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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: Josh
  • 10. Quit by Septic Death
    Some more "kill yourself" sentiment. Where have all the suicide songs gone?
  • 9. Praise of Death by Slayer
    A classic "kill yourself" number.
  • 8. Sacred Love by Bad Brains
  • 7. Drunk with Power by Discharge
    Hearing Discharge on Maximum Rock n Roll on KPFA, beamed up to my crappy radio in the middle of the night... well, it was a life changing experience.
  • 6. Millions of Dead Cops by MDC
    Millions of ways to annoy one's parents.
  • 5. You Are (the Government) by Bad Religion
    Unfortunately, Bad Religion bears some blame for inspiring the current glut of vapid melodic power punk that's foisted on us these days. But I'm not going to hold it against them. This song has a lot to do with why.
  • 4. Riding With Mary by X
    Okay so maybe X ain't so "hardcore," but I gotta give SoCal some more love. X forever!
  • 3. California Uber Alles by Dead Kennedys
    or maybe I shoulda picked "Holiday in Cambodia." You decide.
  • 2. Sacrifice by Flipper
    Maybe I'm sentimental, but this song just rules. I listened to it before Gulf War 2 started, just to see if it held up, and it sent shivers up my spine! As long as this country is run by war-mad leaders, there will always be a place for this song.
  • 1. Rise Above by Black Flag
    The lyrics come across as pretty adolescent now... but now that I think about it, they were adolescent then too. It's just that I was an adolescent at the time. To put it another way, this is a classic ode to adolescent frustration.
I love new wave as much as any other aging genX-er (even though I hated it at the time), but this list goes out to anyone who was a punk rocker in the 80s. Especially that hardy breed who lived out in the burbs, was harassed at school by jocks and teachers, and had to travel hours just to see a cool show or go to a decent record store. Those were the good old days. I guess this is a "hardcore punk only" list, so I ought to apologize to my ex-girlfriends (and my wife) for not including any death rock. and oh yeah, sorry if this list is a little west coast-centric.
By: Rachael
Honorable Mention... Duran Duran- Hungry Like the Wolf Alice Cooper- No More Mr Nice Guy Guns N Roses- Sweet Child O Mine Tears For Fears- Shout
By: michela
  • 10. Love Is Stronger Than Pride by Sade
    a song tightly connected to my A-level exams, that is to a borderline in life... borderlines are ends and beginnings at the same time
  • 9. Faith by George Michael
    only a representative song, chosen more or less by draw, from an extraordinary year
  • 8. The Wild Boys by Duran Duran
    not a must... only an extraordinary source of energy!
  • 7. True Faith by New Order
    everytime I hear it, I go to London (in my dreams, waiting to go in the reality...)
  • 6. I've Been Losing You by A-ha
    this song marked the end of a friendship that was no more and reminds me of the marvellous sense of freedom I felt
  • 5. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
    a beautiful evening in Spain with a beautiful boy
  • 4. Let Her Fall by Then Jerico
    this song helped me out of a very, very, dark hour of depression
  • 3. Big In Japan by Alphaville
    this song changed my life and my personality to a myself I like much more than I liked what I was before
  • 2. into the groove by Madonna
    this song reminds me of a great, great, great holiday with friends and without parents
  • 1. Highly Strung by Spandau Ballet
    I started to be one of many SB fans when I heard this song... moreover, Tony Hadley was a man I would have married!
there are many, many, many song I could have chosen... it was hard to choose only 10 of them!!!
By: Bridgette Marie
  • 10. Flashdance What A Feeling by Irene Cara
    Again, easily one of the greatest 80's songs of all time. Not many people view faster faced songs as beautiful, but this one definitely is. Its one of those songs can that can be arranged fast or slow and still sound beautiful.
  • 9. 18 & Life by Skid Row
    Excellent message, beautiful vocals, all around great track.
  • 8. If You Leave by OMD
    This song was used excellently in the Pretty In Pink movie (one of the best 80's movies in my opinion). Such a beautiful song.
  • 7. Careless Whisper by Wham
    Some may feel this is a sappy song, but everybody secretly likes it right? My fave part is the sax solos.
  • 6. Holiday by Madonna
    her first single and easily still one of her best. One of those songs you can hear a million times and never get tired of.
  • 5. Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson
    Amazing song that still sounds excellent today. Michael is one of the very very few black artists who can actually do some kick ass rock music. When P Diddy trys to be rock it so does not work, sorry Puffy.
  • 4. All Through The Night by Cyndi Lauper
    People dont mention this song enough, but they should cause its brilliant. You know how they say certain smells or sounds can bring back memories? Well this song in particular brings me back to my childhood and hanging out with my friends and absolutely idolizing Cyndi lauper! (who I still love by the way).
  • 3. Little Red Corvette by Prince
    The man is a genius, but this is definitely my all time fave by him! A wonderful example of 80's rock, Prince gained a caucasion fanbase with this one which has some excellent synthisizer work as well as guitar (and again, can relate to the lyrics).
  • 2. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
    MJ has done lots of brilliant music, however this is his signature song and the song that demonstrated what Rock/R&B/Pop musicians have to live up to and will be imitating for many years to come.
  • 1. Against All Odds by Phil Collins
    This song is not only my favorite ballad song of all time, but the song that I believe best sums up everything that love is or ever will be (I can highly relate to the lyrics), plus even the music without the lyrics is phenonmenal and haunting.
To be honest with you, these songs arent in any strict order cause I love 80's music way too much and that would be just way to hard to do!
By: Lelia
  • 10. Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
    Love to sing along.
  • 9. Tainted Love by Soft cell
    So fun on kareoki nights
  • 8. I just died in your arms by cutting crew
    Not such a happy song but i love it
  • 7. My Sharona by Knack
    "M-m-m-my Sharona!"
  • 6. Wild Wild West by Escape Club
    Fun song. Another good song is "I'll be there"
  • 5. Sweet child o' mine by Guns n' Roses
    Love the background on this. Axl's voice is so...hmmm...recognizable.
  • 4. Livin' on a prayer by Bon Jovi
    Bon Jovi's great. Jon is so cute! "You give love a bad name" is another great song.
  • 3. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham
    Cute song..."jitterbug..."
  • 2. Take on Me by A Ha
    Makes me so happy
  • 1. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
    Used to hate this song...wow. Don't take my word for it. It's def. the best New Order song & best song ever.
I didn't repeat any of the bands but if I did, there would be a lot more New Order, Bon Jovi, and Guns n' Roses, among others. Yeah the 80's were great...*sigh*
By: Abdul
  • 10. Do U Remember by Phill Collins
    An all time great.
  • 9. Isn't It midnight by Fleetwood Mac
    This song is timeless.
  • 8. Human Nature by Micheal Jackson
    What can i say? just tooooo coooollll!!!!!
  • 7. In My Eyes by Stevie B
    i just like the song.
  • 6. Power Of Love by Jennifer Rush
    Absolutely classic
  • 5. Look of Love by ABC
    Makes me jump up and dance.
  • 4. Say You Will by Mick Jagger
    Probably the best song ever done by Jagger M.
  • 3. Live To Tell by Madonna
    Played over and over and still going strong
  • 2. Move Closer by Phillis Nelson
    Reminds me of my first date.
  • 1. Tango In The Night by Fleetwood Mac
    An All time favourite.
Ten is such a small number for the great 80's. so much more to add.!!!!
By: Anson Friggieri
  • 10. Alters of Madness by Morbid Angel
  • 9. The Sleep by Pantera
  • 8. Souls Of Black by Testament
  • 7. Dead Skin Mask by Slayer
  • 6. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns 'N Roses
  • 5. Troops Of Doom by Sepultura
  • 4. Who Cares Wins by Anthrax
  • 3. Peace Sells by Megadeath
  • 2. Shorter Straw by Metallica
  • 1. Power Slave by Iron Maiden
All of which are metal bands because eveery one i knew in the eighties was either into heavy metal or rap and every other boring fart was into chart music so there you go.
By: Lestat
Other favorites: Down Under - Men At Work; The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats; She Blinded Me With Science - Thomas Dolby; One Thing Leads To Another - The Fixx
By: Megan
  • 10. Hungry Like Wolf by Duran Duran
    This was probably there best song...I love this song
  • 9. I ran by Flock Of Seagulls
    The HAIR...no one well ever forget the hair...and I Ran was a really good song...
  • 8. Africa by Tota
    This just was a really really good song
  • 7. Take On Me by Aha
    Also a good couple's song...and probably one of the coolest video of the 80's!
  • 6. Melt With You by Mondern English
    I love this song...Its a great couples song!
  • 5. 867-5309 by Tommy Tutone
    This song is so catchy...
  • 4. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
    The video to this song is so cute...and you have to love the beat...
  • 3. Billy Jean by Micheal Jackson
    This is one of his best songs...and the video was awesome!
  • 2. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cindy Lauper
    I am a girl...i couldn't ask for a better song...She is an amazing artist!
  • 1. Down Under by Men At Work
    This song is the greatest 80's song...Who can it be now...is also an awesome song...Men At Work are so talented...I love everything about these two songs...they are just so much fun...
I love the 80's...And there were lots of talented artist back then...but my favorite well always be MEN AT WORK!!!!!
By: Gerek Braden
  • 10. Human Nature by MIchael Jackson
    cant have an 80s list without him. pretty , rarely played song
  • 9. Der Kommisar by After The Fire
  • 8. Everything She Wants by Wham
    overlooked dance groove
  • 7. Sledge Hammer by Peter Gabriel
  • 6. Against All Odds by Phil Collins
  • 5. Boys Of Summer/dirty Laundry by Don Henley
  • 4. She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby
    great beat, and even greater video
  • 3. Promises, Promises by Naked Eyes
    good , catchy song from the two hit wonders
  • 2. Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
    Probably my fav. Queen song(behind somebody to love)
  • 1. Take On Me by Aha
    Great song, and great video. everytime I hear it I think about Friday Night Videos
By: Izzy
  • 10. Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode
  • 9. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
  • 8. Lay Your Hands On Me by Bon Jovi
  • 7. Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions
  • 6. I Remenber You by Skid Row
  • 5. All We Are by Warlock
  • 4. Listen To Your Heart by Roxette
  • 3. No Class by Motorhead
  • 2. Sweet Child On Mine by Guns 'n' Roses
  • 1. Living On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
    It's Great song for my favourite group
By: Sean Harrington
  • 10. Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    Great Euro-pop, techno sound. And it's supposed to be about masturbation!
  • 9. Catch Me (I'm Falling) by Pretty Poison
    This song is great and makes me want to get up and dance when I hear it.
  • 8. Things Can Only Get Better by Howard Jones
    Love the title, love the song.
  • 7. Out of Touch, Out of Time by Hall and Oates
    Blue-eyed soul at it's best. These guys couldn't miss in the 80s (cheesy videos excluded).
  • 6. In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins
    The "sex on a train" scene from Risky Business. Need I say more?
  • 5. True Colors by Cyndi Lauper
    One of my fave Cyndi songs. This one tugs at the heart strings and still manages to be inspirational.
  • 4. Purple Rain by Prince
    The ultimate rock balad.
  • 3. Crazy for You by Madonna
    This is a great song from one lover to another.
  • 2. Human Nature by Michael Jackson
    To this day, this is Michael's best balad. Simple and melodic.
  • 1. Control by Janet Jackson
    Janet is the ultimate pop/r&b diva to come out of the 80s. She shocked everyone with the sassy album and song and proved she was a talent to be reckoned with. This song also let you know she wasn't taking anymore s--t, and that she planned on being around for a long time to come.
There are so many songs from the 80s that I love, but this is the quickest list I could think of...
By: sylvie
  • 10. Tears for Fears by Sowing the Seeds of Love
    The video clip is something I will always remember with the colourful flowers and the sun.
  • 9. Take my Breath Away by Berlin
  • 8. The Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
    A classic.
  • 7. Take On Me by A-ha
  • 6. Wild Horses by Gino Vanelli
  • 5. The Unforgettable Fire by U2
    I think this is the best song U2 ever made. Especially the beginning is nice.
  • 4. Tinseltown in the Rain by The Blue Nile
  • 3. Missing You by John Waite
    So melodious.
  • 2. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    The chords are very calming. When I go to sleep I push the 'repeat'buttom and I listen to it untill I fall asleep.
  • 1. The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
    It's just magic. Henley has a wonderful voice. And the rhytm and lyrics are great. Everytime I hear this song , I get in a better mood.
By: *Krystal*
  • 10. Wouldn't It Be Good by Nik Kershaw
    This is my all-time favorite song because I can really associate with the lyrics in this song. Wow, he hit that right on the money. There's not very many songs that can do that.
  • 9. I Eat Cannibals by Total Coleo
    What an original huh? Very catchy and fun to dance to. I'm big on unique songs that are catchy, like this one.
  • 8. Delirious by Prince
    This song is a favorite of mine because the song has a unique sound. Very hip. The cooing of the baby at the end is the best part.
  • 7. Smoking In The Boys Room by Motley Crue
    Three words: Rebellion, rebellion, rebellion!!! I bet everyone's smoked in the restroom in school at least once! I also bet this song brings back some good memories for a lot of people.
  • 6. Walking In The Rain by Oran Juice Jones
    This song is haunting because it shows the consequences of cheating. The ending of this song is the best part where the guy tells his girlfriend he knows what she's done behind his back. A real clencher.
  • 5. Heaven's On Fire by Kiss
    Another ass kickin' song. The guitar riff in this is catchy.
  • 4. Dynamite by Jermaine Jackson
    What an eerie song! I love the music video. Jermaine's in jail trying to escape from that woman prison guard. Another great dance song.
  • 3. Twlight Zone by Golden Earring
    Oh wow, what a kick ass song this is! This a good driving song for me. I crank it up every time I hear it. Totally awesome!
  • 2. Nite and Day by Al B Sure!
    This song is a real smooth groove type of song and sounds so romantic.
  • 1. Easy Lover by Phil Collins and Phil Bailey
    Just an awesome awesome song!!! This song makes me wanna dance and both Phil's vocals blend so great together. Plus it came out the year I was born. The guitar in this song rocks!
I have many other favorites, and it was so hard to pick just ten songs. Honorable mentions would be Janet Jackson-When I Think Of You, Michael Jackson-Thriller, or Beat It, Whitesnake-Still Of The Night, Guns-N-Roses-Welcome To The Jungle, Kenny Loggins-I'm Free(Heaven Helps The Man), Chaka Khan-I Feel For You, Grandmaster Flash-The Message, and any songs by Madonna, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard, or Van Halen.
By: Lance C. Hough
  • 10. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    A salute to the most musically-neglected holiday! And a rocking one, at that! Arguably the best and most "Thrilling" music video of all time.
  • 9. You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Hall & Oates
    A catchy rythym, a totally singable melody, and an overall astonishing feat of musical genius!
  • 8. Africa by Toto
    Another one of those songs that transcends muscial boundaries; I think anyone can appreciate this tune!
  • 7. Love Shack by B-52's
    Is this song the only reason why the B-52's have a career? YES. Is this song hideously and horrendously overplayed? YES. Do we love it anyway and turn up the radio and sing along whenever we hear it? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!
  • 6. Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles
    Just plain Good Times!
  • 5. Take On Me by A-Ha
    Probably the most easily-recognizable song of the decade. Damn near ANYONE can hum along with this one!
  • 4. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
    A perfect example of the classic 80's ballad.
  • 3. Mr. Roboto by STYX
    Need I say more?
  • 2. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
    Now THIS is classic 1980's rock from a classic 1980's rock band! Steve Perry and Neil Schon rock my world!
  • 1. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
    This song has got it all! Melody, harmony, power, great lyrics, awesome vocals; Its all there! Its just too bad that their other single "Kyrie" was never as successful as this one.
Honorable Mention: "More Than Words," by Extreme (The only reason this song isn't on my list is because it was not technically released in the 80's.), "Kokomo," Beach Boys (They bleong on their somewhere, but I couldn't decide where.), "Mickey," Tony Basil (Just . . . yeah.), "Celebrate," Kool and the Gang (Can you get through any wedding, barmitzfa, or the like without hearing this one? Didn't think so.), and "Fat," Weird Al Yankovich (He single-handedly created an entire genre of music: spoof!)
By: André Luís Guedes Santos de Souza
  • 10. What a Feeling by Irene Cara
  • 9. Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
  • 8. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
  • 7. Still Loving You by Scorpions
  • 6. Stay on These Roads by A-ha
  • 5. Say You, Say Me by Lionel Ritchie
  • 4. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
  • 3. Time Of My Life by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
  • 2. Woman in Chains by Tears for Fears
  • 1. Never Say Goodbye by Bon Jovi
By: Matt
By: jonny leoten
  • 10. Hurt So Good by John Mellancamp
  • 9. Into Temptation by Crowded House
  • 8. Back In Black by Acdc
  • 7. Sultans Of Swing by Dire Straits
  • 6. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N Roses
  • 5. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
  • 4. Tainted Love by Soft Cell
  • 3. Where Is My Mind by Pixies
  • 2. With Or Without You by U2
  • 1. Dont Dream by Crowded House
overall, i think the 80's was the worst decade for music since the 50's
By: Nina Robekk
By: Aaron B.
Other classics: Sweet Dreams, Eurythmics; Don't You Forget About Me, Simple Minds; Let's Dance, David Bowie; Whip It, Devo; Melt With You, Modern English; Tainted Love, Soft Cell; Our House, Madness; Electric Avenue, Eddy Grant; With or Without You, U2

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