Discover an unparalleled collection of the greatest hits that defined the 1980s. Explore everything from catchy pop and iconic rock to dance anthems and new-wave tracks that marked an era. This list celebrates the musical diversity of the 80s, including timeless ballads and energetic tunes that still resonate today. Dive into nostalgia and relive the sounds that made the eighties a golden decade for music.
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I Ran (So Far Away) (1982)
372 Global Votes
Most successful single by A Flock of Seagulls
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This song defines the new wave sound of the 80s with its distinctive use of synthesizers and catchy melody. Its commercial success and cultural impact solidified it as an iconic track of the decade. The song captures the essence of 80s pop and rock music, serving as a benchmark for the genre.
One of the most important rock pop songs in Spanish history
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This song is a cornerstone of 80s Spanish pop rock, encapsulating the spirit of the Movida Madrileña with its distinctive new wave sound. Its melancholic lyrics and catchy melody made it a massive hit that remains relevant today.
This song is a fundamental milestone in 80s music, as it popularized the new wave genre and electronic synth music. Its innovative sound and cultural impact established it as an iconic piece of the decade.
Ranked among the 200 best songs of the 1980s by Pitchfork
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This song captures the essence of 1980s post-punk and new wave with its distinctive sound and introspective lyrics. Its cultural and musical impact solidified it as a generational anthem, resonating with themes of heartbreak and alienation that defined an era. The song stands as a testament to Joy Division's lyrical depth and sonic innovation, marking a milestone in the decade's music.
This Mecano song broke taboos by openly addressing love between women, challenging the censorship and morality of the era. Its brave lyrics and emotional melody made it an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and a cultural reference of the 80s.
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6
A quién le importa (1985)
0 Global Votes
Considered an 80s LGBTQ anthem
This song stands out for its message of individuality and defiance of social norms, resonating deeply with audiences in the 80s and beyond. Its catchy melody and empowering lyrics solidified it as an anthem of personal freedom and a cultural benchmark of the decade.
This song is an 80s pop anthem, characterized by its infectious energy and Whitney Houston's unmistakable voice. Its global success, reaching number one in 17 countries, demonstrates its cultural impact and ability to transcend borders, making it a timeless classic of the decade.
This Prince song is a musical landmark of the 1980s, recognized for its innovative production without a bassline and its profound lyrical exploration. Its cultural impact and distinctive sound make it a fundamental piece of the decade, influencing numerous artists and genres.
The song features an innovative fusion of pop, rock, and R&B, standing out for its powerful anti-violence message and Eddie Van Halen's iconic guitar solo. Its cultural impact was amplified by a revolutionary music video that redefined visual storytelling in music, making it a benchmark of the decade.
"Into the Groove" is an iconic track from the 1980s that perfectly captured the essence of pop and dance music of the era. Its infectious rhythm and inclusion in the film "Desperately Seeking Susan" made it a global hit, defining Madonna's sound and image in her early career.
Blends catchy hooks with emotionally resonant lyrics
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This a-ha song is a synth-pop landmark from the 80s, notable for its catchy synthesizer riff and Morten Harket's impressive vocals. Its groundbreaking music video, which blended animation and live-action, pioneered the industry and captured the imagination of millions, significantly contributing to its global success and the decade's visual culture.
The song features one of the most recognizable and powerful guitar riffs in rock history, defining its distinctive and energetic sound. Its 1980 release marked a triumphant return for AC/DC with a new vocalist, solidifying its status as an enduring hard rock anthem that resonated deeply throughout the 80s.
The song "London Calling" was released in late 1979, but its influence and popularity extended deeply into the 1980s, becoming a generational anthem. Its innovative fusion of punk with reggae and rockabilly, coupled with its powerful political message, established it as a pivotal piece of music from that era.
This Queen song, released in 1980, perfectly captured the rockabilly spirit with a modern twist, showcasing the band's ability to master diverse genres. Its infectious energy and Freddie Mercury's vocal performance made it a global hit, resonating with audiences throughout the decade.
This list includes iconic 80s classics from artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Whitney Houston, Journey, TOTO, AC/DC, Queen, and many more, covering pop, rock, dance, and soft rock.
The ranking is determined by the overall popularity, cultural impact, and lasting relevance of the songs during and after the 1980s, including their presence on charts and public recognition.
While this list is based on the provided context, we are always interested in community input. Suggestions for songs that held special meaning for users in the 80s are welcome.
The ranking covers a wide range of genres that dominated the 80s, including pop, dance, rock, soft rock, and new wave, reflecting the musical diversity of the decade.
How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing
Our methodology for ranking the best 80s songs focuses on the cultural impact, popularity, and lasting influence of each track. We consider both massive hits and songs that, while not always the most popular, defined the sound of the decade.
The song's presence on music charts and its general recognition during the 1980s are evaluated.
The song's influence on pop culture is considered, including its use in films, TV shows like 'Stranger Things', and its musical legacy.
Attention is paid to the song's ability to remain relevant and enjoyed by new generations, beyond its original decade.
Songs from artists who had a significant impact in the decade, such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston, among others, are included.
The song must have been released between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1989.
Priority is given to songs that achieved notable popularity or had a significant cultural impact at the time.
Songs representing the diversity of popular music genres in the 80s, such as pop, rock, new wave, and dance, are considered.
Tracks from artists renowned for their contribution to the decade's music are included.
Timelessness and the song's ability to evoke the essence of the 1980s are highly valued.