Music

Éxitos de los 80 que definieron una década

Explore a curated selection of the biggest music hits from the 1980s that defined an era. This list includes pop, rock, new wave, and synth-pop songs that shaped the decade's sound. Discover the tracks that dominated the charts and became generational anthems. It's a deep dive into the musical culture of the eighties, perfect for reliving nostalgia or discovering timeless classics.

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  1. 1

    La Chica de Ayer (1980)

    456 Global Votes

    This song is a fundamental pillar of 1980s Spanish pop, capturing the essence and spirit of the Movida Madrileña. Its catchy melody and introspective lyrics made it a generational anthem that continues to resonate strongly today.

  2. 2

    Billie Jean

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic 80s hit

      (+1)

    This song became a global phenomenon, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and defining the sound of 80s pop with its innovative blend of genres. Its cultural impact was immense, solidifying Michael Jackson as a superstar and setting new standards for music videos.

  3. 3

    Take On Me

    0 Global Votes

    This song defined the 80s thanks to its groundbreaking music video, which merged live-action with pencil-sketch rotoscope animation, setting a new standard for music videos. Its catchy synth-pop sound and visual impact made it a global cultural phenomenon, reaching number one on the charts and solidifying its status as a generational anthem.

  4. 4

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    0 Global Votes

    This song captured the essence of 80s rock with its unforgettable guitar riff and emotional lyrics, becoming a generational anthem. Its massive success and cultural impact established it as a pivotal piece that defined the decade's sound and attitude.

  5. 5

    Dance With Somebody

    0 Global Votes

    This song captured the essence of 80s pop with its danceable rhythm and Whitney Houston's unmistakable voice, becoming an anthem of the decade's joy and freedom. Its 1987 release propelled it to the top of the charts, defining the sound and spirit of a musical era. The music video, featuring Whitney dancing energetically, also became a cultural benchmark of the time.

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  7. 6

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes

    This song defined the 80s with its distinctive sound and global success, reaching number one on the charts. Its lyrical ambiguity, blending a catchy melody with themes of obsession and surveillance, made it an enduring cultural phenomenon.

  8. 7

    Livin' on a Prayer

    0 Global Votes

    This song captured the spirit of the 1980s with its message of perseverance and distinctive rock sound. It became a generational anthem that resonated with the working class, addressing the economic hardships of the era through the story of Tommy and Gina.

  9. 8

    Voy a pasármelo bien (1989)

    0 Global Votes

    This song captures the essence of 80s Spanish pop rock with its contagious energy and optimistic lyrics. Its catchy melody and joyful message made it a massive hit that resonated deeply with the youth of the decade, defining its carefree spirit.

  10. 9

    Hijo de la Luna (1986)

    0 Global Votes

    This song stands out for its profound lyrical narrative and its innovative fusion of techno-pop with folk elements, which made it a cultural phenomenon. Its international success and ability to tell an emotional and complex story established it as a musical benchmark of the 80s.

  11. 10

    Amante Bandido

    0 Global Votes

    This song marked a before and after in Miguel Bosé's career and in Spanish pop, solidifying his unique style and cultural impact. Its commercial success in Spain and Latin America made it an anthem of the decade, resonating with millions of listeners and defining the sound of a generation.

  12. 11

    La Chica del Bikini Azul

    0 Global Votes

    This Luis Miguel song captured the essence of 80s Latin pop with its infectious rhythm and summery lyrics. Its 1985 release made it a generational anthem, resonating with millions of listeners and defining the sound of a decade. The song is a testament to Luis Miguel's talent for creating timeless hits that transcend generations.

  13. 12

    Súbete a mi moto (1982)

    0 Global Votes

    This song became a generational anthem that captured the essence of youth and Latin pop in the 1980s. Its catchy rhythm and lyrics about youthful love resonated deeply, propelling Menudo to international fame and defining the sound of a decade for millions of fans.

  14. 13

    Eloise

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a cornerstone of Spanish techno-pop and glam rock from the 1980s, standing out for its innovative production and Tino Casal's unmistakable performance. Its lyrical narrative about a "femme fatale" and complex musical structure made it a hit that captured the essence of the decade.

  15. 14

    Soy un desastre (1985)

    0 Global Votes

    This song captured the essence of 80s pop in Mexico and Latin America with its emotional lyrics and catchy rhythm. Its massive popularity and ability to evoke the nostalgia of a decade make it a cultural landmark. The song became a generational anthem that continues to be recognized and appreciated today.

Frequently asked questions

The songs that defined the 80s decade span a wide range of genres, from the pop of Michael Jackson and Madonna to the rock of Bruce Springsteen and AC/DC, and even emerging hip-hop. This includes hits that captured the spirit of the times and had a significant cultural impact.
Relevance is determined by its cultural impact, its popularity at the time, its influence on subsequent music genres, and its ability to encapsulate the sound and spirit of the 1980s. Both major hits and songs that, in some way, changed the world of music are considered.
This ranking is an editorial selection based on the provided context. However, we value community participation and encourage users to share their own favorite 80s songs and discuss their cultural impact in the comments.
The selection covers a diversity of genres that were prominent in the 80s, including pop, rock, new wave, soul, hip-hop, and metal. The aim is to reflect the richness and variety of the music that defined that decade.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

This ranking has been compiled through a careful review of various sources and lists highlighting the most influential and culturally significant songs of the 1980s. The aim is to present a selection that captures the musical essence of the era.

  • Lists and articles from music experts identifying the hits and songs that 'defined' the decade have been considered.
  • Emphasis has been placed on songs that had a lasting cultural impact, whether through social movements, films, or iconic moments.
  • Both massive hits and songs that, while perhaps not number ones, are recognized for their influence on the 80s sound are included.
  • The diversity of musical genres, from dominant pop to rock, soul, and hip-hop, has been a key factor in the selection to reflect the richness of the decade.
  • Cultural Impact: Songs must have transcended music to influence fashion, film, social movements, or popular culture in general.
  • Popularity and Influence: Priority is given to hits that dominated the charts and songs that set precedents for future music genres.
  • Representation of the Decade's Sound: Songs must encapsulate the distinctive sonic and production characteristics of the 1980s.
  • Lasting Recognition: Tracks that are still widely recognized and celebrated as emblems of the decade today are included.