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: Mike C
- 10. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
with that little hint of Sting in the background, (loved the Police too)
- 9. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
Neil Finn is a world treasure.
- 8. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Just a great song
- 7. In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Images of Rebecca De Mornay may come to mind....
- 6. We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel
A short history of the mid to late 20th century. Available in a hard cover.
- 5. Rosanna by Toto
Something about this song always gets me singing along to it.
- 4. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
Great power pop
- 3. Empty Garden by Elton John
Glorious tribute to John Lennon. Great lyric from Taupin.
- 2. Age Of Reason by John Farnham
Aussie great performing a song written by Todd Hunter from Dragon (kiwi's come Australian band from 70s and 80s)
- 1. Blister In The Sun by Violent Femmes
Never ages, this song
Hmm, didn't include Boys of Summer by Don Henley.....
By: Rod Llewellyn
- 10. Do They Know It's Christmas by Band Aid
Still like hearing this one every Christmas season. Good reminder that your situation could be a lot worse so be happy with what you have.
- 9. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd
Technically released December 1979, it wasn't really heard until 1980. The best song on one of the ten best albums of the decade.
- 8. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
The best effort from one of the best artists of the 80's
- 7. Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
I'm not a Billy Idol fan, but the guitar solo in this one kicks a--.
- 6. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
Liked the video almost as much as the song.
- 5. Heat Of The Moment by Asia
Sure, a one hit wonder. There wasn't a song on this album I did not like.
- 4. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by Eurythmics
Love Annie's voice (and haircut).
- 3. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
Wore out a cassette of this album.
- 2. The Rose by Bette Midler
The best song of the 1980's. Pretty good movie, too.
- 1. Every Breath You Take by The Police
Simple and mesmerizing. My favorite band from the early 80's.
Could compile a top 100 for the decade. Not as good as the 70's, but there are some classics out there from the 80's!
By: jimmy eighties
- 10. Stone In Love by Journey
People dislike Journey, because they became too pop, but I particularly like Neil Schon's guitar work on this song. Journey is one of the most talented in rock history.
- 9. I Will Follow by U2
This is U2 when they were a truly unique band, not just the Bono-vehicle that they became after Unforgettable Fire.
- 8. Wishing by Flock Of Seagulls
not as popular as I Ran, but a little better. Austin Powers was wrong. Listen to their greatest hits.
- 7. Save A Prayer by Duran Duran
I like their second album "rio" the best.
- 6. Don't Cry by Asia
This supergroup never got the recognition it deserved.
- 5. Nature Of Love by Ministry
ministry was a pioneering band in mixing in sounds and voices to music. This was a popular mix of their's in the clubs.
- 4. Enola Gay by OMD
a very good song about the plane used to bomb japan.
- 3. New Life by Depeche Mode
dm's first album is a classic.
- 2. Procession by New Order
I love the very beginning of this song. It is like waking up on a rainy day.
- 1. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
A depressing song with a great sound. It is a short song, but very well written.
By: Dave H
- 10. Karla With A K by The Hooters
stupid name for a band, but a great song, if you haven't heard it, check it out.
- 9. Fear Of The Dark by Iron Maiden
awesome song, has to be played live with the crowd involved for best effect
- 8. Fade To Black by Metallica
mellodic, great variety, metallica's best song by far.
- 7. Europe by The Final Countdown
- 6. Breaking The Chains by Dokken
- 5. Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
an 80s must have!
- 4. Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue
Can I get a Hell yeah?
- 3. Don't Stop Believing by Journey
where is this song on the other lists? timeless this is one of my favourite songs
- 2. Theres The Girl by Heart
great beat, good song to do your workout to. Also check out "These Dreams" and "What about Love" by Heart
- 1. Rainbow In The Dark by Dio
outstanding rocksong with some 80s key board as well. Dio should get more credit, he has way more talent than ozzy.
By: Duke of Earl - THe Chain Gang
- 10. Dont Disturb This Groove by The System
- 9. Beatbox by Art Of Noise
- 8. Kiss by Prince
- 7. Word Up by Cameo
- 6. Whats Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
- 5. True by Spandau Ballet
- 4. Monkey by George Michael
- 3. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears 4 Fears
- 2. The Beautiful ONes by Prince
- 1. The Message by Grandmaster Flash & Furious 5
By: CLAUDIA
- 10. Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat
there is a number of songs I couldĀ“ve put on no.10, well, this time I thought of this one so here it is
- 9. Send Me An Angel by Real Life
this song cheers me up
- 8. Blue Monday by New Order
well since they are my favourite band I thought another their song should be on the list+the song really is a classic
- 7. Only You by Yazoo
very nice
- 6. Temple Of Love by Sisters Of Mercy
great song, what else to say
- 5. Love Is A Shield by Camouflage
also great song
- 4. A Question Of Time by Depeche Mode
2nd favourite DM track:)
- 3. Strangelove by Depeche Mode
my favourite DM track
- 2. A Victory Of Love by Alphaville
great song
- 1. True Faith by New Order
my favourite song ever
I couldĀ“ve put u bunch of other songs that I also like so much, but since it is a top 10 list, I tried to single out 10 songs that would pretty much reflect my preferences in 80s music
By: Poppy Tommy
- 10. Oh la la la by TC Matic
A mighty classic of Eurorock, signed by Arno. Probably totally unknown to you anglosaxon-oriented people, but who cares ?
- 9. Beats Of Love by Nacht Und Nebel
It rains in my heart... Pop melancholy. My youth revisited. But hey, guess this moves you as much as a broke car. You see, de gustibus et coloribus non disputandum est. (what's this guy thinking ? this is a damn pop site !)
- 8. Rendez-vous by Pas de deux
Ranked some of the lowest on Eurosong 1983, though actually this is a memorable song. Once you hear it, you'll never forget it. At least when you understand Dutch. And, dear readers of this site, arguably this will not be the case for most of you.
- 7. J'aime la vie by Sandra Kim
This song won Eurosong in 1986. It was simply the best. Sandra was actually performing illegally, being only 15 at the time. Now she's in her thirties, and though her current music is far away from the eighties' glitter pop, that's how she'll be remembered forever. I hear you thinking: so fucking what ? We never even heard of this woman !
- 6. Puerto Rico by Vaya Con Dios
Finally something you might have heard on the radio. You might even have a record or CD of their music. Understandably, since their songs are really great.
- 5. I Lie And I Cheat by Won Ton Ton
Bea Van der Maat. I included it in the list for the pure sake of remembering the eighties, and because it's fucking difficult to find ten Belgian top hits in one decade. Bea and her group weren't top, their group name says it all...
- 4. I'm Into Folk by Bart Peeters
Ah ... abso-fucking-lutely great song. So good that, at first, I thought this was some kind of world hit at the time. Little did I know that it was performed by one of our multidecade Flemish songwriters/performers/talk show hosts/...
- 3. Guido Belcanto by Op zoek naar romantiek
A most authentic guy, actually resident of my own town. I don't know the song listed above, seems to have been his first hit. This guy is really only himself, very romantic, kind of oldfashioned galant guy with a gipsy haircut and dressed from time to time in women's clothes.
- 2. Anne by Clouseau
Clouseaumania hit Belgium and the Netherlands end of the eighties. Teenage girls fainting, Beatles-style. "Anne", according to the song text a pretty wild girl, hit like a hurricane. Though in their late thirties now, they still gather huge audiences, mostly consisting of the women who were teenagers in the eighties. Some macho men consider this as purely commercial music, though I think they made a number of great songs. So what, you think ? Hey man, I am *also* listening to Bach and playing his music on my piano - isn't that a reference ? (I know... now I'm sounding really pretentious)
- 1. Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic
The first techno hit in the world, performed by a half-Belgian and produced by a fully fledged one ! As you guys were still in the realm of glittery eighty pop, a new decade was dawning under the statue of Manneken Pis ! It got to number two in the American hit charts. Still wondering who had the guts to be number one back then.
This whole list probably doesn't make any sense to you addicts of English and American pop. Just wanted to show there's still another world beyond... But hey, honestly, I did like Duran Duran, U2, Simple Minds, and even Madonna (who was superb in her, let's say, sexy virginal years) Saluut en de kost !
By: Riley
- 10. Runnin' With The Devil by Van Halen
This song is really underrated but actually very cool, I first heard it on the detroit rock city movie soundtrack.
- 9. Love Is A Battlefield by Pat Benatar
Well it was a real toss up to choose one of her songs coz theyre all great but this was probably one of the best.
- 8. Final Countdown by Europe
Oh come on you all know it de de de de didededede lol it's such an anthem and oh so catchy!
- 7. The Warrior by Scandal With Patty Smyth
Man this song wicked but hardly anyones heard it or doesn't remember it by name! Had to have a mention.
- 6. Cherry Pie by Warrant
Oh yeah, pop metal at its peak lol
- 5. Like A Prayer by Madonna
Legend
- 4. Don't You Forget About Me (breakfast Club) by Simple Minds
This song is so instantly memorable when u hear it aye
- 3. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
Such a feel-good rock out to song.
- 2. 18 And Life by Skid Row
Well I just have to say go hair metal! I love this song its just so strong.
- 1. Sweet Child O'Mine by Guns N Roses
Wow this song is just my number 1 of all time! Awesome riffs and solos and well it's just the coolest!
Well okay I admitt it, I wasn't even born when most of this music came out but its my favourite era of music ever and it sure beats the junk we call music now! :D
By: Bev
- 10. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
I remember listening to song all day at work..it's like it's was everyones favorite. They played it over and over on the radio but I still could not get enough of it.
- 9. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
This song hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm still jamming to this hit everyday!
- 8. Rosanna by Toto
Man I love Toto...This song was written about Rosanna Arquette. I remember watching the video and loving everything about it.
- 7. She's Like The Wind by Patrick Swayze
Again the movie says it all....Dirty Dancing. My daughter and I love this movie as well and watch it often.
- 6. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
The Breakfast Club says it all...I'm still a big fan of this movie and this song. My daughters love it.
- 5. Rapture by Blondie
Even though her rapping was different and weird it still had it's place. I use to rap this song to my mom....ofcourse she thought that I was weird but it's one of my fundest memories of the eighties and her.
- 4. Maneater by Hall & Oates
This song did not have the much impact on me in the beginning...it's like I did not hear then what I hear now. I love this song so much...especially the sax....it's very sexy.
- 3. Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol
This song is hot and I felt in my stomach he first time I heard it. Billy Idol is so Hot in this video....the video reminded me of the "In the Air Tonight" video....because they both have the single close up head shots.
- 2. In The Air Tonight by Genesis
I heard this song for the first time on Miami Vice. It was the very first episode...which I watched and fell in love with the song and Phillip Michael Thomas. I still watch this show today with the same anticipation that I had back then.
- 1. Every Breath You Take by The Police
This song had a very strong impact on me. I have a saying....Whenever a friend or family members hears this song whether they or with or without me. They must say out aloud...."This is Bev's most favorite song in the "Whole Wide World" lol...
All these songs I have on my Ipod along with my other favorites. Something about you...by Level 42 Always something to remind me...by Naked Eyes Only the Lonely ...by the Motels Sister Christian...by Night Ranger Lucky Star...by Madonna "Mama" & Everything by Phil Collins 1999 & everything else ...by Prince Sledge Hammer...by Peter Gabriel Betty Davis Eyes...by Kim Carnes My List Goes on forever....and I listen to them all on my Ipod everyday!
By: Peter @ NYC
- 10. I Zimbra by Talking Heads
What can you say about David Byne - Saw the heads on their first tour - walk out early to herky jerky for me - they evolved and developed into a musical power during the 80's. Saw David Byne on his last tour in a small venue and was blown away by his creative energies - another with staying power
- 9. Tattoed Love Boys by Pretenders
Chrissie Hynde and the original Pretenders not to be confused with the other permutations that followed. This group was the real deal - saw them live in a small club during their 1st US tour and they rocked the house - great memories
- 8. Blue Monday by New Order
Dance the night away with this one - a classic club dance song that you will still hear today - they had many good songs but this was their breakout hit.
- 7. How Soon Is Now by The Smiths
Haunting & Powerful and has the same effect after all these years - Emotion just flows from this classic tune.
- 6. More Than This by Roxy Music
Roxy Music - Brian Ferry post Eno but still a classic song.
- 5. Straight To Hell by Clash
Song still stirs emotions - AmerAsians left behind in Vietnam a war this country has too soon forgot. Remember seeing the Clash perform this live on national TV during a live broadcast of Saturday Night Live - quite haunting - pure Clash and much more intense then the studio version.
- 4. She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult
Another classic, intense dance tune - close your eyes and just groove to the beat.
- 3. Midnight by Yaz
The bluesy voice of Alison Moyet and layered sounds of Vince Clark (who started Depeche Mode and after Yaz formed Erasure) could never be matched. If Alison had lost the weight Belinda Carsile had with the Go Go's she would have been a superstar. The greatest female voice of the 80s.
- 2. Night Like This by Cure
Still fresh after all these years - my favorite of the vast Cure library of hits.
- 1. Twist And Crawl by English Beat
If this tune doesn't make you get up and dance then your already dead.
I was immersed in music during this period others that I would like to mention - Special AKA, Fine Young Cannibals, B-52's, Specials, Billy Idol w/ Steve Stevens on guitar, Cowboy Junkies, Scars, UB40, Wooden Tops, Lounge Lizards, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis Costello & the Stone Roses.
By: Godai-san
- 10. A Shot In The Dark by Ozzy Osbourne
I think this is Ozzy's last "great" album. And this song rocks! Love the guitar solo (of course).
- 9. Winner Takes It All by ABBA
As might have already noticed, my taste in music goes all over the place. There are other songs I like more from ABBA, but this is my favorite one they released in the 80's.
- 8. Oh, Superman by Laurie Anderson
I used to love to catch the video on USA's "Night Flight" on weekends. A totally interesting piece of music.
- 7. Still Of The Night by Whitesnake
I think this is their best tune. I am addicted to guitar solo's. This one is somewhat unique.
- 6. Powerslave by Iron Maiden
I feel as if I am in ancient Egypt, when listening to this one. This band makes you feel close to the subject that they are singing/playing about.
- 5. Alone, Again by Dokken
A wonderful ballad, from this hair metal band. Wonderful guitar solo.
- 4. On The Turning Away by Pink Floyd
David Gilmore is an under-rated guitar player. His solo's are among the best in music history (in my humble opinion). This has one of his top efforts.
- 3. Ticket To The Moon by ELO
A monster album, "Time" by ELO. The best song of the bunch is this one. I always imagine myself flying onboard a Space Shuttle, when listening to this one.
- 2. Falling Off The Edge Of The World by Black Sabbath
One of the best guitar riffs, ever, by Tony Iommi. Song starts out slow, but speeds up to a frenzy! A must listen.
- 1. The Trooper by Iron Maiden
What a rush! I could feel myself, riding down towards the Russians on my steed! AWESOME!
It is hard making a top 10 list, of just about anything. I took a shot at it. I remembered some other songs, after making this list. I can post them on the next list, somewhere else.
By: Godai-san
- 10. A Shot In The Dark by Ozzy Osbourne
I think this is Ozzy's last "great" album. And this song rocks! Love the guitar solo (of course).
- 9. Winner Takes It All by ABBA
As might have already noticed, my taste in music goes all over the place. There are other songs I like more from ABBA, but this is my favorite one they released in the 80's.
- 8. Oh, Superman by Laurie Anderson
I used to love to catch the video on USA's "Night Flight" on weekends. A totally interesting piece of music.
- 7. Still Of The Night by Whitesnake
I think this is their best tune. I am addicted to guitar solo's. This one is somewhat unique.
- 6. Powerslave by Iron Maiden
I feel as if I am in ancient Egypt, when listening to this one. This band makes you feel close to the subject that they are singing/playing about.
- 5. Alone, Again by Dokken
A wonderful ballad, from this hair metal band. Wonderful guitar solo.
- 4. On The Turning Away by Pink Floyd
David Gilmore is an under-rated guitar player. His solo's are among the best in music history (in my humble opinion). This has one of his top efforts.
- 3. Ticket To The Moon by ELO
A monster album, "Time" by ELO. The best song of the bunch is this one. I always imagine myself flying onboard a Space Shuttle, when listening to this one.
- 2. Falling Off The Edge Of The World by Black Sabbath
One of the best guitar riffs, ever, by Tony Iommi. Song starts out slow, but speeds up to a frenzy! A must listen.
- 1. The Trooper by Iron Maiden
What a rush! I could feel myself, riding down towards the Russians on my steed! AWESOME!
It is hard making a top 10 list, of just about anything. I took a shot at it. I remembered some other songs, after making this list. I can post them on the next list, somewhere else.
By: Justin
- 10. I Wanna Know What Love Is by Foreigner
Couldn't leave this track out, brilliant vocals by Lou Gramm, and Mike Jones' songwriting ability deserves a credit on this song. One of the greatest riff sequences ever at the end also.
- 9. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
All of Michael's music was brilliant when he was black, truly devastating that his life took the turn it did..
- 8. With Or Without You by U2
Bono first showed his lyrical brilliance on The Joshua Tree, arguably one of U2's greatest album, and definately the one which put them on the map to stay.
- 7. New Years Day by U2
In this list ultimately because it is one of my favourite songs ever, but is truly a classic U2 track.
- 6. Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith
A perfect song, by one of the greatest bands i ever had the fortune of seeing live.
- 5. Under Pressure by Queen
Arguably one of the greatest lyricists of all time, Freddie Mercury and Queen were a truly great band, delivering hit after hit until Freddies tragic death.
- 4. Wanted (Dead Or Alive) by Bon Jovi
The accoustic versions Bon Jovi have done of this classic are truly brilliant.. A great rock/country song which have absolutely mind blowing riffs.
- 3. Any Way You Want It by Journey
A truly great 80's song by one of the greatest 80's bands.
- 2. Listen Like Thieves by INXS
Australia's greatest ever band, this song really put them on the charts for the first time.
- 1. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
A true classic with an actual meaning behind the lyrics. U2 put themselves at actual risk with the IRA by releasing this song, typifies U2's attitude.
Eighties music was truly the stepping stone for all rock music... Bands the likes of U2, INXS, Bon Jovi, Journey, Van Halen, Foreigner, truly shaped our lives. It must be noted that the good do indeed die young.. John Lennon, Michael Hutchense and Freddie Mercury, three of the greatest contributors to music...
By: shane "THE LIST"
- 10. Run To You by Bryan Adams
canadian content.
- 9. Pale Shelter by Tears For Fears
another band i hate, but i cant deny the talent. they have about 3-4 good songs only.
- 8. Easy Lover by Phil Collins And Phil Bailey
without bailey this is an average tune.
- 7. In Your Room by Idle Eyes
give this band credit..somebody! also tokyo rose is another.
- 6. We Run by Strange Advance
beautiful song.
- 5. New Years Day by U2
powerful
- 4. Lovesong by The Cure
you cant find someone who hates this song!
- 3. Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham
the talent behind fleetwood mac. musically sound and complex.
- 2. Its My Life by Talk Talk
yes this is better than the new version by no doubt.
- 1. Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
i hate depeche mode and the way the sing...how did they luck out on this one?? sheer brilliance.
i think this list will appeal to guys over women as the songs arent too flamboyant.
By: Liz
- 10. Brass In Pocket by The Pretenders
Not as raw as some of the other female rock vocalists at the time but Chrissie Hynde was 10x as sexy.
- 9. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
Never has crawling through the jungle looked so sexy.
- 8. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
Bringing "goth" mainstream.
- 7. Ted, Just Admit It by Jane's Addiction
Raw, unfettered rock. Jane's is a major influence for every new modern rock band that has come out in the past decade.
- 6. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns 'n' Roses
Screw Kurt Cobain. Axl was the messiah that saved us from hair metal overload.
- 5. Gigantic by The Pixies
The Pixies still sound as fresh today as they did when they first came out in the late 80s.
- 4. King Of Pain by The Police
Can't say anything about this song that can't be derived from listening to it. Simply fantastic.
- 3. Take On Me by A-ha
Although the high note may infer otherwise, a-ha's lead singer is not a eunich.
- 2. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Where was Maury Povich when this fable of false paternity was created?
- 1. Thieves Like Us by New Order
Best known for being heard in the background as Andie (Molly Ringwald) pieces together several pink prom dresses to make her piece de resistance in Pretty in Pink.
It is nearly impossible to narrow a decade of interesting, awesome and influential music into a list of 10. Ask me tomorrow and you might get an entirely new list.
By: Chris Fournier
- 10. Love Like Blood by Killing Joke
Patriarchal Battle Hymn
- 9. Mad World album by Tears For Fears
A gentler introduction to the darker realm
- 8. Run To The Hills by Iron Maiden
Let the Air Rock concerts begin
- 7. Maid Of New Orleans by OMD
Beautiful Reflections of Darkness - those are guys singing?
- 6. Al-Naafiysh - The Soul by Hashim
A Classic electro/breaks track to this day
- 5. Opportunities by Pet Shop Boys
Electro-Disco anthem
- 4. Flying Lip Lock by Ted Nugent
Motor City MadMan
- 3. Anything by RUSH
most under-rated Canadian talent
- 2. Anything by XTC
Insightful,quirky and Bang On!
- 1. Anything by Front 242
Industrial kings, early techno
Honourable Mentions: Art of Noise, Billy Joel, Public Enemy, Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, PIL, Bauhaus, Roxy Music, AC/DC, Van Halen, U2, ABC, Ultravox, INXS, Human League, Bauhaus, Simple Minds, Beastie Boys, Clash, Pink Floyd and many, many more.
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