Music

Iconic 80s rock songs

Explore the golden era of rock with a selection of the most iconic songs from the 1980s. From arena anthems to powerful ballads, this list captures the essence of 80s rock. Relive the sounds that defined a decade, featuring powerful guitars and unmistakable vocals. Discover the tracks that thrilled millions and remain timeless rock classics. Perfect for 80s rock music lovers and those looking to explore this legendary genre.

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  1. 1

    Purple Rain (Purple Rain, 1984)

    336 Global Votes
    • Considered one of the greatest songs of all time

      (+4)

    Prince's 'Purple Rain' is a monumental rock ballad that showcased his incredible talent as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. It's an epic and emotionally charged anthem that transcends genres.

  2. 2

    Back in Black (1980)

    265 Global Votes
    • Definitive hard rock song

      (+4)

    AC/DC's 'Back In Black' kicked off the decade setting a high standard for hard rock and became one of the best-selling rock albums of all time. The title track is an iconic, powerful anthem.

  3. 3

    Summer of '69 (1984)

    9 Global Votes
    • Captures raw nostalgia of youth

      (+4)

    Bryan Adams' 'Summer Of '69' is a nostalgic rock anthem that perfectly captures the feeling of youth and first love. Its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics have made it a timeless classic.

  4. 4

    Rock You Like a Hurricane (1984)

    7 Global Votes
    • Considered their signature song

      (+4)

    Scorpions' 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' is a hard rock classic known for its powerful guitar riffs and energetic delivery. It became one of the band's most recognizable songs and a staple of 80s rock radio.

  5. 5

    With or Without You

    7 Global Votes
    • Became U2's first Billboard #1 hit

      (+4)

    U2's 'With Or Without You' is celebrated for its beautiful balladry and quest for meaning, becoming one of their most iconic songs. Its atmospheric sound and Bono's emotive vocals defined a new era of rock.

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  7. 6

    I Want to Know What Love Is (1984)

    3 Global Votes
    • Timeless power ballad

      (+2)

    Foreigner's 'I Want To Know What Love Is' is a soft rock classic and a powerful ballad rock anthem. Its heartfelt lyrics and gospel-infused chorus made it a massive international hit.

  8. 7

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    0 Global Votes
    • Topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart

      (+4)

    This Guns N' Roses track features one of rock's most recognizable guitar riffs and was the band's first and only number one single. It perfectly encapsulates the hard rock sound that defined much of the late 80s.

  9. 8

    Livin' on a Prayer

    0 Global Votes
    • 80s Rock Anthem

      (+1)

    Bon Jovi's 'Livin' On A Prayer' is an enduring anthem for struggling individuals, resonating with its uplifting message and catchy melody. It remains a crowd-pleaser and a defining track of 80s arena rock.

  10. 9

    Don't Stop Believin'

    0 Global Votes
    • Uptempo, melodic track

      (+2)

    Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' remains a timeless crowd-pleaser with its uplifting message and catchy melody. Its memorable opening piano riff and anthemic chorus have cemented its place as an 80s rock classic.

  11. 10

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes
    • Biggest US & UK single of 1983

      (+4)

    The Police's 'Every Breath You Take' is a haunting 80s anthem that masterfully blends pop, rock, and soft reggae rhythms. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks, showcasing its widespread appeal and unique sound.

  12. 11

    Jump (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Most successful single

      (+1)

    Van Halen's 'Jump' is known for its prominent synthesizer riff and energetic feel, marking a stylistic shift for the band. It became one of their biggest hits, showcasing their versatility and impact on 80s rock.

  13. 12

    Pour Some Sugar on Me (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered the band's signature song

      (+4)

    Def Leppard's 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' is a classic hard rock track that dominated the airwaves and became an anthem for the glam metal era. Its catchy chorus and powerful riffs made it an instant hit.

  14. 13

    I Love Rock 'n' Roll (1981)

    0 Global Votes
    • Became Joan Jett's signature hit

      (+4)

    Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' emphasized rock's mainstream success and positioned Joan Jett as a major female rock icon. It's a defiant anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of the era.

  15. 14

    Eye Of The Tiger

    0 Global Votes
    • 100% motivational ass-kicking music

      (+4)

    Survivor's 'Eye Of The Tiger' was written for 'Rocky III' and became an iconic sports anthem and motivational rock track. Its powerful lyrics and driving rhythm made it instantly recognizable and inspiring.

  16. 15

    Here I Go Again (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987

      (+1)

    Whitesnake's 'Here I Go Again' is a powerful rock ballad that became a major hit, showcasing the band's ability to blend hard rock with melodic sensibilities. Its emotional lyrics and strong vocals resonated with audiences.

  17. 16

    The Final Countdown

    0 Global Votes
    • Became an anthem that transcended generations

      (+4)

    Europe's 'The Final Countdown' is known for its motivational lyrics and memorable synthesizer tunes, becoming a global phenomenon. Its iconic keyboard riff is instantly recognizable and synonymous with 80s rock.

  18. 17

    Welcome To The Jungle (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Opening track on debut album Appetite for Destruction

      (+1)

    Guns N' Roses' 'Welcome to the Jungle' showcased the band's edgy side and helped close out the 1980s in style. Its raw energy and aggressive sound made it an instant hard rock classic.

  19. 18

    Money for Nothing (1985)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features polished yet robust sound

      (+4)

    Dire Straits' 'Money For Nothing' is known for its distinctive guitar riff and groundbreaking music video, which was a staple on MTV. Its unique sound and satirical lyrics made it a major hit.

  20. 19

    Dancing in the Dark (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Became the biggest hit from Born in the U.S.A.

      (+4)

    Bruce Springsteen's 'Dancing in the Dark' was the finest single from his massive 'Born in the U.S.A.' album, bursting with ambition and frustration. It became a huge hit, showcasing his mainstream appeal.