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: Blue Silver
  • 10. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    What more can you say. This song rocks!
  • 9. Let's Go by The Cars
    Probably the best start to a song ever.
  • 8. Harry Houdini by Kon Kan
    Great dance tune.
  • 7. White Lines by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five
    Best rap song ever. Period.
  • 6. Under The Milky Way by The Church
    Ghostly song. Takes you there, man. It just, takes you there.
  • 5. True by Spandau Ballet
    One of the best ballads ever.
  • 4. Story of Love by Voice of America
    Gorgeous tune with great riffs.
  • 3. Nova Heart by Spoons
    Canadian New Wave comes alive!
  • 2. Heaven by Psychedelic Furs
    Ultra cool song. Ultra cool band.
  • 1. Be Near Me by ABC
    Great melody from a great dance New Wave band.
By: Corné Van Wyk
  • 10. Highway To The Dangerzone by Kenny Loggins
    Top Gun soundtrack
  • 9. Electric Blue by Icehouse
    Great song! check it out.
  • 8. Jump by Van Halen
    (1984)
  • 7. Power Of Love by Huey Lewis And The News
    Soundtrack of one of the best 80s movies (1985)
  • 6. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears for Fears
    (1985)Check out the music video
  • 5. We Built This City by Starship
    (1985)
  • 4. Final Countdown by Europe
    (1986)
  • 3. Take On Me by A-ha
    Remeber the video on Mtv? (1985)
  • 2. I Just Died In Your Arms by Cutting Crew
    (1986)
  • 1. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    This song rocks (1983)
AND Every breath you take, Down under, Shout, The sun always shine son tv!
By: Jackie Montowine
  • 10. Mercedes Boy by Pebbles
    Such classic 80's pop song
  • 9. Jump by Van Halen
    My husband's favorite song
  • 8. Careless Whisper by Wham
    I was a big fan of Wham!
  • 7. Never Give You Up by Rick Ashtly
    Such a big voice for a white guys with red hair!
  • 6. Take These Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    This was the first song that I even slow danced to
  • 5. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
    I was in love with Kevin Bacon and I am not ashamed to admit it. Awesome song to dance to!
  • 4. Material Girl by Madonna
    My kids can't beleive that Madonna was around when I was their age...I get a kick out of the listening to her old songs...makes me feel young again!
  • 3. Final Countdown by Europe
    Need I say more!
  • 2. Blister In The Sun by Violent Femmes
    i always heard this song on the radio but could never figure out who it was. When it made a come back in 1996-1997, I was hooked again.
  • 1. Love Bites by Def Leppard
    Def Leppard is an awesom band, and still rockin to this day. I came into the "rock" scene very late but I listen to all the "hair bands" now!
I was just a kid in the 80's..not realizing the awesome music we had until later in life. I can't get enough of listening to the songs I "grew up" to, but I am completly stuck in the "hair band" or "butt rocker" stage and proud of it. Long Hair, tight pants and hairspray...what a combo!
By: Rodrigo Gomes
By: Simone Creviari
  • 10. Waves Of Fear by Lou Reed
  • 9. It's The End Of The World As We Know It by R.E.M.
  • 8. With Or Without You by U2
  • 7. Beat It by Micheal Jackson
  • 6. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC\DC
  • 5. Dirty BLVD by Lou Reed
  • 4. It's a Hard Life by Queen
  • 3. Hammer to Fall by Queen
  • 2. A Kind Of Magic by Queen
  • 1. Radio Ga Ga by Queen
By: Junior
Honorable Mentions: AC/DC "Back In Black", Joan Jett "Bad Reputation",Guns N Roses "Sweet Child O Mine",The Police "Every Breath You Take", Bangles "Walk Like a Egyptian", Ozzy Osbourne "Crazy Train", Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield", Naked Eyes "Always Something There To Remind Me", Michael Jackson "Billie Jean", Paula Abdul "Opposites Attract", Paul Simon "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes", Paul Simon "You Can Call Me Al", Cyndi Lauper "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Cyndi Lauper "Time After Time", Queen "Another One Bites The Dust", Ramones "KKK Took My Baby Away", Red Hot Chili Peppers "Higher Ground", A-Ha "Take On Me", Duran Duran "Hungry Like The Wolf", REM "It's The End Of The World As We Know It", Hall And Oates "Maneater", J Geils Band "Centerfold", The Vapors "Turning Japanese", Katrina And The Waves "Walking On Sunshine", Soft Cell "Tainted Love", Suzanne Vega "Luka", Suzanne Vega "Tom's Diner", Rick Springfield "Jessie's Girl", Twisted Sister "We're Not Gonna Take It", U2 "With Or Without You", U2 "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", Van Halen "Jump", Janet Jackson "Rhythm Nation", Janet Jackson "Nasty", Run DMC "Walk This Way", Run DMC "It's Tricky", Billy Joel "We Didn't Start The Fire", John Mellancamp "Jack And Diane", Salt N Pepa "Push It", Rupert Holmes "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)", Wham "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", & Wham "Careless Whisper"
By: Yolo Georgiev
  • 10. Like A Prayer by Madonna
    The queen of pop.Period.
  • 9. Careless Whisper by George Michael
    So much telant in this guy,so many hits.
  • 8. Strangelove by Depeche Mode
    I think that David Gahan is one of the greatest vocalist ever.D.M.is more than a legend in the pop culture.
  • 7. Original Sin by INXS
    Australians have a great hit in their discography.INXS is one of the best new wave group .
  • 6. Living On A Player by Bon Jovi
    Boys from New Jersey rocks the world since 83.Great musicians.
  • 5. Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tylor
    In her voice has so much passion,I have no word.
  • 4. Keep Me Hangin On by Kim Wilde
    The rhytm of that song is amazing,just great disco.
  • 3. Wild boys by Duran Duran
    I think that DURAN DURAN are one of the best groups from the 80s.Wild boys is only one of their hits like:The Reflex,Notorious,A view to a kill .
  • 2. Take On Me by A-ha
    Great video,great song.They have a lot of great songs like:Hunting high and low,Sun always shines on TV,The living daylights and many others.Nordic are really good band.
  • 1. The Final Countdown by Europe
    What can I say ? Just symply a classical song.
I have a lot of favourite songs from new wave,synth pop,disco, classic rock,pop and it is a really hard work to pick up only 10 songs,but I tried to do my best in this list.
By: Levi
  • 10. You Spin Me Around by Dead or Alive
    If there was ever a song that made you step on the gas just a little bit more...
  • 9. True Faith by New Order
    Ponderous pop song, but not in that annoying pretentious way.
  • 8. Self Control by Laura Brannigan
    The song oozes sex.
  • 7. Take On Me by A-Ha
    What a heartbreaker of a song. And that video...
  • 6. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head
    Great, goofy, ridiculous song. "So you better go back to your bars, your temples, your massage parlors!"
  • 5. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
    Cool song, cool video. Plus, it's famous in Oregon for being the song on the radio when Diane Downs tried to kill her kids.
  • 4. Holiday by The Other Ones
    Sixth grade summer grade. Thems was a couple good weeks.
  • 3. Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears
    Gorgeous melody. By the time the "la la la" bridge comes on, I have it turned up full blast.
  • 2. If You Leave by OMD
    I lived for this song at our school dances... awkward slow dances were as close to foreplay as I was gonna get for a few years.
  • 1. Shake the Disease by Depeche Mode
    Quite easily one of their best songs, ever. Period.
Other songs that deserve space: Oppotunities by Pet Shop Boys, The Flame by Arcadia, The Riddle by Nik Kershaw, Little Girls by Oingo Boingo (what a guilty pleasure), Things Can Only Get Better by Howard Jones, World Destruction by Time Zone, Don't Tell Me Lies by Breathe, and Obsession by Animotion. God, and then there's all the goofy Euro stuff I used to listen to, like Act, Blancmange, Off, Propaganda... Just too much good music from those ten years.
By: T.Bone
  • 10. You're the Best by Joe Esposito
  • 9. Whitesnake by Here I Go Again
  • 8. Holy Diver by Dio
  • 7. Hard to Say I'm Sorry by Chicago
  • 6. I Remember You by Skid Row
  • 5. Every Rose Has it's Thorn by Poison
  • 4. Friday I'm In Love by The Cure
  • 3. Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue
  • 2. Paradise City by Guns N' Roses
  • 1. Fade to Black by Metallica
By: Maria
  • 10. Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go) by Wham!
    George and Andrew at their (campy) best. How can you not dance to this?
  • 9. We Are the World by USA for Africa
    Charities and fundraisers were all the rage in the 1980s, and this song was just one of many written to raise money and awareness for the underpriviledged.
  • 8. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Well, this song was featured on "The Breakfast Club". That should be enough for anyone. :)
  • 7. Sowing The Seeds Of Love by Tears for Fears
    Well, this is just ONE of their songs, all of their songs should actually be on this top ten, but I don't have room.
  • 6. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
    The ultimate in 80s balladry.
  • 5. Eyes Without a Face by Billy Idol
    Mr. Punk 80s himself. :)
  • 4. Right on Track by Breakfast Club
    See #3.
  • 3. You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive
    Great dance song. Wonderful in clubs. Still dance when I hear this.
  • 2. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
    Does anyone NOT know this song?
  • 1. Save a Prayer by Duran Duran
    Duran Duran was an 80s phenomenon that will not and cannot be forgotten. They were immensely popular, and you couldn't turn the radio on and not hear one of their songs.
By: chad
  • 10. There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart) by Eurythmics
    There must be an angel singing in my ear....
  • 9. 9 To 5 by Dolly Parton
    So sweet, it'll rot your teeth.
  • 8. Kissing a Fool by George Michael
    George's purest and most honest work.
  • 7. P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson
    The first Michael Jackson song I ever heard and still the freshest.
  • 6. Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode
    How is it possible that this song did not become #1 for a year or two?
  • 5. Like a Prayer by Madonna
    "Just like a muse to me, you are a mystery."
  • 4. Talkin' Bout a Revolution by Tracy Chapman
    Timeless. Unfortunately, nothing's changed much since 1988
  • 3. Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
    My sister says it's the greatest song of ALL time....who could argue with her?
  • 2. Erotic City by Prince And The Revolution
    Sex on stereo.
  • 1. Live to Tell by Madonna
    The first hint that something was indeed burning deep inside.
Honorable Mention: 1. Nick of Time-Bonnie Raitt 2. Upside Down-Diana Ross 3. The Longest Time-Billy Joel 4. Welcome to the Jungle-Guns 'N Roses 5. Crazy Little Thing Called Love-Queen 6. I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues-Elton John
By: Tracey Phelps
  • 10. Der Komissar by Falco
    Was there ever anyone quite as hilarious as Falco? How can you not laugh at his funky rap, and the effects magic on this music video?
  • 9. What A Feeling by Irene Cara
    So fun to dance to and sing with friends. This is pure soundtrack gold, and it won an Oscar.
  • 8. Europa And The Pirate Twins by Thomas Dolby
    A favourite since childhood. Amazing stuff from a pioneer.
  • 7. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    Another trashy song. So easy to get into, but then the male "temple" vocals come in, it loses something. Otherwise, definetly hot.
  • 6. Send Me An Angel by Real Life
    Sentimental reasons, obviously, because in terms of musicianship and a unique style, this song is nothing very special. The lyrics and their bond in my mind with the circumstances of when I first heard it are the only reason I like it, besides synth, of course, because I love synth.
  • 5. Countdown (Extended Version) by Pulp
    This song about fame is so beautifully crafted, that it almost brings me to tears, just listening to the guitars. Who knew a Wah pedal with some feedback could be this sexy?
  • 4. Cemetary Gates by The Smiths
    This song completely catures the spirit of the blossoming Goth scene in England. The Smiths weren't exactly Goth, I know, but it's extremely sweet and silly and romantic when you listen to it.
  • 3. Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush
    I first heard this song on a Now 6 8-track in England in 1999, and I fell in love with it. Coincidentally, soon thereafter, MTV2 UK began playing it quite often.
  • 2. Take Me I'm Yours by Squeeze
    Everytime I hear this song, I think of a really rad and epic looking music video, involving a huge robotic camel, and taking it on vigilante missions around the world.
  • 1. Going Underground by The Jam
    Lyrics like a George Orwell novel...
This is a little out of order, but these are definitely my top ten.
By: Retroman 1983
  • 10. Let Me Go by Heaven 17
    A guy's way of telling a chick to get lost. Beautiful. Melodic. And hey, get lost.
  • 9. Synchronicity by The Police
    A tribute to the reality of life that is Carl Yung. My favourite Police song.
  • 8. We Run by Strange Advance
    Anti-violence song. Hey, who needs violence anyway? A definite song for the times and our own now.
  • 7. In A Big Country by Big Country
    When this song came out in '83, it jumped to Number #1 in Toronto. Totally uplifting and positive.
  • 6. Never Say Never by Romeo Void
    The lead singer of this group is sooo sexxxy. And an underrated singer in an underrated band.
  • 5. Major Tom by Peter Schilling
    Super commentary of the Nuclear times we lived in and still do. Great beat.
  • 4. The Killing Moon by Echo and The Bunneymen
    Very Gothic indeed. The song is very spooky and very good.
  • 3. Our House by Madness.
    You gotta love the Brits. This music captures life at home in any decade. Bravo!
  • 2. Rapture by Blondie
    Forget Madonna. The true pop diva of rock and pop. And besides, she is New Wave. Cool baby.
  • 1. Wherever I Lay My Hat by Paul Young
    Man can this guy sing. A very unique voice and a social commentary of how I was back then (and in my mind am now)!
Too many good songs, too many good times. Thanks to the best decade of music ever. Today's music, overall, pales in comparison.
By: Brian Cormier
  • 10. What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
    One of my favourite singers of all time. Saw her in concert in July 1985. No one has managed to touch her for charisma and perfomance every since. Awesome.
  • 9. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    Saw these guys in concert in the mid 80s. Had a fun time. Opening act was OMD, who were profane. Ugh.
  • 8. True Colors by Cyndi Lauper
    One of the most beautiful odes to friendship and unconditional love every written.
  • 7. 867-5309 Jenny by Tommy Tutone
    Fun song to sing along to. One of my favorites.
  • 6. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    Awesome song by a musical genius. I thought the first nose job improved his looks. Too bad he didn't stop there.
  • 5. Shout by Tears for Fears
    Reminds me of the 80s every time I hear it.
  • 4. She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer
    Powerful performance. Great song.
  • 3. Tainted Love by SoftCell
    One of the few songs that I could actually sing every word to.
  • 2. Down Under by Men At Work
    Fun song to dance to and listen to. Still don't know what the heck a vegemite sandwich is. I always thought they were singing "a bite of my sandwich." Sheesh. :-)
  • 1. Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp
    My all-time fave 80s song.
By: Miles Hawks
  • 10. All Roads Lead to Rome by The Stranglers
    My vote for "Most Underrated Band of the 80s" goes to these guys. I haven't heard a song by them that I didn't like. If you don't know them I suggest you grab their GH (although this song isn't on it).
  • 9. To Cut A Long Story Short by Spandau Ballet
    I love "True" just as much as the next guy, but I think that (at least in the US) SB was underrated and people need to know about their other jams.
  • 8. Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson
    I think you know what I'm talkin' about.
  • 7. Maneater by Daryl Hall and John Oates
    H&O had to be on this list. So many hits to choose from, but when I was making 80s comp. tapes in high school "Maneater" was the most commonly chosen song so it gets the nod.
  • 6. I Ran (So Far Away) by A Flock of Seagulls
    Everytime I hear this song I have this one memory of rolling in an 83 Ford Escort with my dad. Also, I'm intrigued by why the guy runs away...the girl sounds great.
  • 5. Der Kommissar by Falco
    Don't get me wrong, I get down on ATF, but even though I don't understand German the original just sounds better.
  • 4. Everything She Wants (Remix) by Wham!
    There is not a Wham! song out there that I don't love, but this one has got to be the best. Especially the version from "The Final"
  • 3. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
    Great song, plus it gets points for the video. Does anyone have any idea what Duran Duran is talking about in any of their songs?
  • 2. Send Me an Angel by Real Life
    The film "Rad" is my second-favorite of all time and anyone who has seen the film knows they can never forget when Cru (Bill Allen) and Christian (Lori Loughlin) dance on BMXs.
  • 1. Don't You Want Me by The Human League
    Six people in the band, four are listed as keyboardists...classic 80s!
These songs were not actually put into any real order. Also the task of breaking down ten years (although I heavily favor the early 80s) worth of some of the greatest music ever into ten songs is...impossible. I love so many other songs. If you had a best 1000 that would be a start.
By: Lawrence Koong
  • 10. Just An Illusion by Imagination
    Another soulful dance track that compels you to move your feet.
  • 9. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love by Barry White
    They don't call him the "Love Walrus" for nuthin'. A low growling voice and smooth delivery, Barry's a grandmaster in turning a simple tune into one that makes a woman wanna yell "take me, take me you bastard"!
  • 8. Weak In The Presence Of Beauty by Floy Joy
    One-hit-wonder FLOY JOY's slick performance far outclass Alison Moyet's redition of the same song. Song title also serves as a good pick-up line.
  • 7. Got You Where I Want You Babe by Stereo Fun Inc.
    Unfairly tagged as a gay anthem just because its often played in gay clubs. A lushfully arranged song that makes you wanna shuffle those feet.
  • 6. Catch Me I'm Falling by Real Life
    Aussie band REAL LIFE cleverly used catchy hooks and a dramatic intro to spur a first time listener's interest in this minor hit. Blast it while cruising down the freeway.
  • 5. Gonna Get Along Without You Now by Viola Wills
    The remixed version is bound to spring your retro party to life. It is rather (dare I say it?) groooovy!
  • 4. Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You by Teri Desario
    Written by Barry Gibb for Ms Desario, it was never a hit due to half hearted A&P efforts. Nevertheless, in the true tradition of the BGs, it was indeed melodious and stirring. Would have done better if the BGs provided background vocals like what they did for other solo artists.
  • 3. Dancing Tight by Phil Fearon & Galaxy
    Breezy and cheerful with an infectious mid-tempo beat. A real pity London-based Phil has decided to quit showbiz.
  • 2. Avalon by Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music
    Voted the number 1 love making song of all time, beating the legendary Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing. Avant-garde-demi-God Mr Ferry's dreamy delivery and a silky smmoth arrangement induces passion better than champagne, caviar and Viagra combined.
  • 1. A Night To Remember by Shalamar
    Superb track for dancing, romancing, cruising, foot tapping or just head boppin'. Unforgettable "puppet moves" by Jeffrey Daniels on the video clip.
By: 80's nostalgia!
  • 10. Stuck with You by Billy Ocean
    The tune is really catchy and every time I listen to this song, my spirits just go up!
  • 9. Africa by Toto
    Best song from Toto, by far! Neat use of instruments!
  • 8. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    Great rhythym and the best song on the #1 best selling album ever.
  • 7. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Probably the song that everybody remembers Sting by. A definite classic.
  • 6. Heaven by Bryan Adams
    A simple song that just gets to the point and despite its simplicity, it keeps you returning to it again and again.
  • 5. Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
    I couldn't have picked a better song for Top Gun myself! "You screw up just this much, you'll be flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong!"
  • 4. Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson
    This song is Michael Jackson at his finest. It grabs your attention from the very start and you'll find yourself humming to it over and over again thereafter!
  • 3. Making Love Out Of Nothing At All by Air Supply
    The tune to this song is powerful from the beginning and it only gets better! I don't believe so many posters on this board missed such a marvelous song. This has to be THE Air Supply song!
  • 2. With Or Without You by U2
    Definitive U2. I can't think of a better 80's band song than this.
  • 1. Careless Whisper by George Michael
    Da sax, da sax man! Every friend of mine who listens to this song in my car IMMEDIATELY gets addicted and asks me to replay it over again.
Other honorable mentions go to "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz, "Can't Fight This Feeling" by Reo Speedwagon, and "The Girl is Mine" by Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney. I've revisited hundreds of 80s songs to come up with this list ... if you've never listened to any songs on the list above, go get it ASAP!
By: Beau Guthrie
  • 10. Cars by Gary Numan
  • 9. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
  • 8. Africa by Toto
  • 7. Whip It by Devo
    The 80s introduced the world to music videos. "Whip it" is an outstanding represntation of this new form of artistic expression.
  • 6. Der Kommissar by After the Fire
  • 5. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    This song was a part of the influx of Australian music which enjoyed considerable popularity in the 80s.
  • 4. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo
    Second to Thomas Dolby's hit, this song is also prominently featured in compilation CDs. Though a pop song, it contains elements from a variety of different genres, endearing itself to many listeners.
  • 3. In a Big Country by Big Country
    Music from the 80s are characterized by the prevalence of so-called, "One hit wonders". "In a Big Country", in my opinion, reigns as the king of "one hit wonders".
  • 2. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
  • 1. She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby
    It is the most frequently occurring title on 80s compilation CDs. It is widely considered to be a song which defined a generation.
Honorable mention: "Land Down Under", "One night in Bangkok", "Obsession", "99 Red Balloons", "Heart and Soul", "867-5309/Jenny", and anything by the Thompson Twins, Duran Duran, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Bananarama, and the Bangles.
By: Binhminh Do
Here's eighties music in a nutshell: echoe-music
By: puneet
i was born in 81, but i love this decade!

Previous List or Next List

We also have pages on this topic devoted to the 70s and 90s

Do You Have a List to Share?

Please check out the Top Ten Music Songs submission page.