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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: Christoph
  • 10. Change by Tears for Fears
    REally nice refrain -- dancey!
  • 9. Dreaming of Me/ Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode
    Light switch, man switch...
  • 8. Too Pieces/ Only You by Yazoo
    Beautiful ballads featuring Alison Moyet's jazzy, brassy vocals.
  • 7. Alphaville by Summer In Berlin
    Sleek euro-ballad.
  • 6. Accidentally on 4th Street (Gloria) by Figures on a Beach
    Dancey, happy, upbeat...
  • 5. A Little Respect by Erasure
    Ibid.
  • 4. Generals and Majors by XTC
    Guitar-driven dance song.
  • 3. Damaged Goods by Gang of Four
  • 2. She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult
  • 1. Images of Heaven by Peter Godwin
    Nice aesthetic, sad lyrics
By: CC L'amore
By: Laura Smith
  • 10. The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
  • 9. In a Big Country by Big Country
  • 8. The Motive by Then Jerico
  • 7. An Innocent Man by Billy Joel
  • 6. Me, Myself & I by De La Soul
  • 5. Take on Me by A-ha
  • 4. Beat It by Michael Jackson
  • 3. Jump by Van Halen
  • 2. Cuddly Toy by Roachford
  • 1. Tinseltown in the Rain by Blue Nile
By: Sara
  • 10. Love Shack by B-52s
    The Love Shack - cuz that's where it's at! "The love shack is a little old place where we can get together!" Great, fun song.
  • 9. 99 Red Balloons by Nena
    I've always loved the music to this song. You know, the part right after she says "99 Red Balloons go by" at the beginning.
  • 8. Kyrie by Mr. Mister
    Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel. Kyrie Eleison, through the darkness of the night. Kyrie Eleison, here I'm going will you follow. Kyrie Eleison, on a highway in the light. Who doesn't love this song?
  • 7. Simply Irresistable / Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
    I love both of these songs equally, so it's a tie!
  • 6. Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung
    Everybody have fun tonight...everybody Wang Chung tonight!
  • 5. St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) by John Parr
    Love, love, love this song. "I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin' sky. I'll be where the eagle's flying higher and higher. Gonna be your man in motion, all I need is a pair of wheels. Take me where my future's lyin', St. Elmo's Fire
  • 4. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew
    I love this song, very romantic. I'm considering it as one of the songs for my wedding...that is if I get married! "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner also gets props, but I couldn't fit both the titles into the box!
  • 3. I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany
    A very catchy song. Eat your heart out, Britney Spears!
  • 2. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
    There's something about this song that just oozes '80s-ness. It's got that je ne said quoi. Maybe it's the fact that it was played at the end of "The Breakfast Club," a great classic from the '80s. But this song always makes me feel nostalgic for my favorite decade.
  • 1. We Are the World by USA for Africa
    I remember this song came out when I was four and we had the record. I would sing to it in the basement everyday before school when I was five/six. I just love this song, and my favorite lines are Tina Turner's, Willie Nelson's, and especially Cyndi Lauper's. I love how she sings her line.
This was very difficult for me because there are so many other songs from the '80s I love. Honorable mentions go to "What a Feeling" - Irene Cara, "Shout" - Tears For Fears, "Footloose" - Kenny Loggins, "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" - Jefferson Starship, "Cherrybomb" - John Mellencamp, "Heaven is a Place on Earth" - Belinda Carlisle, "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" - Billy Ocean, and most of Madonna's '80s stuff! And a lot more, believe me! I live for '80s music.
By: Chris
  • 10. In a Big Country by Big Country
    Aura of bagpipes and the Scottish countryside, plus a great beat make this unforgettable and fresh every time I hear it.
  • 9. Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
    Punk/Pop from across the pond made easily digestible for the U.S. Roll down the windows.
  • 8. Allentown by Billy Joel
    Piano Man pens great singalong about a dreary shutdown steel-town.
  • 7. Tenderness by General Public
    Cheery ditty from the future Fine Young Cannibals. How can you not smile when you hear this song?
  • 6. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns 'N' Roses
    Putting glam-rock in its place. Axl, Slash et al. made many high school memories, but nothing like this tune.
  • 5. With or Without You by U2
    And they never looked back...
  • 4. Like a Virgin by Madonna
    No list is complete without this one. Whatever drivel the rest of her career became, Madonna became every 13 year-old's fantasy.
  • 3. Every Breath You Take by The Police
    Wow.
  • 2. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Quintessential 80's. The video, the keyboards, the bouncy melody. Awesome.
  • 1. Jump by Van Halen
    Butt-kickin' guitar and maybe the sweetest synthesizer solo ever. This one screams "Friday Night Videos!"
Honorable mention: "Stepping Out", Joe Jackson "Mayor of Simpleton", XTC "You Might Think", The Cars
By: 80's baby
By: Haydn Cook
  • 10. ///OtFred Titmus by half man half biscuit
    The only song I know name checking this England spin bowler.
  • 9. echo beach by martha and the muffins
    meloncholic longing to escape the office.I know that feeling.
  • 8. big mouth strikes again by the smiths
    didn't like them at the time but I do now.
  • 7. the unforgettable fire by U2
    Eno produced big and lush and comforting.
  • 6. hot for teacher by van halen
    stoopid and schoolboy but drum intro can't be denied
  • 5. give me all your lovin' by zz top
    old blokes with beards in the top ten.In the eighties anything was possible
  • 4. hells bells by ac/dc
    includes bell.Malevolent but not evil,slow not plodding.
  • 3. cruiser's creek by the fall
    great lazy riff,biff bang drums
  • 2. preposterous tales by I Ludicrous
    Character sketch of that bloke down the pub who tries to impress with unlikely stories.We all know one and secretly like them.
  • 1. dickie davies eyes by half man half biscuit
    wry commentary on advertising and the works of Roger Dean
By: Haydn Cook
  • 10. ///OtFred Titmus by half man half biscuit
    The only song I know name checking this England spin bowler.
  • 9. echo beach by martha and the muffins
    meloncholic longing to escape the office.I know that feeling.
  • 8. big mouth strikes again by the smiths
    didn't like them at the time but I do now.
  • 7. the unforgettable fire by U2
    Eno produced big and lush and comforting.
  • 6. hot for teacher by van halen
    stoopid and schoolboy but drum intro can't be denied
  • 5. give me all your lovin' by zz top
    old blokes with beards in the top ten.In the eighties anything was possible
  • 4. hells bells by ac/dc
    includes bell.Malevolent but not evil,slow not plodding.
  • 3. cruiser's creek by the fall
    great lazy riff,biff bang drums
  • 2. preposterous tales by I Ludicrous
    Character sketch of that bloke down the pub who tries to impress with unlikely stories.We all know one and secretly like them.
  • 1. dickie davies eyes by half man half biscuit
    wry commentary on advertising and the works of Roger Dean
By: Haydn Cook
  • 10. ...It's Fred Titmus by Half Man Half Biscuit
    The only song I know name checking this England spin bowler.
  • 9. Echo Beach by Martha And The Muffins
    meloncholic longing to escape the office.I know that feeling.
  • 8. Big Mouth Strikes Again by The Smiths
    didn't like them at the time but I do now.
  • 7. The Unforgettable Fire by U2
    Eno produced big and lush and comforting.
  • 6. Hot For Teacher by Van Halen
    stoopid and schoolboy but drum intro can't be denied
  • 5. Give Me All Your Lovin' by Zz Top
    old blokes with beards in the top ten.In the eighties anything was possible
  • 4. Hells Bells by AC/DC
    includes bell.Malevolent but not evil,slow not plodding.
  • 3. Cruiser's Creek by The Fall
    great lazy riff,biff bang drums
  • 2. Preposterous Tales by I Ludicrous
    Character sketch of that bloke down the pub who tries to impress with unlikely stories.We all know one and secretly like them.
  • 1. Dickie Davies Eyes by Half Man Half Biscuit
    wry commentary on advertising and the works of Roger Dean
By: Shawn
  • 10. Private Eyes by Hall & Oates
    Hall & Oates are truly the BEST duo of the 80's bar none!
  • 9. Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
    Powerful song....like the chorus.
  • 8. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
    My friends in high school used to sing this song a LOT..just a good song, catchy.
  • 7. St. Elmos Fire (Man In Motion) by John Parr
    Classic.
  • 6. One Night In Bangkok by Murray Head
    Just another great song.
  • 5. Alone by Heart
    Great ballad...POWER Ballad.
  • 4. Burning Down The House by Talking Heads
    Of Course, we can't leave these guys out..good song. Awesome video.
  • 3. Obsession by Animotion
    I heard this song on WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event...just a true song!
  • 2. Walk The Dinosaur by Was (Not Was)
    Gotta Love Super Mario Bros bringing this one!
  • 1. Africa by Toto
    One of my favorites
By: Jerry
By: Anne Black
  • 10. You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive
    Move that body baby
  • 9. Waiting For A Star To Fall by Boy Meets Girl
    Hope springs eternal
  • 8. Alone by Heart
    I miss you baby
  • 7. Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison
    Twirlin' and twistin' at the Saturday night Squash Club dance
  • 6. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
    Drivin' and boppin'
  • 5. Voyage Voyage by Desireless
    Sheer indulgence
  • 4. When The Going Gets Tough by Billy Ocean
    Way to start your Saturday night out
  • 3. How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
    Feel good from my "Miss 80s"
  • 2. Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman
    Making love by candlelight
  • 1. A Little Respect by Erasure
    My all time favourite song from my all-time favourite band - perfect.
Probably my Top Ten 80s "memories" songs - but pick 10 Greatest from the 80's ??? You ask a lot Chuck.
By: Paul
  • 10. Fishing In The Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
    Makes me wanna go fishing with my baby . . . in the dark.
  • 9. Bertie Higgins by Key Largo
    Was it just me, or was this guy into cocaine? Gotta give him props for not changing his name from "Bertie" to something else. Probably the cocaine's fault.
  • 8. A-Ha by Take On Me
    I really just like the video.
  • 7. Sheriff by When I'm With You
    Beautiful love song by a one-hit-wonder hair band.
  • 6. Firehouse by Love of a Lifetime
    Another outstanding love song.
  • 5. Eddie Money by Walk On Water
    I'm no angel, now, I'll admit . . . that I do like this song.
  • 4. Terrance Trent D'Arby by Wishing Well
    TTD was the man in '88.
  • 3. Journey by Open Arms
    Beautiful song. Steve Perry's voice gives it a life of it's own.
  • 2. Hall & Oates by Family Man
    Love the Atari 2600 people in the video.
  • 1. Next Time I Fall In Love by Amy Grant & Peter Cetera
    Great love song. This song says how true love should be.
By: Joe Small
THE 80'S RULED!
By: Joe Kovach
  • 10. Come on Eileen by Dexy Midnight Runners
  • 9. Heaven by Bryan Adams
  • 8. American Pie by Don McClean
  • 7. Drift Away by Dobie Gray
  • 6. To Be With You by Mr. Big
  • 5. You're The Best by Karate Kid Theme song
  • 4. Friday I'm In Love by The Cure
  • 3. Keep On Loving You by REO Speedwagon
  • 2. Under Pressure by David Bowie & Queen
  • 1. Dream On by Aerosmith
    Greatest Song ever!
This is cleary the greatest list of the top ten songs of the 80s! If you love 80s music, and want to download some music, or buy some, trust me with this list, you will be plenty satisfied of these top ten songs... there is no better list!
By: Masoud T
  • 10. I'll Remember You by Skid Row
    Definitely one of my fav Skid Row songs. I was surprised that it didn't make it on to the Monster Ballads compilation CD, it definitely belongs there.
  • 9. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    I love this song, has a catchy beat to it. The chorus is my favorite part too.
  • 8. Don't Dream Its Over by Crowded House
    I don't know what it is about this song, but it always gets to me, so sad.
  • 7. Photograph by Def Leppard
    No list could be complete without the Def Lep. This group epitomizes what 80s hair metal is. Love the video too.
  • 6. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew
    Who hasn't heard of this song? One of the staples of the 80's, I never tire of this one.
  • 5. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N Roses
    Not a big fan of Axl Rose myself, but I will give him credit for this brilliant song. I love the guitar intro at the beginnning.
  • 4. Here I Go Again by WhiteSnake
    This is the ultimate rebellion song of the 80's, I love cruising down the highway while blaring this in my car.
  • 3. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    No matter how many times I hear this, I never get sick of this song. Their is great feeling and emotion behind the lyrics and I love the beat.
  • 2. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
    I'm Canadian so I gotta back this guy. Not to mention that it's one of the best songs of the eighties, only Corey could get away with singing about his sunglasses. Great rhythym to it too, makes you wanna get up and dance.
  • 1. Wind of Change by Scorpions
    I've been through the majority of the lists on this site and I was shocked to see that no one had this song on their list. Great song from a great band about the fall of the Wall. Definitely one of my favorites.
I love the 80's, the music of today just doesn't have the same sound as it did back then. Honorable mentions include: Never Surrender - Corey Hart, Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield, Is This Love - WhiteSnake, Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money, Take On Me - Aha, Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes, Africa - Toto, Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad - Def Leppard, Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone - Glass Tiger, What Does It Take - Honeymoon Suite, Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds, Land Down Under - Men At Work, Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison, and a whole list of others that I don't have the time or patience to write out. PS - the Top Ten is in no particular order as I could never pick one that is better than the others.
By: Masoud T
  • 10. I'll Remember You by Skid Row
    Definitely one of my fav Skid Row songs. I was surprised that it didn't make it on to the Monster Ballads compilation CD, it definitely belongs there.
  • 9. Don't You Want Me by Human League
    I love this song, has a catchy beat to it. The chorus is my favorite part too.
  • 8. Don't Dream Its Over by Crowded House
    I don't know what it is about this song, but it always gets to me, so sad.
  • 7. Photograph by Def Leppard
    No list could be complete without the Def Lep. This group epitomizes what 80s hair metal is. Love the video too.
  • 6. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew
    Who hasn't heard of this song? One of the staples of the 80's, I never tire of this one.
  • 5. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N Roses
    Not a big fan of Axl Rose myself, but I will give him credit for this brilliant song. I love the guitar intro at the beginnning.
  • 4. Here I Go Again by WhiteSnake
    This is the ultimate rebellion song of the 80's, I love cruising down the highway while blaring this in my car.
  • 3. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    No matter how many times I hear this, I never get sick of this song. Their is great feeling and emotion behind the lyrics and I love the beat.
  • 2. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
    I'm Canadian so I gotta back this guy. Not to mention that it's one of the best songs of the eighties, only Corey could get away with singing about his sunglasses. Great rhythym to it too, makes you wanna get up and dance.
  • 1. Wind of Change by Scorpions
    I've been through the majority of the lists on this site and I was shocked to see that no one had this song on their list. Great song from a great band about the fall of the Wall. Definitely one of my favorites.
I love the 80's, the music of today just doesn't have the same sound as it did back then. Honorable mentions include: Never Surrender - Corey Hart, Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield, Is This Love - WhiteSnake, Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money, Take On Me - Aha, Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes, Africa - Toto, Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad - Def Leppard, Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone - Glass Tiger, What Does It Take - Honeymoon Suite, Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds, Land Down Under - Men At Work, Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison, and a whole list of others that I don't have the time or patience to write out. PS - the Top Ten is in no particular order as I could never pick one that is better than the others.
By: Geggs
  • 10. I Ran by A Flock Of Seagulls
    Another great tune. 80s British pop was immense.
  • 9. Cars by Gary Numan
  • 8. Together In Electric Dreams by Giorgio Moroder & Phil Oakley
  • 7. Summer Madness by Kool And The Gang
    Chilled out tune to the max
  • 6. I Can't Go For That by Hall & Oates
    Wicked
  • 5. Never Too Much by Luther Vandross
  • 4. Private Eyes by Hall & Oates
  • 3. Souvenir by OMD
    A tune i just cannot get out of my head, Excellent.
  • 2. Get Down Saturday Night by Oliver Cheetham
    The original and best version, not the crappy new version by Room 505.
  • 1. Enola Gay by OMD
    Brilliant Scouse band.
By: John Jackson
Some prety good songs here I think should have been mentioned.
By: Zuleima Gonzalez
  • 10. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns And Roses
  • 9. Mother by The Dezing
  • 8. Tnt by Ac/dc
  • 7. Crazy Train by Ozzy
  • 6. The Unforgiven 2 by Metallica
  • 5. The Unforgiven by Metallica
  • 4. Fuel by Metallica
  • 3. Sad But True by Metallica
  • 2. One by Metallica
    Ilove that song "I love Metallica
  • 1. Enter Sandman by Metallica

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