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: Brennan Dunbar
  • 10. Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue
    OK, it was '89, so sue me!
  • 9. Hot For Teacher by Van Halen
    Eddie made it ok to admit a crush on that cute Intern from the University...
  • 8. One by Metallica
    A powerful song, an even more powerful image. Beautiful mix of metal and classical themes...
  • 7. Back in Black by AC/DC
    Released only 8 months after Bon Scott's death, and still by far the best AC/DC album of all time. I'm 22, and ALL of my friends still have this album, although we were only tots when it was released.
  • 6. Come Sail Away by Styx
    I hated it at first, but it really, really grew on me. It's on my compilation CD's now next to eminem and Kid Rock... man, how music has changed.
  • 5. Oh Sherrie by Steve Perry
    Ok, Steve Perry is a loser, but I still really enjoy this song... especially the a cappella before the intro...
  • 4. Bon Jovi by Livin' on a Prayer
    This whole album was an absolute revelation for me... It still has a place on both my record player and in my CD changer...
  • 3. Call Me by Blondie
    She was such a cutie...
  • 2. Africa & Rosanna by Toto
    Can't pick which is better, so screw it, they both rule.
  • 1. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
    Coverdale and Vandenberg at their best... Man, this song still gives me chills.
Lots of Metal, and weighted toward the end of the 80's, but it's a list of my honest favorites.
By: Javier Aguirre
  • 10. CARELESS WHISPERS by WHAM! (GEORGE MICHAEL)
    A naive and very sweet one. The saxo sounds perfect and George's voice gives every word it's real meaning. The acoustic guitar complete this very good one. A classic.
  • 9. ADDICTED TO LOVE by ROBERT PALMER
    What's best: the song or the video? Well, both are fantastic. This song has a drum rythm that make your feet move without thinking. Grrreeeaatt.
  • 8. NOTHING'S GONNA STOP US NOW by STARSHIP
    This is a fresh song. You can enjoy it everywhere: driving your car or taking a shower. The chorus is really contagious. A pretty one.
  • 7. DON'T DREAM ITīS OVER by CROWED HOUSE
    Since the begining of the song, you're hooked to the gittar sound and the vocalist armonies. Is a different song and definetly one of the best.
  • 6. YOU'RE THE INSPIRATION by CHICAGO
    This is a love love love song. The lyrics is perfect and the rythm as the typical Chicago's sound. Hug your couple and just fly away...
  • 5. LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING by CLIMMIE FISHER
    This song is different. Not so popular in USA, but a smash hit in Eurocharts. Terrific song. One of the best, without thinking twice.
  • 4. MODERN LOVE by DAVID BOWIE
    Can you listen to this song without moving your body or at least tapping with your fingertips the nearest table around you? I can't !
  • 3. WE ARE THE WORLD by USA FOR AFRICA
    This is a masterpiece. A classic that will be right at any place, any time. Great group sound. Great solos. Great lyrics. Is an icon.
  • 2. AGAINST ALL ODDS (TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW) by PHILL COLLINS
    This song is so touching. Maybe the best Phill's perfomance. You can hear it a thousand times without getting tired. Great great great.
  • 1. EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE by THE POLICE
    This is the perfect song. A continuous bass, terrific lyrics and Sting's voice are the best combination of all the 80's songs
Obviously, I could choose another 100 songs than could match in that list, but i tried to choose the ones that had a special meaning for me, for any reason. Iīm really sad because i didnīt put any Madonna's song, because she really deserve it. Maybe "Borderline" is one of the best. See you.
By: Chris
  • 10. Stand Back by Stevie Nicks
    What can I say she was the best of the 80's..
  • 9. Got A Hold on Me by Christine McVie
    "i got a love, i got somebodies love, you got a hold on me
  • 8. I Love Rock 'N Roll by Joan Jett
  • 7. Call Me by Blondie
  • 6. Talk to Me by Stevie Nicks
    "you can talk to me"
  • 5. 'Stop Draggin My Heart Around' by Stevie Nicks w/ Tom Petty
    great duet however it only reached #3 on billboard it deserved #1
  • 4. Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks w/ Don Henley
    Great duet..
  • 3. ''Whats Love Got to Do With It? by Tina Turner
    Whether ya love it or hate it you know it!
  • 2. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
  • 1. Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
    Great song sung by the talented Stevie Nicks
By: Jonathan Quiroga
I still haveīnt found what iīm lookinīfor Hungry like the wolf-Duran Duran Iīve waiting for a girl like you-Foreigner Rythmin of Love-Yes Leave It-Yes
By: aaron
  • 10. The Warrior by Patty Smyth (with Scandal)
    Very cool and upbeat song. Patty is a killer vocalist. I have a number of her other songs and most all of them are great. This one is the best!
  • 9. Invisible Touch by Phil Collins
    Fast paced and a very catchy song.
  • 8. Heart Of Stone by Taylor Dayne
    Took me forever to find this song. I've been looking for this since I heard it in the 80's. Great song!!!
  • 7. Centerfold by J. Geils Band
    Who hasn't heard this song by now? A classic.
  • 6. We Got The Beat by Go-Go's
    Featured on Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Great song. The Go-Go's have put together many, many good songs.
  • 5. Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen
    I don't care that it's on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. I remember this hit from 87. Really good song even today.
  • 4. St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion) by John Parr
    I remember hearing this about 6 years ago on the radio and loved it. Great fast paced song with killer vocals and great music. I also like his song "Naughty, Naughty", but I think this one is a little better.
  • 3. Out Of The Blue by Debbie Gibson
    I remember hearing this in middle school in 87. Very popular. I still like it to this day. Cool song. Don't know anybody in the 20's or beyond that hasn't heard this song by now.
  • 2. Can'tcha Say by Boston
    Off Third Stage album. An upbeat love song. This is the best love song I have ever heard. Amazing vocals and guitar work. I've played this song for several women and every one of them liked it.
  • 1. I Think I Like It by Boston
    Never get tired of this one. I never hear it played on the radio. Off Third Stage. Very popular album too. Excellent fast paced beat.
I couldn't fit nearly everything I wanted on here, but these are some songs I listen to all the time.
By: Jeff Danna
My top 10 changes regularly. If I listen to a song I haven't heard in a while I might become more attatched to it.
By: naomi
  • 10. Love is a battlefield by Pat Benatar
    This song is high on my volumeiser. It can never be played loud enough!
  • 9. Gloria by Laura Branigan
    This was just a great tune. I can even remember the video of the girl ice skating like a maniac.
  • 8. Doctor Doctor by Thompson Twins
    Anything by this group is just great - they epitomised the 80's for me.
  • 7. Echo Beach by Martha and the Muffins
    "My job is very boring I'm an office clerk"! - This song was made for me.
  • 6. Games without frontiers by Peter Gabriel
    Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic.
  • 5. Imagination by Belouis Some
    This song just does it for me. Hardly gets a mention anywhere and I can't think why. 11 out of 10!
  • 4. Drive by The Cars
    Absolutely the business. Top lyrics and top tune.
  • 3. Fade to Grey by Visage
    This song used to frighten me even though I loved it. Ahhhhhhh Ahhhhh we fade to grey fade to grey.
  • 2. Moonlight Shadow by Mike Oldfield
    This song is just unbelieveable. If I ever had the 45 I don't think I would play it just in case I wore it out. A top tune.
  • 1. I'm never giving up by Sweet dreams
    An entry from Britain in the Eurovision song contest. The chorus is so inspiring - cracking tune. The Eurovision British entries between 81-84 were all blinding.
This list could go on forever. I thank the good lord that I was born in a time where I could appreciate the 80's (the 90's mean absolutely nothing to me musically or otherwise). If time travel were ever possible the 80's are exactly where you'd find me - puffball skirt and all!
By: heather
  • 10. someone, somewhere, in summertime by simple minds
    haunting song
  • 9. out of touch by hall n oates
  • 8. sugar daddy by thompsin twins
  • 7. I wanna be a toy by dead or alive
  • 6. lay your hands on me by thompsin twins
  • 5. love and pride by king
  • 4. kiss them by sousxie
  • 3. Forbidden Love by CLeo
  • 2. Gasstop by Boxcar
    never play this on the radio anymore, great song
  • 1. Should I love you by C-Faro?
    great song and lyrics
By: jared buffan
  • 10. Welcome to the jungle by Guns'n'Roses
  • 9. Panama by Van Halen
  • 8. Radio Free Europe by R.E.M.
  • 7. It takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back by Public Enemy
  • 6. Need You Tonight by INXS
  • 5. One by Metallica
  • 4. When Doves Cry by Prince
  • 3. Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun by Beastie Boys
  • 2. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2
  • 1. TIE by U2- best 80s band easily
    Both "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" rule the 80's
By: Otto Maddox
  • 10. Save it for Later by The Beat
  • 9. Eyes of a Stranger by Payola$
  • 8. Rio by Duran Duran
    Would it have been the 80s any other way?
  • 7. I Left My Wallet in El Segundo by A Tribe Called Quest
  • 6. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) by Talking Heads
    The most romantic song ever (tm)
  • 5. Tenderness by General Public
  • 4. La Di Da Di by Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew
    ...The original human beat box...
  • 3. When U Were Mine by Prince
    A great song. Works well as a solo acoustic tune as well.
  • 2. The Greatest Thing by Elvis Costello
  • 1. Once in a Lifetime by Talking Heads
    If you don't ask yourself "how did I get here" chances are you aren't in the right place. Brilliant, and better performed live.
By: sheer
  • 10. Belly Of The Whale by Burning Sensations
    This has to be the sleeper of the 80's.
  • 9. River Runs Red by Midnight Oil
    One for planet Earth!
  • 8. Love Of The Common People by Paul Young
    Remake of an oldie, but it could be played at most weddings!
  • 7. Drive by The Cars
    The bird in the clip was nice too!
  • 6. Candle In The Wind by Elton John
    Sir Elton??? He wanted to write a new song for Princess Di, I think he should of. Like there is a real closeness between Di and Marylin!
  • 5. Livin On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    Glam Rock of the eighties.
  • 4. Pride In The Name Of Love by U2
    Dont like it as much now, but very powerful when released and I think it helped them to become the number one band of the eighties! DOH!
  • 3. Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel
    Go Jimmy! Another Australian Anthem.
  • 2. The Flame by Cheap Trick
    Never did think much of this band until I heard this. A Classic!
  • 1. Belfast Child by Simple Minds
    If only this beautiful song could stop the bloodshed. Definetly a song that comes from more than just a band looking to make a quick buck!
There are so many more!!!!
By: alex
  • 10. invisible touch by genesis
    this is a quality song from a quality singer..PHIL COLLINS FOR LIFE!!
  • 9. hungry like the wolf by duran duran
    another pure 80s sound
  • 8. mr roboto by styx
    DOMO ARIGATO MR. ROBOTO
  • 7. walk the dinosaur by was not was
    haha..this is just a song where you just have to laugh at
  • 6. rock the casbah by clash
    i remember just jamming out to this song when i was like 7...first 80s song i really liked
  • 5. safety dance by men without hats
    pure 80s sound...thats all i gotta say
  • 4. africa by toto
  • 3. you've gotta fight for your right to party by beastie boys
    party song of the decade...hands down
  • 2. dead or alive by you spin me around
    freaky singer...awesome song...adam sandler was awesome singing it in wedding singer
  • 1. down under by mew at work
    one of the best intros i have ever heard and the instruments are awesome
By: Bob Louis
  • 10. Don't You Want Me Baby by Human League
    Human League is cool.
  • 9. Love in an Elevator by Aerosmith
    Aerosmith did good with this song.
  • 8. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    Good song from 1985.
  • 7. Higher Ground by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
    Anything by this band rocks!
  • 6. We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel
    Billy Joel at his best!
  • 5. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
    In my opinion, Michael's best is this song right here.
  • 4. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
    This song kicks butt!
  • 3. Together Forever by Rick Astley
    Dance, dance away!(and sing along too.)
  • 2. Rock the Casbah by The Clash
    I can't help but sing a long!
  • 1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears For Fears
    Greastest song of the 80's from the greatest band of the 80's!
Other good songs: "Sowing the Seeds of Love" Tears For Fears "Down Under" Men at Work "Human" Human League and anything from Duran Duran.(like"Rio")
By: Michelle
By: Dave Skinner
  • 10. Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
    What can I say? Classic.
  • 9. Under Pressure by David Bowie and Queen
    Two of the all-time greats team up for this excellent tune. Ahead of its time.
  • 8. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
    My favorite of theirs.
  • 7. Right Now by Van Halen
    Disregard all top ten lists that don't have a Van Halen song in them.
  • 6. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
    Remember that flick Real Genius?
  • 5. Back in Black by AC/DC
    Badass, baby!
  • 4. Come On Eileen by Dexie's Midnight Runners
    I dig any song that has a banjo in it.
  • 3. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
    Very powerful song about hope.
  • 2. Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
    Weepy, sentimental, melodramatic, sappy...but also inspirational and beautiful.
  • 1. Sister Christian by Night Ranger
    If I were asked which song best represented the 1980s, I would name this one. Plus, it's just damn good.
By: James Wilson
  • 10. Slice Of Heaven by Dave Dobbyn & Herbs
    Memorable 80's song from New Zealand as heard in the 'Footrot Flats' movie.
  • 9. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    Did this song have any meaning? I don't think so, but it was a lot of fun.
  • 8. Blue Monday by New Order
    This song has been covered and remixed numerous times but the original still sounds the best. Love the drums at the start.
  • 7. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    Highlighted the excesses of the 80's. Had an excellent video and powerful guitar riff. Brothers In Arms was the first CD I ever heard and the intro to this song blew me away.
  • 6. Wild Wild West by Escape Club
    One of the better songs from the otherwise dreary late 80's. Heading for the 90's, living in the wild wild west!
  • 5. Aotearoa by Split Enz
    This song was written in protest to French nuclear testing in the South Pacific. Strong, powerful lyrics and a great accordion solo!
  • 4. Drop The Boy by Bros
    I'm not too ashamed to admit I loved this one.
  • 3. Learning To Fly by Pink Floyd
    Floyd purists detest anything Pink Floyd did in the 80's, but this song always evokes powerful imagery for me. A very atmospheric song.
  • 2. Fade To Grey by Visage
    Coming out in 1980, this set the standard for the synth wave to follow.
  • 1. Shout by Tears For Fears
    What else can I say but.. Shout, shout, let it all out! THE definitive 80's song.
By: Nicole
I love all these band's music! It's really hard to choose a best song for them..and put them in order..cuz they all would be #1 on my list!!!
By: Dan Kirchner
  • 10. Video Killed The Radio Star by Buggles
    It's only POP, but man... how I like it!
  • 9. Save A Prayer by Duran Duran
    The most beautiful song of Rio, the best album of 80's? Maybe...
  • 8. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    The best song of 1986. No doubt!
  • 7. Shout by Tears For Fears
    I don't like Tears For Fears, but I'll love this song forever!
  • 6. Purple Rain by Prince & The Revolution
    I'm still shocked...
  • 5. Enola Gay by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
    I could dancing all night with Enola Gay!
  • 4. Big In Japan by Alphaville
    My favourite 80's band! Great song and great album! They are big in the 80's! Why nobody remember them?
  • 3. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Every day I listen this song is better and better and better and better...
  • 2. Who Can It Be Now? by Men At Work
    Ok, Down Under and the vegamite sandwich are very cool... but Who Can It Be Now is the perfect 80's song.
  • 1. Real Life by Send Me An Angel
    1983, 10 years old, watching the TV and thinking that is the best song I've been heard. Today still remains that feeling.
My favourite bands are from the 70's or 90's, but I grow up in/with the 80's and I remember those years as the bests of my life. This is my nostalgia top ten list:
By: Tom Mc.
  • 10. New Sensation by INXS
  • 9. To Look at You by INXS
    Off Shabooh Shoobah, best song on the album.
  • 8. The Devil Inside by INXS
  • 7. Mystify by INXS
    The biggest tragedy on all these lists is the lack of INXS tunes. They are the greatest band on the planet.
  • 6. Save a Prayer by Duran Duran
  • 5. The Sun Always Shines on TV by A-Ha
    Unlike many, I have the whole CD, and every song is great.
  • 4. New Moon on Monday by Duran Duran
    There just isn't enough Duran Duran on your lists.
  • 3. Forever Young by Alphaville
  • 2. Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
  • 1. Private Eyes by Hall & Oates
By: Timothy S. Chace
  • 10. Our House by Madness
    Just plain fun. The video is still funny to think about.
  • 9. Phil Collins by Against All Odds
    Hmmm...
  • 8. Whip It by Devo
    Was there music in the 80's without this one?
  • 7. Naked Eyes by Always Something There To Remind Me
    Can there be a list without this one?
  • 6. I Melt With You by Modern English
    This should bring back some memories...
  • 5. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    Come on...
  • 4. Twilight Zone by Golden Earring
    Just about as good in any decade...
  • 3. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    You can suck if you want to...but it's fun to remember.
  • 2. I Ran by A Flock Of Seagulls
    Could never have made it in another decade.
  • 1. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Great song, great beat. Very Eighties.
HONORABLE MENTION: Something About You-Level 42, The One Thing-INXS, Rock Me Amadeus-Falco, Hold Me Now-Thompson Twins, Blinded Me With Science-Thomas Dolby, She's A Beauty-The Tubes, Just Like Heaven- The Cure, Eye of The Tiger-Survivor, Tempted- Squeeze, Don't You Forget About Me- Simple Minds, Voices-Russ Ballard, Somebody's Watching Me- Rockwell, Love My Way- Psychadelic Furs, Pop Muzic-M, Funkytown-Lipps Inc,

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