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: Patrick
  • 10. Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi
    A cool summer tune to listen to while you and your friends are knockin back a few cold ones.
  • 9. Never Trust A Stranger by Kim Wilde
    Kim Wilde belts this song. Perhaps emphasizing how dangerous it could be to give your heart away without meaning to. Catchy.
  • 8. The Sun Always Shines On TV by a-ha
    Definitely an all-time fave. The video is cool, too.
  • 7. Purple Rain by Prince And The Revolution
    I know every word to each song. Oh, "Let's Go Crazy" is just okay.
  • 6. What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
    Simply the best 80's Tina tune, ever!
  • 5. Life Is Too Lonely by Stone Fury
    I've never heard this song outside my hometown. I don't even know where these guys are from. But it's a cool, catchy rock song if what you were into back in the 80's was big hair and tight leather.
  • 4. I Only Wanna Be With You by The Tourists
    Pre-Eurythmics Annie Lennox - very nice.
  • 3. Madonna's Eyes by Jayne Collins
    One hit wonder, here! I used to have the single and probably still have it stored away somewhere. I heard this song in a bar ONCE in the 20 years it's been released. I ran straight to the dancefloor with all my might!
  • 2. Atlantis Is Calling (S.O.S. For Love) by Modern Talking
    Off their Ready For Romance - The 3rd Album... Each song is good but, for me, Altantis stands out the most.
  • 1. Desire by Roni Griffith
    I can never ever get tired of this song. Euro-Synth-Pop at it's best, definitely.
When people ask me what my favourite 80's tunes are, there are just too many to mention! The songs I've listed here are the ones that randomly popped in my head. These are not in any particular order. Enjoy!
By: DJ GAMEHUNTER34
  • 10. China Girl by David Bowie
  • 9. Mary's Prayer by Danny Wilson
  • 8. Hands To Heaven by Breathe
  • 7. Rock It by Herbie Hancock
  • 6. I'm Ready by Kano
  • 5. Freaks Come Out At Night by Whodni
  • 4. Can You Feel The Beat (Don't Stop) by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
  • 3. Trapped by Col. Abrams
  • 2. It Must Be Love by Madness
  • 1. Our House by Madness
By: Myrna Anderson
  • 10. Kokomo by The Beach Boys
  • 9. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
  • 8. Standing In The Dark by Platinum Blonde
  • 7. Male Stripper by Man To Man
  • 6. Into The Groove by Madonna
  • 5. Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
  • 4. Purple Rain by Prince
  • 3. What About Love by Heart
  • 2. Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) by Glass Tiger
  • 1. Burning In Love by Honeymoon Suite
There is just too many favorites to list, but these are the ones that bring back memories for me in my teens.
By: DJ GAMEHUNTER34
By: Marisa
By: petan kory
  • 10. I Don't Wanna Dance by Eddy Grant
  • 9. You're My Heart You're My Soul by Modern Talking
  • 8. Together Forever by Rick Astley
  • 7. Don't You Want Me? by The Human League
  • 6. Forever Young by Alphaville
  • 5. Flashdance (What A Feeling) by Irene Cara
  • 4. Maneater by Hall & Oates
  • 3. Down Under by Man At Work
  • 2. Take On Me by a-ha
  • 1. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
By: Michael CONWAY
  • 10. Like A Prayer by Madonna
    Astonishingly pop. Nothing compares.
  • 9. Let's Go Crazy by Prince
    Immense Rock 'n' Roll.
  • 8. Let's Dance by David Bowie
    Glam comeback stuff. 20 hr queue for tickets in Glasgow.
  • 7. Bigmouth Strikes Again by The Smiths
  • 6. Out Of Control by Thee Milkshakes
    5 Star Rock 'n' Roll Petrol. Nuff said.
  • 5. Never Stop by Echo & The Bunnymen
    Under-rated cool group.Make OASIS look like choir-boys - and UGLY vhoir=boys...
  • 4. Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
    Absolutely mind-blowingly cool. Remember Elvis look and Glasgow cool....!
  • 3. What Presence? by Orange Juice
    Cool hair. Cool Suits. Cool song. Just Cool. Franz Ferdinand look-out!!!
  • 2. Going Underground by The Jam
    Black and White suits. Brilliant video. Immense!!!
  • 1. Church Of The Poison Mind by Culture Club
    Takes me back to early eighties. Magic!
Brit-Pop rules. 1980 -1989 especially - Please E-mail me at random at michael.conway33@ntlworld.com
By: Imy Mohawk
  • 10. Domino Dancing by Pet Shop Boys
    I know this is not most PSB fans fave, but it is mine, and absolute class song about how a girl gets all the attention from the lads. The start to this song is simply awesome... listen to it LOUD
  • 9. Going Underground by The Jam
    This song is one of the few punk songs I like, a guitar-crunching intro and at quick tempo, it tells a true story of the government spending too much money on Armed Forces and not enough on the British public. Paul Weller is a song-writing genius.
  • 8. Destination Unknown by Missing Persons
    Most of you will think this is a strange choice, but I think this song is great, from a slow start to a quick end, it was a good debut single from a short-lived American rock act.
  • 7. Planet Earth by Duran Duran
    My fave Duran Duran song, their debut single sounds quite dated and could be mistaken for a 70s disco track, the heavy bass line to this song sounds great, gets you in the mood, and also the pulsating synth layers really remind you of the old days, flash your minds back to the heyday of 1981!
  • 6. Easy Lover by Phil Collins
    I love this song partly cos its one of Phil Collins most memorable, and it was no.1 in the charts the day I was born! Phil Bailey of Earth,Wind and Fire features also, his high pitched voice always gets you in party mood.
  • 5. In A Big Country by Big Country
    An underrated Scottish band who show unique guitarplay in this song, somehow the guitars are played in a way to make them sound very similar to bagpipes! Havnt got tired of this song in YEARS.
  • 4. Blue Monday by New Order
    This song has to be here, the best selling 12" single of ALL TIME and its not hard to see why, 7 and a half mins of pure audio dynamite. It sounded the techno brilliance back in 1983, and it still does today. I can never get bored of this song, ever.
  • 3. What You Need by INXS
    This is from their album Kick from 1987. Along with "Need You Tonight" its my other fave song from an awesome album. Arguably has the greatest start to an 80s song, listen to it for yourself!
  • 2. Living In A Box by Living In A Box
    Was my favorite song for a long time until I heard INXS recently, this song is awesome considering it was the typical pop song no-one really remembers. It was this song that got me hooked on to 80s music in the first place and for that reason alone I'll always love it. Richard Darbyshires vocals kick some serious ass!
  • 1. Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain) by INXS
    Heard this song first through the radio stations in GTA: Vice City on Ps2, and what a great song it is. The 3-chord riff that starts the song sets the pace perfectly.
By: Jessica
I LOVE THE 80'S!!!!!!
By: BlazinRed
  • 10. The Tide Is High by Blondie
    <1983> What would a Top 10 80s chart be without Blondie! Fun and so Blond!
  • 9. Bring On The Dancing Horses by Echo And The Bunnymen
    <1985> A forgotten 80's band that produced great neo-punk music. The only problem is they needed to present their music on soundtracks to become popular. What a shame.
  • 8. Human by The Human League
    <1986> Matured, elegant, grown-up. These are qualities that can only describe this band in 1986. This song created a classic sound that pionneered the late 80s. Sophisticated and comfortable. Great Cocktail Party song.
  • 7. Material Girl by Madonna
    <1984> The year is 1984 and everyone I knew could not wait for the World Video Premiere of this song on Friday Night Videos. Remember? The 80s were all about the Maerial World and Madonna owned it all! Classic.
  • 6. New Moon On Monday by Duran Duran
    <1983> Were you a "Durannie"?? Who wasn't! "Seven And The Ragged Tiger" was their third album and was the one that cemented their chart supremacy. Hence this song made it onto my list. No one can deny the impact this band had on fashion and 80s pop culture.
  • 5. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    <1982> The Pet Shop Boys begun the 80s British Invasion in 1982 with this mammoth club hit. North Americans were slow to this new sound. However it skyrocketed onto Montreal radio airwaves in 1983 before settling onto the North American Pop Charts in 1984. Crisp, clear and clubby.
  • 4. Voices Carry by 'Til Tuesday
    <1985> This song is a classic. In 1985, videos were becoming a staple and Til Tuesday went for the gusto with their thrilling "in the movie theater" motif... This song is all about wanting attention. I was 17 then... and wanted attention! Great song and fabulous lyrics.
  • 3. Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go-Go's
    <1981> The best girl band EVER! How catchier can you get. This song stands the test of time even today. Fun!
  • 2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    <1985> What a year! And what a band! How many people can automatically hum this song without even hearing it?! The 1985 Spring/Summer smash hit. Oh so catchy!
  • 1. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    <1985> I struggled with this one. But when you consider the impact the movie "The Breakfast Club" had, this song is the clear Number 1 winner. You can't think of one and not the other. Although this song actaully was written in late 1983/early 1984 it only became an instant smash hit with the movie. Everytime I hear this song it takes me back to (the fictional) Shermer, Illinois. Am interesting tid bit: Shermer High was actually featured in two 80s movies.. The Breakfast Club and you guessed it... Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Oh to be a Sporto again...
By: DJ GAMEHUNTER34
  • 10. For Only One Night by Luther Vandross
  • 9. Wild Boys by Duran Duran
  • 8. The Good Life by Inner City
  • 7. Pop Goes My Love by Freeze
  • 6. Baby Come To Me(Living Without You) by James Ingram & Patti Austin
  • 5. Never Too Much by Luther Vandross
  • 4. Sweet Love by Anita Baker
  • 3. If It Isn't Love by New Edition
  • 2. Living In A Box by Living In A Box
    I RW
  • 1. Crush On You by The Jets
By: Whisky
By: Travis G.
Music helped me get through the 80's ::: especially the early years ::: hense my top 10 are mostly from 1981-83 ::: Jan. 29, 2005 ::: Madison, WI.
By: Tanya
  • 10. Mickey by Toni Basil
    I love this song! It must be the reason why I became a cheerleader in high school!
  • 9. Take On Me by a-ha
    A great song with a cool video! Who else got nervous when the lead singer got knocked on the head?
  • 8. Borderline by Madonna
    My favorite song from the Pop Queen! I really love the album version. I would get upset when they'd play the shortened version on the radio and video.
  • 7. Human Nature by Michael Jackson
    Besides PYT, the best song from Thriller!
  • 6. Take Me With U by Prince
    The one Purple Rain song I can hear over and over again!
  • 5. Head Over Heels by The Go-Gos
    Since "Our Lips Are Sealed" as been mentioned time and time again, this song needs mentioning. I love it!
  • 4. Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder
    It's Stevie Wonder. Enough said!
  • 3. I Didn't Mean to Turn You On by Cherrelle
    The original version covered by Robert Palmer. Cherrelle at her best.
  • 2. Candy Girl by New Edition
    The one New Edition song that always had a special place in my heart. It came out when I was in the third grade. I've loved it since.
  • 1. Fascinated by Company B
    A early Freestyle song (a new genre in the 80s derived from club, R&B, and latin music). This song sticks in my head from the entire genre!
By: Thiago Axis
  • 10. Wasted Years by Iron Maiden
  • 9. Romeo And Juliet by Dire Straits
  • 8. One by Metallica
  • 7. Bark At Moon by Ozzy Osbourne
  • 6. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
  • 5. Perfect Strangers by Deep Purple
  • 4. The Final Countdown by Europe
  • 3. Sweet Child O'Mine by Guns N' Roses
  • 2. Tunnel Of Love by Dire Straits
  • 1. Dreams by Van Halen
    A very creative song. There's a perfect harmony between the acoustic guitar and grand piano. The two electric guitar's solos are incredible. Drums and bass are excellent. The lyrics is so pretty. This song is "perfect".
By: DJ GAMEHUNTER34
  • 10. Now That We Found Love by Third World
  • 9. Peter Piper by Run-DMC
  • 8. So Far Away by Dire Straits
  • 7. A Girl In Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing) by Romeo Void
  • 6. Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung
  • 5. Misfits by Curiosity Killed The Cat
  • 4. Promises, Promises by Naked Eyes
  • 3. The Warrior by Scandal
  • 2. What I Am by Edie Brickell & New Bohiemians
  • 1. One More Night by Phil Collins
By: Travis G
By: Stu Haroldson
By: David
By: Nicholas DiBlasi
  • 10. Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie
    I'm not quite sure if this came out in the 80's or not but... it's a good enough song for Vanilla Ice so it's good enough for me. Eh... reminds me of when report cards would come out back in school... "Under pressure, no man asked for, the person feeling tight, splits a family in two, puts people on streets." Too true, Freddy, too true.
  • 9. Heat Of The Moment by Asia
    That perfect "I'm sorry, my emotions got the better of me" song. I wrote my first love note to this song.
  • 8. Meeting by A B W H
    'Meeting' reminds me of a past dating experience... singing along to it to that special someone... oh, well... rather be lonely than miserable.
  • 7. Final Countdown by Europe
    It's a one hit wonder... It's a one hit wonder... people always said. Well, you yourselves are admitting it's a hit! I LOVE the keyboard/ synthesizer in this song!
  • 6. Too Much Time On My Hands by Styx
    My life in a nut shell. I listened to this song for 6 months as I remade the game Doom on my computer.
  • 5. Owner Of A Lonely Heart by Yes
    This was my first CD to ever own. Listening to, it is soo true... 'An owner of a lonely heart is much better than an owner of a broken heart.'
  • 4. You Dropped The Bomb On Me by The Gap Band
    A great dance club song... Rockstar Games seems to think so, too.
  • 3. Crockett's Theme by Jan Hammer
    Miami Vice?!?! Of course! This song is great. I captures the Vice Cop in all of us.
  • 2. Running In The Family by Level 42
    This is a great song. I really like the chorus in it.
  • 1. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
    This song ROCKS MY WORLD! I grew-up playing their Atari game 'Journey Escape' and saw that CD for sale and bought it! I came home and listened to Don't Stop Believin' for an hour non-stop!
The strange part is I was born in '89 and yet I still have more 80's music knowledge than that of most people who grew up in the 80's. Strange stuff...

Previous List or Next List


We also have pages on this topic devoted to the 70s and 90s

Do You Have a List to Share?

Please check out the Top Ten Music Songs submission page.