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: Alan
  • 10. Why Do Fools Fall In Love by Diana Ross
  • 9. Chain Reaction by Diana Ross
    Number 1 in UK and Australia.
  • 8. Swept Away by Diana Ross
  • 7. Touch By Touch by Diana Ross
    A European single, which would have done well in America.
  • 6. Missing You by Diana Ross
  • 5. Eaten Alive by Diana Ross
  • 4. Upside Down by Diana Ross
  • 3. Dirty Looks by Diana Ross
  • 2. Pieces Of Ice by Diana Ross
  • 1. Shockwaves by Diana Ross
    An absolute classic single, very similar to her 60s music, but with a great production job by Shep Pettibone. Shame it wasn't a hit.
I was surprised looking over all the lists that Diana Ross was ommitted. She continues to make great music to this day and the 80s has always been an underrated chapter in her career. SHE IS DA BOMB !
By: Amanda
  • 10. Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants
    Off "Lincoln," I think.
  • 9. Drive by the Cars
    So '80s it hurts.
  • 8. Nobody Told Me by John Lennon
    There are some serious hooks in this thing. Dig the Goons reference, too. "There's a little yellow idol to the north of Kathmandu..." His last single and maybe his happiest. "Most peculiar, mama. Whoa!"
  • 7. Moving in Your Sleep by the dB's
    There should be statues dedicated to the dB's in Athens, GA. "Stands for Decibels" is a masterpiece and I don't think it's even in print.
  • 6. Alex Chilton by the Replacements
    ...and the 'Mats should've been bigger than the Rolling Stones.
  • 5. Kid by the Pretenders
    Exhilarating. That's my comment on song #5.
  • 4. Beyond Belief by Elvis Costello and the Attractions
  • 3. So. Central Rain by R.E.M.
  • 2. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
  • 1. Here Comes Your Man by the Pixies
By: mandy
  • 10. Amanda by Boston
  • 9. Hungry Like A Wolf by Duran Duran
  • 8. Billie Jean by Micheal Jackson
    Give him some credit...Before everything was hacked up for him ..he was pretty good!
  • 7. Panama by Van Halen
    Eddie Van Halen is the best guitarist... VH is just amazing in the 80s!
  • 6. Owner of a Lonely Heart by Yes
  • 5. Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean
  • 4. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
  • 3. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
  • 2. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
  • 1. Take On Me by A Ha
    Excellence...pure excellence~ Even More for it's time.
I wish I could go back to the 80s
By: Simon Taylor
  • 10. Call of the Wild by Midge Ure
    With Visage and Ultravox Midge had proven himself as a superb composer. With this solo single he proved he could do it just as good on his own.
  • 9. The Damned Don't Cry by Visage
    A beautiful single full of early eighties imagery. Should have been a much bigger hit.
  • 8. Listening by Psuedo Echo
    Australia's foremost New Romantic group, Pseudo realesed this synth laden gem in '83. It's been a classic ever since.
  • 7. Stand and Deliver by Adam and the Ants
    Without a doubt this was/is Adam's finest achievement. A rockin' song that grabs you and doesn't let go.
  • 6. The Riddle by Nik Kershaw
    This song featured some very odd lyrics indeed. It was the guitar riff that would be the main key here, very catchy indeed.
  • 5. The Promise by Arcadia
    Totally under appreciated, The Promise is a song of awesome splendor. The best single to come from the Duran Duran camp.
  • 4. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    With consideration I would have to say that this is quite possibly the best pop/dance song ever written. Great fun in every way
  • 3. Scandal by Queen
    A minor hit from 1989, Scandal was a viscious and scathing attack on the media that had haunted Queen since the beginning. Queen at their best.
  • 2. Under Pressure by Queen & Davi Bowie
    Excellent bass, excellent lyrics. I consider this to be one the most powerful and emotive songs ever.
  • 1. Vienna by Ultravox
    An ambitious single boasting a hallmark video, Vienna was the the epitome of synthetic neo classicism. Impressive in ever sense.
By: Jason
  • 10. Power of Love by Huey Lewis & The News
  • 9. Thriller by Michael Jackson
  • 8. Against The Wind by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
  • 7. These Dreams by Heart
  • 6. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
  • 5. Take On Me by A-ha
  • 4. St. Elmo's Fire by John Parr
  • 3. Two Hearts by Phil Collins
  • 2. Africa by Toto
  • 1. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
Honorable Mentions: Glenn Frey - "The Heat Is On," John Mellencamp - "Hurt So Good," Bruce Springsteen - "Hungry Heart," The Police - "Every Breath You Take," Genesis - "Invisible Touch"
By: Celeste Keenan
  • 10. The Touch by Stan Bush
    Probably one of my most memorable songs in the whole world. The video for this song has 2 of my favourite things in it. The Transformers and Stan Bush. Does it get any better than that?
  • 9. Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
    Is it any wonder they call him "The Piano Man?" I love this song because it reminds me of when I was a child.
  • 8. Love Is A Battlefield by Pat Benetar
    Well, I wasn't much of a Pat Benetar fan because I was too young to even care or comprehend what she was about.
  • 7. The Warrior by Scandal
    A prime example of real "girl power!"
  • 6. Missing You by John Waite
    It's a great song! Lots of good beats.
  • 5. Push It by Salt
    Good rythms! Good rhymes and it's an all around good song!
  • 4. Living on a Prayer by Bon-Jovi
    OOOHHH Richie! I don't care if he is married he's pretty damned sexy.
  • 3. What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
    I've always been a big fan of Tina Turner.
  • 2. We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
    I was probably too young to remember this song and I probably didn't care what rock and roll was all about but there was some wicked sounding guitars in this song.
  • 1. Summer of 69 by Bryan Addams
    I guess I'm a bit partical for Bryan because I'm a Canadian. He has excellent guitar riffts and he makes good music.
For those of you who don't know who Stan Bush is he colaberated with Vince DiCola and wrote 2 songs for the soundtrack album to Transformers: The Movie. One song was called "The Touch" and the other was called "Dare!"
By: scotgirl_y2k
  • 10. Wake me up.../Last Xmas/Club tropicana by Wham!
    These are my three fave. hits from the ultimate 80's boyband, Wham!, consisitng off the lovely George, and gorgeous Andrew, they had hit after hit, and to be honest I love all of them, but Last Xmas, the #1, is really my fave. But the equally catchy #1 Wake me up before you go go, and the #4 Club tropicana are both brilliant also! :)
  • 9. Everywhere by Fleetwood mac
    Along with True, from the great spandau ballet, this is a great love song (well, it is sort off) and I love the bit when it goes - "iiiiiiiiiiiiiii wanna be with you everywhere, and iiiiiiiiiiii..." etc. However, this is a very catchy song, and another classic for the mighty felletwood mac (I believe this was one of their later hits)
  • 8. Tainted love by Soft cell
    "I need-to....get away (do - do -do)" Wow! I love this song. A brilliant #1 hit from those two great guys. A very synth-pop song also. I just love it! (They also had two other hits which I cant quite rememeber :( )
  • 7. Karma Chaemelon/Do you really want to hurt me? by Culture Club
    I just love Boy George (and the rest of the excellent culture club!) These two brillant #1 songs are a fine example of new romanticsism in the 80's.
  • 6. The reflex by Duran Duran
    Whey! Dont you just love this song? I dance to it every night, and it just latches on to you! No wonder it was a #1 hit in the UK! I just love Duran Duran, and dont forget their other great singles - Rio, Is there something I should know, etc etc. Great!:)
  • 5. Gold/True by Spandau Ballet
    One of my fave. New romantics band, the UK #1 single, True, is the ultimate love song!:) I just love it! It is very well written by band member Gary Kemp, and is just so beautiful, if you are in an emonational state, it will surely bring tears to your eyes, with the talented vocals of Tony Hadley, this is a love song classic! (I espicially love the saxaphone bit in the middle!)Along with the #2 hit, Gold, it will want you to hit that repeat button on your Cd player, or it will ware out your records! :) (I think you get the picture!)
  • 4. Fascination/Mirror Man/Dont you want me? by The human league
    The mighty human league were definately the kings and queens of 80's synth-pop music, and are my fave. new romantic group, along with Adam and the ants, duran duran and spandau ballet. Isnt Dont you want me just a fine classic? Who hasnt heard of it? I wasnt even born when it was first realesed, but still know the lyrics off-by-heart. Fascination and Mirrior man were also brilliant! (Isnt Phil Oakey so gorgeous?)!:)
  • 3. Goody two shoes by Adam Ant
    I reckon this UK #1 from Adam ant (solo, not with the ants, as this was after they disbanded)is absoultey excellent! Its really catchy, and I'm always listening too it, one of my fave adam ant songs, and this has to be the best song of his short, but great time as a solo artist. I love adam, and think he is one of the kings of the 80's, and is very talented and good looking to boot!
  • 2. Stand and deliver/Prince Charming/antmusic by Adam and the ants
    Adam and the ants ruled the 80's new romantic scene, with their flamboyent style and excellent songs, espicially the UK #1's, Stand and deliver and Prince Charming, but Antmusic brings a whole new meaning to the word music! I just love adam and the ants, and their wacky videos!
  • 1. Robert De Niro's waiting/Venus/shy boy by Bananarama
    Well, what can I say? In my opinion, the nana's were the ultimate 80's bands! I love all of their songs, espicially Venus with the catchy tune, and cheesy, but excellent video to go with it. I have grown up with Bananarama, and I have always loved the catchy, Robert De Niro's waiting, and was surprised to find out recently that it was inspired by a rape victim, however, it is still a great 80's song, along with the rest of Bananarama excellent songs, to go along with their great style, and the way they ruled the 80's, and I still think they are too underated :)
What can I say, I'm only 15! But I love the 80's! As far as I'm concerened, it was the only decade for music! (espicailly synth-pop, new romanticism and new wave music!:) I was actually born in 1985, but I'm proud of being born in such an excellent decade! I'm an 80's freak! I collect records, albums which are available on CD format, and greatest hits on Cd format, and of course, 80's complmation CD's (I have loads!) But I also tape music video's from my fave. 80's bands off the music channels on Sky. I do enjoy everything 80's, and I love this site Its really good! Congrats! Here are some honorable mentions for some other great bands and tunes - Frankie goes to Hollywood - Relax The bangles - Manic Monday/Eternal flame George Michael - Father figure/Faith The eurythmics - Sweet dreams/there must be an angel (playing with my heart)Band aid - Do they know its xmas? The human league - Sound of the crowd/ Love action (I believe in love) If any other 80's fanatics like me would like to commenet on anything, please E-mail!
By: Krissy
  • 10. Goonies R Good Enough by Cyndi Lauper
    Hee hee...I love this song...it's so great. I love the movie too...
  • 9. Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
    I really love the Depeche Mode boys. They are great..and I shouldn't have them as #9, but I am too tired to change it.. anywho, David Gahan has a way sexy voice, and their music is brilliant.
  • 8. Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears
    I really related to this song. It totally describes many of my feelings...but it's still very good
  • 7. How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths
    This song was very mysterious. It always seemed to conjure up strange feelings for me...
  • 6. The Cure by Let's Go To Bed
    Self-explanatory...heheh no, honestly, the music was clever and upbeat, and the lyrics were great. Robert Smith's voice was a plus too..;)
  • 5. If You Leave by Orchestral Manuevers in the Dark
    This was a great song. Great, great, great...
  • 4. Pretty In Pink by The Psychedelic Furs
    Hehe..yes, another song by The Psychedelic Furs...but it's a great song, and a great movie too..
  • 3. Hold Me Now by The Thompson Twins
    C'mon..you so have to agree that at one time or another, this song got to you too...
  • 2. Love My Way by The Psychedelic Furs
    To me, this song is very deep. Not like 'Oh, I know what he means.." but like, it makes me think of things that are very emotional for me...
  • 1. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    I think it's a wonderful song. It makes me want to get up and dance. It's very uplifting..
Hmm..I know that I may have left out many songs that I will kick myself in the ass about later, but I'd like to mention, that I like just about any 80's new wave, synth/electronic music out there. And that the 80's were the best!
By: The Fat Contributor
  • 10. Centrefold by J. Geils Band
    Nice one.
  • 9. Down In The Tube Station At Midnight by The Jam
    Some more of The Jam.
  • 8. Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
    Come on, surely more people must consider this song inspiring...
  • 7. Venus by Bananarama
    If this were a 60s top-ten list, Shocking Blue's rendition of Venus would be near the pinnacle of my chart, but because it isn't, I'll have to settle for Bananarama (still fantastic, mind you).
  • 6. Our House by Madness
    Yeah, same comments that everyone else's given this.
  • 5. I Don't Like Mondays by Boomtown Rats
    Is this song not from the 80's? Or why hasn't anyone I've seen mentioned it? Or is my musical taste just perverse? Wait, wasn't this banned in America, or something along those lines?...
  • 4. Queen by We are the Champions
    Glory personified.
  • 3. Lies by Manfred Mann's Earth Band
    Without Manfred Mann, music would've been fairly dull from the 60's onwards. 'Lies' was one of their less successful songs, but I love it anyway.
  • 2. Down Under by Men at Work
    I needn't say anything to this one, I suppose.
  • 1. Going Underground by The Jam
    Frankly, I can't understand why no-one seems to appreciate The Jam on these lists. I suppose they were more of a British phenomenon, but Paul Weller was a visionary and a lyrical mastermind.
Special mention, I suppose, should go to St. Elmo's Fire by John Parr and several Nik Kershaw songs, just 'cos I forgot them just now. And, of course, the best song in human history, Apeman, by The Kinks, which is, alas, from the 60s. But still bloody brilliant.
By: Paul Stadden
  • 10. Dare to be Stupid by Wierd Al
  • 9. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
    Truly on of the greatest guitar solos of all time.
  • 8. Voodoo Child by Stevie Ray Vaughan
    The best version of the Jimi Hendrix classic.
  • 7. One by Metallica
    Excellent solo by Kirk Hammet.
  • 6. Here We Go Again by Whitesnake
    And you thought they were just a hair band.
  • 5. Whip It by Devo
    Too cool, too funny, too wierd.
  • 4. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
    The coolest music video in the world.
  • 3. Creeping Death by Metallica
    A bible story in a rock song? What more do you want?
  • 2. Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughan
    This song always makes me want to run and play my guitar.
  • 1. Mob Rules by Black Sabbath
    This is THE metal song from THE metal group in the eighties.
By: Matt Carr
  • 10. One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston
    Just a song that has lots of memories attached to it.
  • 9. Layla by Eric Clapton
    Addicting, awesome jam song.
  • 8. Desparado by The Eagles
    Such a great ballad, but is it 80s?
  • 7. This Fire by Billy Joel
    Just a great history review put to music...
  • 6. Helter Skelter by U2
    I'm not sure this is an 80s song, but it's great...
  • 5. We Are The Champions by Queen
    How could you not love this song??
  • 4. Pussy Control by Prince
  • 3. When Doves Cry by Prince
  • 2. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    Another awesome ballad.
  • 1. Eternal Flame by The Bangles
    Just an awesome ballad.
By: Audie Murphy
By: DJ Midas
  • 10. Perfect Way by Scritti Politti
    I have two copies of the US 12" of this track and the labels are the same but the mixes on side 2 are totally different from each other, which makes for 3 great mixes to blend. The piano line mid-song is what turned me on to this track
  • 9. When Doves Cry by Prince & the Revolution
    A song that gets heavy rotation in my 80's night mixes (I've played out "Kiss" so "Doves" and "Erotic City" get played more). I have 2 copies of the long mix and a white label house remix (virtually same version with a house beat) that I play on non-80's nights to keep familiarity with the crowd. One of Prince's best tracks.
  • 8. It Takes Two by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
    This is one of the biggest selling 12-inch singles in the world. Virtually every DJ has two copies of this one. It's a must! And retro clubbers love it!
  • 7. People Are People by Depeche Mode
    This song really turned me on to Mode. The 12-inch "Different Mix" is definitely that. I don't even have to re-mix it and it turns heads. Also the "Are People People" Mix on the "Master and Servant" US 12-inch is fun to mix in - sounds like the "People are People" Synth lines in reverse.
  • 6. Situation by Yaz
    This song has been remixed to death but it's still great (it's so great that crooner Tom Jones did a cover back in '93). I repeated the "laugh-hiccup" sample between 2 copies TWELVE times once and stopped the dancefloor and made heads turn. I love to mess with people.
  • 5. Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    2 copies of the 12" mix is essential for clubplay (I actually have 3). Fun to phase and create that "wind" effect. Dancefloor filler.
  • 4. Strangelove by Depeche Mode
    This one keeps the dancefloor full. One of the stupidest things I did in my life was give my friend my copy of the '88 Highjack Remix...But I'll find it again!
  • 3. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) by Dead or Alive
    One of the best (if not THE best) 80's dance song produced by Stock-Aitken-Waterman. I have 2 copies of the "Murder Mix," Which is great to put on when you're DJing & have to go to the bathroom (8 minutes and the intro is about 3 1/2 minutes). If I'm playing this mix and my bladder isn't full I usually edit down the intro. I recently picked up a couple of DJ-only mixes of this classic, and am on my way to pick up the highly sought-after "Performance Mix" on an 80's compilation (which was listed as a bonus track on the "Youthquake" cassette).
  • 2. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    I know this is on everybody's list. Great song. Lately I've been playing some DJ-only remixes of this but occasionally I will create a "male vs female" verse with 2 copies of the original mix to turn heads on the dancefloor. My wife hates when I do that 'cause she can't sing along!
  • 1. Blue Monday (Original 12 mix b/w The Beach) by New Order
    The best version of this song around. The '88 & '95 versions are sub-par to say the least. I know Orgy's cover is a hit but it doesn't even compare (I will admit though, I enjoy the sample used in Electoset's Techno Cover "How Does It Feel" from 1992) Arthur Baker did right by transforming this misery-ballad into a synth-dance classic. "The Beach" is an awesome dub of "Blue Monday" and is great to mix with the original mix.
Being a DJ of an 80's night I get TONS of requests for songs on all the other top 10s listed on this site, and 10 is such a small quantity to choose from the endless list of great songs from the eighties, so I decided to base this list on songs I have multiple copies of. I figure if I have more than one copy of the song, It must be a great song IMO. Also, I've been trying to post the club I work at a couple times to this site under the "Nightclubs" section to no avail. I've submitted our info at least 3 times, ChuckyG. I know it takes time to update. We do exist here in good ol' Raleigh NC! (Do we need a website to be recognized - we're working on it!) There is a blurb about the Five-O Cafe on triangle.citysearch.com under the nightlife section. Come see us! We'd love to have you. Peace! DJ Midas
By: Jennifer
By: Jens Roeder
  • 10. Baggy trousers by Madness
    Yes, they did even bigger things than "Our house". Put it on the list because it was the best video of the 80s!!!
  • 9. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
    Since I was to our local club the first time, the DJs play it every Saturday at half past 12.
  • 8. Room with a view by Tony Carey
    Nobody mentioned this song, that's not fair! It's sooooo sweet...
  • 7. West end girls by Pet Shop Boys
    Remember this song? And the terrible East 17-Cover in the early 90s?
  • 6. Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
    Greatest song from "Violator", the greatest DM-album ever! Heard it - loved it!
  • 5. Careless whisper by Wham! feat. George Michael
    MMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm, ooooooooohhhhhhh...
  • 4. Nachts in München by Peter Gorski Band
    Yes, there are more German new wave songs than just "99 Luftballons" and "Rock me Amadeus"! This one's my secret favourite, although you can't get this on CD anywhere.
  • 3. Material girl by Madonna
    Wet dreams are made of this...
  • 2. Down under by Men at work
    I'll take my kangaroo for a walk...
  • 1. Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
    This song's my life, this song is God! The happy fiddle tune, tht great, great soul voice and that danceable beat made it my all-time-favourite song. If you find it, buy the album called "Too-rye-ay"! Everybody should be forced to listen to this song when getting up in the morning!!!!!!!
Choosing 10 best 80s is like winning a trip to paradise for three persons and having 2000 best friends...
By: Child of the '80s
  • 10. Lost in Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson
    You'll never believe this, but I had a crush on her. And I mean bad. Not as bad as this guy I worked with at Wal-Mart (my high school and college job - what a great place), he actually joined her fan club - pathetic. Poor guy didn't realize it was my eyes she was singing about... (She was, wasn't she?)
  • 9. Someday by Glass Tiger
    Geez, yet another girlfriend song. I sure miss those days. Puppy love never hurt so good...
  • 8. Mickey by Toni Basil
    A break from the torture. One of my favorite '80s memories: Just finished another game of pac-man, rolled on out to the floor at the new skating rink in Oak Hill, Texas. Skated with my childhood fantasy girl to Mickey blasting, lights flashing, and heart pumping. Just like Mom always said, enjoy it while is lasts...
  • 7. With or Without You by U2
    Tore my heart out. Came close to leaving my wife once - this song convinced me to stay.
  • 6. Shake You Down by Gregory Abbott
    Come on let me shake you down, we'll go all the way to heaven. Damn, this song just grabs you by the throat and makes you close your eyes and sway...
  • 5. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
    I was a hopeless romantic in the '80s, must have played this a few hundred times.
  • 4. I Don't Want to Live Without You by Chicago
    After I tortured myself with The Flame, I popped in my cassette single of this heart wrencher. She still wasn't interested...
  • 3. The Flame by Cheap Trick
    My anthem after falling in love in 11th grade harder than I ever had up to that point, only she didn't quite feel the same way I did.
  • 2. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    None better since 'How do I Live Without You' by LeAnn Rimes.
  • 1. Always by Atlantic Starr
    Danced to this song with my wife on our wedding night, it's been our song ever since. I love you so for always...
OK, so maybe most of these could be listed as the best love songs of the '80s. What a great decade - Reagan was spending money like there was no tomorrow (Bring down that wall...), the bands were producing eye and ear candy by the truck load, and MTV actually played music. If anyone ever invents a time machine I'm first in line. Don't Worry, Be Happy!
By: Brad
  • 10. Fraggle Rock by Theme Song
    Dance your cares away... down in Fraggle Rock! A really good song for a neat cartoon.
  • 9. Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
    A fun song to sing along to.
  • 8. Come Sail Away by Styx
    A really great, emotional song.
  • 7. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    So I guess it would have been wrong to start a mosh pit at one of their concerts? Just a really weird song, but a good one.
  • 6. White Wedding by Billy Idol
    Oh c'mon! Who didnt stand in front of their mirror after taking a shower, run a comb through their hair so it sticks up, and sing this song?
  • 5. Rock Lobster by B52's
    I think this song was 80's...pretty sure. Not as good as Love Shack, but more original.
  • 4. Radio Free Europe by R.E.M.
    Just because this was what started them off in the big time. ITEOTWAWKI was a bigger hit, and better song, but if it wasn't for Radio Free Europe, REM (my favorite band) never would have made it.
  • 3. I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
    A great song... The best of many great Foreigner songs.
  • 2. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
    A very emotional song. It's actually better than Come On Eileen, but you cant dance to it, so it drops to #2. The best of many great Peter Gabriel songs.
  • 1. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    This song made me want to learn the violin. It just has so much emotion in it. And I can also do that cheesy dance from the video.
Honorable Mention: Dire Straits (Money for Nothing), AHA (Take on Me), Madness (Our House), any Genesis song, any Peter Gabriel song, any REM song, alot of Styx songs), Paul Simon (You Can Call Me Al)
By: Kathleen Regan
  • 10. Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants
    Certifiably obsessed with this song.
  • 9. Cleartrails by Shriekback
    From LP "Care." Released as CD only in Australia. I'm still looking for it.
  • 8. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
  • 7. Love My Way by Psychedelic Furs
    One of several gems.
  • 6. Killing Moon by Echo & the Bunnymen
    Don't know why I love it but I do.
  • 5. The Love That Harms by John Hiatt
    From "Riding with the King". I have more John Hiatt CDs than any other singer.
  • 4. Under the Black Sun by X
    From the album of the same name. Amazing song.
  • 3. Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol
  • 2. Myself to Myself by Romeo Void
    From "It's a Condition", single is available on CD, "Warm in Your Coat"
  • 1. I Can Walk Alone by Human Switchboard
    Hoboken band, their album "Who's Landing in My Hangar" is an all-time favorite.
Buzzcocks, Pete Shelley, Joy Division, The The, Bow Wow Wow, Grace Jones, B52s, Talking Heads, Romeo Void, Romeo Void, Romeo Void
By: Doug Jackman
  • 10. The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
    Easily the best single from the ex-Eagle! The video is a kind of spooky!
  • 9. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    I am not a huge ballad fan! But this one is so poweful!
  • 8. Jenny (867-5309) by Tommy Tutone
    This song was so huge in the early eighties that the phone number had to be delisted in certain cities in the U.S.
  • 7. Major Tom by Peter Schilling
    Easily the top German artist of the eighties! I don't know of any other German musicians from the eighties besides Berlin.
  • 6. Need You Tonight by Inxs
    This song ranked as the #2 song of 1988 behind George Michael's "Faith". What a shame!
  • 5. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    Forget Michael Jackson! Springfield is the King of the Eighties.
  • 4. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    The band members looked like dirt bags in the video. Hey, this song is timeless.
  • 3. In a Big Country by Big Country
    Remember the band members driving their ATVs in the video.
  • 2. Down Under by Men at Work
    Great use of a variety of instruments.
  • 1. She's a Beaty by The Tubes
    A great tune to listen to whizzing down the highway!
By: Alan Whitton
  • 10. True by Spandau Ballet
    Just the lush feel and over production of this song signifies the 80's
  • 9. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    That summed up my entire University Career !
  • 8. Bizarre Love Triangle by Joy Division/New Order
    OK, lots of fun in this song, but I still like "Love Will Tear Us Apart" from Joy Division TOO!
  • 7. Jerkin Back & Forth by Devo
    Had to have Devo in here somewhere!!
  • 6. Blasphemous Rumors by Depeche Mode
    I knew someone who viewed this as his theme song, he was incredibly depressing!
  • 5. Turn It On Again by Genesis
    Yes, an odd choice, but something that resonates 80's to me!
  • 4. Mirror In The Bathroom by The English Beat
    The party song of the 80's, recompense for all my crimes of self-defense..
  • 3. Madness by One Step Beyond
    OK, this wasn't in the 80s, really, but still it was in the 80s that I appreciated it!
  • 2. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
    When this came out, the 80's were over for me! (My wild oats had been sown)
  • 1. Papa's Got A New Pigbag by Pigbag
    OK, this is an odd choice, but again, it resonates the 80s to me!
The 80's will always be the most magical decade of my life, leaving home, going to University, finding my wife, and one hell of a lot of fun!

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