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: Jason
  • 10. Miami Vice Theme by Yan Hammer
    People in my middle school class, around 1984 and '85 would always look at Miami Vice and wear the cool jackets the people did on the show. I remember the Miami Vice Theme, and that was the popularest song of 1984 in the electronica clubs/
  • 9. I Don't Got Nobody by David Lee Roth
    David Lee Roth made it through with some good metal pop songs including ''I Don't Got Nobody'' after the ''Jump'' era.
  • 8. Rhythm Of The Night by El DeBarge
    Lets just say El DeBarge probably started this whole Miami Sound thing with ''Rhythm Of The Night''. The jericurl he had was the juiciest and every thing about that song is old school.
  • 7. Do You Want To Ride My Mercedes by Pebbles
    Pebbles really had her music popular. She had songs that were catchy such as ''Girlfriend'' and her best song was 1988's ''Do You Want To Ride My Mercedes. Us men like a woman who does feminine but tough stuff. She knew how to work it with that music video.
  • 6. Nasty Girls by Vanity 6
    That song was materialistic during the heart if the dance craze and the money age of the decade. The band were in sexy lingerie, and they knew how to work it.
  • 5. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco
    All I have to say with that song that it is nostalgic of the decade, and hardly plays today little on oldie stations.
  • 4. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
    That song rules because Whitney had the hair, the pop material, and the looks, that to me is a classic.
  • 3. White Wedding by Billy Idol
    Billy Idol really in our time scared some videogoers and shook the pop culture forever into a freaky fashion in the 80s
  • 2. Girl You Know Its True by Milli Vanilli
    It was a shame they cheated on the song although it was a dance hit in the late '80s/
  • 1. Burning Down The House by Talking Heads
    That song reminded me of the punk scene only it had more funky Jamaican ska beats, which dignifies epitomizing music in 1982 or 83.
I also like songs such as Lionel Richie's ''All Night Long''/Madonna's ''Like A Virgin''/Stacy Q's ''Two Of Hearts'', Cyndi Lauper's ''True Colors'', and Tiffany's 1987 hit ''I Think Wer'e Alone Now''.
By: Jason
The Eighties was a good time for music, fashion, and culture, and one thing for sure, I think if a person wanted to have a time capsule of the 80s, Micheal Jackson will tell you of the decade we lived in high school. I also include songs such as Cyndi Lauper's ''True Colorss'', Tiffany ''Couldve Been'', and Janet Jackson's ''Pleasant Principle''
By: michael
  • 10. Born in the U.S.A by Bruce Springsteen
    this song is church music, high school marching band music, music at military parades and "Hail to the Chief" all rolled together. It gives you bumps, pulse rockets and a tear. (then the song is over too fast again)
  • 9. Rock Soldiers by Frehley's comet
    seems Ace could write, wanted to write, and got booted from KISS. He put out several cd's, along with a concert video,...course the telegram came and back he went to the mega/blockbuster/stadium gigs again.......
  • 8. We Got The Beat by The Go Go's
    i realized i was near the end without a female act....not safe politics in my neighborhood....plus little bass player kicks butt on this riff.
  • 7. Blood And Roses by The Smithereens
    ..not one hit wonders,......but can anyone name a member or discribe what any of them look like ? (now that i think about it..are they U.S.)
  • 6. Take Dirty to Me by Poison
    ..was down on the beach at Ft Myers, Fla...with 2 weeks of perfect sun, cranberry juice and everclear...tongs were big, i do not remember the rest
  • 5. Don't Go Away Mad (just Go Away) by Motley Crue
    hey, the drummer was boning a babe back then, and got her to do it on video for him. the bass player died...and is on borrowed time...gota love that....from Dr. Feelgood, maybe their finest cd/lp/tape
  • 4. Should I Stay Or Should I Go by The Clash
    punk to the bone, punk well ahead of what gets handed off as punk. These guys played, to play their music, to 15 people, or 15,000, sadly ignored
  • 3. Billy's Got A Gun by Def Leppard
    one of a hand full of biggest record seller for the eighties, like it or not..(and that is lot's of chicks, drugs, booze, and PT)
  • 2. Lick It Up by KISS
    ..hate kiss ?, would be no rush, warrant, motley crue, cheap trick, and countless other bands who took their tour, got their break, made it
  • 1. Fair Warning by Van Halen
    ...rock is not cosmic...it isn't rooted in the ages....it re-invents itself over and over.....mmmm mybe except for eddie's guitar work...
rock and roll has been wrote off several times as dead. called a non-force within society, and a bore...things aways come around again, but only when the next generation takes over...because they make us all STOP looking within rock for all the worlds answers...they make us go back to listening again, and help us get over to the store to buy our "oldies" from the decade before.....:O}
By: Joel
  • 10. These Dreams by Heart
  • 9. Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
  • 8. Throwing It All Away by Genesis
  • 7. Into the Night by Benny Mardones
  • 6. I Still Haven't Found What Im Looking For by U2
  • 5. The Finer Things by Steve Winwood
  • 4. Beautiful Girl by INXS
    best song from INXS
  • 3. Out of Touch by hall and Oates
    best duo of the 80s
  • 2. Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
    My heart goin boom boom boom.
  • 1. And She Was by Talking Heads
    Such a catchy song.
THis is an awesome sight!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Ratha
  • 10. True Blue by Madonna
    Ok! what else can i say almost every Madonna songs is good. she keep gettin' better and better. But this song was one of my old time hit.
  • 9. It Must've Been Love by Roxette
    Love It! Love Song can never be better.
  • 8. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
    Top Gun was one of the romantic movie.This song make me wanna fall in love. you should sit somewhere high on a rock watchin' the ocean while the wind blowing toward you softly and listen to this song.you breed better if this song taking your breath away.
  • 7. Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cindy Lauper
    I Don't Know Why! But I'm A guy and i'm singing this song. Am i gay? naw... this song just way to good.
  • 6. Good Enough by Cindy Lauper
    Remember the Movie? its a soundtrack from the movie Goonies.
  • 5. Some Guy Have All the Luck by Rod Steward
    i' really think this song and girls just want to have fun sing by cindy Lauper,The Police every breath you take, True Blue by Madonna should be in one collection. they have this similar kinna beat that make your head go up and down
  • 4. Ghostbuster by Ray Packer Jr.
    I like this song. At the time i just thought this song and the movie was pretty cool
  • 3. Is This Love by White Snake
    This song Was One of my favorite. I like to listen to it, over and over. But i recorded forth track on the tape. because i have other that i like.it was hard to decide which one should be first
  • 2. Hall & Oates by Maneater
    Cool Lyric With Famulous beat this song kick butt and chew you up into caution with girls.Watch out now!
  • 1. I Ran by Fock Of A Seagull
    This song is good. plus it's 80's song. i see (Take On Me) by ah-ha and Rockwell, Crowded House,is in here on Top Ten Songs Of the 80's list this song should be here too.
Nothing Much! i just want to say thank to top ten songs of the 80's i know a lots of good 80's songs. but is this all? becuase i have almost every songs and still want more.I love 80's
By: Christian
  • 10. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
  • 9. Start Of the Breakdown by Tears For Fears
  • 8. People Are Peole by Depeche Mode
  • 7. Ordinary People by The Box
    The first professional show, in 1987, that I seen ! What a great evening !
  • 6. Your Kiss by All and Oats
  • 5. Take on Me by Ah-Ah
  • 4. New Year's Day by U2
  • 3. It's a Sin by Pet Shop Boys
    I love it !
  • 2. Games Without Frontieres by Peter Gabriel
    "Jeux sans frontieres!" I'm a french-speaker and like that English singer use french ;-) But, seriously, that song is marvellous !
  • 1. Sowing The Seeds of Love by Tears For Fears
    A masterpiece ! Orzobal is genius !
By: Kent Weir
  • 10. November Rain by Gunns 'N Roses
  • 9. You Aint See Nothing Yet by BTO
  • 8. Jump by Van Halen
    Very 80's
  • 7. Every Breath You Take by The police
  • 6. Every Body Hurts by REM
  • 5. Land Down Under by Men at Work
    A song not to be missed, every Australians favourite song.
  • 4. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
    Great song by a great band.
  • 3. Run to Paradise by The Choirboys
    Great song simple as that.
  • 2. Eye Of the Tiger by Survivor
    The unlimate song to fire you up. should always be listened before taking the sporting field as well as being the theme song for the best ever movie Rocky.
  • 1. With or Without you by U2
    Has to be the best song ever written, it's as simple as that. And it is sung by the best band ever to.
U2-New years Day, Pride,Still haven't found what i'm looking for, Sunday Bloody Sunday.Queen- We Will Rock you, another one bites the dust. Paul Kelly-Dumb things. David Bowie-Hero. ACDC-Thunderstruck. REM- anything
By: DUUUUUUDE
  • 10. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    This is a memorable song! You can't forget this song....especially the music video with the lighted sidewalk blocks!!!
  • 9. Power Of Love by Huey Lewis and The News
    This song is very fun to listen to. It has a nice fun beat to it. I'd recommend it to anyone to listen to. It was featured in a great 80's movie too....one of the best!
  • 8. She's A Beauty by Tubes
    This song has a good beat and a nice melody. Nice song to sing with!
  • 7. We Built This City (On Rock and Roll) by Jefferson Starship
    I remember listening to this song when I was a kid. This song made me feel like dancing somehow. But, the beat in the song is pretty nice.
  • 6. Take A Look At Me Now by Phil Collins
    This song is a nice powerful song to listen to. The lyrics are ok, but the melody is very nice and moving.
  • 5. Some Like It Hot by Power Station
    I have to admit. Everytime I hear it I get the image of hot dance club....very sexy.
  • 4. Tell Her About It by Billy Joel
    This song has good advice to it, and the melody is very moving too. A nice song to listen to during everyones single moments or upsets.
  • 3. Rio by DuranDuran
    This song all together is soo moving. I yet to understand the lyrics...but The melody and the chord changes sound so powerful. Great song to listen to anytime.
  • 2. Livin' On a Prayer by Bon Jovi
    I've heard this song soo many times in my life...and I always sing it where ever I am...the melody is so distinctive.
  • 1. Don't You Forget About Me (Breakfast Club) by Simple Minds
    This song just rocks...movie was great...and a great soundtrack for the movie! One of the greatest 80's songs and movies
I am very offended sometimes when I mention 80's songs to people...because they think that nothing happened. Especially when they are my age! I've had one person tell me that the 70's were awesome with the drugs and hippies and the 90's was so different. But, the 80's was complete boredom. I think thats really ignorant on their part! Especially whent they are my age!!! And I'm only 20!!!!
By: kerry
  • 10. Eye of The Tiger by Survivor
    still played at high school hockey games!!!
  • 9. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    song to live by
  • 8. Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant
    funny song
  • 7. Heart of Glass by Blondie
    good sing along tune
  • 6. Whip It by Devo
    i actually thought they were cool!
  • 5. Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
    good canadian material
  • 4. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    it screams 80S
  • 3. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
    a classic before he turned wacko
  • 2. Da Da Da by Trio
    i have no idea what they say but i like it!
  • 1. You Spin Me by Dead or Alive
    how catchy can one song get!!
growing up in th 80s rocked!!! much music kicks ass over MTV!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Dirk Kentjens
  • 10. Panic by The Smiths
    I only say : "Hang the DJ"
  • 9. Once In A Lifetime by Talking Heads
    Remember the partys.
  • 8. The Hazy Shade Of Winter by The Bangles
    Do you remember Susanna Hoffs....wet dreams
  • 7. Suburbia by Pet Shop Boys
    Especially in the maxi version a fantastic song. I like the dogs.
  • 6. Our House by Madness
    What a good Day!
  • 5. Airport by The Motors
    O.k., o.k. it was in 1979, but it feels like the early 80īs.
  • 4. Vienna by Ultravox
    Very romantic song. I was just 17.
  • 3. Don't Dream Itīs Over by Crowded House
    It was a wonderful summer in 1987. I stayed in Bielefeld (nothing happens in Bielefeld).
  • 2. I Don't Like Mondays by The Boomtown Rats
    I donīt like them until today.
  • 1. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    In my opinion itīs the hymn of the 80īs.
This period was a good time of music, so that I couldnīt list every good song.
By: nancy
wake me up before you gogo (wham) wild boys (duran duran) and more
By: Sylvia
  • 10. Black Celebration by Depeche Mode
  • 9. Lost In The Supermarket by The Clash
  • 8. 1% by Janes's Addiction
  • 7. Peace, Love and Understanding by Elvis Costello
  • 6. Suggestion by Fugazi
  • 5. Telling Them by Social Distortion
  • 4. I Confess by The English Beat
  • 3. Accept Yourself by The Smiths
  • 2. Birthday by The Sugarcubes
  • 1. Alone Again by The Damned
By: adam michaud
  • 10. Blood On Blood by Bon Jovi
  • 9. Born To Be My Baby by Bon Jovi
    bon jovi forever
  • 8. Bad Medicine by Bon Jovi
    good tune
  • 7. Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi
    its there anthem
  • 6. Runaway by Bon Jovi
    gave bon jovi a name in the music industry
  • 5. Lay Your Hands On Me by Bon Jovi
    awsome song
  • 4. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Lepard
    great tune
  • 3. I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
    a song that proved bon jovi was the number one band in the world
  • 2. You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi
    another great song
  • 1. Livin On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    the best song ever writen by bon jovi and because bon jovi kicks ass
bon jovi kicks serious ass anyone that doesnt think so i feel bad for you
By: Erik
  • 10. Naughty Naughty by Danger Danger
    Probably there only hit. Not to be confused with John Parr's "Naughty Naughty". A great 80s metal song.
  • 9. Land of Confusion by Genesis
    Without a doubt, the scariest music video I've ever seen. Just for that this song makes it on the list. Plus the tune isn't too bad either.
  • 8. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
    A song that really defined the 80's. David Coverdale will never be the same but this song makes him an 80s legend.
  • 7. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    A great song that really solidified Leppard as a top band in my book.
  • 6. Rico Suave by Gerardo
    The TRUE start of the latino craze. Funny ass song, too!
  • 5. I Remeber You by Skid Row
    Great power ballad, almost as good as 18 n' Life, but doesn't have the same amount of longevity.
  • 4. 18 n' Life by Skid Row
    Sebastian Bach's powerful voice allowed this and "I Remeber You" to hit twice on this list.
  • 3. Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A.
    Put Compton on rap's map.
  • 2. You Give Love A Bad Name by Jon Bon Jovi
    Great song, better than Bon Jovi's newer crap.
  • 1. Heaven by Warrant
    It's a power ballad but probably my favorite 80's song.
By: Kelli
  • 10. Rapture by Blondie
    The version on the Autoamerican album is the very best!
  • 9. Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
    Unlike others who placed this song on their Top 10 lists for the 80s, I've never seen the video. I can only imagine...
  • 8. Owner Of A Lonely Heart by Yes
    When I first heard this one, I thought I had caught the previews of a new movie or t.v. show!
  • 7. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
    One of my favorite dance tunes of the '80s!
  • 6. Celebration by Kool and the Gang
    One of the ultimate victory songs (right up there with Queen's "We Are The Champions").
  • 5. All Night Long (All Night) by Lionel Ritchie
    Who can forget the exuberant closing ceremonies--built around this song--for the 1984 Olympics?! Of course, I loved this song from the time it was released, nearly a year earlier.
  • 4. The Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston
    See my remarks on song #1.
  • 3. I Just Called To Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
    Friends and significant others have actually sang this to me on my answering machine during the '80s and early '90s as part of their message!
  • 2. My City Was Gone by The Pretenders
    Chrissy Hynde totally rocks on this one, never mind that it's the Rush Limbaugh Show's theme song! You can substitute many a city and state (for the "Akron, Ohio" in this song) and still keep the meter intact. (Actually, the entire Learning to Crawl album, from which "My City..." is track #7, is a true gem!)
  • 1. Ebony & Ivory by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
    Another required song for the children of our family to learn vocally, instrumentally, or both! TIED FOR #1: "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick & Friends and "We Are The World" by USA for Africa. Read my entries for top 10 songs of the '70s and you'll understand where I'm coming from with this and song #4 on this '80s list.
RUNNERS-UP: "The End Of The World As We Know It" by REM; "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel; "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love For You" by Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson; "With You I'm Born Again" by Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright; "Everything She Wants" by Wham; "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and the entire Synchronicity album by The Police; "Roll With It" by Steve Winwood; "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" and "We'll Be Together" by Sting; "Burning Down The House" along with "And She Was" by the Talking Heads; and "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins. For a gal of the '60s and '70s, this is a pretty substantive list!
By: Rhonda
  • 10. Copperhead Road by Steve Earle
    A country artist that had a really great crossover in this song.
  • 9. Poison by Allice Cooper
    He rocked the 70s and the 80s.
  • 8. Once Bitten Twice Shy by Great White
    Still sounds good.
  • 7. Wanted: Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi
    One of Bon Jovi's best.
  • 6. Only 17 by Warrant
    A classic.
  • 5. Up All Night, Sleep All Day by Slaughter
    Again, the title says it all.
  • 4. Nothing But a Good Time by Poision
    The title says it all.
  • 3. 18 & A Life by Skid Row
    As good today as it was in the 80s.
  • 2. Pyromania by Def Leppard
    Who could have done better than Rock Rock (Till You Drop), Too Late For Love, Foolin', Rock of Ages, Comin' Under Fire and Billy's Got a Gun, unless it was Dep Leppard themselves.
  • 1. Hysteria by Def Leppard
    The entire album is classic, but especially Love & Affection, Animal, Pour Some Sugar on Me, Women, Hysteria and Armageddon It. This group rocked through the 80s, the 90s and they are still rocking. The definitive rock group regardless of the era.
Honorable Mention: AC/DC - Back in Black; Guns 'n' Roses - Welcome to the Jungle; Aerosmith - Permanent Vacation; Gorky Park - Bang; Quiet Riot - Bang Your Head; Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55; Tesla - Little Susie; Robert Plant - Now and Zen; and Tracy Chapman - Baby Can I Hold You. I've read page after page of lists and I don't believe most of these folks lived during the same 80s that I did. Of course, many of them noted that they were really young or in their teens during that time span. Me, well, I was legal and I remember a completely different 80s. Great site
By: Shaun Dicator
By: angie
  • 10. Feels Like Heaven by Fiction Factory
    never heard anything else like it
  • 9. State Of The Nation by Industry
    quirky
  • 8. Love My Way by Psychedelic Furs
    another totally original haunting song
  • 7. Dear Prudence by Siouxsie & The Banshees
    i know, i know, it's a remake, but this is killer stuff...what a voice! the first song i heard by siouxsie sioux
  • 6. Major Tom by Peter Schilling
    good stuff
  • 5. More To Lose by Seona Dancing
    hauntingly beautiful
  • 4. all EARLY duran duran by Duran Duran
    their first album was AWESOME, and their next 2 albums were divine
  • 3. Blue Monday (12 Version) by New Order
    the first 12" that really mattered...'nuff said
  • 2. Situation by Yazoo
    this one STILL gets me dancing!
  • 1. The Spanglemaker by Cocteau Twins
    the most melodic and beautiful song from this era
other favorites: Oingo Boingo; "Cars"--Gary Numan; "Saved by Zero"--Fixx; "Wishing", "I Ran" A Flock of Seagulls; "Cool Places"--Sparks w/ Jane Wiedlin; "Fade to Grey"--Visage; "Big in Japan"--Alphaville; THANKS for having this site and letting me post my FAVES--New Wave Rules!!
By: Robert Varoujian
  • 10. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    A classic if ever there was one.
  • 9. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    Too many shadows whispering voices, faces on posters too many choices, if when why what, how much have you got? 8^)
  • 8. Floating Life by Level 42
    Not the obvious choice from this brilliant band, but my favourite nonetheless...
  • 7. Yazoo by Only You
    Only natural that three of my favourite bands should be linked by Vince Clark (Reasure, Yaz and Depeche Mode). This is the pick of several great Yaz songs.
  • 6. Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush
    It just evokes images of rain dashed moorlands... and that voice!
  • 5. Wouldn't it be Good by Nik Kershaw
    Along with Human Racing and I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on me ("old men in sripey trousers rule the world with plastic smiles) my favourite Kershaw song.
  • 4. What is Love by Howard Jones
    The first album I ever bought was Humans Lib (actually it was Colour by Numbers by Culture Club, but I hate admitting it, well, not really). Lovely synths in the middle.
  • 3. Straight from the Heart by Bryan Adams
    First proper dance, first proper kiss. Nuff said.
  • 2. Close to Me by The Cure
    I just love the sax at the end of this song. It's hands down the best Cure song ever (except maybe Just Like Heaven...)
  • 1. Shake the Disease by Depeche Mode
    They're my favourite band, and it was hard choosing a favourite song, but Shake gets it because it perfectly encapsulates the trouble I had with girls in High School.
Honourable mentions go to: Men at Work, Men Without hats, OMD, New Order, Erasure and Duran Duran.
By: Mikey P!!
  • 10. Give Me Something To Believe In by Poison
  • 9. Could've Been by Tiffany
  • 8. When Love An Hate Collide by Def Leppard
  • 7. Winds Of Change by The Scorpions
  • 6. Were Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
    Cool and funny video also.
  • 5. Cars by Gary Numan
  • 4. Whip It! by DEVO
  • 3. Highway To Hell by AC/DC
    1 OF MY ALL TIME FAV'S.
  • 2. Breaking the Law by Judas Priest
  • 1. Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles
    Cant forget the Buggles, The first video on MTV! A little weird, but a cool and fun song, I miss the 80's, The 80's where the best time of my life growing up, I graduated in 1985, I feel like it was yesterday, Its just weird hearing young people refer to the 80's as the oldies, but the time and the music was awsome! All different variety's and fun!!!!.
I can go on forver with all the songs in the 80's, I have them all, From Adam Ant to Run DMC to Ozzy, I love it all!!!!. OH yeah, One more thing " Bring back the 80's!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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