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: Joe Bartoleit
  • 10. Repo Man by Iggy Pop
    The master Stooge still had it, and the rest of that soundtrack was killer too!
  • 9. Bastards Of Young by The Replacments
    And anthem of the unsatisfied and frustrated youth of the 80s, the lyrics still ring true today.
  • 8. Ted, Just Admit It by Jane's Addiction
    Maybe "Nothing's Shocking", but something sure is rocking!
  • 7. Up On The Sun by Meat Puppets
    Catchy, cool guitar riff, great live band... This song just makes me happy.
  • 6. Expressway To Your Skull by Sonic Youth
    A truely original band which many tried to copy, but few succeded. They had the coolest guitar sounds anywhere.
  • 5. My War by Black Flag
    The best song to listen to when you are really pissed off!
  • 4. She's In Parties by Bauhaus
    The original Goth band, and still the best...
  • 3. Police On My Back by The Clash
    From the brilliant 3 record set: "Sandinista!" A landmark record that has everything from punk, reggae, rockabilly, pop, even gospel!
  • 2. I Wanna Live by Ramones
    A great song by one of the best bands ever.
  • 1. Makes No Sense At All by Husker Du
    Amazing, underrated band from Minneapolis ruled in the 80s!
Dead Kennedys, Naked Raygun, Skinny Puppy, Social Distortion, Dinosaur Jr., The Cure, Wire, The Damned, X, Billy Idol, Psychedellic Furs, Blondie, Talking Heads, Police, Lords Of The New Church, The Cramps, Misfits, etc....
By: Chris Wallin
  • 10. Rich Springfield by Jessie's Girl
  • 9. Blondie by Call Me
  • 8. Dead Or Alive by You Spin Me Right Around
    Anything ON The Wedding Singer Soundtrack should be here.
  • 7. Tommy Tutone by 8675309- Jenny
  • 6. Devo by Whip It
  • 5. Billy Idol by White Wedding
    I can just see Billy pumin his fist now
  • 4. Thomspon Twins by Hold Me Now
  • 3. Men At Work by Land Down Under
    what a tune...
  • 2. J Geils Band by Angel In The Centerfold
    the video..the song... its got everything
  • 1. Men At Work by Safety Dance
    i mean...cmon
God, DONT YOU LOVE THE 80's!?!??!?! any other 80's songs, email me at lilc998@hotmail.com
By: Tim Carter
i love 80s music this is a great site....i feel my songs need no explanations...honarble mentions got to ...icehouse - crazy rod stewart - downtown train david bowie - lets dance dire straits - brothers in arms and anything by my favourtie band U2
By: FERNANDA
  • 10. I Saw Red by Warrant
    it's so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 9. Cum On Feel The Noise by Quiet Riot
    so great!!
  • 8. Love Song by Tesla
    with A great introduction with the sound of the guitars it'S very nice
  • 7. Life Goes On by Poison
    it's so specail that song! it's great especially when says " and this last mile I travel with you" that'S so nice!
  • 6. It's A Heartache by Bonnie Tyler
    it'S A classical song it'S so nice!!!
  • 5. Talk Dirty To Me by Poison
    is a very good song I like to hear it
  • 4. We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
    A good song who has power!
  • 3. Patience by Guns N Roses
    A very special song
  • 2. Don't Cry by Guns N' Roses
    the best song ever!!
  • 1. Every Rose Has It's Thorn by Poison
    A good song! A very nice song who remember A special person
all that song are so specials!!
By: Lady New Wave
  • 10. Promises Promises by Naked Eyes
    This is just a great song.
  • 9. How Soon Is Now by The Smiths
    You can just feel the pain of Morrissey as he belts out "I am human and I need to be loved."
  • 8. Fascination by Human League
    This song just puts me in an upbeat mood.
  • 7. Something About You by Level 42
    This is the perfect love song.
  • 6. Come Undone by Duran Duran
    Sure it's a 90's song, but this song is so good. I had to mention it. Duran Duran is untouchable.This song is absolutely beautidul.
  • 5. Domino Dancing by Pet Shop Boys
    This is another one of those great dance songs.
  • 4. People are People by Depeche Mode
  • 3. The Promise by When in Rome
  • 2. It's My Life by Talk Talk
    It's just
  • 1. True Faith by New Order
    This is like the ultimate dance song! The most sad lyrics are set to this totally upbeat beat. I love it!
By: Gigi Jones
  • 10. Our Lips Are Sealed by Go Go's
    Also we got the beat
  • 9. Never Say Goodbye by John Bon Jovi
  • 8. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
  • 7. 867-5309 by Tommy Tu Tone
  • 6. Take on me by Aha
  • 5. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cindy Lauper
  • 4. If You Leave by Omd
  • 3. Manic Monday by Bangles
  • 2. Don't You (forget About Me) by Simple Minds
  • 1. With Or Without You by U2
A very high consolation goes to Bryan Adams.
By: Christina
  • 10. Carless Whisper by George Michael
    I could have chosen a WHAM song, but this is simply one of those memorable songs.
  • 9. Rio by Duran Duran
    Great song, like all of their stuff!
  • 8. Somewhere In My Heart by Aztec Camera
    I just love this song, and there is just something about those notes going down the scale in the middle of the chorus!
  • 7. China In Your Hand by T- Pau
    This song has got so much emotion in it and you can totally relate to the lyrics
  • 6. Every Breathe You Take by The Police
    Another classic which will never be forgotten
  • 5. Down Under by Men at work
    I love this song simply beacuse its so unique and the lyrics are fantastic
  • 4. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    What can i say except CLASSIC!
  • 3. You Keep Me Hangin' On by Kim Wilde
    Although this is a cover of The Supremes classic song, Kim Wilde adds that extra touch.
  • 2. Don't You Want Me by The Human League
    This is an all time classic that can never be forgotton
  • 1. Eternal Flame by The Bangles
    I love this song!! Thats all i gotta say
By: Corwin
  • 10. Every Now and Then by Earth Wind and Fire
    I like the lyrics. So sad yet so hopeful and still so positive. I especially like the words they used (Every now and then, I find myself wond'ring about you baby...)
  • 9. Every Breath you Take by The Police
    I used to like this song a lot. Until recently I read an explanation by Sting that this song is about obsession and stalking (every move you make). I still like it much, though.
  • 8. Turn Back the Clock by Johnny Hates Jazz
    Aside from having a great tune, this song is good for reminiscing (or regrets). Going back in time!
  • 7. Through the Barricades by Spandau Ballet
    I like the lyrics. Kinda inspiring and sad at the same time.
  • 6. Africa by Toto
    Again, great music and instruments. Especially the tribal beat. There's a little mystery in the lyrics, too.
  • 5. True by Spandau Ballet
    Even though I can't really understand what they want to say, the music's great.
  • 4. Advice for the Young at Heart by Tears for Fears
    I just love TFR lyrics. This one's my favorite. "It's only me and me shadow, happy in our make-believe..."
  • 3. Come Back to Me by Indecent Obsession
    Great music and instrumentals. I just have trouble looking for the lyrics. Can anyone help me?
  • 2. Everytime I See You by Fra Lippo Lippi
    Great music and an upbeat love song. Just try telling someone that your world turns upside down whenever you see him/her. ;)
  • 1. Hands to Heaven by Breathe
    A very emotional love song. The best of its kind.
By: Darren
  • 10. Dead Giveaway by Shalamar
  • 9. Time After Time by Cindy Lauper
  • 8. Jealousy by Club Nouveau
  • 7. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham
    no comment
  • 6. Point Of No Return by Expose
    They took me to the point of no return
  • 5. Don't You Want Me by Jody Watley
    Yea, don't you want me? everybody else does.
  • 4. Show Me by Cover Girls
    I like to watch
  • 3. Midas Touch by Midnight Starr
    Everything I touch turns to gold!
  • 2. I'm Looking For A New Love by Jody Watley
    Look no further!
  • 1. Boarderline by Madonna
    Keep on pushin my love!!
By: Jeanette
  • 10. Drive by The Cars
  • 9. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
  • 8. I Love Rock N Roll by Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers
    I love rock N roll!!
  • 7. Freeze Frame by J. Geils Band
    I love this song!!
  • 6. Amanda by Boston
  • 5. Take It On the Run by REO Speedwagon
    Heard it friend, who heard from friend, who heard from another you been messing around...
  • 4. Foreigner by I Wanna Know What Loves Is
  • 3. Journey by Open Arms
    A lovely love song.
  • 2. Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
    One really great song.
  • 1. Mr. Robato by Styx
    How can you not love this song! lol Domo Arigato!
By: Ranajit Dam
Ranajit Dam from Pune, India. Feel free to get in touch with me at ranajitdam@indiatimes.com.
By: Adam Hurrey
  • 10. Run To You by Bryan Adams
    Oi! who nicked my air guitar!!!!...
  • 9. We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel
    learn the words; and feel like a legend...
  • 8. One and Only by Chesney Hawkes
    classic 80s...
  • 7. Call Me Al by Paul Simon
    That melody is embedded in my brain forever...
  • 6. Gold by Spandau Ballet
    You can't resist joining Tony Hadley for that long note. "...So Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaa-aalllllllll!"
  • 5. You Don't Get Much by The BoDeans
    Another song from 'The Wizard'...
  • 4. Dancing On the Ceiling by Lionel Richie
    A great song with a great melody and chorus...
  • 3. All Night Long by Lionel Richie
    a classic kareoke candidate if i ever saw one...
  • 2. Send Me An Angel by Real Life
    Taken from the awesome film, 'The Wizard'...
  • 1. Land Down Under by Men At Work
    ultimate singalong song! plus the vegemite factor...
oy yeh, the best song ever: Eye of the Tiger - Survivor.
By: dan
  • 10. November Rain by Guns And Roses
  • 9. Don't Cry by Guns And Roses
  • 8. Wild Side by Motley Crüe
  • 7. Sweet Child O Mine by Guns And Roses
  • 6. Free Fallin by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
    tom is the man
  • 5. Girls Girls Girls by motley crüe
  • 4. Paradise City by Guns And Roses
  • 3. Dr. Feelgood by Motely Crüe
    i like drugs
  • 2. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
    its gotta be the best slow song ... it still brings a tear to my eye every time i hear it
  • 1. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns And Roses
    the best song ever made...... sha na na na na na na na na knees knees
By: Marc Middleton
  • 10. Walk The Dinosaur by Was
    I was also very much into dinosaurs...
  • 9. Ghostbusters! by Tray Parker Jr.
    What can I say? Ghostbusters was my favourite cartoon as a kid.
  • 8. 1999 by Prince
    Hear this one recently and really is a good party tune.
  • 7. Don't Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Good Film and great song that wrecks of the 80s.
  • 6. Thriller by Micheal Jackson
    The 'reading' part is fantastic and the evil laughter at the end just does it for me.
  • 5. Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor
    Great beat and really helps to build yourself up on great occassions.
  • 4. Simply The Best by Tina Turner
    Great morale booster!
  • 3. Sledge Hammer by Peter Gabriel
    A real great hit, that makes you what to hit everything with a sledge hammer.
  • 2. Take On Me by A-HA
    Another great 80s classic! Really makes you want to get up and dance.
  • 1. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    A real 80s Anthem...Makes everyone want to play 'air-guitar!
By: Sindee
  • 10. Mental Hopscotch by Missing Person
    My favorite band of the 80's. I like all there tunes.
  • 9. Down In The Park by Gary Numan
    Yes, I was a "Numanoid".
  • 8. Songs For Great Cities by Simple Minds
    Great instrumental!
  • 7. VX Gas Attack by Skinny Puppy
    Reminds me of something... I wish I knew what!
  • 6. Living On The Ceiling by Blancmange
    Sometimes I felt like I was living on the ceiling!
  • 5. The Way You Are by Tears for Fears
    "Going far - Getting Nowhere - The Way You Are".... the way I was!
  • 4. Faded Flowers by Shriekback
    A beautifully haunting song.
  • 3. Change Your Mind by Sharpe and Numan
    The song always reminds me of riding the Keihan line in Osaka.
  • 2. Situation by Cetu Javu
    I loved dancing to this song!
  • 1. You Don't Need Someone New (Charleston Mix) by The Lotus Eaters
    A great song by a semi-forgotten band.
This list is in no particular order.
By: Jay Lillico
  • 10. Home For A Rest by Spirit Of The West
    Best Drinking Song ever
  • 9. Voices Carry by Til Tuesday
    Points off for a sucky video, but truly a beautiful song
  • 8. The Beautiful Ones by Prince And The Revolution
    Purple Rain was probably the best album of the 80's and The Beautiful Ones was the best song on the album.
  • 7. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    Real difficult deciding between their songs
  • 6. How Soon Is Now by The Smiths
    Try to forget that voice
  • 5. Relax/Power Of Love by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    It really is a shame that Power Of Love didn't really break through over here in North America. It is definitely one of the best ballads ever
  • 4. Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi
    Just for the (unfortuante?) effect that Bon Jovi/Def Leppard/Van Halen had on me in the 80's
  • 3. It's The End Of The World As We Know It by REM
    If only because they want the song banned now due to the terrorist attacks
  • 2. Roxanne by Police
    Screeching vocals at its best
  • 1. Pride (In The Name Of Love) by U2
    By far the best band of the 80's (and beyond)
Honorable Mentions: any Violent Femmes song and any song on the Footloose/Breakfast Club/Pretty In Pink soundtracks
By: rock
  • 10. Take On Me by A-HA
    How could they ruin this song! Some stupid boy band decided to kill this song by doing a cover of this song, and A-HA gave them permission! What were you guys thinking?!!
  • 9. Save A Prayer by Duran Duran
    The New Romantics bands like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, ABC and the likes always had great songs.
  • 8. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    I first heard this song in the movie "The Breakfast Club".
  • 7. Heartbreak Beat by Psychedelic Furs
    How can you not like that song...it rocks!
  • 6. Don't Dream Its Over by Crowded House
    I still love this song and I still listen to it.
  • 5. Question of Lust by Depeche Mode
    One of the bands that elevated the synth to a higher level.
  • 4. Love Song by The Cure
    Robert Smith...gotta love the hair! The eyeliner revolution! Yeah!!!!!
  • 3. True Faith by New Order
    I love this song!
  • 2. Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears
    You gotta love this one! Well heck! I love all their songs! Roland Orzabal is a genius!
  • 1. True by Spandau Ballet
    A Classic!!!!!!!
Despite the bad stuff people have said about the 80's...Bad hair....hideous clothes....weird dancing...well, there is one thing great about the 80's...the MUSIC! and i think all of you agree with me on that!!!
By: M. Broxson
Change-Tears for Fears, Be Good Johnny-Men at Work, Heartbreak Beat-Psychedelic Furs, How Soon it Now-The Smiths, Love My Way-Psychedelic Furs, Modern Love-Bowie, and Small Town Boy-Bronski Beat...These my friends are the actual, bonafide top "80's" songs of the Decade!
By: Greg
  • 10. She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
    a very catchy song by a very odd looking dude
  • 9. Miami Vice theme by Jan Hammer
    any 80's top ten list has to include the theme to the tv show that set the trends for the 80's
  • 8. Should I Stay Or Should I Go by the clash
    punk at it's best. Try singing this one at a Karaoke bar.
  • 7. Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo
    just a great song that was matched by Mexican Radio but I can't recall who wrote that one.
  • 6. True by Spandau Ballet
    wasn't this the ultimate 80's love song?
  • 5. 99 Red Balloons by Nena
    the englis version of this song was even better than the original german version 99 luftballons.
  • 4. Love Shack by The B-52's
    another great new-wave dance tune. If no one would dance with you to this song, it was time to give up and go home.
  • 3. What I Like About You by The Romantics
    Regardless it was a great song to dance to in my Miami Vice outfit.
  • 2. Burning Down The House by The Talking Heads
    just plain fun to try and figure out all the lyrics.
  • 1. It's The End Of The World As We Know It by REM
    a great dance song from the era when REM wasn't so self-righteous
By: Bree
  • 10. Losing My Religion by REM
    Love REM, LOVE LOVE LOVE the song!!!
  • 9. River Of Dreams (In the Middle of the Night) by Billy Joel
    Ummm this came out before 1990 yes?? Hope so! :)
  • 8. Papa Don't Preach by Madonna
    Also, I can't remember if this was 80's but "Take A Bow" and "This Used To Be My Playground" have special meaning...but I love this one!
  • 7. Karma Chameleon/Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? by Culture Club
    Strange but cool...and which song did they do on the A-Team? Partial that one 'cause of teh show :)
  • 6. You're The Inspiration by Chicago
    I love Chicago, and I *love* this song...so pretty...
  • 5. Forever Your Girl by Paula Abdul
    Come on...you couldn't live in the 80's and NOT like something by Paula...she rocks.. :)
  • 4. Hold Me by Fleetwood Mac
    Well I love FM anyways, but this *is* a great song...
  • 3. I've Had The Time Of My Life by Jennifer Warns-Bill Medley
    ALWYAS, always loved this song...long before I saw the movie even!
  • 2. Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
    Love this one...
  • 1. Kokomo by The Beach Boys
    Carl Wilson's voice...this is what got me absolutely hooked on teh BB..."We'll get there fast and then we'll take it slow.." I heard it in 2nd grade and never looked back...my favorite band to this day!
Okay, these are totally in no order...it's hard enough to even narrow it down to 10! I tried not to be only partial to my favorite bands! Honorable mentions to Toni Basil "Mickey", The B-52's "Love Shack", Cindy Lauper "Time After Time", Elton John "Sad Songs"...and a million others I can't think of the names right now! :) This is too hard!

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