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: Chris
  • 10. In a Big Country by Big Country
    Aura of bagpipes and the Scottish countryside, plus a great beat make this unforgettable and fresh every time I hear it.
  • 9. Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
    Punk/Pop from across the pond made easily digestible for the U.S. Roll down the windows.
  • 8. Allentown by Billy Joel
    Piano Man pens great singalong about a dreary shutdown steel-town.
  • 7. Tenderness by General Public
    Cheery ditty from the future Fine Young Cannibals. How can you not smile when you hear this song?
  • 6. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns 'N' Roses
    Putting glam-rock in its place. Axl, Slash et al. made many high school memories, but nothing like this tune.
  • 5. With or Without You by U2
    And they never looked back...
  • 4. Like a Virgin by Madonna
    No list is complete without this one. Whatever drivel the rest of her career became, Madonna became every 13 year-old's fantasy.
  • 3. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Wow.
  • 2. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Quintessential 80's. The video, the keyboards, the bouncy melody. Awesome.
  • 1. Jump by Van Halen
    Butt-kickin' guitar and maybe the sweetest synthesizer solo ever. This one screams "Friday Night Videos!"
Honorable mention: "Stepping Out", Joe Jackson "Mayor of Simpleton", XTC "You Might Think", The Cars
By: 80's baby
By: Haydn Cook
  • 10. ///OtFred Titmus by half man half biscuit
    The only song I know name checking this England spin bowler.
  • 9. echo beach by martha and the muffins
    meloncholic longing to escape the office.I know that feeling.
  • 8. big mouth strikes again by the smiths
    didn't like them at the time but I do now.
  • 7. the unforgettable fire by U2
    Eno produced big and lush and comforting.
  • 6. hot for teacher by van halen
    stoopid and schoolboy but drum intro can't be denied
  • 5. give me all your lovin' by zz top
    old blokes with beards in the top ten.In the eighties anything was possible
  • 4. hells bells by ac/dc
    includes bell.Malevolent but not evil,slow not plodding.
  • 3. cruiser's creek by the fall
    great lazy riff,biff bang drums
  • 2. preposterous tales by I Ludicrous
    Character sketch of that bloke down the pub who tries to impress with unlikely stories.We all know one and secretly like them.
  • 1. dickie davies eyes by half man half biscuit
    wry commentary on advertising and the works of Roger Dean
By: Haydn Cook
  • 10. ///OtFred Titmus by half man half biscuit
    The only song I know name checking this England spin bowler.
  • 9. echo beach by martha and the muffins
    meloncholic longing to escape the office.I know that feeling.
  • 8. big mouth strikes again by the smiths
    didn't like them at the time but I do now.
  • 7. the unforgettable fire by U2
    Eno produced big and lush and comforting.
  • 6. hot for teacher by van halen
    stoopid and schoolboy but drum intro can't be denied
  • 5. give me all your lovin' by zz top
    old blokes with beards in the top ten.In the eighties anything was possible
  • 4. hells bells by ac/dc
    includes bell.Malevolent but not evil,slow not plodding.
  • 3. cruiser's creek by the fall
    great lazy riff,biff bang drums
  • 2. preposterous tales by I Ludicrous
    Character sketch of that bloke down the pub who tries to impress with unlikely stories.We all know one and secretly like them.
  • 1. dickie davies eyes by half man half biscuit
    wry commentary on advertising and the works of Roger Dean
By: Haydn Cook
  • 10. ...It's Fred Titmus by Half Man Half Biscuit
    The only song I know name checking this England spin bowler.
  • 9. Echo Beach by Martha And The Muffins
    meloncholic longing to escape the office.I know that feeling.
  • 8. Big Mouth Strikes Again by The Smiths
    didn't like them at the time but I do now.
  • 7. The Unforgettable Fire by U2
    Eno produced big and lush and comforting.
  • 6. Hot For Teacher by Van Halen
    stoopid and schoolboy but drum intro can't be denied
  • 5. Give Me All Your Lovin' by Zz Top
    old blokes with beards in the top ten.In the eighties anything was possible
  • 4. Hells Bells by AC/DC
    includes bell.Malevolent but not evil,slow not plodding.
  • 3. Cruiser's Creek by The Fall
    great lazy riff,biff bang drums
  • 2. Preposterous Tales by I Ludicrous
    Character sketch of that bloke down the pub who tries to impress with unlikely stories.We all know one and secretly like them.
  • 1. Dickie Davies Eyes by Half Man Half Biscuit
    wry commentary on advertising and the works of Roger Dean
By: Shawn
  • 10. Private Eyes by Hall & Oates
    Hall & Oates are truly the BEST duo of the 80's bar none!
  • 9. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    Powerful song....like the chorus.
  • 8. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    My friends in high school used to sing this song a LOT..just a good song, catchy.
  • 7. St. Elmos Fire (Man In Motion) by John Parr
    Classic.
  • 6. One Night In Bangkok by Murray Head
    Just another great song.
  • 5. Alone by Heart
    Great ballad...POWER Ballad.
  • 4. Burning Down The House by Talking Heads
    Of Course, we can't leave these guys out..good song. Awesome video.
  • 3. Obsession by Animotion
    I heard this song on WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event...just a true song!
  • 2. Walk The Dinosaur by Was (Not Was)
    Gotta Love Super Mario Bros bringing this one!
  • 1. Africa by Toto
    One of my favorites
By: Jerry
By: Anne Black
  • 10. You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive
    Move that body baby
  • 9. Waiting For A Star To Fall by Boy Meets Girl
    Hope springs eternal
  • 8. Alone by Heart
    I miss you baby
  • 7. Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison
    Twirlin' and twistin' at the Saturday night Squash Club dance
  • 6. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    Drivin' and boppin'
  • 5. Voyage Voyage by Desireless
    Sheer indulgence
  • 4. When The Going Gets Tough by Billy Ocean
    Way to start your Saturday night out
  • 3. How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
    Feel good from my "Miss 80s"
  • 2. Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman
    Making love by candlelight
  • 1. A Little Respect by Erasure
    My all time favourite song from my all-time favourite band - perfect.
Probably my Top Ten 80s "memories" songs - but pick 10 Greatest from the 80's ??? You ask a lot Chuck.
By: Paul
  • 10. Fishing In The Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
    Makes me wanna go fishing with my baby . . . in the dark.
  • 9. Bertie Higgins by Key Largo
    Was it just me, or was this guy into cocaine? Gotta give him props for not changing his name from "Bertie" to something else. Probably the cocaine's fault.
  • 8. A-Ha by Take On Me
    I really just like the video.
  • 7. Sheriff by When I'm With You
    Beautiful love song by a one-hit-wonder hair band.
  • 6. Firehouse by Love of a Lifetime
    Another outstanding love song.
  • 5. Eddie Money by Walk On Water
    I'm no angel, now, I'll admit . . . that I do like this song.
  • 4. Terrance Trent D'Arby by Wishing Well
    TTD was the man in '88.
  • 3. Journey by Open Arms
    Beautiful song. Steve Perry's voice gives it a life of it's own.
  • 2. Hall & Oates by Family Man
    Love the Atari 2600 people in the video.
  • 1. Next Time I Fall In Love by Amy Grant & Peter Cetera
    Great love song. This song says how true love should be.
By: Joe Small
THE 80'S RULED!
By: Joe Kovach
  • 10. Come on Eileen by Dexy Midnight Runners
  • 9. Heaven by Bryan Adams
  • 8. American Pie by Don McClean
  • 7. Drift Away by Dobie Gray
  • 6. To Be With You by Mr. Big
  • 5. You're The Best by Karate Kid Theme song
  • 4. Friday I'm In Love by The Cure
  • 3. Keep On Loving You by REO Speedwagon
  • 2. Under Pressure by David Bowie & Queen
  • 1. Dream On by Aerosmith
    Greatest Song ever!
This is cleary the greatest list of the top ten songs of the 80s! If you love 80s music, and want to download some music, or buy some, trust me with this list, you will be plenty satisfied of these top ten songs... there is no better list!
By: Masoud T
  • 10. I'll Remember You by Skid Row
    Definitely one of my fav Skid Row songs. I was surprised that it didn't make it on to the Monster Ballads compilation CD, it definitely belongs there.
  • 9. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    I love this song, has a catchy beat to it. The chorus is my favorite part too.
  • 8. Don't Dream Its Over by Crowded House
    I don't know what it is about this song, but it always gets to me, so sad.
  • 7. Photograph by Def Leppard
    No list could be complete without the Def Lep. This group epitomizes what 80s hair metal is. Love the video too.
  • 6. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew
    Who hasn't heard of this song? One of the staples of the 80's, I never tire of this one.
  • 5. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N Roses
    Not a big fan of Axl Rose myself, but I will give him credit for this brilliant song. I love the guitar intro at the beginnning.
  • 4. Here I Go Again by WhiteSnake
    This is the ultimate rebellion song of the 80's, I love cruising down the highway while blaring this in my car.
  • 3. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    No matter how many times I hear this, I never get sick of this song. Their is great feeling and emotion behind the lyrics and I love the beat.
  • 2. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
    I'm Canadian so I gotta back this guy. Not to mention that it's one of the best songs of the eighties, only Corey could get away with singing about his sunglasses. Great rhythym to it too, makes you wanna get up and dance.
  • 1. Wind of Change by Scorpions
    I've been through the majority of the lists on this site and I was shocked to see that no one had this song on their list. Great song from a great band about the fall of the Wall. Definitely one of my favorites.
I love the 80's, the music of today just doesn't have the same sound as it did back then. Honorable mentions include: Never Surrender - Corey Hart, Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield, Is This Love - WhiteSnake, Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money, Take On Me - Aha, Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes, Africa - Toto, Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad - Def Leppard, Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone - Glass Tiger, What Does It Take - Honeymoon Suite, Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds, Land Down Under - Men At Work, Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison, and a whole list of others that I don't have the time or patience to write out. PS - the Top Ten is in no particular order as I could never pick one that is better than the others.
By: Masoud T
  • 10. I'll Remember You by Skid Row
    Definitely one of my fav Skid Row songs. I was surprised that it didn't make it on to the Monster Ballads compilation CD, it definitely belongs there.
  • 9. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    I love this song, has a catchy beat to it. The chorus is my favorite part too.
  • 8. Don't Dream Its Over by Crowded House
    I don't know what it is about this song, but it always gets to me, so sad.
  • 7. Photograph by Def Leppard
    No list could be complete without the Def Lep. This group epitomizes what 80s hair metal is. Love the video too.
  • 6. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew
    Who hasn't heard of this song? One of the staples of the 80's, I never tire of this one.
  • 5. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N Roses
    Not a big fan of Axl Rose myself, but I will give him credit for this brilliant song. I love the guitar intro at the beginnning.
  • 4. Here I Go Again by WhiteSnake
    This is the ultimate rebellion song of the 80's, I love cruising down the highway while blaring this in my car.
  • 3. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    No matter how many times I hear this, I never get sick of this song. Their is great feeling and emotion behind the lyrics and I love the beat.
  • 2. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
    I'm Canadian so I gotta back this guy. Not to mention that it's one of the best songs of the eighties, only Corey could get away with singing about his sunglasses. Great rhythym to it too, makes you wanna get up and dance.
  • 1. Wind of Change by Scorpions
    I've been through the majority of the lists on this site and I was shocked to see that no one had this song on their list. Great song from a great band about the fall of the Wall. Definitely one of my favorites.
I love the 80's, the music of today just doesn't have the same sound as it did back then. Honorable mentions include: Never Surrender - Corey Hart, Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield, Is This Love - WhiteSnake, Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money, Take On Me - Aha, Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes, Africa - Toto, Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad - Def Leppard, Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone - Glass Tiger, What Does It Take - Honeymoon Suite, Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds, Land Down Under - Men At Work, Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison, and a whole list of others that I don't have the time or patience to write out. PS - the Top Ten is in no particular order as I could never pick one that is better than the others.
By: Geggs
  • 10. I Ran by A Flock Of Seagulls
    Another great tune. 80s British pop was immense.
  • 9. Cars by Gary Numan
  • 8. Together In Electric Dreams by Giorgio Moroder & Phil Oakley
  • 7. Summer Madness by Kool And The Gang
    Chilled out tune to the max
  • 6. I Can't Go For That by Hall & Oates
    Wicked
  • 5. Never Too Much by Luther Vandross
  • 4. Private Eyes by Hall & Oates
  • 3. Souvenir by OMD
    A tune i just cannot get out of my head, Excellent.
  • 2. Get Down Saturday Night by Oliver Cheetham
    The original and best version, not the crappy new version by Room 505.
  • 1. Enola Gay by OMD
    Brilliant Scouse band.
By: John Jackson
Some prety good songs here I think should have been mentioned.
By: Zuleima Gonzalez
  • 10. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns And Roses
  • 9. Mother by The Dezing
  • 8. Tnt by Ac/dc
  • 7. Crazy Train by Ozzy
  • 6. The Unforgiven 2 by Metallica
  • 5. The Unforgiven by Metallica
  • 4. Fuel by Metallica
  • 3. Sad But True by Metallica
  • 2. One by Metallica
    Ilove that song "I love Metallica
  • 1. Enter Sandman by Metallica
By: morgan
  • 10. Do You Want To Dance by Ramones
  • 9. Limelight by Rush
  • 8. Jump by Van Halen
    i was 6 when i first saw this music video. i spent a week doing that david lee roth jump front kick through the house.
  • 7. Crazy Train by Ozzy
  • 6. Paradise City by G N' R
  • 5. Rock You Like A Huricane by Scorpions
  • 4. Breaking The Law by Judas Priest
    this is such a cool song. it sounds so bad ass
  • 3. Walk This Way by Aerosmith
    or was that the 70s i dont know i was borne in 86!
  • 2. Master Of Puppets by Metallica
    this was the song that brought speed metal into my life. they played so hard and soo fast it blew me away.
  • 1. Back In Black by AC/DC
    THE GREATEST RIFFFFFFFFFF OF ALL TIIIIIIIIME!
By: Robert Kaufmann
  • 10. Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    Good song to blow the speakers to!
  • 9. Run To You by Bryan Adams
    Everytime I hear this I have to break out the air drums and guitar.
  • 8. What Does It Take by Honeymoon Suite
    A great rock song that radio has totally forgotten. " If I could grow wings I would do anything just to keep you with me, can't you see. If I could fly high I would give you the sky......"
  • 7. Way Cool Junior by RATT
    Still have the picture sleeve 45 of this song.
  • 6. Turn Up The Radio by Autograph
    Another rarely played rock jem from the 80's
  • 5. Boys Of Summer by Don Henley
    A timeless summer classic. And a great music video!
  • 4. Misled by Kool And The Gang
    The first single off of Emergency. Peaked at #3 and then dissappeared off playlists. The guitar riff kicks ass! The video has an Indiana Jones story/style to it. Who is the hot babe painted in white in the video, anyone know?
  • 3. Invisible Touch by Genesis
    The drums are awesome on this song!
  • 2. Your Wildest Dreams by Moody Blues
    Something haunting about this one. Reminds me of a girl I liked at the time.
  • 1. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    The MTV tribute song right at the pinnacle of the 80's. Totally 80's all the Way! In 100 years they'll all be asking what was "my MTV"
By: Tal Tene
  • 10. P-Machinery by Propaganda
    This german song is one of the vest rock songs in the eighties. It is simply a good songs. After a strong fight, it beat "Another brick in the wall".
  • 9. Everybody Got To Learn Sometimes by Korgies
    Another vibriting ballad. For cold nights together with your lover...or to totally break your heart when your'e alone...
  • 8. Two Tribes by Frankie Goes To Holywood
    Although not a musical masterpiecem, the fuss it made gave it enough extra points to be listed here.
  • 7. Shout by Tears For Fears
    One of my most prefered bands of the eigthies. This is non-doubtfully their best and most exciting song!
  • 6. The Unforgetable Fire by U2
    These guys best song ever! Close your eyes and it will take you to the far deserts...
  • 5. Woman In Love by Barbara Streisand
    Best kitch ever!
  • 4. Life Is What You Make It by Talk Talk
    One of the most unique band of the eigthies, with their top track (although not neccesarily the best track in the "Colour of spring" album.
  • 3. Africa by Toto
    A beautiful song. Takes you to other places far away...
  • 2. Avalon by Roxy Music
    The best track from this prestigious band. Brian Ferry is strange but genius.
  • 1. Feels (Like Heaven) by Fiction Factory
    A perfect song! That's all!
By: James
  • 10. Nightmare by 213
    "It's a nightmare (Just a dream, a dream) It's a nightmare (Just a dream, a dream)" From the first Nightmare on Elm Street film. Great music.
  • 9. On My Own, Alone by Stan Bush
    From the "Bloodsport" flick in 1988. The music and lyrics are powerful, and gets you ready when you've got no choice to do it on your own. "I can be strong, alone, on my own..."
  • 8. Special Delivery by Angela Bofill
    She made this 1983 track after her "Too Tough" album. Very dance-fused.
  • 7. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
    Very 1984. These british girls are great.
  • 6. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
    1986, and the music and lyrics are pure 80's. "I'm wanna be your sledgehammer/Why don't you call my name/Oh let me be your sledgehammer/This will be my testimony"
  • 5. Omegaman by The Police
    "The night came down, jungle sounds were in my ears/City screams are all I've heard in 20 years/The razor's edge of night, it cuts into my sleep/I sit upon the egde now should I make that leap?" Killer lyrics and music from Sting and the guys. Classic 1981.
  • 4. The Gold Bug by The Alan Parsons Project
    The 1980 instrumental has a good sax solo by Mel Collins while the vocals are great in the end.
  • 3. Finding Out The Hard Way by Cynthia Rhodes
    "I'm finding our rhe hard way/It's gonna take some tears/A little bit of heartache/We're like islands in the stream/Watching all our dreams start to fade/Fade away..." Cynthia has a terrific soulful voice in this one. Cynthia also starred in "Staying Alive" from 1983.
  • 2. Scarface (Push It To The Limit) by Paul Engemann
    The prime choice tune to the 1983 Al Pacino film "Scarface". Push It To The Limit/Walk along the razor's edge/Don't look down just keep your head/Or you'll be finished" Good lyrics too!
  • 1. Mammagamma by The Alan Parsons Project
    The melody in this song is what blew me away. What an instrumental hit from 1982!
The 80's doesn't get any better! Awesome music. So awesome, I want to make some compilations to the 80's!

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