Music

Mejores canciones de rock alternativo de los 80

Explore a curated selection of the most influential and beloved alternative rock tracks from the 1980s. This list celebrates the diversity and innovation of a decade that redefined the musical landscape, giving rise to iconic bands and enduring sounds. Discover the essential songs that marked the beginning of a genre, from post-punk to new wave. Perfect for music enthusiasts looking to relive 80s nostalgia or discover timeless classics.

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  1. 1

    Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) (1985)

    347 Global Votes
    • Included in Rolling Stone's Greatest Songs of All Time list

      (+1)

    This song stands out for its innovative fusion of synth-pop with progressive elements, creating a unique sonic atmosphere that made it prominent in the 80s. Its profound lyrical exploration of empathy and the desire for understanding, combined with cutting-edge production, makes it a benchmark for alternative rock of the era.

  2. 2

    "Just Like Heaven"

    0 Global Votes
    • Regarded as one of the band's strongest songs

      (+3)

    This song by The Cure is a cornerstone of 1980s alternative rock, standing out for its distinctive gothic and new wave atmosphere. Its catchy melody and evocative lyrics about love and anxiety cemented its status as an influential classic of the decade.

  3. 3

    Spirits In The Material World

    0 Global Votes
    • Has an 80s rock and dream pop aesthetic

      (+1)

    The song features an innovative fusion of rock, reggae, and new wave, elements that distinguished it within the 80s music scene. Its profound lyrics address the human condition and social critique, offering a transcendent perspective that resonated with audiences of the era.

  4. 4

    Wave of Mutilation

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s alternative rock, notable for its raw sound and Black Francis's distinctive vocals. Its lyrics, which combine images of despair with the beginning of a new relationship, offer a thematic depth that sets it apart. The energy of its distorted guitar and its structure make it a benchmark of the genre.

  5. 5

    Don't You (Forget About Me)

    0 Global Votes
    • Smash hit single

      (+2)

    This song stands out for its ability to capture the emotional essence of a generation, featuring an unforgettable melody and lyrics that resonate with themes of friendship and self-discovery. Its cultural impact, particularly through its association with "The Breakfast Club", established it as a pillar of 80s alternative rock. The song encapsulates the energy and sentiment of the decade, becoming an enduring anthem.

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  7. 6

    Here Comes The Rain Again

    0 Global Votes
    • Peaked at #4 in the Billboard 100

      (+1)

    This Eurythmics song stands out for its innovative fusion of synth-pop and orchestral elements, creating a melancholic and emotional atmosphere that defined the alternative rock sound of the 80s. Its introspective lyrics about unrequited love and emotional turbulence, coupled with Annie Lennox's iconic vocals, make it a foundational piece of the genre.

  8. 7

    Wild Wild Life

    0 Global Votes
    • Lead single from True Stories album

      (+3)

    This Talking Heads song captures the essence of 80s alternative rock with its distinctive sound and ironic lyrics exploring hedonistic life and self-importance. Its innovative music video, which won MTV awards, significantly contributed to its popularity and the genre's spread in pop culture of the era.

  9. 8

    Bizarre Love Triangle (1986)

    0 Global Votes
    • Described as a "synth-pop masterpiece"

      (+4)

    This New Order song is a landmark of 80s alternative rock, innovatively blending synthesizers with guitars. Its distinctive sound and open-ended lyrics, allowing for multiple interpretations, make it a fundamental piece of the decade.

  10. 9

    There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

    0 Global Votes
    • Sacred Smiths classic

      (+2)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s alternative rock, standing out for its profound lyrics that tackle universal themes like love, hope, and loneliness with poetic ambiguity. Its distinctive melody and emotive vocal performance make it an influential piece that resonated with teenage angst and existential longing of the era.

  11. 10

    Temptation

    0 Global Votes

    This New Order song is a landmark in 80s alternative rock, blending post-punk with electronic and dance elements. Its innovative sound and cultural impact established it as a foundational piece of the genre in that decade.

  12. 11

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the best 80s romantic songs

      (+2)

    This song stands out for its complex musical composition and ambiguous lyrics, which distinguish it within 80s alternative rock. Its ability to merge an accessible melody with an underlying message of obsession and surveillance makes it an iconic and deeply influential piece. The song demonstrates a mastery in creating atmospheres that transcend the simple label of a love song, offering a thematic depth that resonates with the genre's essence.

  13. 12

    Isolation

    0 Global Votes

    The song features an intense atmosphere and introspective lyrics exploring emotional isolation and anxiety, core elements of 80s alternative rock. Its distinctive electronic beat and keyboard instrumentation contribute to an innovative sound that significantly influenced the genre.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates and celebrates the most influential and representative alternative rock songs that emerged in the 1980s, highlighting the pioneers of the underground sound of that era.
You can participate by suggesting songs you consider essential for 80s alternative rock, based on their cultural impact, popularity, and relevance within the genre during that decade.
The results should be interpreted as a curated collection of outstanding 80s alternative rock songs, reflecting both recognized classics and underground gems that still resonate today.
Songs that defined the alternative sound of the 80s are included, from Modern Rock chart hits to tracks by influential bands like The Cure, Talking Heads, The Smiths, and Kate Bush.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

This ranking is compiled from a careful editorial selection, taking into account the historical relevance, cultural impact, and popularity of songs within the 80s alternative rock genre. The aim is to offer a comprehensive view of the sounds that defined a decade.

  • The initial selection is based on the songs' presence on modern rock charts and their recognition as 'essentials' of the era by various sources.
  • Priority is given to songs that have proven to endure over time and continue to be influential for new generations of artists and listeners.
  • Both major commercial hits and key 'underground' pieces that helped shape the alternative rock genre are considered.
  • The diversity of styles within 80s alternative rock is an important factor, including new wave, post-punk, and other relevant subgenres.
  • The song must have been released between 1980 and 1989, inclusive, to ensure its belonging to the decade.
  • It must fit within the alternative rock genre, encompassing its various expressions such as new wave, post-punk, and indie rock of the era.
  • Originality, influence on other artists, and its impact on the musical culture of the 80s are valued.
  • The song must be recognized for its musical quality and its contribution to the evolution of alternative rock, whether for its commercial success or its cult status.