The 25 Best Songs From the 80s Every Generation Knows
Pop, rock, new wave and power ballads: 25 of the best 80s songs, with artists and years. The ultimate 80s playlist for nostalgia lovers.
MTV made music visual, synthesizers took over the radio, and hair bands ruled the arena. The 1980s produced some of the most beloved songs ever recorded. Here are 25 of the best songs from the 80s.
Pop icons
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1983). Its video helped break down barriers on MTV.
- “Beat It” by Michael Jackson (1983). Featuring a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.
- “Like a Prayer” by Madonna (1989). One of Madonna's most acclaimed songs.
- “Material Girl” by Madonna (1985). A defining image of the decade.
- “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper (1983). Pure joy in song form.
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston (1987). A No. 1 hit worldwide.
- “Faith” by George Michael (1987). The title track of a blockbuster album.
- “Purple Rain” by Prince (1984). An epic, emotional power ballad.
Rock anthems
- “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey (1981). Probably the most famous sing-along of the decade.
- “Livin' on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi (1986). Tommy and Gina's story still resonates.
- “Sweet Child o' Mine” by Guns N' Roses (1988). That opening guitar riff is unmistakable.
- “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen (1984). Often mistaken for a simple patriotic anthem.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (1982). The theme from Rocky III.
- “Jessie's Girl” by Rick Springfield (1981). A Grammy-winning No. 1 hit.
- “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard (1987). A staple of every '80s party.
- “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake (1987). A power ballad with a famous music video.
- “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen (1980). Built on one of rock's most famous bass lines.
New wave and synth-pop
- “Take On Me” by a-ha (1985). Its pencil-sketch video is iconic.
- “Don't You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds (1985). Forever linked to The Breakfast Club.
- “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles (1986). A No. 1 hit for the all-female band.
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (1983). The biggest U.S. hit of 1983.
- “With or Without You” by U2 (1987). U2's first U.S. No. 1 single.
Movie soundtrack hits
- “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins (1984). The title song from the dance movie.
- “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler (1983). A dramatic power ballad.
- “Africa” by Toto (1982). Rediscovered by a whole new generation.
Play along
Ready to test yourself? Try our '80s hit songs quiz and the 80s trivia quiz. Prefer the decade before? See the best 70s songs.
