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: IndoCanuck
  • 10. Julian by Alta Moda
  • 9. Blue Monday by New Order
  • 8. Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics
  • 7. Der Kommisar by After The Fire
  • 6. Get into the Groove by Madonna
  • 5. London Calling by The Clash
  • 4. Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N Roses
  • 3. Welcome to the Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
  • 2. When doves cry by Prince
  • 1. You Spin Me Right Round by Dead or Alive
Only 10? Lots of other great songs mentioned already. It's hard to keep it to such a short list, but these songs I could/did/still do listen to endlessly.
By: Guido
  • 10. Face To Face by Real Life
    they're not just those of send me an angel!
  • 9. No More Sorrow by Hong Kong Syndkat
    minor german band: loved the song and the cartoon vid
  • 8. Everything Counts by Depeche Mode
    i knew them through this one
  • 7. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    couldn't they be here?
  • 6. Nobody's Diary by Yazoo Nobody's Diary
    ...for the happy and the sad
  • 5. it's my life by Talk Talk
    can a fairlight synth sound warm? yes, it does
  • 4. Girl's Got Abrand New Toy by Txt
    one hit wonder, but what a hit!
  • 3. Heaven by Psychedelic Furs
    ...i scream at the fools wanna jump my train?
  • 2. Feels Like Heaven by Fiction Factory
    still makes me shiver after 17 years
  • 1. The More You Live, The More You Love by A Flock Of Seagulls
    best song of my fav band!
these are my fav at the moment but might change in the future, anyway they're 10 songs i always will love!!
By: Bibiána, SLOWAKIA
  • 10. Bryan Ferry by Slave to Love
  • 9. Tainted Love by Softcell
  • 8. All wanna dance with somebody by Whitney Houston
  • 7. Gold by Spandau Balett
  • 6. The Edge of Heaven by WHAM
  • 5. Litlle Lies by Fleetwood Mac
  • 4. Teardrops by Womack and Womack
  • 3. Domino Dancing by Pet Shop Boys
  • 2. Woman in chains by Tears for Fears
  • 1. Everybody wants to rule the world by Tears for Fears
    SUPER!!!!!
By: JP
Come on, wich one of mine do you agree or disagree with. I want to know. Admit it, ever time each of these songs comes on the radio, you roll down your windows, turn up the radio, and sing along. You just can't help it.
By: Jimmy Temmer
  • 10. Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
  • 9. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
  • 8. Pride by U2
  • 7. Together Forever by Rick Astley
  • 6. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
  • 5. Madonna by Holiday
  • 4. Shanon by Let The Music Play
  • 3. Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth
  • 2. When Doves Cry by Prince
  • 1. Phil Collins by In The Air Tonight
Nice site. I am also an 80's freak. I was a dj for most of the 80's in the U.S., the Carribean, and Europe. There are of course so many songs, that you can't really narrow it down to 10, but I tried my best.
By: Delilah Hart
I so miss 80s music!It was so upbeat and fun to listen to.The music scene has been quite depressing lately.I think it sort of started to go downhill when Michael Bolton,Richard Marx and Kenny G came along.
By: Dimitri
  • 10. Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    Dodgy lyrics in places but still a winner... the tempo of this song always reminded me of a pogo-stick the way it bobs up and down all the time. great feeling listening to this, even after all this time...a great party-pleaser.
  • 9. Pull Up to the Bumper by Grace Jones
    This was an extraordinary release where notes of Reggae met contemporary pop-rock. Although it was a smooth and smouldering track, as a kid I used to be afraid of Grace...veeery afraid!
  • 8. Missionary Man by Eurythmics
    No particular reason why I have listed this song... I just really dug the harmonica and fretwork in contrast to Lennox's destinctive vocals.
  • 7. Wild Boys by Duran Duran
    The "Wild Boys" song was such a different direction for the band to take at the time, and with a kickass clip filmed by Russel Mulcahy to boot - this was an absolute rocker!
  • 6. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    GREAT song (complete with gusty wind FX etc)... the song rocked (albeit I still harbor the childhood scars of the videoclip in which those FREAKY glowing eyes appeared)! Brrrr!!!
  • 5. Still of the Night by Whitesnake
    My Goooood! This blend of cello and electric guitar is still an awesome favourite! As for the gravelly vocals of Coverdale and the screaming creschendos, this kicks ass!
  • 4. My Sharona by The Knack
    Dirt cheap and reeking of sex and sweat, you can't help but rock to "My Sharona"! This is 80s at its best !
  • 3. Fade to Grey by Visage
    A haunting 80's song... theres something fundamentally recognisable in this song...it takes me to a place of childhood melancholy! Groovy arrangements too - FAR better than the remake!
  • 2. Africa by Toto
    That melodic rock gets me every time...layered vocals and smooth rock rythms. "Africa" is a trademark 80s song.
  • 1. The Final Countdown by Europe
    The signature keyboard riff and anthemic rocking and swaying coupled with blistering guitarwork and pristine vocals...this song took me on a journey over the lakes and forests of Sweden at lightening speed! What a treasure-trove of talent I unearthed when EUROPE came onto the world's stage! My number one best song of all existence!!!
*Video Killed the Radio Star* The Buggles *Material Girl* Madonna *Like Flames* Berlin *Reckless* Australian Crawl *China Girl* David Bowie
By: Lee
Worth a mention: Howard Jones: What is Love?, John Parr: St. Elmo's Fire, John Farnham: You're the Voice, Angry Anderson: Suddenly, Labi Siffre: Something Inside so Strong, Def Leppard: Love Bites.
By: Tanya
  • 10. Tears by X Japan
    GREAT SONG!
  • 9. Virgin by Madonna
    i realy dont like this song but my friend loves it so this is for jenn!hehe
  • 8. Dancing Queen by Abba
    great song! but its more like 70's!
  • 7. Master And Servant by Depeche Mode
    this song rocks!
  • 6. Jam by Michael Jackson
    I was looking all over for this song and i finally FOUND IT!
  • 5. They Don't Really Care About Us by Michael Jackson
    hehe
  • 4. Why You Wanna Trip On Me by Michael Jackson
    I know i'm mostly mentioning michael jackson but he's the BEST.
  • 3. Can't Let Her Get Away by Micheal Jackson
    I'm not sure if this is the 80's or what..but its off of his album "dangerous" it rocks!
  • 2. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
    I absoulutly love this song! Alien Ant Farm you SUCK for redoing this song!
  • 1. Rythym Nation by Janet Jackson
    Oh my god this song is the best! Her best song by far!
X JAPAN MAN!
By: Lucy
By: ad.booze
  • 10. Jermaine Jackson by When The Rain Begins To Fall
  • 9. Baby Love (live!!) by Mothers Finest
  • 8. Africa by Toto
  • 7. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
  • 6. Tell It To My Heart by Taylor Dayne
  • 5. School by Supertramp
  • 4. Ella Elle L`a by France Gall
  • 3. What Is Love by Howard Jones
  • 2. Maniac by Michael Sembello
  • 1. Take On Me by A-ha
    its hard to place any track on #1 but that ones just too good :-)
By: Tammy
  • 10. Shake the Disease by Depeche Mode
  • 9. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
  • 8. Hungry like the Wolf by Duran Duran
  • 7. When Doves Cry by Prince
  • 6. Material Girl by Madonna
    this song embodies the 80's spirit!
  • 5. A Forest by The Cure
    One of the first bands to put the bass at the forefront of a song. A great intro, a great sound, great lyrics for an unforgettable song.
  • 4. U2 by Where the Streets have no Name
    and clearly anything they've ever done in the 80's. After all they are the best band in the world for a reason.
  • 3. The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    the typical cheesy 80's love song, that still gives me shivers when I hear it.
  • 2. Shout by Tears for Fears
    A great duo.
  • 1. Take on Me by A-Ha
    Fantastic video, a tune that's unforgettable. Clearly the BEST song of the decade.
By: Pauline
  • 10. Rock the Casbah by The Clash
    IT JUST ROCKS!!!!!!
  • 9. In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins
    Slow, climatic build ending with the powerful explosion of Phil's drums. Haunting. Bitter. Emotional tension tangibly felt (he wrote this song after the break up of his marriage, right?).
  • 8. Owner of the Lonely Heart by YES
    No clear reason as to why I particularly like this song. I just do (I think it has something to do with the basslines). Remember the video where the guy washes his face with all those maggots? Yeah! (ewwwwww!)
  • 7. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    He may be a freak in terms of his behaviour....but the man can dance and create memorable music. Let's give credit where credit is due.
  • 6. Shock the Monkey by Peter Gabriel
    This song has a fantastic, rhythmic beat. I often listen to it for that aspect rather than the lyrics, actually.
  • 5. 99 Red Balloons/99 Luftballons by Nena
    My first crash course in German. LOL!!! I heard the German version first and didn't have a clue as to what was being said but liked the music anyway. The story of how a simple red balloon gets mistaken as an enemy missle as it floats across the sky is quite amusing yet very thought-provoking. It's hard not to think of Peter Schilling's "Major Tom" also (and hey! That song is available in a German version too!).
  • 4. Wouldn't It Be Good? by Nik Kershaw
    A catchy pop song with a leisurely pace. It makes me recall fond memories of long, care-free summer days, spent with friends and family.
  • 3. Would I Lie to You? by Eurythmics
    This song just rocks. Need a song to encourage you to leave that jerk of a boyfriend/girlfriend/employer in the dust? This is the song to play.
  • 2. Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2
    Simple yet awesome lyrics. It's a very rousing song, from the intro's electrifying guitar notes to the climatic verse at the end: "Early morning, April 4/Shot rings out in the Memphis sky/Free at last, they took your life/They could not take your pride". How can you NOT be moved by that??? (U2's "Gloria" should really be tied with this song).
  • 1. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran
    A great song from one of the best albums of the 80s, "Rio". Full of incredible energy. Each musical element is strong and blends well together. Yes, Duran Duran will always be remembered for their pioneering videos...but let's not forget that there was solid music sense behind it all.
The 80s produced a music scene that was so diverse. That's why I enjoy revisiting that decade so much. Other favourites worth mentioning: Our Lips Our Sealed (The Go-Gos), Safety Dance (Men Without Hats); Cars (Gary Numan), Hold Me Now (Thompson Twins); Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper); Alive and Kicking (Simple Minds); Upside Down (Diana Ross); True (Spandau Ballet); Another One Bites the Dust (Queen); New World Man (Rush); I Want to Know What Love Is (Foreigner); In a Big Country (Big Country); Close to Me (The Cure); Walkin' On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves); Steppin' Out (Joe Jackson)....who am I kidding? I can't possibly list them all. THERE ARE SOOOO MANY GOOD TUNES! I enjoyed reading through everyone's lists. Many other fave songs of mine were listed in them already. Hmmm...maybe we can start listing favourite 80s ALBUMS!!! Me first: Rio, The Joshua Tree, Thriller, Graceland, So, Be Yourself Tonight/Sweet Dreams (are made of this)--a tie, Arias and Symphonies (from a Canadian band called Spoons. A must listen for those into new wave! Especially "Nova Heart"), Rhythm of Youth, Into the Gap, Hunting High and Low, Watermark (Enya). OK, I'll stop blabbing now! :)
By: Sanso Mamo
  • 10. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    totally 80s vibe!
  • 9. I Should Be So Lucky by Kylie Minogue
    perfect pop ditty from the 80s very own princess of pop, go to hear Kylies new song, Cant Get u Out Of My Head at www.kylie.com (UK #1 for 5 weeks!)
  • 8. Take On Me by A - Ha
    probably one of the best music videos of all time, this is my number 8 choice
  • 7. Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    great voice great song
  • 6. Crazy For You by Madonna
    pure 80s pop
  • 5. Bad by Michael Jackson
    definitive 80s song - what he did others followed, exactly like his pop nemesis Madonna
  • 4. Open Your Heart by Madonna
    a stone cold classic - the video being THE greatest 80s video EVER, from the ultimate 80s icon
  • 3. Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    shocking for all the right reasons
  • 2. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    great song - with one of THE definitive 80s music videos
  • 1. Like A Virgin by Madonna
    definitive 80s tune! totally encaptures a period in time
I havent mentioned Prince - mainly because I dont think his songs were classics - his albums were. My ultimate 80s singers are Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince
By: Carrie Price
  • 10. I Ran by Flock of Seagulls
    EIGHTIES!!!!!
  • 9. Jenny (867-5309) by Tommy Tutone
    this song is great,
  • 8. Joey by Concrete Blond
    Two words are enough. CONCRETE. BLONDE. Yes.
  • 7. Voices Carry by Til' Tuesday
    HUSH HUSH KEEP IT DOWN NOW!!! This song is the best because no had ANY IDEA AT ALL what they were saying. "mrs. carey?" "mr. scary?" "it's too scary?" NO!!! VOICES CARRY!
  • 6. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
    "everybody's out on the run tonight but there's no place left ot hide" ... YOU KNOW YOU LOVE THIS SONG
  • 5. Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen
    Bruce Springsteen = Hardcore 80's.
  • 4. Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    Can't deny it.
  • 3. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
    This song rocks because first of all, it's by U2, second of all... it's the best.
  • 2. We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel
    Classic. Just classic. And have you ever seen the video? Again, classic.
  • 1. Take On Me by A-ha
    This is by far the funniest, most classic 80's song that exists.
Eighties. Rad. Tubular.
By: Amanda
  • 10. House of Pain by Faster Pussycat
  • 9. Built For Speed by Stray Cats
  • 8. The Postman Song by Stevie B
    grade school love song
  • 7. Youth Gone Wild by Skid Row
    same as above
  • 6. Lack of Communication by Ratt
    Old teenage drinking music
  • 5. Crazy Trains by Ozzy
    Awesome Guitar riffs
  • 4. Master of Puppets by Metallica
    Awesome everything
  • 3. Amanda by Boston
  • 2. When Doves Cry by Prince
  • 1. In A Big Country by Big Country
    Good tune, catchy beat
I Ran, I Melt With You, and Blue Monday.
By: Jeff
  • 10. Fade To Grey by Visage
  • 9. Are You Ready For Freddy by The Fat Boys
  • 8. Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson
  • 7. The Living Daylights by A-ha
  • 6. A View To A Kill by Duran Duran
  • 5. Eat It (beat It) by Weird Al (Michael Jackson)
    Great Parody
  • 4. The Sun Always Shines On TV by A-ha
    Good Slow Song
  • 3. Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson
    Great Song
  • 2. Blame It On The Rain by Milli Vanilli
    Good Song. Too Bad They Were Lip Syncing
  • 1. Take on Me by A-ha
    So Needless to say I'm odds and ends but thats me stumbling away slowly learning that life is okay.
A-ha Is Back. They Are Doing A World Tour Summmer Of 2002
By: Dale
Secondary consideration 1. I Ran - Flock of Seagulls 2. Promised you a Miracle - Simple Minds 3. Smalltown Baoy - Bronski Beat 4. Love Plus One - Haircut 100 5. Major Tom - Peter Schilling 6. Forever Young - Alphaville 7. Doot Doot - Freur 8. Just like Heaven - Cure 9. A little Respect - Erasure 10 Melt with you - Modern English
By: Lorenzo
  • 10. 99 Red Baloons by Nena
    They go by.
  • 9. Owner Of A Lonely Heart by Yes
  • 8. Voices by Russ Ballard
  • 7. Just An Illusion by Imagination
  • 6. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
  • 5. (You Shook Me) All Night Long by ACDC
  • 4. All Night Long by Lionel Ritchie
  • 3. Get Down On It by Kool & the Gang
    The ultimate dance song (again, for definition).
  • 2. Run To You by Bryan Adams
  • 1. Jump by Van Halen
    The coolest song ever made. Definition of the word "cool" is this song.
By: Mary Kate
  • 10. Whip It by Devo
    This song rules! I am so amused by it everytime I hear it.
  • 9. Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
    I love Bryan Adams, and this was just a great rock 'n' roll song.
  • 8. (You Gotta) Fight Fof Your Right (To Party) by The Beastie Boys
    The ultimate party anthem. It doesn't get better than this, kids.
  • 7. Pink Houses by John Mellencamp
    Another song that makes you feel great to be an American. And it's got a great hook.
  • 6. Born In The U.S.A by Bruce Springsteen
    The Boss! How can you NOT love this song?
  • 5. Faith by George Michael
    I love this song! Fun, pop song that will never be improved upon (especially when you scream the chorus ::cough::Fred Durtz!::cough::
  • 4. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    An absolute classic.
  • 3. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    Great song that truly captured a great movie (The Breakfast Club, for those who might not know...go rent it!)
  • 2. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Sting's masterwork. Who ever knew obsessive love could sound this beautiful?
  • 1. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2
    This song makes me feel ALIVE! No song makes me feel as happy to be alive than this one. And "The Joshua Tree" is the BEST '80's album, hands down!
I picked "Where The Streets Have No Name", but any U2 song could be #1, whether they were singles or not. Best band then, best band now. All of their music is absolutely timeless

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