Music

Canciones icónicas de los 80

Explore a vibrant collection of the biggest hits from the 1980s, spanning genres from pop and rock to dance and new wave. Discover the unforgettable melodies that defined a generation, featuring legendary artists who left an indelible mark on music history. This selection celebrates the diversity and cultural impact of songs that still resonate on dance floors and in collective memory today. Dive into 80s nostalgia and relive the magic of an unrepeatable musical era.

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  1. 1

    With or Without You

    443 Global Votes
    • Ranked as the 40th best single of the 1980s by Slant Magazine

    This song is a cornerstone of 1980s music, notable for its profound exploration of human relationships and its innovative musical production. Its cultural impact and global success established it as one of the decade's most influential rock ballads, resonating with audiences worldwide.

  2. 2

    Don't Stop Believin'

    19 Global Votes
    • Most famous song by Journey

      (+3)

    This Journey song is a rock anthem that captured the spirit of the 1980s with its message of hope and iconic chord progression. Its narrative structure and catchy chorus made it a cultural phenomenon that transcended music to become a symbol of perseverance. The song has maintained its relevance over the decades, resonating with new generations and solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

  3. 3

    Billie Jean

    0 Global Votes
    • Won two Grammy Awards

      (+4)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s music, notable for its innovative production and its narrative on fame and paternity. Its music video revolutionized the industry, and its Motown 25 performance featuring the "moonwalk" became a defining cultural moment of the decade.

  4. 4

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the most iconic rock songs of all time

      (+4)

    The song features an unforgettable guitar riff and emotional lyrics that cemented its status as a rock anthem. Its 1987 release made it a cornerstone of 80s music, showcasing Guns N' Roses' ability to blend hard rock energy with profound melodic sensibility.

  5. 5

    Take On Me

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s

      (+4)

    The song stands out for its catchy synth-pop sound and its iconic music video, which revolutionized storytelling in music. Its innovative blend of animation and live-action captured the public's imagination, making it a cultural phenomenon of the decade. The track also conveys a timeless message about vulnerability and taking risks in love, resonating with listeners across generations.

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  7. 6

    Livin' on a Prayer

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic rock anthem of the 1980s

      (+1)

    This Bon Jovi song stands out for its inspiring narrative about perseverance and love during tough times, deeply resonating with millions of listeners. Its musical structure, featuring a memorable guitar riff and a catchy chorus, made it a rock anthem that defines the 80s and remains a cultural touchstone.

  8. 7

    I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a dance-pop anthem that encapsulates the energy and spirit of the 1980s, highlighted by Whitney Houston's unparalleled vocal power. Its catchy melody and vibrant production made it a global hit, resonating with millions of listeners and defining the pop sound of the era. The song won a Grammy Award and was the best-selling single by a female artist in the 1980s, demonstrating its cultural and commercial impact.

  9. 8

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes
    • Biggest American and Canadian hit of 1983

      (+1)

    This song stands out for its unique atmosphere and complex lyrics, which explore themes of jealousy and possession under the guise of a ballad. Its commercial success was resounding, topping the charts for weeks and becoming a generational anthem that remains relevant today.

  10. 9

    Like a Prayer

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the greatest pop moments ever

      (+3)

    This song stands out for its innovative fusion of pop rock, dance-pop, and gospel, creating a distinctive sound that defined the decade. Its controversial music video, which tackled themes of religion and race, sparked significant cultural debate and cemented its status as an 80s landmark.

  11. 10

    Girls Just Want to Have Fun

    0 Global Votes
    • Vibrant pop anthem

      (+3)

    This song is a feminist anthem that redefined 80s pop, transforming an original male perspective into a message of female empowerment. Its cultural impact and iconic music video made it a symbol of freedom and fun for women of the era.

  12. 11

    When Doves Cry

    0 Global Votes
    • Prince's first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single

      (+4)

    This song is a cultural landmark of the 1980s, notable for its innovative production without a bassline and its deep lyrical exploration of emotional conflicts. It became Prince's first number-one hit in the US and was the best-selling single of 1984, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

  13. 12

    Everybody Wants To Rule the World

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a landmark of synth-pop and new wave, capturing the sonic and thematic essence of the 1980s with its innovative production and reflective lyrics. Its global success and consistent presence in popular culture demonstrate its lasting impact and status as a timeless classic of the era.

  14. 13

    Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

    0 Global Votes
    • Dark, synth-driven classic

      (+3)

    This song defined the synth-pop sound of the 80s with its iconic synthesizer riff and Annie Lennox's unmistakable vocals. Its cultural impact and global success established it as a generational anthem, resonating with millions for its message about ambition and the pursuit of dreams.

  15. 14

    Call Me

    0 Global Votes
    • Theme to the 1980 film American Gigolo

      (+4)

    This Blondie song is a landmark of 80s music, notable for its innovative fusion of new wave and disco. Its global success and association with the film "American Gigolo" made it a generational anthem that encapsulates the decade's sound and aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking includes songs that defined the 80s, covering genres like pop, rock, new wave, and synthpop. It features hits from artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Queen, The Police, and many more, who dominated the charts and pop culture.
Users can vote for their favorite songs, which contributes to each song's position in the ranking. You can also share your own recommendations for 80s classics that you believe should be included.
An iconic 80s song is one that was not only a commercial success but also left a lasting mark on popular culture, is widely recognized, and evokes nostalgia for the decade. Many of these songs also had influential music videos.
While many radio hits are included, the ranking also considers influential songs from rock, new wave, synthpop, and other genres that had a significant impact on 80s music and culture, even if not all were chart-toppers.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our ranking of iconic 80s songs is based on a combination of historical popularity, cultural impact, and lasting recognition. We compile and evaluate songs that were not only commercial successes but also defined the aesthetic and sound of the decade.

  • Songs that achieved high positions on charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100, and had a constant presence on radio and television (MTV) are considered.
  • The cultural impact of the song is valued, including its influence on fashion, music videos, and its ability to evoke nostalgia for the decade.
  • Community participation is key, allowing users to vote for their favorite songs and suggest others they consider iconic, which helps reflect the current perception of 80s classics.
  • Songs from various dominant genres of the era, such as pop, rock, new wave, synthpop, and R&B, are included to provide a comprehensive view of the 80s music landscape.
  • The song must have been released between 1980 and 1989, ensuring its exclusive belonging to the decade.
  • It must have had a significant impact on the charts or popular culture of the time, being widely recognized and remembered.
  • The song must faithfully represent the sound or aesthetic of the 1980s, whether through its production, instrumentation (such as synthesizers), or vocal style.
  • Priority is given to songs by artists who had a prominent and consistent presence throughout the decade, contributing to its musical legacy.