Music

Éxitos internacionales de los años 80

Explore a selection of the greatest international hits that transcended language barriers and dominated the charts during the 1980s. This list celebrates the musical diversity of the decade, including tracks in languages other than English that became global phenomena. Discover iconic songs that made millions dance, proving that music is a universal language that doesn't need to be understood to be enjoyed. Relive the nostalgia of a golden era with these timeless classics.

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  1. 1

    With or Without You

    384 Global Votes
    • Became one of U2's most iconic songs

      (+1)

    This U2 song became a massive international hit in 1987, topping charts in several countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100. Its cultural impact and status as one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s solidify it as a benchmark for music from that era.

  2. 2

    Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)

    92 Global Votes
    • Became the band's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard

      (+3)

    This song was released in 1979 and became a global hit, reaching number one in both the UK and the US. Its cultural and commercial impact established it as a musical benchmark of the late 70s that transcended into the 80s.

  3. 3

    Don't Stop Believin'

    17 Global Votes
    • Commercial success

      (+2)

    This song was released in 1981 and quickly became an international hit, resonating with audiences worldwide thanks to its universal message of hope and perseverance. Its catchy melody and powerful vocal performance made it one of the most recognizable and beloved songs of the 1980s. Its cultural impact and sustained popularity make it an undeniable benchmark of that era's successes.

  4. 4

    Billie Jean

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the greatest records of the 80s

      (+4)

    This song was a global hit that defined the 1980s, propelling the 'Thriller' album to become the best-selling of all time. Its innovative musical production and iconic music video revolutionized the industry, setting new standards for pop and R&B music.

  5. 5

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    0 Global Votes
    • Successful on MTV

      (+4)

    This song became a global hit thanks to its unforgettable guitar riff, powerful vocals, and emotional lyrics about love and admiration. Its release in 1988 propelled it to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as an anthem of the 1980s.

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  7. 6

    Take On Me

    0 Global Votes
    • Breakthrough hit for a-ha

      (+4)

    This song became a massive international hit in the 80s, driven by its catchy synth-pop melody and Morten Harket's distinctive vocals. Its groundbreaking music video, which combined live-action with rotoscoping animation, revolutionized music videos and was instrumental in its global success.

  8. 7

    Livin' on a Prayer

    0 Global Votes
    • Quintessential working-class anthem of the 1980s

      (+4)

    This Bon Jovi song encapsulates the spirit of 80s rock with its narrative of struggle and hope, resonating with millions. Its musical structure, including the iconic key change, and powerful vocal performance cemented it as a timeless anthem that remains relevant today.

  9. 8

    I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached Number One on the Dance Charts in 1987

      (+2)

    This song is an international hit from the 80s that captured the essence of the decade's pop with its infectious energy and Whitney Houston's unmistakable voice. Its 1987 release propelled it to the top of charts worldwide, making it a timeless anthem of joy and the desire for connection.

  10. 9

    Everybody Wants To Rule the World

    0 Global Votes
    • Became one of the most iconic songs

      (+3)

    This Tears for Fears song was a massive international hit in 1985, topping charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100. Its distinctive new wave and synth-pop sound, coupled with its reflective lyrics on power and control, cemented it as a generational anthem of the 80s.

  11. 10

    Another One Bites the Dust

    0 Global Votes
    • Worldwide hit

      (+3)

    This song stands out for its innovative fusion of rock, funk, and disco, driven by an unforgettable bassline that made it a global hit. Its cultural and commercial impact was immense, becoming Queen's biggest-selling single worldwide and a defining anthem of the 1980s.

  12. 11

    Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

    0 Global Votes
    • Commercial breakthrough in the UK and worldwide

      (+2)

    This song stands out for its innovative synth-pop sound and catchy melody, which made it a global anthem of the 1980s. Its cultural and commercial impact was immense, establishing Eurythmics as a dominant musical force and leaving a lasting mark on pop music history.

  13. 12

    Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a massive international hit

      (+3)

    This Wham! track is a brilliant example of the infectious, energetic pop that defined the 1980s, capturing the joy and danceable spirit of the era. Its global success and ability to evoke a sense of carefree fun make it a cultural landmark among international hits of those years.

  14. 13

    'Like a Virgin'

    0 Global Votes
    • Became Madonna's first chart-topping album

      (+4)

    This song marked a milestone in Madonna's career, catapulting her to international stardom and becoming an anthem of the 1980s. Its cultural and commercial impact was immense, defining the pop sound and aesthetic of the era with its provocative and catchy style.

  15. 14

    Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

    0 Global Votes
    • Breakthrough hit

      (+4)

    This song became a global feminist anthem, celebrating women's freedom and individuality with its empowering message. Its catchy pop melody and iconic music video made it a massive international hit, defining the sound and attitude of the 1980s.

  16. 15

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes
    • Became America's biggest song of 1983

      (+3)

    This song dominated international charts in 1983, becoming the biggest hit in the US and Canada, and earning a Grammy for Song of the Year. Its distinctive sound, fusing new wave, rock, punk, reggae, and jazz, captured the musical essence of the decade and remains one of the most played songs on radio.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking considers songs that were significant international hits during the 1980s, based on their chart performance and cultural recognition.
Users can participate by voting for their favorite songs on the list. Community interaction helps reflect the current popularity and appreciation for these 80s classics.
The order is determined by a combination of their historical chart success, lasting influence, and community voting. Songs that reached number one or had considerable global impact, as mentioned in the context, carry significant weight.
Both original hits and covers that achieved great popularity in the 80s are included, such as Laura Branigan's "Gloria," which was an international hit in the 80s despite being a cover of an earlier Italian song.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our ranking of international hits from the 1980s is compiled by considering the cultural and commercial impact of songs during that decade, as well as community participation.

  • Songs that achieved significant success on global popularity charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100, during the 1980s are considered.
  • The lasting influence and recognition of the song as an 80s icon are also key factors, as seen in tracks that remain popular today.
  • The relevance of the artists and their contribution to 80s music is valued, highlighting those who defined the sound of the era.
  • User interaction and votes contribute to the final position of each song, reflecting current appreciation for these classics.
  • The song must have been released and achieved considerable success between 1980 and 1989.
  • It must have had a significant impact on international charts, such as reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 or having a strong global presence.
  • Popularity and cultural recognition that endure to this day are prioritized, as evidenced by current plays and mentions.
  • Both original recordings and covers that became emblematic hits of the decade are considered.