Music

Mejores canciones de rock melódico de los 80

Explore an unparalleled selection of the best melodic rock songs from the 1980s. This list celebrates the anthems and ballads that defined an era, featuring iconic bands and artists who fused rock's power with catchy melodies and memorable choruses. Discover AOR and hard rock gems that set trends in the decade, from timeless classics to lesser-known but equally influential tracks. Ideal for 80s rock enthusiasts looking to relive the nostalgia or discover new sounds from that golden age.

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  1. 1

    Summer of '69 (1984)

    455 Global Votes

    This song captures the essence of 80s melodic rock with its catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics about youth and first love. Its impeccable production and Bryan Adams' powerful vocals make it a timeless anthem that defines the decade's sound. The song evokes a sense of freedom and carefree spirit that deeply resonates with the list's theme.

  2. 2

    Don't Stop Believin'

    17 Global Votes
    • Turned Journey into rock legends

      (+4)

    The song features a catchy melody and a musical structure that encapsulates the essence of 80s melodic rock, with a powerful chorus and characteristic instrumentation. Its inspiring narrative and Steve Perry's emotional vocal performance make it a timeless anthem that resonates with the spirit of the decade.

  3. 3

    Here I Go Again (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Became one of the band's biggest global hits

      (+2)

    This song is a defining anthem of 80s melodic rock, standing out for its powerful instrumentation and David Coverdale's emotive vocals. Its 1987 re-recording propelled it to global success, making it a genre benchmark and a number one hit on the charts.

  4. 4

    The Final Countdown

    0 Global Votes
    • Belongs to the AOR/melodic rock genre

      (+2)

    This song is a defining anthem of 80s melodic rock, driven by its iconic synth riff and catchy structure. Its commercial success and cultural impact solidified it as a cornerstone of the genre, resonating with global audiences.

  5. 5

    Livin' on a Prayer

    0 Global Votes
    • Became the band's signature hit

      (+2)

    This song captures the essence of 80s melodic rock with its powerful chorus, narrative of perseverance, and iconic key change. Its success on both rock and pop charts, coupled with its enduring popularity in concerts and events, demonstrates its cultural and musical impact.

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  7. 6

    Say You Will

    0 Global Votes
    • Awesome song

    The song features impeccable composition and polished production, distinctive elements of 80s melodic rock. Its memorable chorus and Lou Gramm's powerful vocal performance make it an outstanding example of the genre, capturing the essence of the era's power ballads.

  8. 7

    Addicted To Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Stylish, punchy, and irresistibly catchy

      (+4)

    This song features a distinctive fusion of dance-rock and melodic rock, with guitar riffs and drums that make it timeless. Its iconic vocals and polished production solidified it as a benchmark of the 80s sound, earning a Grammy in 1987.

  9. 8

    I Wanna Rock

    0 Global Votes

    This Twisted Sister song captures the essence of 80s melodic rock with its powerful guitar riff and a catchy, singalong chorus. Its energy and defiant lyrical attitude cemented it as a generational anthem, embodying the spirit of hard rock from that decade.

  10. 9

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    0 Global Votes
    • Big-hearted rock anthem with depth

      (+4)

    This song features a legendary guitar riff and an unforgettable melody that define it as a pillar of 80s melodic rock. Its ability to fuse hard rock power with a unique melodic sensibility makes it a distinctive piece of the decade.

  11. 10

    Every Rose Has Its Thorn

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the most iconic rock ballads of the late 1980s

      (+2)

    This song is an iconic example of an 80s power ballad, standing out for its emotional lyrics and memorable melody that captured the essence of melodic rock. Its massive success, reaching number one on the U.S. charts, demonstrates its cultural impact and enduring appeal within the genre.

  12. 11

    Is This Love

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the most beautiful 80's ballads

      (+3)

    This song stands out for its powerful melodic rock ballad, combining robust instrumentation with an emotional vocal performance by David Coverdale. Its musical and lyrical structure captures the essence of 80s rock, offering an auditory experience that resonates with the nostalgia and passion of the era.

  13. 12

    Amanda

    0 Global Votes
    • Power ballad by American rock band Boston

      (+1)

    Amanda is an iconic power ballad that encapsulates the essence of 80s melodic rock, standing out for its emotional composition and polished production. Its commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrates its widespread appeal and lasting impact on the genre.

  14. 13

    Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

    0 Global Votes
    • One of Arena Rock's most powerful anthems

      (+2)

    The song features a masterful combination of Steve Perry's powerful vocals with Neal Schon's melodic guitar riffs, creating a polished and emotionally impactful sound. Its dynamic structure and undeniable energy make it an outstanding example of 80s melodic rock.

  15. 14

    Open Arms

    0 Global Votes
    • Evolved Journey into a global melodic rock powerhouse

      (+3)

    This song features a melodic rock ballad with soaring vocals and emotional guitar melodies, characteristic of Journey's distinctive sound. Its composition and Steve Perry's vocal performance establish it as a benchmark of the genre in the 1980s.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates the most prominent melodic rock songs from the 1980s, focusing on their energy, flashy presentation, and anthemic quality, which are key characteristics of rock music from that decade.
Users can participate by voting for their favorite songs on the list. Your vote contributes to the overall position of each song in the ranking, reflecting community preference.
The results reflect the community's popularity and recognition of these 80s melodic rock songs. Higher positions indicate greater appreciation from voters.
The list includes 80s AOR classics and other melodic rock songs that exemplify the 'big' sound of the decade, with a focus on catchy melodies and grandiose productions.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

The methodology for this ranking is based on the cultural relevance and musical impact of melodic rock songs from the 1980s, combining editorial selection with community participation.

  • The initial selection of songs focuses on those that embody the spirit of 80s rock: high energy, flashy presentation, and anthemic quality, such as 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' by Yes or 'Say You Will' by Foreigner.
  • Both well-known hits and less obvious melodic rock and AOR gems from the decade are considered, ensuring a diverse representation of the genre.
  • Community participation through votes is a key component, allowing public preferences to directly influence the final ranking of the songs.
  • The context of 80s rock, characterized by bigger stages, bigger hair, and bigger sounds, serves as a framework for evaluating the suitability of each song in the ranking.
  • Songs must have been released in the 1980s and exhibit the distinctive characteristics of melodic rock and AOR from that era.
  • Priority is given to songs with a strong melodic presence, catchy choruses, and a production that reflects the 'big' and theatrical sound of the 80s.
  • The song's ability to evoke the energy and spirit of the era, often with a focus on powerful performances and ambitious arrangements, is fundamental.
  • Both songs from iconic 80s rock bands and artists who, though perhaps lesser known, significantly contributed to the decade's melodic genre are included.