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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: Armand Llauradó
  • 10. One On One by Daryl Hall & John Oates
    Same as #7
  • 9. King In A Catholic Style by China Crisis
    I really enjoyed these guys' cool songs, although they don't seem to be too recognized. This one, together with "Black Man Ray" are their best works imo.
  • 8. Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House
    The best song of a great band.
  • 7. Wherever I Lay My Hat... by Paul Young
    I used to dance to this song with my girlfriend (today she's my wife), and that makes it special to me ;-).
  • 6. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Well, lots of people seem to consider this one the best song of the eighties and it probably is but, although i enjoy it a lot, it's not my favorite.
  • 5. Sowing The Seeds Of Love by Tears For Fears
    One of the best groups in the eighties. This is the best example of their genuine music style.
  • 4. The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby & The Range
    I simply like it!
  • 3. All By Myself by Eric Carmen
    Another relatively "forgotten" musician, who was able to write such a beautiful (and well known) song like this.
  • 2. Drive by The Cars
    A jewel by a group whose average quality, unfortunately, was not at the level of this song. One of my favorites ever.
  • 1. More Than This by Roxy Music
    Imho, Brian Ferry is one of the most talented singers and song writers ever, but he is somehow undervalued. I think that his work had such a great influence in the music of the eighties that he deserves #1. This is my favorite song by them.
I was 18 in 1981 and 27 in 1990. During those 10 years I made some of the things that have had a highest impact in my life thereafter, and maybe because of this it's the decade whose music I remember with the most pleasure. It's been very difficult to choose only 10 songs from these years, but tried to select those songs that I still enjoy the most, more than 20 years after.
By: The Softer Side
  • 10. Your My Inspiration by Chicago
    Cant go wrong with this instant classic
  • 9. In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
    Gotta support phil, i mean c'mon......
  • 8. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    One hit wonders are still good too ya know
  • 7. I've Been Waiting by Foreigner
    It's true , It's true.....
  • 6. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew
    well, what can i say, they cut up the charts with this one.
  • 5. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Crusin' down the street with this song blarrin' will get a few looks, but its worth it.....
  • 4. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
    Goin down the only road i've ever know, but up the list.... you better believe it.
  • 3. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
    WOW!!! The Memories are good.....thats all i got to say about that
  • 2. Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money
    It brings a tear to my eye everytime i hear it, not really but you know what i mean.
  • 1. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
    Best song EVER!!!
Bring Back The 80's, and the funny thing is i wasnt even around for half of it but i love the music.
By: Chris James
By: Marni
  • 10. Mr. Roboto by Styx
    Now, I put one song down for Styx. In actuality, almost anything they did would be a hit as far as I'm concerned.
  • 9. Beat It/Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    Michael Jackson at his best. I can't forget Thriller, Say, Say, Say with Paul McCartney, or any of the other great Michael Jackson memorables!
  • 8. Turn Me Loose by Loverboy
    Great rockin' song!
  • 7. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head
    AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!
  • 6. Maneater by Hall and Oates
    My theme song way back when :)
  • 5. Anything By Genesis! by Genesis
    Genesis is by far one of my all-time favorite bands!
  • 4. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
    One of the great 80s bands
  • 3. Synchronicity I And Synchronicity II by The Police
    These two songs just epitomize what great talents the Police were!
  • 2. Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo
    Oingo Boingo is awesome - Danny Elfman is the most talented musician ever!
  • 1. Right on Track by Breakfast Club
    Every time I hear this song, I wanna get up and dance!
There are so many songs that I love from the 80s. One of my faves is "Moonlight on Water" by Kevin Raleigh (remember this one? it was almost out of the 80s, but it's an awesome song). I also need to mention more fave stars of the 80s: Foreigner, Journey, Laura Branigan, Sheena Easton, Lionel Richie, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Toto, Tears for Fears, REO Speedwagon, and Duran Duran, just to name a few!
By: Gurinder
  • 10. Tell It To My Heart by Taylor Dayne
    Beautiful song. What a voice!
  • 9. White Wedding by Billy Idol
    Very dark. Most of his songs has this quality.
  • 8. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco
    This song... The video... Quite possibly the epitome of cool! Come and rock me Amadeus!
  • 7. All Of Them! by A-ha
    For the same reasons I have given for Madonna. The stuff my childhood was made out of.
  • 6. Edge Of Heaven by Wham
    Sums up something that I've have loved and lost forever.
  • 5. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
    Creepy video.
  • 4. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
    Good, catchy pop from Whitney.
  • 3. All Of Them! by Madonna
    Hard to pick a favourite. Her 80s girly pop are by far the most superior stuff.
  • 2. Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
    Very catchy.
  • 1. Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
    Jimmy McShane has a beautiful voice. Shame he died. I like to think of this song as his legacy.
These are NOT in any order.
By: Yorkolo
  • 10. Save A Prayer by Duran Duaran
  • 9. Spandau Ballet by Gold
  • 8. Venus by Bananarama
  • 7. Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now by Samantha Fox
  • 6. Sowing The Seeds Of Love by Tears For Fears
  • 5. I Just Can't Wait by Mandy Smith
  • 4. Lullaby by The Cure
    Probably the best music video I've ever seen
  • 3. Owner Of A Lonely Heart by Yes
  • 2. Sneaking Out The Backdoor by Matt Bianco
    It makes me smile everytime I listen to it :P
  • 1. Eye In The Sky by Alan Parson's Project
    A really FANTASTIC song !!
By: Jose Ramos
  • 10. Higher Ground (1989) by Red Hot Chili Peppers
    Released during the fall of 1989. It's A very fast paced/funky cover of a Stevie Wonder song. It probobaly introduced many Top 40 listeners to one of the greatest acts of the 1990's. Not to mention that they sounded different than a lot of acts at the time.
  • 9. Fascinated Street (1989) by The Cure
    One of my favorite songs from The Cure. (Robert Smith has one of the greatest voices of the new wave/goth genre.) Another Cure song from 1989 I like is "Love Song".
  • 8. Rythm Nation (1989) by Janet Jackson
    It has a great beat. I also like the video. It also has a positve message. (Which, to be honest, I don't know. I pay attention to the beats instead of the lyrics.)
  • 7. Running Down A Dream (1989) by Tom Petty
    One of my favorite Tom Petty songs. (Another fave from Tom Petty from 1989 is "Free Fallin") Is it just me or the chorus sounds a bit like Debbie Gibson's "Only In My Dreams" (1987) or Becks' "Loser" (1994)?
  • 6. Hey Ladies (1989) by Beastie Boys
    A fun song from their second album "Paul's Boutique". It may not be as popular like the debut, but it has some great tracks including "Hey Ladies". The video's also fun to watch.
  • 5. So Alive (1989) by Love & Rockets
    A mellow new wave song with a great beat and chorus. I have this song on a compilation CD. I originally thought it was from Depeche Mode.
  • 4. Once Bitten, Twice Shy (1989) by Great White
    Despite the fact they were labled as a glam rock band, they actually have a timeless rock appeal. This song has a great bluesy riff. The video is also great. Fun fact: Bobbi Brown,from Warrant's "Cherry Pie" video also appeared in the "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" video for Great White.
  • 3. Funky Cold Medina (1989) by Tone Loc
    A great song from Tone Loc, who also rapped "Wild Thing". "Funky Cold Medina" has a great hook and fun to move to. Rap doesn't sound the way they used to.
  • 2. Lost In Your Eyes (1989) by Debbie Gibson
    One of the greatest pop ballads ever done. Debbie Gibson sounded beautiful (now has a better/much soother voice) along with her piano. In my opinion, it stands the test of time. Second choice (Deb song from 1989): "We Could Be Together" Unfortunately, it wasn't a huge hit like "Lost In Your Eyes".
  • 1. Love Shack (1989) by The B-52's
    A very fun party song to dance to. This song always make me feel like I want to dance.
I have so many favorite songs from the 1980's to choose from,so I picked a year that came out of my head first. (I was born in early 1984 and remember most of the music from the later part of the 1980's and wasn't introduced with the rest of the decade 'til the mid '90's. The same time VH1 Premiered,the now defunct,"The Big '80's" series.) This list is about my favorite song selections of 1989. Close Calls: Depeche Mode "Enjoy Silence", Madonna "Like A Prayer", The Cult "Fire Woman", The Pixies "Here Comes Your Man", Bobby Brown "Every Little Step", Warrant "Heaven", Young MC "Bust A Move", De La Soul "Me, Myself & I", Aerosith "Love In An Elevator",Fine Young Cannibals "She Drives Me Crazy", etc.
By: Andrew
  • 10. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    A Classic!!!
  • 9. Everlasting Love by Rachel Sweet And Rex Smith
    This song has been re-recorded by different artists many times and even though this is not the original version, in my opinion it is the best!!
  • 8. Goonies R Good Enough by Cyndi Lauper
    For all the Goonies fans. Not a really popular song, but one of my first favs!
  • 7. Don't Lose My Number by Phil Collins
    Not well known, but relly good!
  • 6. Heaven Is A Place On Earth by Belinda Carsile
    Played at graduations all the time!
  • 5. How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
    almost jazzy, but still upbeat and up tempo
  • 4. She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
    Their voices are like non I have ever heard!
  • 3. Power Of Love by Huey Lewis And The News
    For all the Back to the Future fans. Great beat, really fun!
  • 2. Higher Love by Steve Winwood
    One of my favourite all time songs. not as well known, but great nontheless!
  • 1. I Wnna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
    Up tempo, up beat, reflects the mood of the 80's.I cant get tired of this song!!
The 80's were so much fun and up temo. I love basically all 80s music with the exception of MJ!!( I don't mean Michael Jordan)
By: Will
  • 10. Turn Me Loose/Rock in America by Loverboy/Night Ranger
    I am cheating a little bit. These songs are 20 and 19 on my list.
  • 9. In the Air Tonight/In Your Eyes by Phil Collins/Peter Gabriel
    Now, this is 17 and 18. Great makeout songs.
  • 8. Another Brick in the Wall/No One Like You by Pink Floyd/The Scorpions
    See, 15 and 16. You are getting the gist of it now, right.
  • 7. Boys of Summer/Rock the Casbah by Don Henley/The Clash
    It is hard picking out only one Clash song.
  • 6. Love My Way/Major Tom by Psychedelic Furs/Peter Schilling
    Both of these are great synthesized songs.
  • 5. Tainted Love/Love Bites by Soft Cell/Def Leppard
    Songs 9 & 10 are not great love songs; actually, they are like anti-love songs. Great none the less.
  • 4. Wrapped Around Your Finger/867-5309 by Police/Tommy Tutone
    Again, hard to pick only one song, I like this one the best, though.
  • 3. Save A Prayer/Sunglasses at Night by Duran Duran/Corey Hart
    No Comment necessary for these songs.
  • 2. Too Shy/Maneater by Kajagoogoo/Hall and Oates
    Yes, number 3 is a little corny, but I like it. The Maneater album was one of the best of the decade.
  • 1. When Doves Cry/Careless Whisper by Prince/Wham
    Kind of androgynous picks in that you weren't sure which way these guys were going, but the songs were unbelievably hard to get out of your head. Either one of these can be number 1...take your pick
This really pisses me off that I am racking my brain to come up with this top 10 (okay, 20) list. I loved the 80's...back when MTV actually showed videos and every other great song was a one-hit wonder. I can not come close to a lot of these lists that have been posted, but I tried. Honorable mention goes to Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo; Promises, Promises by Nakes Eyes; Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider; Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood; Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield; Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners; One Thing Leads To Another by The Fixx; and, Belly of the Whale by Burning Sensations. Thanks for the outlet.
By: Ray Dalessandro
  • 10. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    Best bass line in a synth tune.
  • 9. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo
    Quite addictive: A guilty eighties pleasure.
  • 8. I Got You by Split Enz
    Well crafted pop with a distintive 80's beat.
  • 7. I Melt With You by Modern English
    Well written song and the accent is great.
  • 6. Our House by Madness
    The hit that showed Madness was much more than a Ska-type band.
  • 5. Fascination by Human League
    A New Wave dance floor classic.
  • 4. Let Me Go by Heaven 17
    An 80's alt-pop standard.
  • 3. Another Nail In My Heart by Squeeze
    Pure early New Wave with pre-MTV Video.
  • 2. Let's Go To Bed by The Cure
    Funky mixed with spooky.
  • 1. Love My Way by Psychedelic Furs
    Rich musical textures and distincive vocal style.
New Wave was the most creative music of the past 20 years. Other Faves: Nena, Haysi Fantzee, The Cure, Culture Club, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Adan Ant, Bow Wow Wow, Naked Eyes, Big Country, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet, Thomas Dolby, Stray Cats, Gary Numan, B-52s, Devo, A Flock Of Seagulls, Ramones, Duran Duran, Howard Jones, New Order, Echo & The Bunnymen, Men At Work, Men Without Hats, Siousie & The Banshees, The Clash.
By: Caely, age 14
  • 10. Dancing Barefoot by U2
  • 9. Red Hill Mining Town by U2
  • 8. October by U2
  • 7. Bullet the Blue Sky by U2
  • 6. With Or Without You by U2
  • 5. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
  • 4. Sweetest Thing by U2
  • 3. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
  • 2. Running To Stand Still by U2
  • 1. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
In order, whatsoever!!
By: Caely, age 14
  • 10. Dancing Barefoot by U2
  • 9. Red Hill Mining Town by U2
  • 8. October by U2
  • 7. Bullet the Blue Sky by U2
  • 6. With Or Without You by U2
  • 5. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
  • 4. Sweetest Thing by U2
  • 3. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
  • 2. Running To Stand Still by U2
  • 1. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
In no order, whatsoever!!
By: Desire
  • 10. Obsession by Animotion
  • 9. Promises, Promises by Naked Eyes
  • 8. Pop Musik by M
  • 7. Photograph by Def Leppard
  • 6. Election Day by Arcadia
  • 5. The Reflex by Duran Duran
  • 4. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
  • 3. Our House by Madness
  • 2. Tempted by Squeeze
  • 1. A Sort of Homecoming/Desire by U2
    Best band in the world every song is great but I narrowed it down to 2.
By: Julia
By: Adam M
By: Martin Wilson
  • 10. Story Of The Blues by Wah!
    Pete Wylie's top drawer production
  • 9. Teardrops by Womack & Womack
    Soulful supreme
  • 8. Each Time by Nick Kamen
    Teenage love crisis classic
  • 7. He Ain't No Competition by Brother Beyond
    Typical Stock Aitken beat but so listenable.
  • 6. The Big Apple by Kajagoogoo
    Kaja's finest tune
  • 5. Black Man Ray by China Crisis
    Melodic and typical mid Eighties style.
  • 4. You Spin Me Round by Dead of Alive
    Classic pop song.
  • 3. Question Of Time by Depeche Mode
    Uplifting Mode at their best
  • 2. Spirits In The Material World by The Police
    Spiritual and thought provoking
  • 1. Baltimora by Tarzan Boy
    Lyrically unsurpassed
By: Death
Metal rules. Death.
By: Jim Rockford
  • 10. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    A track from the Breakfast Club Soundtrack that certainly said alot....read the lyrics'
  • 9. Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung
    Had to add a song from the big hair 80's...
  • 8. Down Under by Men at Work
    Now this is a song that well probably sums up the Australian popular subcluture image and the 1980's.
  • 7. Let it Rock by Bon Jovi
    Gotta love that intro...
  • 6. Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
    Though, there was another more popular from the album by the same name as the above song, preferred this one (if you attended one of their concerts think you'll understand.
  • 5. Start Me Up by Rolling Stones
    A good rockin tune....Also well timed relase.
  • 4. Jealous Guy by Roxy Music
    Yes this is a John Lennon song...However, the Roxy Music tribute to his untimely death perhaps conveyed a simple message, "quality is never out of style".
  • 3. New Sensation by INXS
    A rockin good Aussie band with a really up beat track.
  • 2. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    Little Cyndi may have burst onto the charts with a different song (girls just want to have fun) though, how many can relate to this song since its release??
  • 1. I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
    A classic, three weeks at number one on the UK charts & two on the US charts in 1985 in a song with so much expression and emotion, enough said.
Some of my favourites you may even want to dust off and play again...
By: rob
All songs with heavy riffs and kick-a** solos... the way songs are meant to be like.
By: Brent Holub

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