80s songs

The Best 80s Songs

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The 1980s were a golden era for music, offering a treasure trove of unforgettable hits that continue to resonate across generations. From the vibrant beats of synthpop to the powerful anthems of rock, the best 80s songs remain iconic. Whether it’s the infectious melodies of pop or the rebellious edge of alternative tracks, the best 80s songs define an era of unparalleled creativity and passion.

In this list, we’ll explore the top 80’s songs that shaped the decade and earned their place in music history. Get ready to relive the magic of these timeless classics, including the most popular 80s songs that still dominate playlists today.

See also: The 25 Best 90’s Songs and The Top Country Songs Of All Time

Pop

  1. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
  2. Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
  3. Prince – “Purple Rain”
  4. Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
  5. Cyndi Lauper – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”
  6. Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got to Do with It”
  7. George Michael – “Careless Whisper”
  8. Culture Club – “Karma Chameleon”
  9. Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
  10. A-ha – “Take On Me”

Rock

  1. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer”
  2. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
  3. Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust”
  4. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin'”
  5. U2 – “With or Without You”
  6. The Police – “Every Breath You Take”
  7. Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing”
  8. Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the U.S.A.”
  9. Van Halen – “Jump”
  10. Def Leppard – “Pour Some Sugar on Me”

New Wave & Synthpop

  1. Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”
  2. New Order – “Blue Monday”
  3. The Human League – “Don’t You Want Me”
  4. Duran Duran – “Hungry Like the Wolf”
  5. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
  6. Simple Minds – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
  7. Pet Shop Boys – “West End Girls”
  8. A Flock of Seagulls – “I Ran (So Far Away)”
  9. Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
  10. OMD – “If You Leave”

R&B and Soul

  1. Prince – “Kiss”
  2. Chaka Khan – “Ain’t Nobody”
  3. Lionel Richie – “All Night Long”
  4. Sade – “Smooth Operator”
  5. Anita Baker – “Sweet Love”
  6. Janet Jackson – “Nasty”
  7. Rick James – “Super Freak”
  8. The Gap Band – “Outstanding”
  9. Luther Vandross – “Never Too Much”
  10. Michael Jackson – “Rock with You”

Hip-Hop

  1. Run-D.M.C. – “Walk This Way” (feat. Aerosmith)
  2. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – “The Message”
  3. Salt-N-Pepa – “Push It”
  4. LL Cool J – “I Need Love”
  5. Beastie Boys – “Fight for Your Right”
  6. N.W.A. – “Straight Outta Compton”
  7. Kurtis Blow – “The Breaks”
  8. Public Enemy – “Bring the Noise”
  9. Sugarhill Gang – “Rapper’s Delight”
  10. Eric B. & Rakim – “Paid in Full”

Alternative & Indie

  1. The Smiths – “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”
  2. R.E.M. – “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
  3. The Cure – “Just Like Heaven”
  4. Pixies – “Where Is My Mind?”
  5. Sonic Youth – “Teen Age Riot”
  6. Echo & the Bunnymen – “The Killing Moon”
  7. The Stone Roses – “I Wanna Be Adored”
  8. Cocteau Twins – “Heaven or Las Vegas”
  9. The Jesus and Mary Chain – “Just Like Honey”
  10. Violent Femmes – “Blister in the Sun”

Power Ballads

  1. Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
  2. REO Speedwagon – “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
  3. Foreigner – “I Want to Know What Love Is”
  4. Phil Collins – “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)”
  5. Heart – “Alone”
  6. Chicago – “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”
  7. Scorpions – “Still Loving You”
  8. Europe – “The Final Countdown”
  9. Poison – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”
  10. Starship – “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”

Dance & Disco

  1. Donna Summer – “She Works Hard for the Money”
  2. Shannon – “Let the Music Play”
  3. Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – “Conga”
  4. Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know”
  5. Olivia Newton-John – “Physical”
  6. Kool & the Gang – “Celebration”
  7. The Weather Girls – “It’s Raining Men”
  8. Michael Sembello – “Maniac”
  9. Lipps Inc. – “Funky Town”
  10. Dead or Alive – “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”

Find the best 80s songs on Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited

The legacy of the best 80s songs lives on, reminding us of a decade that changed the face of music forever. From energetic dance hits to heartfelt ballads, these tracks capture the spirit of the 80s with unmatched vibrancy and soul. Whether you’re rediscovering these tunes or hearing them for the first time, the popular 80s songs on this list prove that great music is truly timeless. So crank up the volume and let these top 80’s songs transport you back to one of the most electrifying eras in music history.