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: Natasha
  • 10. I'm Still Standing by Elton John
    A feel-good song!
  • 9. Pipes Of Peace by Paul McCartney
    nice one..
  • 8. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    Just like it...
  • 7. Hello by Lionel Ritchie
    I remember the video
  • 6. Eternal Flame by The Bangles
    I remember singing this song in the school yard...lame I know!
  • 5. Silent Running by Mike And The Mechanics
  • 4. Smooth Operator by Sade
    Always liked this song
  • 3. Money For Nothin' by Dire Straits
    Interesting lyrics...I want my..I want my MTV!! ;)
  • 2. The Longest Time by Billy Joel
    No instruments..just backing voice..pretty unique. A catchy song!
  • 1. Beat It by Michael Jackson
    C'mon..the 80s were all about MJ!!
By: Al James
By: Kay
  • 10. I Know This Much Is True by Tears For Fears
    Best love song ever maybe?
  • 9. What a Feeling (Flashdance) by Irene Cara
    I read above that someone wrote this song express everything the 80's was, I agree.
  • 8. Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol
  • 7. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
    Also We Are The Champions is a song that everyone knows and defines success, its been played on every final of every sport and its awesome.
  • 6. Message In A Bottle by The Police
    Sending out an SOS!!!!!
  • 5. Original Sin by INXS
    Michael still aint dead!
  • 4. Take On Me by A-Ha
  • 3. Never Tear Us Apart by INXS
    Michael aint dead!
  • 2. Born In The USA by Bruce Springsteen
    This is such a great song!
  • 1. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    the police & sting, only the best music ever made.-
It was a good idea to do this TOP 10, congrats. Thumbs up!
By: Robbi
  • 10. Road To Nowhere by Talking Heads
    ...well. You know we know.
  • 9. Song To The Siren by This Mortal Coil
    ...here I am, here I am...
  • 8. Sleep Like Breathing by Alison Moyet
    ...you...
  • 7. Lost At Sea by How We Are
    ...I know, that I wasted so much time...
  • 6. Under The Ivy by Kate Bush
    ...and under the leafs...
  • 5. Ghosts by Japan
    ...my love...
  • 4. The Jeweller by This Mortal Coil
    ...he knows the use of ashes...
  • 3. Dr. Mabuse by Propaganda
    ...there's no way back...
  • 2. Space (He Called From The Kitchen) by It's Immaterial
    ...try life insurance, after a death...
  • 1. Lament by Ultravox
    ...in stillness, in sorrow, returns that...
...9 out of 10 are british.
By: Cisco
By: Anelim
  • 10. With Or Without You by U2
  • 9. Fortress Around Your Heart by Sting
  • 8. Save A Prayer by Duran Duran
  • 7. The Captain Of The Heart by Double (Kurt Maloo)
  • 6. Gold by Spandau Ballet
  • 5. A Little Respect by Erasure
  • 4. Heartland by The The
  • 3. Hallelujah Man by Love & Money
  • 2. Wonderful Life by Black (Colin Vearncombe)
  • 1. Hunting High And Low by A-ha
It's unfair ......many other songs could replace these ones......
By: Jack Lawrence
  • 10. Just Got Lucky by Joe Boxers
    I never got the album. I had this song on a K-tel compilation cassette that I wore out in my parent car.
  • 9. Red Dust And Spanish Lace by Acoustic Alchemy
    A little New Age Jazz frm the 80s. Again another sad loss to the music community. I saw them in concert at least 3 times before the loss of Nick Webb. This song off their first popular album takes you to a small spanish town in the countryside.
  • 8. Vox Humana by Kenny Loggins
    Great soundtrack artist but this song from that album of the same title wast the quintessential peak of his 80's pop sound.
  • 7. Tell Her About It by Billy Joel
    It's hard to pick out only one favorite Billy Joel tune from the 80's but this one had a great video with Christy.
  • 6. Save A Prayer by Duran Duran
    Finally saw them in concert in 2001. Simon Le Bon is drinking from the same fountain as Dick Clark. The guy has not aged!
  • 5. Re-Flex by The Politics Of Dancing
    I saw them in concert when they opened for the Thompson Twins in 1984, Passaic NJ. It grew on me. Too bad the second album was never released. Maybe someday?
  • 4. Always Something There To Remind Me by Naked Eyes
    I loved every song on each one of their albums. I was very sad to hear about Rob Fisher's death in August of 1999. I never got to see them live.
  • 3. I Want A New Drug by Huey Lewis And The News
    I finally saw them live in March of 2002. They sound just as good if not better.
  • 2. New Song by Howard Jones
    Nobody ever lists this one on these charts but this was the song that launced one of my favorite artists.
  • 1. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    This song pulled me into the 80's out of my Jim Croce / Elvis Presley coma I had been in for 5 years..........reminds me of Steven King's Dead Zone...
tough to narrow it down to just 10 but had a great time reliving the last commercially successful decade of the recording industry. i grew up in nj, usa and later lived in florida during the late 80's. these were the bands that were readily available to be seen live for me. another favorite was john cafferty and the beaver brown band. they are best known for doing the soundtrack to eddie and the cruisers. i now live in sarasota fl where i enjoy the sunchine and the blue water and reminiscing while downloading all of the great 80's on mp3. rock me amadaus! jackl
By: David Barry
  • 10. Market Square Heroes by Marillion
    Would / should have been a lot bigger. Right lyrics, right music wrong decade.
  • 9. I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
    Ovid in Armani reinvents himself for the Eighties. Absolutely essential for cutting through the New Romantic dross.
  • 8. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
    Almost unbearable intensity.
  • 7. That's Entertainment by The Jam
    Which one to chooose? The politcal conscience of Eighties youth.
  • 6. Talkin' Bout A Revolution by Tracy Chapman
    Simple yet meaningful song delivered with such a richly textured voice.
  • 5. Under Pressure by Queen / David Bowie
    Anyone who studied in the Eighties will understand.
  • 4. No Self-Control by Peter Gabriel
    Prog-rock godfather tries his hand at punk.
  • 3. Ace Of Spades by Motorhead
    If you are indifferent to this please check your pulse. Extreme reactions only please.
  • 2. Not Now John by Pink Floyd
    Woefully neglected, this single, in lyrical terms has more to say about the essence of the Eighties than any other - including 'Another Brick In The Wall'
  • 1. William, It Was Really Nothing by The Smiths
    The best three minutes about adolescence in the history of vinyl.
By: john thompson
  • 10. Brother Louie by Modern Talking
  • 9. Jack Your Body by Steve Silk Hurley
  • 8. Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth
  • 7. This Time I Know Its For Real by Donna Summer
  • 6. History by Mai Tai
  • 5. Slave To Love by Bryan Ferry
  • 4. Big In Japan by Alphaville
  • 3. In Your Car by The Coolnotes
  • 2. I Just Called To Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
  • 1. Careless Whisper by George Michael
By: Chris
  • 10. 99 Luftballons by Nena
    I don't understand one word of that German, but it's a good song.
  • 9. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
    We can all relate to this song just by looking at the title.
  • 8. Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil
    I heard this song was about giving the colonized land back to the Native Indians who there first. Despite my disagreement to that thought, I nonetheless love this song.
  • 7. I'm On Fire by Bruce Springsteen
    The Boss should have gotten more recognition for this song.
  • 6. Tell Me Lies by Fleetwood Mac
    I remember this song being big when I was like 2 (yes, I'm only 17), and I still like it.
  • 5. Save A Prayer by Duran Duran
    This group had it all. I don't know if 5 people with that amount of talent have ever been together before (sorry, the Beatles only had 4).
  • 4. Somebody by Bryan Adams
    This song has it all: Bryan Adams' incredible voice, great instrumentals, and the best quote from any song (the part right after the second singing of the chorus).
  • 3. Dancing In The Dark by Bruce Springsteen
    In this song, "The Boss" gives us the message that you have to take risks, even if the odds are against you and you don't know exactly what you're doing. If not, you'll live a very dull life and you won't be able to "start a fire".
  • 2. She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
    I can relate to this song. All girls drive me crazy.
  • 1. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
    I love this guy's voice and the rest of the song. It tells us that it's okay to look like an idiot, and that's what I like.
By: paul metzger
  • 10. Fashion by David Bowie
    this song defines the whole decade for me. this is what it was all about.
  • 9. Everything's Gone Green by New Order
    this song is really one of their best. in my opinion, even better than blue monday or bizarre love triangle.
  • 8. Behind The Wheel by Depeche Mode
    dave gahan's creepy vocals make this song a total classic. also a top remake of 'route 66' on the single.
  • 7. One Hundred Years by The Cure
    this song is so good, to even comment would be pointless.
  • 6. You Spin Me Round by Dead Or Alive
    another great dance tune. still haven't quite figured out pete burns.
  • 5. Don't You Want Me? by Human League
    one of the best dance tunes ever recorded. period.
  • 4. Half A Person by The Smiths
    'sixteen, clumsy and shy, that's the story of my life...' mine too, morrissey!
  • 3. Lunar Camel by Siouxsie And The Banshees
    cool synth/goth tune. really, really good.
  • 2. At Night by The Cure
    this song has a cold, icy atmosphere. perfect for any time.
  • 1. Decades by Joy Division
    indescribable...the best song ever recorded. period.
oh, if only we could bring back this kind of music....
By: fawad qamar
By: Caressa
  • 10. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    I like these lyrics
  • 9. If You Were Here by Thompson Twins
    great movie
  • 8. Our House by Madness
  • 7. Kids In America by Kim Wilde
    the best song to sing along to in the car on a sunny day
  • 6. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    the most catchy song ever
  • 5. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    Love those movie songs...
  • 4. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    sweet...
  • 3. Take on Me by A-ha
  • 2. Wake Me Up Before You Go-go by Wham!
    classic... bad music video though
  • 1. Let's Hear It For The Boy by Deneice Williams
    Good song...
another really good song, 99 Luftballoons by Nena. I just didn't know where to put it
By: E. Lee
  • 10. If You Leave by OMD
    This song was the reason why I went to see Pretty In Pink
  • 9. Higher Love by Steve Winwood
    A lot of people might not know this but that's Chaka Khan singing background.
  • 8. It's Like That/Sucker MC's by Run-DMC
    This was Run-Dmc first release."It's Like That" was good but it was "Sucker MC's" that got me hooked.
  • 7. Everything She Wants by Wham!
    When I first heard this song on a R&B station I swore the group was African American. But when I found out it was Wham! I was amazed at how funky they sounded.
  • 6. I Can't Wait by Nu Shooz
    This song was everywhere in the spring of 86.
  • 5. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    Who can forget the Motown special when he performed this song and did the moonwalk. That's pure 80's right there.
  • 4. Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
    The first song to introduce me to 80's pop music and MTV.
  • 3. Time by Culture Club
    Beautiful lyrics(even though I found out recently that Boy George wrote the song for his drummer)
  • 2. Borderline by Madonna
    Back in the summer of '84 everybody was dancing to this in the parks and house parties.
  • 1. Whan Doves Cry by Prince
    You can't have a 80's list without Prince being #1.
There're so many good songs to choose from that its hard to put together a top 10 list.Thess are the songs that I thought of at the moment.
By: Ronda R.
  • 10. Lovers In A Dangerous Time by Bruce Coburn
    Done again lately by Bare Naked Ladies, but not as good as the original (are they ever?)
  • 9. Twilight Zone by Golden Earring
    Cool drums, cool lyrics, cool sound, just cool.
  • 8. The Runner by Manfred Mann
    Another very 80s sound.
  • 7. I Did It For Love by Harlequin
    Very 80s.
  • 6. Kiss You When It's Dangerous by 8 Seconds
    So Duran Duran-like. What are they talking about? Who cares? It's great!
  • 5. Pale Shelter by Tears For Fears
    My favorite of theirs - as if I could just pick one.
  • 4. Are We Ourselves by The Fixx
    Totally cool.
  • 3. Don't Walk Past by Blue Peter
    Incredible drums on this one.
  • 2. Whisper To A Scream by Icicle Works
    This is totally a song that makes you want to play pretend drums on your furniture. You can't sit still. Another virtually unknown song.
  • 1. Modern Day Delilah by Van Stephenson
    Don't hear this song ever. Probably the only song that made it to the radio.
Unlike the 90s music, the 80s like of great hits could go on and on and on...
By: Syed Asad Hamdani
  • 10. Tarzan Boy by Baltimore
    A real jungle song ever made.
  • 9. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
    I'm really never gonna give you up. Aafia. God Help Me Find Her, Amen!
  • 8. Heaven Is A Place On Earth by Belinda Carlisle
    If you find a true love, then don't wait for any heaven, it's on earth, together with your love...
  • 7. I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) by Meatloaf
    A great metal song, with a real great video. Well, I don't know it was made in 80's or not.
  • 6. Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler
    It's all about you Aafia, if you can read this, if you can hear me.
  • 5. Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
    Like everyone its about my sweet time back in childhood, albeit it was '89.
  • 4. Careless Whisper by George Michael
  • 3. Self Control by Laura Branigan
    This is a very good song and it's remix is awesome too.
  • 2. You're My Heart, You're My Soul by Modern Talking
    This is a real work by Dieter Bohlen and Thomas Andres. The start of the song is so energizing that one could keep on rewinding to the start without completing the song. Thanks Modern Talking.
  • 1. Atlantis Is Calling (S.O.S. ) by Modern Talking
    I just can't live without thinking my golden innocent past when I was only 11 and we used to go to a Barrage and played it loud in the evening, watching some train passing over a distant bridge. I could see the waves dancing with the tinkling melodies in the song. I used to think of my girl friend. My first love. Aafia. I have never met her again since then... and I still call S.O.S for love. Thanks Modern Talking.
In my opinion All the albums of Modern Talking are a great piece of work and someone who's not listened it is at a great loss. Especially when it comes to describe eurodance, europop we would just say, "just like Modern Talking". Thomas Andres has got such an angelic voice with a real professional singing skills that every song he has sung goes deep in the soul. A million words aren't enough to describe the music they've conferred to the world. Modern Talking is my all time favourite band. May you live long, "Modern Talking".
By: Fede
By: Joey Spurgeon
  • 10. Left To My Own Devices by Pet Shop Boys
    One of the best synth/electronic bands. I really like song because of the mix with the orchestra in it.
  • 9. Dont You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    The best 80's teen movie. And this song just makes me think of the movie and then my own high school experience.
  • 8. Forever Young by Alphaville
    It just gives me a sense of nostalgia. Id rather be forever young then grow old.
  • 7. Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
    Such a song that describes the 80's.
  • 6. If You Leave by OMD
    OMD is one of the essentail 80's bands. They had other great songs but this one is the most well known and probably the best.
  • 5. A Little Respect by Erasure
    Vince Clark-anything he touches is Gold...he helped start the best band ever(Depeche Mode) He made gold with Yaz and then finally with Erasure.
  • 4. The Sun Always Shines On TV by A-Ha
    the more I listen to this band the more I realize they arent just a one hit wonder
  • 3. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    Such a great song it makes me happy everytime i hear it.
  • 2. The Chaufer by Duran Duran
  • 1. Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode
    Any song by this band would do. but something about seeing this song live just pushes it to the top of my all time list regardless of decade
honorable mentions: A Flock Of Seagulls, Billy Idol, Human League, and Dexy's midnight runners
By: Anne
These are all wondeful songs, there's no room for explanations - Just listen to these... Of course there were thousands of other brilliant songs in the 80s too =)
By: Dane
  • 10. The Breakup Song by The Greg Kihn Band
    Catchy song that I never get tired of hearing
  • 9. I Should Have Known Better by Jim Diamond
    Every time I here this song I laugh . Its so annoying that I love it & I just had to include it :)
  • 8. Heaven Is A Place On Earth by Belinda Carlisle
    What a song , what a women
  • 7. When I See You Smile by Bad English
    These guys had the best hair of all
  • 6. The Power Of Love by Huey Lewis And The News
    Marty McFly , flying Deloreons , 1.21 gigga watts . How good was it ?
  • 5. Livin On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    I wonder how Tommy & Jenna are goin now !
  • 4. Jump / Hot for Teacher by Van Halen
    Eddie,Alex,Michael&Dave are THE band from the 80s! sammy hagar just wasnt the same.
  • 3. We Built This City by Starship
    When I think of the 80s this is the first song I think of.Also loved Sara & Nothings gonna stop us now.
  • 2. Here I go Again by Whitesnake
    Great to just cruise along listening to this in the car
  • 1. Just like Paradise by David Lee Roth
    Diamond Dave was the REAL King of the 80s all his music rocked & his videos are just awesome

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