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: Will Gertler
  • 10. Picture Book by Simply Red
  • 9. Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream) by The Icicle Works
  • 8. Love Like Blood by Killing Joke
  • 7. Nova Heart by The Spoons
  • 6. When Love Breaks Down by Prefab Sprout
  • 5. Bring on the Dancing Horses by Echo & The Bunnymen
  • 4. Original Sin by INXS
  • 3. A Forest by The Cure
  • 2. The Love Parade by The Dream Academy
  • 1. Shout by Tears for Fears
By: Tias!
  • 10. Rosanna by Toto
    Lovely! :)
  • 9. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    A little bit of ROCK. (I'm hot, sticky & sweet from my head to my feet, yeah)
  • 8. I Want Your Sex by George Michael
    Sex is natural, Sex is fun! Sex is best when it's one on one-
  • 7. Love Action by The Human League
    I believe in truth though I lie a lot-
  • 6. Einstein A Go-Go by Landscape
    You'd better watch out, you'd better beware! Albert said that E quals MC squared.
  • 5. Kiss by Prince
    You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on!
  • 4. Heart Of Glass by Blondie
    Deborah's voice <3
  • 3. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead Or Alive
    Who hasn't danced to it?
  • 2. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    Love it :)
  • 1. Take On Me by A-HA
    Classic!
I love so many songs from the 80's these are just those i love the most :)
By: ANON
By: Havoc320
I could make a list 5 minutes from now and it would probably be completely different. There too many songs to pick from. No specific order to this list.
By: Stormy
  • 10. I Touch Myself by Dyvynls
    She was smokin hot and of course this song wasn't about masturbating.
  • 9. I Can't Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar
    Nothing better to be listening to while stuck on L.A. freeways!
  • 8. Everybody Wants to Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    Another cool driving in the car song.
  • 7. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    Excellent groove
  • 6. Big Log by Robert Plant
    The best cross country cruising song
  • 5. Turbolover by Judas Priest
    Cool video to go along with it!
  • 4. Limelight by Rush
    Makes you want to play a guitar and pretend you're in concert in front of 1000's of screaming fans.
  • 3. Silent Lucidity by Queensryche
    Awesome power ballad
  • 2. Sex Action by L.A. Guns
    Self explanitory
  • 1. Smooth Up In Ya by Bullet Boys
    This songs just kicks ass!!!!!
So many more that could be in this list!
By: Ricky Deee
  • 10. Two Strong Hearts by John Farnham
    I proposed to my then girlfriend (now wife of more than 19 years) while this song was playing - and by the time the song finished, I was no longer a virgin ...
  • 9. Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen
    Just one of those songs where u can just hold your lady and sway gently ... I have never been much of a dancer, so I especially loved those songs where one didn’t need to be.
  • 8. Walk Of Life by Dire Straits
    Light-hearted "feel good" song. Why can’t anyone write stuff like this anymore?
  • 7. Forever Young by Alphaville
    This song was released one year to the day after my best friend was killed in a railway accident. For all his friends it became his memorial song.
  • 6. Great Southern Land by Icehouse
    Icehouse are my all time favourite band, so a couple of theirs were bound to crop up. This one makes a better National Anthem than that banal "Advance Australia Fair", the third and subsequent verses of which are Pommy bootlicking. Great Southern Land tugs the forelock to no-one.
  • 5. Learning To Fly by Pink Floyd
    The imagery is amazing - Pink Floyd always blended their lyrics and music so that listeners can't help but get a vivid mental image. The music lifts u up and swirls around u - u can almost look down and see the clouds beneath.
  • 4. Careless Whisper by George Michael
    The first one he did without his sidekick Andrew Ridgeley. And before he became a caricature of himself. A timeless, haunting lament.
  • 3. Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone) by Glass Tiger
    I don’t know why I love this one. Bouncy yet still poignant.
  • 2. Take On Me by A-Ha
    The vocal range is phenomenal - but I have won a few bets by matching it at Karaoke nights, especially holding the final falsetto "in a day or two". U can’t win drinks on a particular number and not love it.
  • 1. Electric Blue by Icehouse
    My all-time fave song. It was their most successful commercially, and it’s not hard to see why. Iva Davies should have written a lot more stuff in tandem with John Oates - then Icehouse would have filled out my entire decalogue.
The Eighties was my era. Generation X-ers of the world unite! They just don't write stuff like that anymore. Thank God for Triple M radio and Nero (so I can burn my own arrangements of songs!)
By: Baked Apple Pie
  • 10. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
    And yes its a song about sex as all great songs are.
  • 9. Sweet Dreams (are Made Of This) by Eurythmics
    Cello solo, and a cow.
  • 8. Fat by Weird Al Yankovic
    HAHA, anything that makes fun of Micheal Jackson deserves to be in the top 10.
  • 7. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
    Yet again is there need for a comment, I think not!
  • 6. Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top
    Does it need a comment, I think not.
  • 5. Jesse's Girl by Rick Springfield
    I am stuck in this exact same situation, and yes his name is Jesse. ironic?
  • 4. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    Guess what! Its about sex!
  • 3. Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns n' Roses
    Axel is stupid for not joining Velvet Revolver but that's OK.
  • 2. Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue
    How the heck do you put those little dots, oh well it is a great song.
  • 1. Livin On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    Don't even try to disagree!
By: Simon
By: Nick Peter Ascenzo
  • 10. Shake It Up by The Cars
    Fantastic track by the cars, another song I kept playing over and over
  • 9. All I Want is You by U2
    Also a ripping epic, which just builds and builds, great last up song for U2 in the 80's
  • 8. Tunnel Of Love by Dire Straits
    A ripping epic by the master Mark Knophler, the song just keeps going and going
  • 7. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    The Police in their finest hour
  • 6. Cold As Christmas by Elton John
    A song not released, but best track from Too Low for Zero LP
  • 5. Radio Ga Ga by Queen
    A song I played over and over in 1984, Classic Queen
  • 4. I Got You by Split Enz
    Best from Split Enz, simple and fantastic
  • 3. So Long by Fischer Z
    One of the best of 1980, brilliant
  • 2. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
    The first track from Joshua Tree, what else can I say.
  • 1. With or Without You by U2
    A song that changed my life in 1987. Will never forget first time I heard it. Classic
Difficult list with many more missing out, but these tracks I can still listen to today and get the same feeling I got back in the 80's
By: Dragonfly
  • 10. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    One of the greatest movie of the eighties.
  • 9. Call Me by Blondie
    Standing to close to her could start a fire. Any Song anytime.
  • 8. Drive by The Cars
    Great Memories from this Song.
  • 7. Wild Boys by Duran, Duran
    We're all on the way back from the fire.
  • 6. Words Get In The Way by Miami Sound Machine
    The Best Stage Show ever.
  • 5. Beat Of A Heart by Scandal
    She Quit the group way to soon
  • 4. Only The Lonely by The Motels
    The Best Live Stage voice ever. Beautiful eyes. M.A.R.T.H.A.
  • 3. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
    My God what, hotties, I want my Eighties Back.
  • 2. I Wear My Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
    Remember Eveyone wearing Sunglasses at night?
  • 1. Sara by Jefferson Staarship
    Great group to watch. 1982. Who was the Actress who got her start in this Video?
Thanks to every 80's group or solo act out there, For all the Great Music and an Era everyone wishes they could go back too. Thanks Miami Vice for bringing music to Tv.
By: Ivonne
  • 10. Maneater by Hall & Oates
  • 9. Easy Lover by Phil Collins
  • 8. Lessons In Love by Level 42
  • 7. Fresh by Kool & The Gang
  • 6. Careless Whisper by Wham
  • 5. Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac
  • 4. I Just Died In Your Arms( Tonight) by Cuttin' Crew
  • 3. Is This Love? by Whitesnake
  • 2. Waiting For A Girl Like You by Foreigner
  • 1. Into The Groove by Madonna
By: Rob Miller
  • 10. Panic by The Smiths
    Never actually released on a studio album. This was a 1987 single that reached #11 on the UK charts. It was later that year included in the compilations CD, Louder than Bombs.
  • 9. Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles
    This became a top 40 hit in the US in 1980. Afterwards, the video was the first one played on MTV. In a weird move, The Buggles then were absorbed into the rock band Yes for a short time. Former members of the band are still in the super group Asia.
  • 8. Just like Heaven by The Cure
    The third single released from the band's 1987 album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. The song became The Cure's first American hit and in 1988 reached number 40 on the Billboard charts. It would not be their last.
  • 7. I ran (so far away) by A Flock of Seagulls
    Taken from their self-titled debut. This song peaked at #9 on the 1982 US Billboard Chart. A Flock of Seagulls became a huge success in the US that year.
  • 6. Let Me Go by Heaven 17
    From the Album, luxury Gap. It reached #41 on the UK singles chart, the lowest chart placement among the singles from that album. The song also spent five weeks at #4 on the American dance chart in 1983.
  • 5. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    It is a great song and was their first hit, reaching number one in the US and UK in 1985.
  • 4. Forever Young by Alphaville
    "Forever Young" has become something of a pop culture standard. First released in 1984, it has been performed by numerous musical groups and in different versions and has appeared in television series, movies, and advertisements.
  • 3. Bad by U2
    "Bad" is the seventh track from U2's 1984 album, The Unforgettable Fire. A song about heroin addiction. Often considered a fan favorite, it is one of U2's most frequently performed songs in concert.
  • 2. World Leader Pretend by R.E.M.
    Best Band out of Athens, GA. Best College Band of the 80s. This is off of 1988's Green.
  • 1. Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
    "Billie Jean" is a 1983 hit single from Michael Jackson's Thriller album. A number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was also the number-one R&B single for nine weeks in the United States and is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed songs.
This is not a best of...the 80s list. But, this is the kind of music I was listening to then and the music I still enjoy from time to time.
By: Colleen D.
  • 10. Livin' On A Prayer (1986) by Bon Jovi
    An amazing rock song that I love more than life itself.
  • 9. One More Try (1988) by George Michael
    Great ballad that hits the heart like a 40 ton brick.
  • 8. Billie Jean (1983) by Michael Jackson
    It's Michael Jackson. What's else is there to say?
  • 7. Purple Rain (1984) by Prince
    Nice and slow song, best Prince song I have heard.
  • 6. Crazy Train (1980) by Ozzy Osbourne
    The message still stand strong when our great great grandchildren walk this planet. - (Learn how to love and forget how to hate.)
  • 5. Don't Stop Believin' (1981) by Journey
    Amazing song that can be played over and over and never gets old.
  • 4. Your Mama Don't Dance (1989) by Poison
    Upbeat rock song that you can rock out to for years to come.
  • 3. Rebel Yell (1984) by Billy Idol
    Awesome song. Period.
  • 2. Edge of Heaven (1986) by Wham!
    Nice upbeat pop song, the best way for Wham! to end their five year career.
  • 1. With or Without You (1987) by U2
    I'm willing to fight that it is the greatest U2 song to date.
I wasn't born in the 80 until the 90s, but just listening to the music makes me feel like I was there and all the excitement surrounds me and its all such a rush.
By: Sean H.
  • 10. Rock The Night by Europe
    It was between this and The Final Countdown Both Great songs but Europe is one of those bands that just defines what 80's music was all about.
  • 9. Sweet Child O Mine by Guns N Roses
    In my opinion the best song Guns N Roses has ever done and they have alot of Incredible songs
  • 8. Two Tickets to Paradise by Eddie Money
    I love Eddie Money's Music so It was obvious to me I had to put at least one song in my list by him.
  • 7. Running with The Devil by Van Halen
    There should be at least one Van Halen song on every 80's list and this is one of my favorites.
  • 6. Do you really want to hurt me by Culture Club
    The Culture Club had very few Songs that I really Like but this one is great.
  • 5. I Can't Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar
    Love this song and the Video is great to.
  • 4. Don't want to let you go by Quiet Riot
    Not as popular as Cum on Feel the Noise or Metal Health(bang your head) but It's my personal favorite.
  • 3. Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
    It's hard to choose just one Def Leppard song there's so many good ones.
  • 2. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
    I could listen to this song a hundred times in a row and still want to hear it again.
  • 1. Nothing but a Good Time by Poison
    This is the song that got me started on 80's music now I don't listen to much else.
I was born in 84 but I really don't listen to any music past the first few years of the 90's. The 80's definetly have the best music with Bands like Foriegner,Journey, Boston, Poison, Def Leppard, Quiet Riot, Duran Duran, Europe, Van Halen, Eddie Money, Gun's N Roses, Twisted Sister, Warrent, It's nearly impossible to choose just 10 songs.
By: Susan
my hits
By: Preston
  • 10. Mad World by Tears for Fears
  • 9. Take This Heart by Richard Marx
  • 8. Beds are Burning by Midnight Oil
  • 7. That's All by Genesis
  • 6. When Smokey Sings by ABC
  • 5. Rescue Me by The Alarm
    one of my favorite songs always keeps me coming back
  • 4. Blue Eyes Blue by Eric Clapton
  • 3. Send Her My Love by Journey
    Steve Perry is one of the best singer out there
  • 2. Train of Thought by a-ha
    good song great band
  • 1. Wonderland by Big Country
    This song is really a great song the band is really under rated.
By: I ♥ 80s ♪♪♪
  • 10. November Rain by Guns & Roses
  • 9. Jump by Van Halen
    a little more heavy XD
  • 8. Take On Me by Aha
  • 7. I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
  • 6. Who Can It Be Now by Men At Work
  • 5. Land Down Under by Men At Work
  • 4. Under Pressure by David Bowie & Queen
  • 3. Forever Young by Alphaville
    i agree.... i love this song!!!
  • 2. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
  • 1. Square Rooms by Al Corley
just a little beat more of the eightees, you judge XD
By: Darkstar (sk)
  • 10. A Flock Of Seagulls by I Ran
    I know it's been mentioned before in other lists and I've tried to keep mine origional (and better than some of the lousy lists above here... which is why I felt compelled to create this list to help you out...) but I ran is just super. Intro, Guitar, drums. Check out messages and love is automatic too. Hillarious. Their drummer seems to know only one drum beat... Great band tho and again, encapsulates the 80's
  • 9. Roxy Music by Mother Of Pearl
    Took me a little while to get it. Never got past the stupid intro, but the actual song - WOW.
  • 8. Bronski Beat by Smalltown Boy
    What a singer. Great performer, and great little synth loop. Great Lyrics too. Go listen to it and it'll take you back in a flash.
  • 7. Talk Talk by Talk Talk
    The Piano Solo on this is excellent. Simply a great song.
  • 6. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    What a production on this album - way ahead of it's time. Quality intro, GREAT video. Welcome to the pleasure dome is also great but the intro is a little slow to kick in. The actual song is superb though and arguably better than Relax (?)
  • 5. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These by Eurythmics
    I wasn't sure if I should put this on in. But I played it just now and it deserves a spot, everybody knows it, great clip - this bands best song. Encapsulates an era.
  • 4. Are Friends Electric by Gary Newman
    Super synth intro - check out the live version if you can find it (itunes). Another great vocal - super lyrics.
  • 3. New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84) by Simple Minds
    Can't help but say it.... another classic.
  • 2. She Sells Sactuary by The Cult
    Another Classic. Great Driving Song
  • 1. Don't Bang The Drum by Waterboys
    Classic. Great Sax, and great vocal, Great backbeat drum, and excellent production overall. Top notch.
There are so many more, and it's hard to pick 10 Bands like Japan (SO under-rated), The Smiths, Duran Duran... I'm not an 80's FAN as such, but I grew up in the 80's and there are some cracking cuts out there. Great warm up tracks to a good mashed up night. Enjoy Lem.
By: Darkstar (sk)
  • 10. A Flock Of Seagulls by I Ran
    I know it's been mentioned before in other lists and I've tried to keep mine origional (and better than some of the lousy lists above here... which is why I felt compelled to create this list to help you out...) but I ran is just super. Intro, Guitar, drums. Check out messages and love is automatic too. Hillarious. Their drummer seems to know only one drum beat... Great band tho and again, encapsulates the 80's
  • 9. Roxy Music by Mother Of Pearl
    Took me a little while to get it. Never got past the stupid intro, but the actual song - WOW.
  • 8. Bronski Beat by Smalltown Boy
    What a singer. Great performer, and great little synth loop. Great Lyrics too. Go listen to it and it'll take you back in a flash.
  • 7. Talk Talk by Talk Talk
    The Piano Solo on this is excellent. Simply a great song.
  • 6. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    What a production on this album - way ahead of it's time. Quality intro, GREAT video. Welcome to the pleasure dome is also great but the intro is a little slow to kick in. The actual song is superb though and arguably better than Relax (?)
  • 5. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These by Eurythmics
    I wasn't sure if I should put this on in. But I played it just now and it deserves a spot, everybody knows it, great clip - this bands best song. Encapsulates an era.
  • 4. Are Friends Electric by Gary Newman
    Super synth intro - check out the live version if you can find it (itunes). Another great vocal - super lyrics.
  • 3. New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84) by Simple Minds
    Can't help but say it.... another classic.
  • 2. She Sells Sactuary by The Cult
    Another Classic. Great Driving Song
  • 1. Don't Bang The Drum by Waterboys
    Classic. Great Sax, and great vocal, Great backbeat drum, and excellent production overall. Top notch.
There are so many more, and it's hard to pick 10 Bands like Japan (SO under-rated), The Smiths, Duran Duran... I'm not an 80's FAN as such, but I grew up in the 80's and there are some cracking cuts out there. Great warm up tracks to a good mashed up night. Enjoy Lem.
By: Kevjoseph
  • 10. If You Were Here by Thompson Twins
  • 9. I Got You by Split Enz
  • 8. Lust For Love by Images In Vogue
  • 7. All Touch by Rough Trade
  • 6. Can't Stand Still by The Extras
  • 5. L'affaire Dumoutier by The Box
  • 4. Melody by Boys Brigade
  • 3. Listen To The Radio by Pukka Orchestra
  • 2. Shades Of 45 by Gary O
  • 1. Echo Beach by Martha And The Muffins
mostly Canadian....lots of one hit wonders...

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