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: Hank Ruff
By: Sherry
By: John Kilduff
This is my list of my favorite sad/romantic songs of the 80s. these songs can make you cry.
By: Neil Magnuson
  • 10. Vacation by Go-Go's
    I just couldn't leave Belinda and company off a top-10 list. This song is simply my favorite of theirs.
  • 9. (Goonies R) Good Enuff by Cyndi Lauper
    Love it, love it, love it. Just can't find it anywhere.
  • 8. Survivor by I Can't Hold Back
    There's a story in my eyes./Turn the pages of desire./Now it's time to trade those dreams./For the rush of passion's fire." Wow. See "Africa" comment.
  • 7. Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone by Glass Tiger
    Gets under my skin, gives me goose bumps, etc. Can't believe they couldn't stand the test of time with talent like that.
  • 6. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    I considered taking up piano just to learn this tune...but then realized it would never be the same without Robert's vocals cutting through the melody.
  • 5. Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles
    A classic, as well as the first song converted to video for MTV.
  • 4. 99 Luftballons (99 Red Balloons) by Nena
    Nena knew no English when they converted this song from German; they were sinply given the converted lyrics to read and record. I am forever impressed and inspired by the powerful anti-war message that is never dampered by this conversion.
  • 3. Africa by Toto
    It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you./There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do." I could compile a book of poetry from 80s music alone.
  • 2. If You Leave by OMD
    Aesthetically pleasing, lyrically beautiful. 'nuff said.
  • 1. Just What I Needed by The Cars
    There's something inextricably special about Ric Ocasek and the electric melody of this chart-topper. The more I listen to it, the more I love it.
It's all too difficult to make up a list like this. I need about 50 more slots to do any justice to my love for the decade. It's a travesty when songs like "Summer of '69","Don't Dream It's Over","Tainted Love","Come On Eileen", and others aren't even mentioned. Oh well...they're all top-10's in my heart.
By: Sean Fallon
Other songs worthy of mention: "Poison" - Alice Cooper. "You Give Love A Bad Name," Bad Medicine, "Born To Be My Baby" - Bon Jovi "One" - Metallica "Pressure," "Allentown," "Downeaster Alexa," "Matter of Trust" - Billy Joel
By: Lisa
The eighties were rocken and never stoppin..80's rock on........
By: Jeremy McCarthy
  • 10. Heart And Soul by T'Pau
    I'll probably go and listen to it tonight and wish I'd stuck it up higher, but that's life.
  • 9. Like A Prayer by Madonna
    More specifically, I like the dance version off her "best of" type album, 'The Immaculate Collection'.
  • 8. Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen
    Much better IMHO than 'Hungry Eyes', but that's still a good song too.
  • 7. Valarie by Steve Winwood
    Just a great song.
  • 6. The Riddle by Nik Kershaw
    I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', 'Wouldn't It Be Good', and 'Wide Boy' are also good songs, but this one is just the very best from one of my favourite music artists.
  • 5. Send Me An Angel by Real Life
    I like everything about this song.
  • 4. Together Forever by Rick Astley
    His two most memorable songs were both about the longevity of relationships. With songs like those it's a pity he didn't concentrate on the longevity of his career.
  • 3. You Win Again by The Bee Gees
    I never listen to any of the stuff these guys did in the '70s, so I even surprise myself by putting this song up so high, but I love it.
  • 2. Kyrie by Mr. Mister
    This song could have just as easily been at #1. What a classic.
  • 1. Always Something There To Remind Me by Naked Eyes
    My very favourite, especially appreciated if it's turned up LOUD, but I could say that about every song here really.
The above songs are all about what sounds great to me now, and not about memories, because I was born in 1980, so no song from this (my favourite) decade of music really has any significant memory attached to it. I found out about this page a few years ago, but have been put off for so long because there are too many songs to squeeze in, and the top 10 may not be 100% accurate. Just to decrease the chances of doing too much injustice on my favourite music, I have some honourable mentions: Men Without Hats - Safety Dance; Escape Club - Wild West; Johnny Hates Jazz - Heart Of Gold; Lionel Richie - Dancing On The Ceiling; A Ha - Take On Me; Kim Carnes - Crazy In The Night; Simple Minds - (Don't You) Forget About Me; Wang Chung - Everybody Have Fun Tonight/Let's Go/Dance Hall Days; Murray Head - One Night In Bangkok; Erasure - Oh L'Amour; Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes - Time Of My Life; The Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian; Baltimora - Tarzan Boy; Most stuff from Phil Collins; and heaps more.
By: Saurah Mathur
By: Judson
  • 10. Oh Father by Madonna
    I don't like Madonna's image but I love the work that she put out in the eighties. "Oh Father" makes you feel as though you have been relieved and cured from years of pain resulting from years of systematic abuse and stress which is what I fantasize about on a daily basis.
  • 9. Way Down Now by World Party
    This song sounds very sixties and I love how this song puts you in a good mood.
  • 8. Take Me With You by Prince
  • 7. When Doves Cry by Prince
    I remember when this song came out in the summer of '84. I loved the intense, powerful, casual funk that is emminent in this song as well as the lyrics which I can relate to a lot.
  • 6. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    Again, the intense anger and cynicism is what I love about Michael Jackson music and how it blends well with his spell-binding performances.
  • 5. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    I remember back in the summer of '83 when Michael Jackson pulled off his Motown 25 performance and I loved it. I love the intense anger and powerful cynicism in Michael Jackson's music.
  • 4. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    Everybody loved "Beat It" back in '83. I remember '83 and I like how Michael Jackson mixed a funky, soul beat marketable to Black audiences and and a rock edge that appealed to White audiences.
  • 3. This is It by Kenny Loggins
    I heard this song for the first time when I was four years-old and it blew me away. I don't know why. What I do know is that when I hear it nowadays it is very nostalgic and takes me back to a time when I was young with no care in the world.
  • 2. Wolves Lower by R.E.M.
    This song sounds extremely powerful. By hearing this song for the first time I am held spellbound. It has been four years since I first heard this song and I am yet to get tired of it.
  • 1. Shiny Happy People by R.E.M.
    This song sounds extremely optimistic. I was in high school when it came out and I am shocked by the number of die-hard R.E.M. fans who hardly give this song any recognition. It's a classic.
By: Phyllis DeMarco
  • 10. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    How could you not like this song??
  • 9. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
    Mom banned me from listening to this one when she heard the wails of ecstasy at the end of the song. Made me like the song even more. And Simon was so hot...
  • 8. Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats
    They brought back the 50's sound, and I loved it.
  • 7. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
    Great tune, great lyrics... and it made me wonder just what the heck was happening in Northern Ireland
  • 6. Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
    The last truly great one by the Boss, in my humble opinion.
  • 5. Pink Houses by John COUGAR Mellencamp
    I knew him when he was still just a cougar...
  • 4. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Who could ever forget Sting nearly humping that stand-up bass??
  • 3. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    Yup, I admit it... Rick Springfield rocked my adolescent world. I never even watched "General Hospital."
  • 2. Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash
    I still jam to this one in the car. A Classic.
  • 1. Sister Christian by Night Ranger
    I was a sophomore in high scool when this one came out... what a GREAT year!!
By: John Nagle
  • 10. Ashes To Ashes by David Bowie
    Bowie's better work was in the 70's but I enjoy this one.
  • 9. Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol
  • 8. You Better You Bet by The Who
    This was their first single after the death of great drummer Keith Moon.
  • 7. She's So Cold by Rolling Stones
    The Stones haven't been the same since the loss of Brian Jones but I had to include them in this list.
  • 6. Mr. Crowley by Ozzy Osbourne
    Randy Rhodes makes this song a classic.
  • 5. Come Dancing by The Kinks
    Ray Davies shows he can still crank out a top ten hit.
  • 4. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
    This features my favorite lead guitarist Randy Rhoades.
  • 3. White Wedding by Billy Idol
  • 2. Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
  • 1. Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol
    The greatest song the 80's produced. Billy Idol is the king of the 80's.
I am a great fan of British rock mostly from the 60's and 70's but the out of the eightees came one of my favorites: Billy Idol.
By: Jacky MLer
By: Chris
  • 10. Heaven is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle
    The video is really what got me hooked. Very cool video, cool lady, cool song too.
  • 9. Let's Dance by David Bowie
    Makes you want to pull the car over and get out on the street and dance.
  • 8. Wake Me Up Before You GoGo by Wham
    Another one of those shameful fun ones.
  • 7. Mickey by Toni Basil
    Hilarious, stupid, but great. One of those songs that you're almost ashamed to admit that you liked.
  • 6. Perfect Way by Scritti Politti
    Just a cool, poppy, snappy song.
  • 5. I Feel for You by Chaka Khan
    I love her huge hair and huge voice and this is a great song.
  • 4. Shock the Monkey by Peter Gabriel
    I have no idea why this song is so good, it just is.
  • 3. Like the Weather by 10000 Maniacs
    Different sound but very nice.
  • 2. Dancin With Myself by Billy Idol
    Cool dude, cool music.
  • 1. Our Lips Are Sealed / Vacation / Head Over Heels by The Go-Go's
    All the Go-Go's songs just sum up the good vibes of the 80's.
I miss all those groups and singers - Billy Idol, Go-Go's, A-Ha, Bon Jovi,etc. When music was fun, sometimes had a message, sometimes not - it didn'tmatter. Music was just written to be good. Today's music for the most partdepresses me!?!
By: Jesse Berg
  • 10. Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
    Great video
  • 9. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    Dance club classic and a great tune
  • 8. Together Forever by Rick Astley
    Great dance song
  • 7. Man In Motion(St.Elmo's Fire) by John Parr
    I will forever associate this song with Rick Hansen.
  • 6. The Flame by Cheap Trick
    Still gives me the chills
  • 5. Lady In Red by Chris De Burgh
    Greatest 80's love song
  • 4. Take On Me by A-ha
    Classic video...love the cartoon theme
  • 3. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Probably greatest 80's song
  • 2. Don't You Want Me by The Human League
    Close number 2
  • 1. Self Control by Laura Branigan
    Simply a classic
By: Jesse
  • 10. True by Spandau Ballet
    Decade's version of Marvin Gaye
  • 9. Stuck On You by Lionel Ritchie
    One of my favorite love songs
  • 8. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    My favorite group of the 80's by far.
  • 7. Sunglasses At Night/Dancin On The Celing by Corey Hart/Lionel Ritchie
    These two songs sum up the 80's
  • 6. Special Girl by Eddie Schwartz
    Although not as well known, I fell maddly in love with this song the first time I herd it and it instantly became my song
  • 5. Together Forever by Rick Astley
    Although I was about eight when this song was released, I still remember it.
  • 4. Take On Me by A-ha
    Great video
  • 3. Man In Motion (St.Elmo's Fire) by John Parr
    This song has special meaning to me. It will forever be Rick's song
  • 2. Don't You Want Me by The Human League
    Great club song
  • 1. Self Control by Laura Branigan
    Simply amazing. A true clasic
By: Dana
  • 10. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
    The first of the "rebel" movies. I remember sitting in the lunchroom with my Walkman listening to the soundtrack over and over and OVER again
  • 9. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
    Can I just say I LOVE SIMON! *LOL* Or at least, I thought I did when I was 13.
  • 8. My Perogative by Bobby Brown
  • 7. Its The End of the World as We Know It by REM
  • 6. Thriller by Micheal Jackson
    The first reason I ever bought music!
  • 5. Funky Cold Medina by Tone Loc
    My senior year.....ah, the memories!
  • 4. Vacation by The Go Go's
    See! Girls can ROCK!
  • 3. Every Time You Go Away by Paul Young
    The first love ballad I really remember.
  • 2. Wake Me Up Before You (GO GO) by Wham!
    I danced all over my house in my neon and twist-a-beads *L*
  • 1. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
    Tripe tripe tripe.....but I was in LLOOOOOOVE *L*
By: Dan
Pride by U2, And We Danced by Hooters, Vacation by The Go Go's, Into The Heart of Love by The Mighty Lemon Drops, Beautiful Shame by the Jesus and Mary Chain, The Safety dance by Men Without Hats
By: Yvette Kulcsar
  • 10. Precious to Me by Phil Seymour
    One of the best pop songs to be released - EVER!
  • 9. Eaten By The Monster of Love by The Sparks
    Yet another song from the Valley Girl Soundtrack!
  • 8. I Will Dare by The Replacements
    Nuff said
  • 7. Melt With You by Modern English
    The quintessential eighties song in my humble opinion.
  • 6. The Shyest Time by The Apartments
    The last two songs were from the Some Kind of Wonderful Soundtrack, does anyone else love this album as much as I do!?
  • 5. Turn to the Sky by March Violets
  • 4. Oldest Story In the World by The Plimsouls
    One of my favourite songs from one of my favourite movies (Valley Girl of course!)
  • 3. I Am Only Shooting Love by The Time Bandits
    Probably the best thing to come out of Holland in the 1980's!
  • 2. State of the Heart by Mondo Rock
    Not to rag on Rick Springfield but this version is infinitely better!
  • 1. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
By: Florence Chew Li Mei
By: Alexandre Pouchkine

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