Retro Rewind: The 30 Best 80s Songs

Music has the power to transport us back in time, invoking the nostalgia of decades gone by. In the vibrant era of the 80s, iconic tunes filled the airwaves and captured the essence of the times. From the infectious beats of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson to the anthemic sound of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, the 80s were a treasure trove of musical gems that continue to resonate with audiences today.

As we take a trip down memory lane, we revisit the 30 best songs of the 80s that have stood the test of time. From the rebellious spirit of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses to the sultry allure of “Like a Virgin” by Madonna, each track is a testament to the creativity and diversity of the musical landscape of the 80s. Join us on this retro rewind as we celebrate the timeless classics that defined a generation.

Context and History of 80s Music

The 1980s were a time of innovation and diversity in the music industry, with a wide range of musical genres gaining popularity. From the rise of new wave and synth-pop to the mainstream success of rock and pop music, the 80s were a decade of musical exploration.

One major genre that emerged during this time was new wave, characterized by its use of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation. Bands like Duran Duran and Depeche Mode were at the forefront of this movement, creating catchy and danceable music that resonated with audiences around the world.

On the other hand, the 80s also saw the continued dominance of rock music, with bands like Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi achieving enormous success. These bands brought a new energy and attitude to rock music, blending elements of hard rock and glam metal to create a sound that was both powerful and melodic.

Historically, the 80s were marked by significant events that shaped the music of the era. The advent of MTV in 1981 revolutionized the way music was consumed, allowing artists to reach a global audience through music videos. This visual medium played a crucial role in shaping the image and identity of musicians in the 80s.

Some of the most influential musicians and bands of the 80s include Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. These artists pushed the boundaries of creativity and performance, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. Their contributions to pop and R&B music continue to inspire artists to this day, cementing their legacy as icons of the 80s music scene.

The 30 Best 80s Songs

The 80s was a decade filled with iconic music that continues to resonate with audiences today. From pop to rock, the 80s produced some of the most memorable songs in music history. Here are the 30 best 80s songs that defined a generation:

1. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

Genre: Pop/R&B

Recorded: 1982

Featured Lyrics:  "Billie Jean is not my lover, she's just a girl who claims that I am the one."

"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson is an iconic pop/R&B track that captivated audiences worldwide with its infectious groove and enigmatic lyrics, cementing Jackson's status as the King of Pop.

2. "Like a Prayer" by Madonna

Genre: Pop

Recorded: 1988

Featured Lyrics: "Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone."

Madonna's "Like a Prayer" is a pop anthem that pushed boundaries with its provocative themes and powerful vocals, sparking controversy and acclaim in equal measure during the 80s.

3. "Purple Rain" by  Prince

Genre: Rock/Pop

Recorded: 1983

Featured Lyrics: "Purple rain, purple rain."

"Purple Rain" by Prince is a rock/pop masterpiece that showcases Prince's musical genius and emotional depth, becoming an instant classic and earning acclaim as one of the greatest songs of the 80s.

4. "Livin' on a Prayer" by  Bon Jovi

Genre: Rock

Recorded: 1986

Featured Lyrics: "Whoa, we're halfway there, whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer."

Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" is a quintessential rock anthem that embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, resonating with listeners through its anthemic chorus and heartfelt lyrics.

5. "Every Breath You Take"  by The Police

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1982-1983

Featured Lyrics: "Every breath you take, every move you make, I'll be watching you."

"Every Breath You Take" by The Police is a haunting yet captivating song that explores themes of obsession and longing, featuring Sting's mesmerizing vocals and a memorable melody that lingers in the mind.

6. "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses

Genre: Hard Rock

Recorded: 1988

Featured Lyrics: "She's got eyes of the bluest skies, as if they thought of rain."

Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine" is a hard rock anthem that captivated audiences with its iconic guitar riff and heartfelt lyrics, solidifying its place as one of the greatest rock songs of the 80s.

7. "Take on Me" by A-ha

Genre: Synthpop/New Wave

Recorded: 1984-1985

Featured Lyrics: "Take on me, take me on, I'll be gone, in a day or two."

A-ha's "Take on Me" is a synthpop gem that captured the hearts of listeners with its catchy melody and innovative music video, earning acclaim as one of the defining songs of the 80s.

8. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

Genre: Rock

Recorded: 1981

Featured Lyrics: "Don't stop believin', hold on to that feelin'."

Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is a timeless rock anthem that inspires hope and perseverance, with its uplifting lyrics and powerful vocals making it a staple of 80s music and pop culture.

9. "Thriller" by Michael  Jackson

Genre: Pop/R&B

Recorded: 1982

Featured Lyrics: "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark."

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson is a groundbreaking pop/R&B track that revolutionized music videos and popularized the concept of the album as an art form, showcasing Jackson's talent and creativity.

10. "Walk Like an Egyptian" by The Bangles

Genre: Pop/Rock

Recorded: 1986

Featured Lyrics: "All the bazaar men by the Nile, they got the money on a bet."

The Bangles' "Walk Like an Egyptian" is a catchy pop/rock tune that captured the imagination of audiences with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, becoming a cultural phenomenon of the 80s.

11. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston

Genre: Pop/Rock

Recorded: 1986

Featured Lyrics: "All the bazaar men by the Nile, they got the money on a bet."

Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" is a vibrant dance-pop anthem that radiates joy and energy, showcasing Houston's powerful vocals and infectious charisma.

12. "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1982

Featured Lyrics: "Dark in the city, night is a wire, steam in the subway, earth is a fire."

Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" is a synth-infused new wave track that embodies the spirit of adventure and desire, with its catchy melody and evocative lyrics capturing the essence of the 80s.

13. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1981

Featured Lyrics: "Every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turns me on."

The Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" is a captivating new wave/pop song that celebrates the magic of love and infatuation, featuring Sting's enchanting vocals and an irresistible melody.

14. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1982

Featured Lyrics: "Every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turns me on."

Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" is an electrifying rock anthem that embodies the spirit of determination and resilience, with its powerful lyrics and driving rhythm inspiring listeners to overcome challenges.

15. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1983

Featured Lyrics: "Every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turns me on."

Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is a vibrant pop anthem that celebrates female empowerment and liberation, with its infectious melody and playful lyrics resonating with listeners of all ages.

16. "Jump" by Van Halen

Genre: Rock

Recorded: 1984

Featured Lyrics: "Might as well jump, jump! Go ahead, jump."

Van Halen's "Jump" is a high-energy rock anthem that epitomizes the spirit of rebellion and freedom, with its catchy hooks and electrifying guitar riffs making it a timeless favorite among rock enthusiasts.

17. "Africa" by Toto

Genre: Rock/Pop

Recorded: 1982

Featured Lyrics: "I bless the rains down in Africa."

Toto's "Africa" is a lush pop/rock ballad that transports listeners to distant lands with its evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melody, capturing the imagination and hearts of audiences worldwide.

18. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics

Genre: Synthpop/New Wave

Recorded: 1983

Featured Lyrics: "Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree?"

Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" is a synthpop masterpiece that captivated audiences with its hypnotic beats and provocative lyrics, solidifying its place as an iconic song of the 80s.

19. "Into the Groove" by Madonna

Genre: Dance-Pop

Recorded: 1984

Featured Lyrics: "And you can dance, for inspiration."

Madonna's "Into the Groove" is an infectious dance-pop anthem that embodies the hedonistic spirit of the 80s club scene, with its pulsating beats and catchy chorus igniting dance floors around the world.

20. "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes

Genre: Pop/Rock

Recorded: 1981

Featured Lyrics: "She's got Bette Davis eyes."

Kim Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes" is a sultry pop/rock song that pays homage to the legendary actress with its mesmerizing vocals and noir-inspired lyrics, becoming a chart-topping sensation of the 80s.

21. "Love Shack" by The B-52's

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1989

Featured Lyrics: "Love shack, that's where it's at!"

The B-52's "Love Shack" is a quirky pop/rock anthem that celebrates love and camaraderie, with its upbeat tempo and eccentric lyrics creating an irresistible party atmosphere wherever it's played.

22. "I Ran (So Far Away)" by A Flock of Seagulls

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1982

Featured Lyrics: "Love shack, that's where it's at!"

A Flock of Seagulls' "I Ran (So Far Away)" is a synth-driven new wave classic that captures the paranoia and alienation of the 80s, with its futuristic sound and haunting vocals leaving a lasting impression.

23. "With or Without You" by U2

Genre: Rock

Recorded: 1987

Featured Lyrics: "With or without you, with or without you, I can't live, with or without you."

U2's "With or Without You" is a haunting rock ballad that explores themes of love and longing, with Bono's emotive vocals and the band's atmospheric soundscapes creating a mesmerizing listening experience.

24. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division

Genre: Post-Punk

Recorded: 1980

Featured Lyrics: "Love, love will tear us apart again."

Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is a post-punk masterpiece that delves into the complexities of love and despair, with Ian Curtis' haunting vocals and the band's stark instrumentation creating a sense of emotional urgency.

25. "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin

Genre: Pop/Rock

Recorded: 1986

Featured Lyrics: "Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say."

Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" is a romantic power ballad that soared to the top of the charts with its lush orchestration and tender lyrics, capturing the hearts of listeners with its passionate intensity.

26. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

Genre: Synthpop/New Wave

Recorded: 1981

Featured Lyrics: "Once I ran to you, now I'll run from you."

Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" is a synthpop classic that reinvented a 60s hit with its edgy sound and darkly romantic lyrics, becoming an anthem of alienation and disillusionment in the 80s underground scene.

27. "Material Girl" by Madonna

Genre: Pop

Recorded: 1984

Featured Lyrics: "Cause we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl."

Madonna's "Material Girl" is a playful pop anthem that celebrates materialism and independence, with its catchy melody and tongue-in-cheek lyrics encapsulating the excesses of 80s culture.

28. "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure

Genre: New Wave/Alternative

Recorded: 1987

Featured Lyrics: "You, soft and only, you, lost and lonely."

The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" is a dreamy alternative rock song that captures the euphoria of falling in love, with its shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals creating a sense of romantic bliss.

29. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper

Genre: Pop

Recorded: 1984

Featured Lyrics: "If you're lost, you can look and you will find me, time after time."

Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" is a timeless pop ballad that explores themes of love and loyalty, with its heartfelt lyrics and Lauper's emotive vocals resonating with audiences across generations.

30. "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds

Genre: New Wave/Rock

Recorded: 1985

Featured Lyrics: "Hey, hey, hey, hey, ooh woh, won't you come see about me?"

Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a stirring anthem that captured the rebellious spirit of the 80s, with its anthemic chorus and emotive vocals inspiring listeners to seize the moment and make their mark.

These 30 songs represent the best of the 80s music scene and continue to be beloved by fans around the world. So crank up the volume, hit play on your favorite streaming service, and enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane with these unforgettable hits.

Final Verdict

Are you a fan of the 80s music scene? Do you find yourself belting out the lyrics to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson or rocking out to “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi every time it comes on the radio? We want to hear from you! Share your favorite 80s songs and memories in the comments below. Whether you have a special connection to “Every Breath You Take” by The Police or can’t resist dancing to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston, we want to know what songs from the 80s hold a special place in your heart.

Did you grow up listening to these hits on your Walkman, or do you have fond memories of dancing at parties to the catchy tunes of “Like a Virgin” by Madonna? Share your personal connections to these iconic tracks and let us know how they have shaped your love for 80s music.