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: Morgan
  • 10. Listen To Your Heart by Roxette
  • 9. You're The Inspiration by Chicago
    Peter Cetera, the mans voice is awersome let alone the songs he writes.
  • 8. Dancing On The Ceiling by Lionel Richie
    Gotta give credit to this song too many people think it is corney ;)
  • 7. You Keep Me Hanging On by Kim Wilde
  • 6. In Too Deep by Genesis
    Phill Collins is awersome in a group or gone solo, such a unique voice unlike the modern main-streamers.
  • 5. New Sensation by INXS
    Aussie Group
  • 4. All You Zombies by Hooters
    Might not be to manys taste, but it's a good song/quote. I think 1985 they had more songs in the 90's but yeah this is an oldy.
  • 3. We Close Our Eyes by Go West
    Go West What can I say, this whole 10 could be filled with alot of their songs.
  • 2. The Boys Light Up by Australian Crawl
    Aussie Group
  • 1. Thorn In My Side by Eurythmics
    It's different
I could have put down Chris De Burgh but they had been a few metnions already.
By: Rude Dog
  • 10. Luka by Suzanne Vega
    Leave it to Suzanne give a subtle reminder that, beneath everything, the sun doesn't always shine off TV.
  • 9. We Built This City by Starship
    Remember, this is the same group that sang "White Rabbit."
  • 8. Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer
    Gives me goosebumps. Throw in hot cars, drugs, 800-hp boats, drugs, keyboards, drugs, and white jackets and you have the whole picture.
  • 7. Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics
    Annie Lennox could always be a sociologist if she wanted to. The video also highlights the 80's obsession with gender bending.
  • 6. Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles
    It didn't, but it helped elevate the pedestal. Haunting lyrics.
  • 5. Your Love by The Outfield
    "I just wanna use your love tonight..." At least they're honest.
  • 4. Voices Carry by 'Til Tuesday
    Before she sang with Rush, Aimee Mann penned this paeon to passive acceptance of infidelity.
  • 3. Land of Confusion by Genesis
    Remember that scene in the video where the Reagan puppet confuses the Nurse button with the Nuke button? Same thing, really.
  • 2. Pretty in Pink by Psychadelic Furs
    Carefuly listen to the lyrics if you haven't done so already.
  • 1. Run to You by Bryan Adams
    Ahh, yes. Place this one next to "Everything I do..." and wonder what kind of relationship he's getting into.
Even to an adolescent, the 80's seemed consumed with self-glorification, enrichment, and, well, consumerism -- which made life quite good for lots of people and helped create such eternal fantasies as Silver Spoons, the Cosby Show (remember that Mad Magazine line: "Huxtable lives in a NYC brownstone that JR Ewing would live in -- if he could afford it."), and Growing Pains -- not to mention Miami Vice. I mean, look at the sub-plot to Ghost and how it involves embezzlement! So I've picked nine 80's songs that either celebrate or illustrate the above traits, and one song that brings a healthy dose of downer reality. Great site, by the way, for great music that's all too often rightly maligned but still kicks ass.
By: Andrew
  • 10. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
  • 9. A Night Like This by The Cure
    I like this one as much as I like "Lovesong"
  • 8. Unforgettable Fire by U2
    Awesome video.
  • 7. Alive and Kicking by Simple Minds
  • 6. Manic Monday by Bangles
  • 5. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    One of her great songs, others include "Money Changes Everything" and "All Through the Night"
  • 4. I Ran by Flock of Sea Gulls
  • 3. Berlin by Take My Breath Away
  • 2. Unchained Melody by U2
    Famous 50s song redone for the late 80s by U2. Amazing remake.
  • 1. Cutting Crew by Died In Your Arms
"Just Like Heaven" is from 1991.
By: Eric Gittings
  • 10. Step On by The Happy Mondays
    Was it 89 or 90 i go with when it was realised Oct 89
  • 9. Fishermans Blues by The Waterboys
    And Ricki Villa say yes yes yes
  • 8. The Nips Are Getting Bigger by Metal is Anything
    Keep dancing you crazy cat
  • 7. Veronica by Elvis Costello
    No it was the king it was the Costello
  • 6. Cold Hearted Snake by Paula Adbul
    Always keep that beauty spot honey
  • 5. Fields of fire by Big Country
    Stuart Anderson will always live lon in the memory
  • 4. Cat Among The Pigeons by Bros
    Luke, Matt and Craid-get a haircut you hippy
  • 3. If You Were Here Tonight by Alexander O'Neill
    Great tune from the Minnesota muppet
  • 2. Just be good to me by SOS Band
    Rear but tasty
  • 1. The Blood That Moves The Body by A-ha
    Without doubt the best band of all time
This site is dedicated to Oscar and Shirley Bobbings, you guys like gargle
By: Guns n Roses Freak
  • 10. My Michelle by Guns n Roses
    Menacing tune
  • 9. You're Crazy by Guns n Roses
    Great chorus!
  • 8. Out Ta Get Me by Guns n Roses
    Brilliant tune!!(again)
  • 7. Mr. Brownstone by Guns n Roses
    Brilliant tune!!
  • 6. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns n Roses
    Good lyrics and guitar by slash
  • 5. Rocket Queen by Guns n Roses
    AMAZING TUNE!
  • 4. Its So Easy by Guns n Roses
    Great lyrics and tune!
  • 3. Paradise City by Guns n Roses
    Amazing guitar by slash!!
  • 2. Nightrain by Guns n Roses
    Its Brilliant!
  • 1. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns n Roses
    IT ****ING RULES AND HAS AMAZING GUITAR BIT BY SLASH!!!
Izzy Stradlin rules and pop music sucks!!
By: Marg C.
  • 10. The Message by Funk Master Flash and the Furious Five
  • 9. Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
  • 8. Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie
  • 7. The One I Love by R.E.M
  • 6. Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi
  • 5. Panama by Van Halen
  • 4. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty
  • 3. China Girl by David Bowie
  • 2. Back in Black by AC/DC
  • 1. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'n Roses
By: Renee
Random order. But Dancing With Myself would be my number one.
By: LK
  • 10. Don't Stand So Close To Me by The Police
    Don't stand don't stand don't stand so close to me.......1980-FAB BAND
  • 9. Ghost Town by The Specials
    This place yeh is coming like a ghost town all the places are been closed down.........1981-OUR NATION ANTHEM
  • 8. Rip It Up by Orange Juice
    I hope to god your not as dumb as you make out, i hope to god..........1983-BRILL
  • 7. Wood Beez(pray Like Aretha Franklin) by Stritti Politti
    Each time i go to bed i pray like im aretha frankin oh wood beez............1984-CHAMPION
  • 6. Solid by Ashford and Simpson
    And now its solid solid as a rock..........1985-POWERFULL
  • 5. Getting Away With It by Electronic
    I been getting away with it all my life, getting away...........1989-GREAT
  • 4. Harvest For The World by The Christians
    When will there be i want no now now, when will there be.........1988-TRUTHFUL
  • 3. Mama Use To Say by Junior
    Mama used to say take your time young man...........1982-FANTASTIC
  • 2. Heartbreak Beat by Psychedelic furs
    Im a heartbreak beat, yea all night long and nobody don't dance on the edge of the dark we've got the radio on..........1987-CLASS
  • 1. Stay The Night by Benjamin Orr
    Sometimes you twist always insist that you know a way should i let you go now would i even know how to anyway and all that matters is turned around over and over again with that full circle it comes down to now and again.......stay the night.......1986-CLASSIC
There you are classics you agree from 1980-89 best decade ever bring back them days-GREETINGS
By: NRJ
  • 10. She Works Hard For The Money by Donna Summers
  • 9. Take On Me by A-Ha
  • 8. Like A Prayer by Madonna
  • 7. Hang N' High & Dry by Brighton Rock
  • 6. Why Me by Irene Cara
  • 5. Summertime Girls by Y&T
  • 4. The Final Countdown by Europe
  • 3. Shake Me by Cinderella
  • 2. Livin' on Prayer by Bon Jovi
  • 1. Pour some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
By: Barcrawler
  • 10. SkinTrade by Duran Duran
    BRILL.1987
  • 9. Live it Up by Metal is anything
    POWERFUL.1987
  • 8. I'd Rather Jack by The Reyonds Sisters
    V GOOD.1987
  • 7. Right Betwwen the eyes by Wax
    GREAT.1987
  • 6. Walking the dinosaur by Was(Not Was)
    BREATHLESS.1987
  • 5. Dominos by Robbie Nevil
    CLASSICAL.1987
  • 4. Is this Love by Whitesnake
    TEARFUL.1987
  • 3. Hey Matthew by Karel Fialka
    CLASS.1987
  • 2. Criticize by Alexander O'Neill
    UNIQUE.1987
  • 1. I Need Love by LL Cool J
    FAB.1987
What can i say 1987 the best year for music ever
By: Oscar Gittings
  • 10. Been in Love before by Cutting Crew
    1986
  • 9. Captain of my Heart by Double
    1986
  • 8. Whole New World by It Bites
    1986
  • 7. Digging your Scene by The Blow Monkeys
    1986
  • 6. Stay the night by Benjamin Orr
    1986
  • 5. Lifes What You Make It by Talk Talk
    1986
  • 4. How Can I Fall by Breathe
    1986
  • 3. I Can't Wait by Nu Shooz
    1986
  • 2. Motor Town by The kang gang
    1986
  • 1. Baby Love by Regina
    1986
1986 Rockin'
By: Daniel J. Drazen
  • 10. Kiss by Prince and the Revolution
    The best use of falsetto since Tiny Tim. Contains one of my favorite lyrics of all time: "U don't have 2 watch Dynasty 2 have an attitude."
  • 9. Satisfaction by Devo
    Demonstrated that the Stones were still an influence on the rock scene, and that the New Wave was definitely not as fascinated with sex as its predecessors.
  • 8. Walk Like An Egyptian by Bangles
    Another inescapable ditty, heralding the move toward multiculturalism ... but still a fun number, anyway.
  • 7. Karma Chameleon by Boy George
    The transgender movement's warning shot across the bow of popular culture. And you can dance to it!
  • 6. St. Elmo's Fire by John Parr
    Got VERY old VERY fast, but another one of those omnipresent 80's tunes so it qualifies.
  • 5. Under Pressure by David Bowie and Queen
    Edgy and informed, building to an amazing crescendo at the last stanza from Bowie's rumble to Freddy Mercury's pleading. Keep in mind, this was a song about the homeless. Message music never sounded this great.
  • 4. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    The video was one of the most cinematic of its time, but the music certainly held its own.
  • 3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    Bouncy as a Japanese cartoon. Lacking the earnest self-seriousness of a lot of music, and accessible because of it.
  • 2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears for Fears
    It got old for me really fast, but it was EVERYWHERE!! Maybe that's why...
  • 1. Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
    He cranked it up to 11 at the very beginning and left it there. The dim bulbs thought this bitter screed was a feel-good song. A shout in the night against Reaganism.
"We Are The World" : Embodied everything right and wrong about the music of the 80s. Derivative (because Band Aid did it first with "Do They Know It's Christmas?"), elephantine, self-serious and overly-earnest, but the music scene's heart was in the right place for once. The Stevie Wonder-Bruce Springsteen "duel" near the end summed it all up for me: music was fragmenting past all hope of repair.
By: Vickki
  • 10. Angel Eyes by Wet Wet Wet
    QUALITY 1987
  • 9. If you were here tonight by Alexander O'Neill
    PEACEFUL 1986
  • 8. I'll Always Love You by Taylor Dayne
    SWEET 1987
  • 7. Nick Keman by Each Time You Break My Heart
    SILENT 1986
  • 6. Immagination by Belouis Some
    SLEEZEY 1986
  • 5. When Smokey Sings by ABC
    BENEVOLENT 1987
  • 4. My Favourite Waste Of Time by Owen Paul
    JUICY 1986
  • 3. It doesn't have to be (that way) by The Blow Monkeys
    ALIAS 1987
  • 2. Camoflague by Stan Ridgeway
    SUPER 1986
  • 1. Rumours by Timex Social Club
    AMAZING 1987
1986-1987 BRILL
By: Doug
  • 10. Voices Carry by 'Til Tuesday
    When she pulled off the hat and showed off her funky carved-up 'do, in this video, I knew I wanted a gal like that.
  • 9. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco
    Who can forget the video? Leather-clad bikers + 19th Century fops = big fun.
  • 8. Every Day I Write the Book by Elvis Costello and the Attractions
    There are lots of Elvis tunes I love more ... but this was the one that crossed-over on the pop charts that I actually remember from the '80s.
  • 7. The Metro by Berlin
    "I remember hating you for loving me ..." Beautifully bitter. Hard to believe the same folks would bring us "Take My Breathe Away" soon after.
  • 6. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    Who knew that "Baby, Baby" came from another song? Not me ... at the time anyway. Hey, I was young.
  • 5. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo
    The definitive '80s one-hit wonder.
  • 4. I Love Rock 'n' Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
    Joan still rocks to this day. The godmother of every female rock group in existence today.
  • 3. Jane Says by Janes Addiction
    Late '80s ... alternative anthem ... an integral part of the soundtrack of a counter-culture
  • 2. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head
    Didn't know exactly what was going on with this one as a pre-teen, but I was pretty sure it was things the parents wouldn't like.
  • 1. Never Say Never by Romeo Void
    "I might like you better if we slept together ..." '80s Euro-trash at its finest.
Can't say these are the 10 best songs of the decade or anything of the sort, but they're the popular songs I most think of when remembering the GOOD parts of '80s music.
By: Barry White
  • 10. Sandra by Everlasting Love
    CLASSY-85
  • 9. Summer Rain by Belinda Carlisle
    SEXY-89
  • 8. Borderline by Madonna
    DANGEROUS-84
  • 7. Im not scared by Eighth Wonder(Pansy Kensit)
    BEAUTIFUL-88
  • 6. Thats the way it is(Looking at the number one) by Mel and Kim
    RADIANT-88
  • 5. Say your my number one by Princess
    TIGHT-87
  • 4. Nothing goina stop us now by Samantha Fox
    YOW-87
  • 3. You came by Kim Wilde
    WILD-86
  • 2. Tears on my pillow by Kylie Minogue
    FOXY-89
  • 1. Love is contragous by Taja Seville
    DEARLY-88
Never mind the 80s music this is the top ten women of the 80s-oh and what good music they had-okay theres no Bangles, Bananarama, Taylor Dayne, Paula Abdul, Lisa Stansfield, Sheena Easton, Tiffany, Regina, Martika, Debbie Gibson, Jane Wiedlin can all count themselves unlucky............
By: rca
  • 10. Slow Children by President Am I
    good song to dance to. played in Los Angeles in 1981
  • 9. Thats Just The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby
    good to drive on a sunny afternoon weekend
  • 8. Centerfold by J. Geils Band
    this is a good video on mtv
  • 7. Shout by tears for fears
    get the 12 inch remix. english style
  • 6. Mexican Radio by Wall Of Voodoo
    this is a cool song for mexico
  • 5. Point Of No Return by Expose
    this cool pop song was so go go
  • 4. Beastie Boys by Fight For Your Right To Party
    cool hip hop song rap song
  • 3. Push It by Salt N Pepa
    this cool n sexy
  • 2. Inside Out by The Mighty Lemon Drops
    cool english band
  • 1. Bust A Move by Young Mc
    this hiphop song is cool
By: JM
  • 10. Rio by Duran Duran
    Another band that defined the 80's. It is impossible not to sing too the chorus of this song.
  • 9. Cars by Gary Neuman
    This song is so mechanical sounding. It is truly one of a kind.
  • 8. Razberey Beret by Prince
    Rocking Song. A great Prince tune (Before he became way out there!)
  • 7. You might Think by The Cars
    Greatest Video Ever! Love the band, the vocals, the synth, the vocals, the sure simplicity. Ric Occesek is so talented.
  • 6. Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant
    Were gonna rock down to Electric Avenue. Were ever that is, this song rocks!
  • 5. Puttin on the Ritz by Taco
    Sure they ripped off a classic but this version is so darn creative. It was a top ten hit you know. Admit it you loved it.
  • 4. Land Down Under by Men at Work
    I just smile everytime I hear this song. It makes me think of being a kid again.
  • 3. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    These guys are the 80's. Probably one of the most musically talented groups of this time. This song shows everything they were capable of.
  • 2. The Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    We can dance if you want to, we can leave your freinds behind! Awesome lyrics, great synth sounds and a killer pulse pounding rhythmic beat. Everyone should do the safety dance!
  • 1. Sweet Dreams (Are made of This) by Eurythmics
    One of the most perfect, soulful songs I have ever heard. Annie Lennox is a goddess.
80's music is one of a kind. It gives you the feeling of innocence. Personally I think it is much more enjoyable than the superficial fabricated **** that is being produced today.
By: Mike Perryman
  • 10. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
    Song was recorded in 1989.
  • 9. All Through The Night by Cyndi Lauper
    Song was recorded in 1982.
  • 8. Say It Isn't So by Daryl Hall and John Oates
    Song was recorded in 1983.
  • 7. If This Is It by Huey Lewis And The News
    Song was recorded in 1983.
  • 6. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    Song was recorded in 1982.
  • 5. She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby
    Song was recorded in 1982.
  • 4. Der Kommissar by After The Fire
    Song was recorded in 1982.
  • 3. Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
    Song was recorded in 1984, but I am still wondering why he wore his Sunglasses At Night?
  • 2. Who Can It Be Now? by Men At Work
    Song was recorded in 1982.
  • 1. Take On Me by a-ha
    Song was recorded in 1985. The video was awesome!
The 80's was the best era of music. Some of the entertainers may have been 1 hit wonders but oh what an image they left behind.
By: Roosevelt Robinson
  • 10. We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off (1986) by Jermaine Stewart (RIP)
    A song that DEFINITELY fit the mood of 1986, especially with the growing AIDS epidemic. Classic 1980s R&B/Dance tune.
  • 9. Aint Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent (1986) by Gwen Guthrie (RIP)
    "You've Got To Have A J-O-B If You Wanna Be With Me". Another classic
  • 8. Love Overboard (1988) by Gladys Knight & The Pips
    This song is the JAM! The drum/boom effect that's heard in the song is fantastic and this was their 1988 comeback hit for their farewell album as a group. It nearly cracked the Top Ten back in 1988, which is good for a group who's been together for over 40 years. Historic!
  • 7. It's No Crime (1989) by Babyface
    I love this song because it's driving beat fits perfectly with 1989. It was like the song served a purpose in giving a glmpse into the future of music and said that Babyface was definitely here to stay!
  • 6. The Lover In Me (1989) by Sheena Easton
    Great song (and video). It did VERY well on R&B radio at the time and on the R&B charts. Classic combination of synthesizers with electro-funk and new jack swing!
  • 5. What Have You Done For Me Lately (1986) by Janet Jackson
    My baby. This lady was fantastic and bold with the song. She took music television by storm with the dancing in the restaurant in the video and the song has a great hook.
  • 4. All I Want Is Forever (1989) by James J.T. Taylor & Regina Belle
    A wonderful duet. The song is so pretty, but the music is so strong and demanding that it makes the song feel like heaven. This was a GREAT effore on Mr. Taylor's part, who had just left as lead singer of Kool & The Gang. Ms. Belle would again score hits that year with "Make It Like It Was" and "Baby Come To Me", but would probably be best known for her duet with Peabo Bryson on the 1992 #1 worldwide smash "A Whole New World" to the movie "Aladdin". This song is a masterpiece.
  • 3. Eaten Alive (1985) by Diana Ross
    Another R&B smash hit. The upbeat tempo really makes the song but is not it alone, because Michael Jackson provides the background vocals and both him and Ross's chemistry in the song gives the song a strong meaning. Wonderful track
  • 2. Girlfriend (1988) by Pebbles
    This song was one of Babyface's first successful songs that he produced. The beat of the song along with the song's theme makes it stand out above many of the other songs out at the time, and in all intents and purposes, could probably still stand out today. However, at the height of her career she chose to retire from the industry and move on to bigger things (i.e. TLC), but she'll still be remembered for her signature tune. I don't know, but I feel like this song said a lot about the attitudes that many females had at the time.
  • 1. Rock Steady (1987) by The Whispers
    What can I say? A group that was about to call it a day hooks up with one of the greatest producers at the time in the industry and, well as they say, the rest is history. "Rock Steady" is a tune that got many people out of their seats dancing, snapping their fingers, bopping their heads, and was just an all-around club anthem. The song was a Top Ten hit in 1987 and solidified their comeback. Everytime I hear this song on the radio, I crank it up. DEFINITELY my favorite from the 1980s!
If you haven't noticed, all my songs are R&B tunes, because that's mainly what I liked about the 1980s, even the styles of the artists (i.e. jherricurls). There many more songs that I like from all genres but this one spoke to me the best way possible back then, and in reality, does today. I love the 1980s!
By: Steve2891
  • 10. Thunder In Your Heart by John Farnham
    "Rad."
  • 9. Hearts on Fire by John Cafferty
    "Rocky IV."
  • 8. Poor Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
    The Third greatest, just rock yourself to song, ever.
  • 7. Here I Go Again by White Snake
    The Second best, just rock yourself to song, ever.
  • 6. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
    The greatest, just rock yourself to song, ever.
  • 5. The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
    Great.
  • 4. The End of the Innocence by Don Henley
    Just great.
  • 3. Open Arms by Journey
    "The Last American Virgin."
  • 2. Just Once by Quincy Jones
    "The Last American Virgin."
  • 1. Oh No by The Commodores
    Ever since I saw "The Last American Virgin", I've loved this song. The best love song of the '80s.

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