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: Tamseel
  • 10. Tour de France by Kraftwerk
    imagine being 11 yrs old and hearing this on the radio.Like a transmission from another solar system .Unbelievable. The 12" mix by Francios Kervorkian is also IMHO the best remix of all time - he improves on perfection.
  • 9. Town to Town by Microdisney
    Cruelly ignored classic from the brothers up north (ie scotland)
  • 8. Reachin by Phase II
    A song to lift you when you're down, and to make you soar when you're not.Total elevation.
  • 7. Thats the way Love is/ devotion/ right back to you by Ten city
    I got 3 tracks in there ,it's cheating I know but they're all classics -I HAD NO CHOICE.
  • 6. The Story of the Blues by Wah!
    "First they take your pride .turn it out inside"
  • 5. Nude Photo 88 (acid burns mix) by Mayday
    derrick may couldn't be left out here.The original mix was a bit overrated but this was the killer. Oh yes
  • 4. Medicine Show by Big Audio Dynamite
    Lyrically the best record of the eighties.No Doubt
  • 3. Rip it Up by Orange Juice
    Pure class .(and an acid bassline on the 7" -5yrs ahead of its time!)
  • 2. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    i could have mentioned loads more New Order songs but this is the one song that even the kids in my school who hated them loved.Always got played in the early house music clubs aswell. GENIUS
  • 1. Anchorage by Michelle shocked
    Man ,what can I say? One of the most moving songs I've ever heard .Anyone can sing a love song but Michelle sings about a letter she recieved from an old friend and makes it seem more poignant than any tale of heartbreak.Ownership is compulsory.
Not enuff space for -All Smiths tracks , All Nitzer Ebb cuts, All Style council /Jam/paul Weller tracks, hooters "karla with a K", "Voodoo Ray" by Guy called Gerald , annette-"Dream 17", All Pet shop boys tracks,White lines -Grandmaster Melle mel, all Public enemy , all teardrop explodes , all Lotus Eaters tacks , Marina Van Rooy "sly one", Pale Fountains "Jeans Not Happening", Humanoid "Stakker Humanoid" , Garden of Eden , ENOUGH STOP!
By: Vinicius
  • 10. Aldo Nova by Always Be Mine
  • 9. Genesis by Invisible Touch
  • 8. Kon Kan by I Beg Your Pardon
  • 7. Whitesnake by Guilty Of Love
  • 6. Erasure by A Little Respect
  • 5. Bon Jovi by Livin' On A Prayer
  • 4. Lita Ford by Kiss Me Deadly
  • 3. The Police by Every Breath You Take
  • 2. A-ha by Take On Me
  • 1. Jump by Van Halen
By: MARIO
" ..Those were the best days of my life...the bad things in life were so few.."
By: nukie
  • 10. Billy Ocean by When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going
    such a classic beat and his voice is just swanky man!
  • 9. Material Girl by Madonna
    the pop queen who's still going hard.
  • 8. Every Breath You Take by Police
    sting is just a genius, and this is the most classic stalker song of all time
  • 7. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham
    this was one of george michaels more legal releases! (hehe) still a classic
  • 6. What A Feeling by Irene Cara
    had a crush on jennifer beals from flashdance too. excellent song
  • 5. I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany
    i had a major crush on her when i was a kid, i loved the dance she did to this song
  • 4. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndy Lauper
    hehe, one for the ladies which just has such a catchy happy beat
  • 3. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
    hehe, this song must have been written by a terrorist! coz baby its da bomb!
  • 2. 500 Miles by The Proclaimers
    what a classic. anyone who doesnt get up and sing and scream for this one, is probably dead.
  • 1. Take On Me by A-ha
    boy he could hit those high notes. best video of all time. A song that makes us just feel great
80z music is just the best thing at a party. everyone knows it and everyone can sing along. im sick of the commercial stuff we hear today. listening to 80'z just takes us to a time when we all seemed soo carefree and happy. so long live the 80z
By: Gabriella Hardy
  • 10. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    Classic.
  • 9. I Like It by DeBarge
    I play this song a lot when I think about the love of my life...
  • 8. Rhythm of The Night by DeBarge
    This songs lyrics are very very catchy! All I can say is..."LAA LAAA LAA LAA!"
  • 7. I Need Love by LL Cool J
    I must have played this song over and over when I was little. I loved LL...I think he was my first crush.
  • 6. Our House by Madness
    Cute song...I find myself singing it when I am walking down my street!:0)
  • 5. Take On Me by A-ha
    This was a pretty cool song. I mean hey...how many good songs have you heard out of Norway?
  • 4. Moments In Love by Art Of Noise
    This song is my jam! This song is the perfect song to just sit back relax, and play.
  • 3. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    this song was from one of the best movies in the 80's..."The Breakfast Club". I don't know anyone who hasn't either seen it and fallen in love with it..or just doesn't love the song.
  • 2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
    It is just a great song. How could you not like them?
  • 1. Liberian Girl by Micheal Jackson
    I have always loved this song. Also now because it is my fiance's favorite song. So it has sentimental value. Plus I mean come on...it's Micheal Jackson!
Out of all these lists...I noticed that these may not be from the younger sideof the 80's. I mean I was born into the 80's so here it is...my opinion of the top 10.
By: Wildbill
The 80s were the best decade to grow up in I think.. The music was awsome and the best grooves of all styles of music than any other decade of music...
By: Terence K
  • 10. It Might be You by Stephen Bishop
    Tootsie ... Great Comedy ... Great Ballad
  • 9. Cross My heart by Eighth Wonder
    It was on Lethal Weapon 2 that I realised that the Patsy Kensit was one of the faces in Eight Wonder
  • 8. Rio by Duran Duran
    Also loved Duran Duran ... One of the old car commericals featured this song and somehow I loved it even more
  • 7. Round & Round by Spandau Ballet
    Big Fan of Spandau Ballet ... This is one of my Favorite Songs from them among True, Gold, Communication, Only when U leave, Thru the Barricades etc
  • 6. Money for Nothing by Dire Straits
    One of my Favorite Rock music ... Escpecially for a more of a ballad-song person
  • 5. Together in Electric Dreams by Phil Oakey & Giorgio Moroder
    I can't believe that non/few people feature this song in their top ten. The movie was cute and the song was catchy and it probably typifies the 80s for me.
  • 4. Runaway Train by Soul Asylum
    I heard that this song was also dedicated to the efforts to search for missing children (eg those who ranway from home). In the music video, it featured photos of missing children.
  • 3. With Or Without U by U2
    One of my Personal Favorite All-Time
  • 2. Lead Me On by Maxine Nightingale
    Beautiful song
  • 1. Suspended in Time by Olivia Newton John
    As the title suggests ... makes one feel as we're in the middle of nowhere
These songs are not exactly in the order of preference as there are far too many good songs that too deserve to make the list. To quote one of the people who submitted the 80s List " ... Choosing 3 Best Friends to go on a trip when U have 2000 ...". This sums up the way I feel ...
By: MSprSpt
  • 10. Here I Go Again On My Own by Whitesnake
  • 9. I Wanna Rock by Twisted Sister
  • 8. You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi
  • 7. Rock n Roll All Night Party Everyday by KISS
  • 6. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
  • 5. Hard To Say I'm Sorry/Get Away by Chicago
  • 4. Open Arms by Journey
  • 3. Paradise City by Guns n' Roses
  • 2. Livin On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
  • 1. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leopard
By: Matt
  • 10. It's Raining Men by Weather Girls
    Anthem for women and gay men across the world. Still gets a huge reaction on straight and gay dancefloors. Just about half past ten...
  • 9. (Keep Feeling) Fascination by Human League
    Electropop genius
  • 8. She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult
    Rock On !!!
  • 7. Victims by Culture Club
    Passionate vocals from the face of the 80s. One of many gr8 tracks from Colour By Numbers... check out the superb That's the Way.
  • 6. Tide is High by Blondie
    Wow !!!
  • 5. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
    I was in Spain on holiday when Kate was first in the top 10. Who the hell is Kate Bush, I wondered? Now, probably one of the best singer/songwriters
  • 4. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) by Dead or Alive
    More genius production from Stock/Aitken/Waterman.Made better by the fact that part of the music was left on the tape by accident, but it worked, so stayed on
  • 3. I Should Be So Lucky by Kylie Minogie
    Pure pop at it's best
  • 2. Crazy For You by Madonna
    Hormones still on the go when I hear this
  • 1. The Winner Takes It All by Abba
    A piece of theatre on vinyl. Sad, but lyrically stunning
Most of Stock/Aitken/Waterman, the Nolans dancing, Cock Robin, Obssesion by Animotion, Rhythm of the Night, DeBarge, Eurythmics, Wham! Cyndi Lauper, Heart, Prince, Boys by Sabrina...
By: Nathan Gaffney
  • 10. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
    Money for nothing and chicks for free...a good fantasy...and a good guitarist in Mr. Knopfler
  • 9. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
    Ralph Machio kicked some butt with this song backing the soundtrack to the Karate Kid.
  • 8. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
    Yeah...if you played this song with a girl riding aroung in your Trans Am...you knew you were gonna score.
  • 7. Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
    I listen to this song when I need to get pumped up...before I face rush hour traffic.
  • 6. Blame It On the Rain by Milli Vanilli
    So what...they couldn't sing...but they sure could dance...
  • 5. Souxsie and the Banshees by Cities in the Dust
    Souxsie could sing and she was cute...what more could a guy want?
  • 4. Asleep by The Smiths
    Sad and a little sappy...but...really pretty.
  • 3. Radio by LLCoolJ
    Big chains and even bigger boom boxes...
  • 2. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    I can still do that goofy zombie dance in the video.
  • 1. Paradise City by Guns'n Roses
    The best hard rock song ever to make it into mainstream music.
By: Andy Staples
  • 10. Dancin' in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen
    Bruce is rock n' roll.
  • 9. Come On Eileen by Dexi's Midnight Runners
    This song is just so catchy.
  • 8. Take on Me by A-Ha
    There's the good new wave 80's
  • 7. Power of Love by Huey Lewis & the News
    I loved Back to the Future.
  • 6. Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money
    I love this song.
  • 5. St. Elmo's Fire by John Parr
    Great movie, great song.
  • 4. It's the End of the World as We Know It by R.E.M.
    I love this song because I have it memorized.
  • 3. Africa by Toto
    Very unique sound. Absolutely a great song.
  • 2. Don't Stop Believin'/Open Arms/Faithfully by Journey
    Journey had so many good songs.
  • 1. With or Without You by U2
    U2 has to be on the list somewhere.
By: Mark Kilmer
  • 10. Look of Love by ABC
    Although I love the well placed drums after "I care enough to know that I can never love you" in "Poison Arrow." Another great dance band.
  • 9. Faster than Light by Duran Duran
    This song should be much higher on my list, but I'm not going back and changing everything. This was the first Duran Duran song, and it mellowed me to their other stuff. A good dance band.
  • 8. Telegraph by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
    DAZZLE SHIPS was my favorite OMD LP. (Yeah, I got in on CD when "they" stole my turntable from me.) This is joyful synth-pop.
  • 7. Temptation by New Order / Heaven 17
    Two Temptations, two great songs. I like the almost unrehearsed style of New Order's song, and I like the very rehearsed sound of Heaven 17's. It's a dichotomy that I'll have to live with.
  • 6. Panic by Fiction Factory
    I heard this song on the same mixed magazine/LP import from the UK on which I heard "Spinning Belinda." This song made me feel sorry for the guy, though.
  • 5. Mad World by Tears for Fears
    This song trancended the teeny-bophood of some of their later stuff. (Post SHOUT anyway.) It's hard to pick a fav with these dudes.
  • 4. The Song (We Go) by Ultravox
    Midge's voice and guitar play beautifully on this song which captures the urgency which defines Ultravox at their best. (With apologies to "Vienna" and "Lament.") Actually, "Vienna's" probably my #2 U-vox song.
  • 3. Speak Like A Child by Style Council
    It's "Speak Like A Child," not "Speak Like a Child," 'cos that's the way Paul sings it. He's another great songwriter. To May, Paul, and the groove!
  • 2. Walk out to Winter by Aztec Camera
    Roddy's voice is playful, the guitar is great, and this is a fun song. I don't know how he pulled these songs off. He's another songwriter of the '80s.
  • 1. Appetite by Prefab Spout
    It was either this or "Tiffany's," depending on the mood. This is the better song, though. Paddy's the songwriter of the '80s, and the Sprouts were the group of the '80s. (I made that call in '83 after hearing "Spinning Belinda.")
That's that. I don't think there's an American band on the list. Okay, I'll give honorable mention to "You Get What You Give," by The New Radicals. I know, I know - wrong decade. But Tears for Fears could have done this one. As denizens of the '80s, our president is Ronald Reagan. In a few months, he will become the longest surviving president in the history of the US, passing John Adams. Oh, and Cabaret Voltaire.
By: Joe Patterson
By: Mikes
  • 10. Be Mine Tonite// 24/7 by Promise Circle/ Dino
  • 9. Make It Last Forever/ Don't Disturb The Groove by Keith Sweat/The System
  • 8. Who's On The Line/you Can Do Magic by Device/America
  • 7. Inside Out/ Turn It On Again by Phil Collins/ Genesis
  • 6. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
  • 5. Captain Of Her Heart/ Stepping Out by Double/Joe Jackson
    Classic!!
  • 4. Kiss you(when it's dangerous) by 8 Seconds
    Great!! song
  • 3. Something About You / It's Over by Level 42
    Level 42 is one of my favorite groups, not so popular as well.
  • 2. Stone In Love/ Wrapped Around Your Finger by Journey/Police
    Journey is the best, all their songs are great. The Police ...rock'd.
  • 1. Waiting For A Girl Like You by Foreigner
    One of the best songs, truly a classic.
Music was at its best during the 80's. This is just a small copilation for the limited space given. There are lots more great songs as mentioned by others...thanks.
By: Budola
  • 10. The Gap by Thompson Twins
    Classic new wave sound
  • 9. New Moon on Monday by Duran Duran
    How many hits did they have?
  • 8. Train in Vain by The Clash
    When it comes to 80's, they have to make the top ten.
  • 7. I Got You by Spit Enz
    This song and Shark Attack are tied for the #7 spot.
  • 6. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
    There were better Pet Shop Boys songs to come, but this was the classic.
  • 5. Antmusic by Adam and the Ants
    The best thing to come out of Britain.
  • 4. Running on a Treadmill by Oingo Boingo
    The first oingo song I heard. I listened to every song they made after that.
  • 3. Private Idaho by B-52's
    Another band that began new wave
  • 2. Girl U Want by Devo
    Devo was the beginning of new wave
  • 1. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Classic song from a classic movie....
Honorable Mention: Joe Jackson / The Cars / General Public-English Beat / Midnight Oil / INXS / Go-Go's / Billy Idol / ABC, and the soundtracks-Ferris Bueller, Bachelor Party, Breakfast Club, etc.
By: Sheridan
  • 10. The Style Council by My Ever Changing Moods
    Paul Weller: They call me the Kid. The Cappuccino Kid! In a word.. Visual.
  • 9. Our House by Madness
    Ok I don't like the chorus. There I said it! The verses makes up for this in amazing fashion. In a word.. Ska!
  • 8. Stigmata by Ministry
    Evidently, somebody has run out of lies. Maybe Al just doesn't like the truth. In a word.. Demonic.
  • 7. She's In Parties by Bauhaus
    The Graveyard Scene! The Golden Years! I wanted Dark Entries, but that was 1979. So here's their 2nd best song.
  • 6. Town Called Malice by The Jam
    Paul Weller dives headfirst into a Motown groove, and makes it his. Foxton's finest moment. In a word.. Groovy.
  • 5. Bye Bye Badman by The Stone Roses
    My favorite song from the Stone Roses' eponymous debut. And that coda! In a word.. Sparkly.
  • 4. Charlotte Sometimes by The Cure
    Robert sometimes "borrowed" whole sentences direct from the book of the same name. Only slightly better than A Forest, #4 could have gone either way. In a word.. Shivery.
  • 3. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
    You've turned away on your .. side. In a word.. Haunting.
  • 2. Strangelove by Depeche Mode
    1987-88 was the height of DM's popularity in the US. The DM 88 concert t-shirts were everywhere at my school that September. My favorite song from Music For The Masses. In a word.. Sinful.
  • 1. Mr Brownstone by Guns N' Roses
    When 'Appetite' was new, this wasn't my favorite song on the album, I guess I just liked the hits at the time. Now, Sweet Chile O Mine just sounds dated. In a word.. Smacky.
The Lame 80's: She's Like The Wind, Gloria, Let's Hear It For The Boy, I Just Called To Say I Love You, We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, Old Time Rock and Roll, Human, Soldier Of Love, Islands In The Stream, Lady In Red.
By: Tony
  • 10. Human League by Don't You want me
    I love this song a lot.
  • 9. One Night In Bankok by Murray Head
    I love the part when he's talking!
  • 8. Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil
    One of My favorites!
  • 7. Right Round by Dead Or Alive
    really cool fast techno song.
  • 6. Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    Such a rocking song.
  • 5. Puttin' On the Ritz by Taco
    This song is Super Duper!
  • 4. Weird Science by Oingo Boingo
    Totally Rockin song!
  • 3. The Flame by Cheap Trick
    Really great song, slow but great!
  • 2. Your Love by The Outfield
    Absolutley love this song
  • 1. Don't Stop Believing by Journey
    Great song cool instrumental in the beggining! Makes my mood lift.
By: Rodney Law
  • 10. Touch by Secession
  • 9. There's No Easy Way Out by Robert Tepper
  • 8. Love On A Real Train by Tangerine Dream
  • 7. 4th of July by X
  • 6. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) by Talking Heads
  • 5. Stars In Your Eyes by Herbie Hancock
  • 4. Goonies 'R' Good Enough by Cyndi Lauper
  • 3. Images of Heaven by Peter Godwin
  • 2. Into The Night by Benny Mardones
  • 1. The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em) by The Greg Kihn Band
By: robbie smith
  • 10. New Order by Ture Faith
  • 9. Run DMC / Aerosmith by Walk This Way
  • 8. Rick Astley by Never Gonna Give You Up
  • 7. Against All Odds by Phil Collins
  • 6. George Micheal by Faith
  • 5. Whitney Housten by Iwanna Dance With Somebody
  • 4. Spandau Ballet by Gold
  • 3. Tears For Fears by Everybody Wants To Rule The World
  • 2. T'pau by China In Your Hand
  • 1. Berlin by Take My Breath Away
By: Stevie
  • 10. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
    Who can argue every song on my list is a chart-topper? I love them all!
  • 9. Comin' Up-Live by Wings/Paul McCartney
    The live version is the best! He has so much energy! The best beatle by far!
  • 8. Our House by Madness
    Another gem!
  • 7. Melt With You by Modern English
    What can you say! A classic!
  • 6. Fascination by Human League
    Great warp sound on synth's at beginning and end of tune!
  • 5. Puttin on the Ritz by Taco
    Sounds like you should be hungry when you think of this one, but it has great synthesizers in parts(SUPER DUPER!)
  • 4. Blinded me with science by Thomas Dolby
    A fantastic tune & a great dance number! Everyone still remembers the cool video on MTV.
  • 3. Take Me On by Aa-Ha
    A great band from Norway! Too bad they didn't have more hits?
  • 2. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnite runners
    Hard to sit still listening to this one! The video was great!
  • 1. Shout by Tears for Fears
    Definetly the band of the 80's! Let's see someone argue with me on this one!
What can I say? My list is the best!

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