Up beat and Fun
  • 8. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
    Rockin song. very upbeat. its my Jumpin Song!
  • 7. Like a Virgin by Madonna
    Its madonna. Enough said
  • 6. Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
    Smooth and Intense at the same time
  • 5. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    Good tune. Definitly a good song for teens figuring out all that Love crap
  • 4. What you Do to My Body by Lee Aaron
    Very Very Hot
  • 3. Where the Streets have No Name by U2
    Powerful. AMAZING
  • 2. Pour some Sugar on Me by Def Leppord
    This song is WAY WAY cool
  • 1. Here I go again by Whitesnake
    Good song to Pick up and carry on your life with
kayleigh and My List is just a bunch of songs that we all sing together. we love to sing these in class and seeing as we arnt really born in the 80s (although i think that 1989 SHOULD count) we love all 80's tunes. these are all the songs we play and have a good time. we didnt really know how to place all the songs we basically just threw them in there. they are all number one to us!
By: SAM-Indonesia
  • 10. Freedom by Wham
    This is pure 80s. Many memories are returning when I hear this one.
  • 9. Easy Lover by Phil Collins & Phillip Bailey
    A combination style of R&B & Art Rock(Earth Wind & Fire plus Genesis), nobody could play that song as well as they did!
  • 8. Got My Mind Set on You by George Harrison
    The best single from GH's works
  • 7. I Just Called to Say I Love You(OST) by Stevie Wonder
    A wonderful work from SW
  • 6. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    In my opinion this is a special gift from MJ to 80s
  • 5. Lay Your Hands on Me by The Thompson Twins
    It is just so 80s. No further comments.
  • 4. Mama by Genesis
    This is a genuine piece of work ever created (by Genesis without Peter Gabriel)
  • 3. Don't Answer Me by The Alan Parsons Project
    Don't remember the album but I like the song.
  • 2. Handle with Care by The Traveling Wilburys
    Again. They shared us a simple beautiful color of music.
  • 1. Video(OST) by Jeff Lynne
    This is an unforgettable piece of music.JL combines some unusual instruments(spoons, forks and glass) to make him 'stand out for taste'
There are so many songs in 80s that could comfort me but these ten songs are ever lasting.
By: SAM-Indonesia
  • 10. Freedom by Wham
    This is pure 80s. Many memories are returning when I hear this one.
  • 9. Easy Lover by Phil Collins & Phillip Bailey
    A combination style of R&B & Art Rock(Earth Wind & Fire plus Genesis), nobody could play that song as well as they did!
  • 8. Got My Mind Set on You by George Harrison
    The best single from GH's works
  • 7. I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
    A wonderful work from SW
  • 6. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    In my opinion this is a special gift from MJ to 80s
  • 5. Lay Your Hands on Me by The Thompson Twins
    It is just so 80s. No further comments.
  • 4. Mama by Genesis
    This is a genuine piece of work ever created (by Genesis without Peter Gabriel)
  • 3. Don't Answer Me by The Alan Parsons Project
    Don't remember the album but I like the song.
  • 2. Handle with Care by The Traveling Wilburys
    Again. They shared us a simple beautiful color of music.
  • 1. Video by Jeff Lynne
    This is an unforgettable piece of music.JL combines some unusual instruments(spoons, forks and glass) to make him 'stand out for taste'
There are so many songs in 80s that could comfort me but these ten songs are ever lasting.
By: Paul
  • 10. Atomic Dog by George Clinton
  • 9. She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer
  • 8. Funkytown by Lipps, Inc.
  • 7. Upside Down/I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross
  • 6. Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club
  • 5. Sweet Dreams Are Made of These by Eurythmics
  • 4. Don't You Want Me by Human League
  • 3. Situation/Don't Go by Yaz
  • 2. I Feel for You by Chaka Khan
    [Editor: Now here's a song that spells 1980s]
  • 1. 1999 by Prince

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