If there ever was a more difficult task, it would be coming up with a list of the Top 10 80s Songs. We all know that the 80s was a wonderful period of music. It was creative, inventive, fun and sometimes (some say often) weird. Nevertheless, there are many out there today that long to be back in the 80s dancing to one of Madonna’s early tunes or being blown away by the King of Pop Michael Jackson at his peak.
I have to admit that I was born in the 1980s so I never actually experienced the 80s like many people did. However, even I feel that I born a bit too late because today’s music just doesn’t hold up to the same standards reached in the 80s, without mentioning the 60s or 70s. I feel attached to these songs even though I wasn’t around when they first came about. I can only imagine how attached you may be if you lived through these periods.
Without further ado, here’s my list of the Top 10 80s Songs in no particular order. Enjoy!
1. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
What hasn’t been said about this song? Considered one of the most influential songs in history of pop music, Billie Jean was an immediate commercial and critical hit when it was released in early 1983. It also cemented Jackson’s position as a pop icon the world over. Everything about this song is just perfect. The opening drum beats are the most recognizable drum sequence to start any song. You immediately know that Billie Jean is starting when you hear those drums. The intro gets you in the mood to dance and then you get taken for a mesmerizing ride throughout. I could not say enough about this song.
2. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Another iconic song released in the 80s, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is now considered one of the best feminist anthems ever made. It’s also a great karaoke song for the ladies. In fact, this song is so much fun that sometimes I wished I was a girl to sing this song myself. It never ceases to start up a party and is the song that made Cyndi Lauper an 80s icon, a tag which she has never been able to shrug off.
3. True – Spandau Ballet
Picture this. It’s the end of the great night of partying and you’ve had a great with your partner. Soon enough, the lights are dimmed and the crystal balls starts spinning. You and your partner are in an embrace and looking at each other’s eyes. Then True starts playing. This is the scenario that I believe to the perfect for this song. It’s such a relaxing love song that I never get sick of listening to it. In fact, it gets better each time. Clearly deserves to be in my Top 10 80s Songs list.
4. Take On Me – A-ha
Probably the most famous synthpop song of the 80s, Take On Me has an extremely memorable rhythm and a creative music video to match. Incredibly, the song flopped twice before getting released a third time and becoming a worldwide success. I guess persistence is the key to musical success especially if you really believe in the song. Certainly deserves to be in this Top 10 80s Songs list.
5. Africa – Toto
Toto’s most recognizable song Africa was a number one hit in the US in 1982. The reason why this song is in this list is because I never get tired of singing it at karaoke. For me, it’s all about the chorus which can be sung for so much expression and passion! The most ironic part of this song is that the songwriter had never been to Africa when he wrote it. I haven’t either, but it doesn’t matter when the song sounds this good!
6. Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen
Despite it being Bruce Springsteen’s most successful song in terms of commercial success, it was also very different to the rock music that Bruce had been most known for. For one thing, it used a synthesizer which was something that his songs had never used. However, at the same time, it made the song more appealing to the mainstream audience at the time which is probably why it was so successful. You might be surprised to find that this made the Top 10 80s Songs list. For me, this is one song that always gets me up and makes me dance like crazy. It’s very catchy and easy to follow. The video is not too bad either (especially if you’re a girl). It’s one of the forgotten great songs from the 80s.
7. Careless Whisper – George Michael
Who doesn’t love the saxophone riff in this song? I’m still haven’t found anyone who has answered positively to that question. It’s certainly the highlight of this song. In terms of creativity and mastery, I think this song is George Michael’s magnum opus. This is the one masterpiece that he’s most known for and the song his fans always want him to sing at concerts. The song was released in 1984 and reached number one in 25 countries and in the process put him on the path to a successful solo career that would span 25 years.
8. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship
For a long time, I didn’t associate this song with any film, unlike those who grew listening to it in the 80s. However, I soon found out about its association with the film Mannequin (which wasn’t too bad) through the music video. While the song is about 2 lovers wanting to live together forever without the restrictions placed by society, I tend to think this song as a motivational song in the sense that it encourages you to believe that nothing can stop you from achieving all your dreams. And when the song goes “we can build this thing together”, it means that with the help of other people, you can achieve anything. That’s my interpretation of the song and why I placed the song in this Top 10 80s Songs list.
9. 1999 – Prince
For me, this is probably the ultimate party anthem. I fondly remember the celebrations that took as the year 1999 ended and the new millennium began and this song allows me to associate it with such a monumental event. I was surprised to find out that it was originally released in 1982 (as I said I was born in the 80s) because I thought it was much more “modern” than that. I think it just demonstrates the creative genius in Prince. This is one song that cannot be missing from the playlist at New Year’s celebrations every year.
10. Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears
A catchy and memorable rhythm mixed with deep meaningful lyrics, ingredients of commercial success? In the case of Tears For Fears, it means international fame and fortune. The amazing thing is that Everybody Wants To Rule The World also didn’t get recorded because the song’s composer thought it was “lightweight” and wouldn’t add anything to the album they were recording. It’s amazing what happens when you just try. We are all grateful that it got recorded because it truly deserves its place in my Top 10 80s Songs list.
Phew! That was quite extensive. I need to take a break. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the list I’ve compiled and I’m keen to hear your opinions.
I can bet your bottom dollar that if I wrote this list again in a couple of months, that most of the songs will get replaced. But hey, it doesn’t matter. It’s all a matter of opinion and what you feel at the time. There is no such thing as an objective Top 10 80s Songs list.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you so much for this, I had to make a CD for my mom and I didn’t have ANY idea what kind of music to put on it. THIS HELPED SO MUCH!!
Victoria, I’m glad I’ve been able to help you =)