Music

Grandes éxitos de 1982

Explore a comprehensive compilation of the biggest musical hits that defined the year 1982. This list includes songs that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and UK sales charts, capturing the essence of early 80s pop and rock music. Discover the iconic tracks that marked a generation, from power ballads to rock anthems, and relive the nostalgia of a golden era. It's the perfect guide for retro music fans and anyone wishing to explore the sounds that resonated globally during that year.

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  1. 1

    Me colé en una fiesta (1982)

    437 Global Votes
    • Reached top ten in Spain

      (+4)

    This song captured the essence of Spanish youth in the 1980s with its catchy techno-pop melody and lyrics that reflected a common experience. Its release as the third single from Mecano's debut album solidified the band as a musical phenomenon, deeply resonating with the public and marking a milestone in Spanish pop music.

  2. 2

    Bailando

    0 Global Votes
    • Released in 1982

      (+2)

    This song was released in 1982 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Spain, defining the sound of the Movida Madrileña. Its catchy rhythm and lyrics about nightlife and fun made it an instant hit that remains relevant today.

  3. 3

    ¿Y cómo es él?

    0 Global Votes
    • Became one of the greatest classics in Spanish music

      (+1)

    This song is a timeless classic of romantic music in Spanish, capturing the essence of 80s ballads with its profound emotional depth. Its introspective lyrics and José Luis Perales' moving performance made it a massive hit and a cultural reference of its era.

  4. 4

    Ya Lo Sé Que Tú Te Vas

    0 Global Votes
    • Released in 1982

      (+3)

    This song captures the essence of romantic bolero with emotional lyrics that deeply resonate with audiences. Its composition and Juan Gabriel's performance established it as a musical milestone of 1982, solidifying its legacy in Latin music. The piece is distinguished by its ability to evoke feelings of sadness and farewell, making it a timeless classic.

  5. 5

    Heridas

    0 Global Votes
    • Title track of a successful 1982 album

      (+2)

    The song "Heridas" by Dulce was a significant hit in 1982, standing out for its emotional interpretation and the singer's powerful voice. Its release as part of the eponymous album established it as a benchmark for romantic ballads of the decade. The depth of its lyrics and its melody resonated widely with the public of that era.

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  7. 6

    I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached #1 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop chart in 1982

      (+1)

    This song was a massive hit in 1982, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Soul charts. Its commercial success was further cemented by its Gold certification from the RIAA, selling one million units. It was a unique achievement that year, demonstrating its broad appeal and chart dominance.

  8. 7

    Jack & Diane

    0 Global Votes
    • Spent four weeks at number one on Billboard Hot 100

      (+4)

    This song reached number one on the US charts in 1982, establishing itself as a generational anthem. Its narrative about youth and love in the Midwest resonated deeply with audiences, making it a massive and enduring hit of that year.

  9. 8

    Open Arms

    0 Global Votes
    • One of Journey's most iconic power ballads

      (+4)

    This song captured the essence of 80s soft rock with its emotional melody and Steve Perry's powerful vocal performance. Its 1982 release made it a global hit, resonating deeply with audiences and cementing its place in music history. The ballad reached number 2 on the charts in the United States and Canada, demonstrating its immense cultural and commercial impact that year.

  10. 9

    Rock the Casbah

    0 Global Votes
    • Entered U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982

      (+4)

    This song was released in 1982 and became a global anthem for its message of cultural resistance and defiance against oppression. Its narrative about persecution for enjoying music resonated deeply, solidifying its status as a timeless rock classic with significant social impact.

  11. 10

    I Love Rock 'N Roll

    0 Global Votes
    • Topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks

      (+1)

    This song became a cultural phenomenon in 1982, dominating the charts and defining the rock sound of the era. Its infectious energy and Joan Jett's charisma established it as a generational anthem that resonated deeply with audiences.

  12. 11

    Tainted Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Achieved height of popularity in 1981/82

      (+4)

    Soft Cell's version of "Tainted Love" became a global hit in 1982, reaching the Top 10 in the United States and setting a record for its chart longevity. Its innovative synth-pop sound and catchy melody cemented it as one of the most iconic and successful songs of that year.

  13. 12

    Thriller

    0 Global Votes

    Thriller was an unprecedented cultural and commercial phenomenon in 1982, redefining the music industry with its innovative genre blend and cinematic music videos. The album set global sales records, becoming the best-selling of all time and spawning multiple chart-topping hits.

  14. 13

    The Number of the Beast

    0 Global Votes
    • Achieved critical and commercial success

      (+3)

    This album is a pivotal milestone in heavy metal history, introducing Bruce Dickinson's iconic vocals and tracks that became genre anthems. Its 1982 release established it as an influential work, redefining the sound and direction of heavy metal music for decades to come.

  15. 14

    Screaming for Vengeance

    0 Global Votes

    This album is a fundamental pillar of heavy metal, offering a collection of powerful anthems and memorable riffs that resonated deeply in 1982. Its impact stems from the relentless energy and musical mastery it exhibits, setting a standard for the genre.

  16. 15

    Rio

    0 Global Votes
    • Features hit songs like "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Save a Prayer," and "Rio"

      (+2)

    This Duran Duran album was released in 1982 and became a global success, solidifying the band's distinctive sound. It features iconic tracks such as "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Save a Prayer," which defined the pop and new wave of the decade.

Frequently asked questions

This list includes popular songs that topped the charts in 1982, such as Olivia Newton-John's "Physical", Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger", and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n Roll". Hits that were released in 1982 but peaked in 1983 are also considered.
Popularity was determined based on their performance on the 1982 music charts, including the Top 40 and Billboard Hot 100, and also considering best-selling albums like Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', which was released that year.
Currently, this list is based on historical chart data and album sales from 1982. However, we value community feedback for future revisions or to create new thematic lists.
Some songs, though released in 1982, took time to gain traction and only peaked on the charts in 1983. For instance, 'Come On Eileen' is a notable example of this phenomenon.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

This list of 1982's greatest hits has been compiled by analyzing chart performance and overall popularity of songs and albums released or making a significant impact during that year. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive representation of the music that defined 1982.

  • Positions on major charts of the era, such as the Billboard Hot 100 and other relevant pop charts, were considered to identify the most played songs.
  • Songs that, although released in 1982, achieved their greatest chart success in early 1983 were included, reflecting their lasting impact.
  • The cultural relevance and long-term recognition of certain songs and artists, which have become timeless classics, were taken into account.
  • Best-selling albums of the year, such as Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', were also considered for their global impact on the music of 1982.
  • Songs must have been released in 1982 or reached their peak popularity on the charts during that year or early 1983.
  • Priority was given to songs that reached top positions on national and international charts, such as the Top 40 or the Hot 100.
  • Inclusion in 'Pop Hits: 1982' compilations or mentions in 'Top Songs of 1982' lists from recognized sources was valued.
  • Songs from best-selling albums in 1982 were also considered, reflecting broad reach and popularity.