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The Best and Most Popular Songs of the '80s
The '80s was a time of big hair, big fashion, and even bigger music! The Sony Walkman first became available in the early '80s, allowing music lovers to listen to music on the go. Rap music began to rise in the mainstream, and new wave, soft rock, punk, and electronic music paved the way for the new and edgier sound that emerged from the end of the '70s.
MTV launched in the early '80s and created a revolution in how fans consumed music—thus arose the dawn of the music video. The show The Greatest on MTV's sister channel, VH1, is often considered an important cultural source of the best music and artists in existence. Read on to discover the most popular and best '80s songs on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s list!
VH1's Top 10 Greatest '80s Songs
- "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi (1986)
- "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard (1987)
- "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran (1982)
- "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982)
- "When Doves Cry" by Prince (1984)
- "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" by Hall & Oates (1981)
- "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses (1987)
- "Like a Virgin" by Madonna (1984)
- "Walk This Way" by Run DMC (1986)
- "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC (1980)
1. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi (1986)
"Livin' on a Prayer" is undeniably Bon Jovi's all-time greatest hit and a decade-defining rock classic. It's a karaoke favorite that has been featured in several video games, and Bon Jovi performed an acoustic version in New York as tribute after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
2. "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard (1987)
"Pour Some Sugar on Me" was a chart-topping success from the English new wave heavy metal band Def Leppard. It's the band's signature song, and two different music videos were released.
3. "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran (1982)
"Hungry Like the Wolf" is British new wave band Duran Duran's defining song. Although it didn't achieve commercial success in the U.S. when it was first released, MTV heavily circulated the music video, and it eventually picked up steam and became one of the top smash hits of the '80s.
4. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982)
"Billie Jean," from the all-time bestselling album Thriller, won two Grammy Awards and is often considered one of the greatest songs ever written. The music video is legendary and was the introduction to Jackson's famous moonwalking; it also helped cement MTV's cultural significance throughout the following decades.
5. "When Doves Cry" by Prince (1984)
"When Doves Cry" was the top-selling single of 1984, and the music video, directed by Prince himself, was controversial due to its sexual nature. The song rose in popularity again after Prince's death in 2016 and remains one of his signature songs and a defining smash hit of the '80s.
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6. "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" by Hall & Oates (1981)
"I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" by American pop duo Hall & Oates was a major hit of the '80s; Michael Jackson even admitted to Daryl Hall that he had lifted the bass line from the song for his own smash hit, "Billie Jean" (#4 on this list). The song achieved commercial success on pop music charts as well as R&B charts and has been sampled numerous times.
7. "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses (1987)
"Sweet Child O' Mine" has one of the greatest opening guitar riffs of all time and also features a top-ranked guitar solo. It's American hard rock band Guns N' Roses' only number 1 US single, and the original music video features all of the band members' girlfriends at the time.
8. "Like a Virgin" by Madonna (1984)
"Like a Virgin" was Madonna's first number-one hit in numerous countries and went on to become one of her defining songs that elevated her to the level of pop culture icon. The song is known for its open-ended lyrics, filled with innuendos and open to various interpretations. It has been covered countless times and featured in numerous films and television shows.
9. "Walk This Way" by Run-D.M.C. (1986)
"Walk This Way" was originally written by American rock band Aerosmith and was one of the band's major hits in the 1970s. Run-D.M.C.'s 1986 cover, done in collaboration with Aerosmith, elevated the song to a new level and helped create the new musical subgenre of rap rock.
10. "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC (1980)
"You Shook Me All Night Long" was a smash hit of Australian rock band AC/DC and became a staple in the band's repertoire following its release in 1980 on the album Back in Black. The song was a huge success internationally and is considered to be one of AC/DC's greatest songs of all time.
#11–20
11. "Don't Stop Believing" | Journey | 1981 |
12. "How Will I Know" | Whitney Houston | 1985 |
13. "With or Without You" | U2 | 1987 |
14. "Walk Like an Egyptian" | The Bangles | 1986 |
15. "Jump" | Van Halen | 1984 |
16. "Need You Tonight" | INXS | 1987 |
17. "Here I Go Again" | Whitesnake | 1982 |
18. "Come on Eileen" | Dexy's Midnight Runners | 1982 |
19. "Time After Time" | Cyndi Lauper | 1984 |
20. "Jessie's Girl" | Rick Springfield | 1981 |
#21–30
21. "Beat It" | Michael Jackson | 1982 |
22. "Just Like Heaven" | The Cure | 1987 |
23. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | Cyndi Lauper | 1984 |
24. "Take on Me" | A-Ha | 1985 |
25. "Our Lips Are Sealed" | The Go-Go's | 1981 |
26. "Welcome to the Jungle" | Guns N' Roses | 1987 |
27. "Too Shy" | Kajagoogoo | 1984 |
28. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" | Wham! | 1984 |
29. "Burning Down the House" | Talkign Heads | 1983 |
30. "Love Is a Battlefield" | Pat Benatar | 1983 |
#31–40
31. "Under Pressure" | Queen and David Bowie | (1981) |
32. "Sister Christian" | Night Ranger | (1983) |
33. "Tainted Love" | Soft Cell | 1981 |
34. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" | Poison | (1988) |
35. "In the Air Tonight" | Phil Collins | (1981) |
36. "867-5309/Jenny" | Tommy Tutone | 1981 |
37. "Janie's Got a Gun" | Aerosmith | 1989 |
38. "Pride (In the Name of Love" | U2 | 1984 |
39. "I Melt With You" | Modern English | 1982 |
40. "Love Shack" | The B-52's | 1989 |
#41–50
41. "Dr. Feelgood" | Mötley Crüe | 1989 |
42. "London Calling" | The Clash | 1982 |
43. "Look of Love | ABC | 1982 |
44. "Cruel Summer" | Bananarama | 1984 |
45. "Nasty" | Janet Jackson | 1986 |
46. "Every Breath You Take" | The Police | 1983 |
47. "We're Not Gonna Take It" | Twisted Sister | 1984 |
48. "Born in the U.S.A." | Bruce Springsteen | 1984 |
49. "Fight for Your Right" | Beastie Boys | 1986 |
50. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" | Eurythmics | 1983 |
#51–60
51. "Round and Round" | Ratt (Video) VH1 - 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s - 2009 - Part 1 | 1984 |
52. "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" | Dead or Alive | 1985 |
53. "White Wedding" | Billy Idol | 1988 |
54. "Push It" | Salt-N-Pepa | 1986 |
55. "I Ran (So Far Away)" | A Flock of Seagulls | 1982 |
56. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | Bonnie Tyler | 1983 |
57. "Mickey" | Toni Basil | 1981 |
58. "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" | Culture Club | 1982 |
59. "Jack & Diane" | John Mellencamp | 1982 |
60. "Bust a Move" | Young M.C. | 1989 |
#61–70
61. "Mr. Roboto" | Styx | 1983 |
62. "Take My Breath Away" | Berlin | 1986 |
63. "Whip It" | Devo | 1980 |
64. "Straight Up" | Paula Abdul | 1988 |
65. "I Want to Know What Love Is" | Foreigner | 1984 |
66. "Just Can't Get Enough" | Depeche Mode | 1981 |
67. "Keep on Loving You" | REO Speedwagon | 1980 |
68. "Fight the Power" | Public Enemy | 1988 |
69. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" | R.E.M. | 1980 |
70. "I Love Rock N' Roll" | Joan Jett & The Blackhearts | 1981 |
#71–80
71. "Super Freak" | Rick James | 1981 |
72. "One Thing Leads to Another" | The Fixx | 1983 |
73. "99 Luftballoons" | Nena | 1983 |
74. "Faith" | George Michael | 1987 |
75. "Little Red Corvette" | Prince | 1983 |
76. "She Blinded Me With Science" | Thomas Dolby | 1982 |
77. "Candy Girl" | New Edition | 1983 |
78. "Call Me" | Blondie | 1980 |
79. "Don't You Want Me?" | Human League | 1981 |
80. "It Takes Two" | Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock | 1986 |
#81–90
81. "Word Up!" | Cameo | 1986 |
82. "Tempted" | Squeeze | 1981 |
83. "Kiss" | Prince | 1986 |
84. "All Night Long (All Night) | Lionel Richie | 1983 |
85. "Addicted to Love" | Robert Palmer | 1985 |
86. "I Want Candy" | Bow Wow Wow | 1982 |
87. "Rock Me Amadeus" | Falco | 1986 |
88. "Ain't Nobody" | Chaka Khan | 1989 |
89. "Brass in Pocket" | The Pretenders | 1980 |
90. "Wild Thing" | Tone-Loc | 1989 |
#91–100
91. "Walking on Sunshine" | Katrina and the Waves | 1983 |
92. "You Got It (The Right Stuff" | The New Kids on the Blcok | 1988 |
93. "Cars" | Gary Numan | 1980 |
94. "Start Me Up" | The Rolling Stones | 1981 |
95. "Only in My Dreams" | Debbie Gibson | 1987 |
96. "Down Under" | Men at Work | 1982 |
97. "What I Like About You" | The Romantics | 1980 |
98. "My Prerogative" | Bobby Brown | 1988 |
99. "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" | Wang Chung | 1986 |
100. "Working for the Weekend" | Loverboy | 1981 |
Bryoney on December 30, 2019:
To Ruby and stve mumy and louke louse and shomas Wey mey
Christopher Nowak on November 23, 2019:
HALLELUJAH is also one of my favourites.
It was written in 1984 by Leonard Cohen so I assume that it was still played in the 1980s.
The best version is played by the late JEFF BUCKLEY.
Christopher Nowak on November 23, 2019:
AFRICA (TOTO)
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE? (HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS)
DREAM COME TRUE (FROZEN GHOST).
johannes staaf on August 22, 2019:
ARTISTS SONG ALBUM
TOP 36
01. BROS - WHEN WILL I BE FAMUS 1988 80S
02. DNA & FEATURING SUZANNE VEGA - TOM'S DINERS 1991 90S
03. U2 - STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOCKINGS FOR 1987 80S
04. BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - ONE LOVE 1977 70S
05. BACKSTREET BOY – IF I DON’T HAVE YOU 1997 90S
06. DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS - GENO 1980
07. MEAT LEAF - BAT OUT OF HELL 1979
08. MADONNA - BORDERLINE 1984 80S
09. MOTT THE HOOPLE - AL THE YOUNG DUDES 1972 70S
10. BERLIN - TAKE MY BREATH AWAYS 1986
11. T. REX – 20TH CENYURY BOYS 1997
12. KOOL & THE GANG - CELEBRATION 1980
13. KIM WILDE - KIDS IN AMERICA 1981
14. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - BORN IN THE USA 1984
15. THE KINKS - COME DACING 1983
16. SISTER SLEDGE - FRANKIE 1986
17. FLEETWOOD MAC - BIG LOVE 1987
18. THE CARS - DRIVE 1984
19. NINE SIMONE - MY BABY JUST CARES For ME 1987
20. EXTREME – MORE THAN WORDS 1990 90S
21. THE BOOMTOWN RATS I DON´T LIKE THE MONDAY
22. BOB SINGLAR - LOVE GENERATION 2006 2000S
23. DR BOMBAY - SOS 1998
24. MARIA MCKEE SHOW ME HEAVEN 1990 90S
25. LADY VIOLET - INSIDE TO OUTSIDE 1999 90S
26. IRON MAIDEN - GANGLAND 1982 80S REMASTERED VERSION
27. KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION VERSION 80S KYLIE TWO
28. KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION - AUSTRALIE VERSION REMASTERED 1987 80S
29. WHITNEY HOUSTON - I LEARNED FROM THE BEST 1998 90S
30. METALLICA ENTER SANDMAN 1991 90S
31. DELTA GOODREAM - LOS WITHBOUT YOU 2003 2000S
32. THE HUMANS LEAGUE - TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS 1984 80S
33. SPICE GIRLS MAMA 90S
34. STEPHEN BISHOP LET YOUR HEART REMEMBER 90S
35. BEACH BOYS FUN FUN FUN 1964 REMASTERED 60S
36. MACY GRAY I TRY 90S
FROM INTERNET YOUTUBE
TO
TOP 36
01. BROS - WHEN WILL I BE FAMUS 1988 80S
02. DNA & FEATURING SUZANNE VEGA - TOM'S DINERS 1991 90S
03. U2 - STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOCKINGS FOR 1987 80S
04. BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - ONE LOVE 1977 70S
05. BACKSTREET BOY – IF I DON’T HAVE YOU 1997 90S
06. DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS - GENO 1980
07. MEAT LEAF - BAT OUT OF HELL 1979
08. MADONNA - BORDERLINE 1984 80S
09. MOTT THE HOOPLE - AL THE YOUNG DUDES 1972 70S
10. BERLIN - TAKE MY BREATH AWAYS 1986
11. T. REX – 20TH CENYURY BOYS 1997
12. KOOL & THE GANG - CELEBRATION 1980
13. KIM WILDE - KIDS IN AMERICA 1981
14. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - BORN IN THE USA 1984
15. THE KINKS - COME DACING 1983
16. SISTER SLEDGE - FRANKIE 1986
17. FLEETWOOD MAC - BIG LOVE 1987
18. THE CARS - DRIVE 1984
19. NINE SIMONE - MY BABY JUST CARES For ME 1987
20. EXTREME – MORE THAN WORDS 1990 90S
21. THE BOOMTOWN RATS I DON´T LIKE THE MONDAY
22. BOB SINGLAR - LOVE GENERATION 2006 2000S
23. DR BOMBAY - SOS 1998
24. MARIA MCKEE SHOW ME HEAVEN 1990 90S
25. LADY VIOLET - INSIDE TO OUTSIDE 1999 90S
26. IRON MAIDEN - GANGLAND 1982 80S REMASTERED VERSION
27. KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION VERSION 80S KYLIE TWO
28. KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION - AUSTRALIE VERSION REMASTERED 1987 80S
29. WHITNEY HOUSTON - I LEARNED FROM THE BEST 1998 90S
30. METALLICA ENTER SANDMAN 1991 90S
31. DELTA GOODREAM - LOS WITHBOUT YOU 2003 2000S
32. THE HUMANS LEAGUE - TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS 1984 80S
33. SPICE GIRLS MAMA 90S
34. STEPHEN BISHOP LET YOUR HEART REMEMBER 90S
35. BEACH BOYS FUN FUN FUN 1964 REMASTERED 60S
36. MACY GRAY I TRY 90S
FROM INTERNET YOUTUBE
TO TOP 35
01 Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. ...
02 “Imagine” by John Lennon. ...
03 “Stayin' Alive” by The Bee Gees. ...
04 “You're So Vain” by Carly Simon. ...
05 “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. ...
06 “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John. ...
07 “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. ...
08 “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.
09 AC/DC ROCK & ROLL DAMNATION
10 Al Green Let’s stay together
11 Alicia Bridges I love the nightlife
12 Angels (the) Am I ever gonna see your face again
13 B52s Rock Lobster
14 Superstition - Stevie Wonder
15 Thelma Houston Don’t leave me this way
16 Thin Lizzy The boys are back in town
17 Tina Turner Nutbush
18 Tramps (the) Disco inferno
19 UK Squeeze Cool for Cats
20 David Bowie. ...
21 The Clash. ...
22 Parliament/Funkadelic. ...
23 Curtis Mayfield. ...
24 Pink Floyd. ...
25 Talking Heads. ...
26 Bruce Springsteen.
27 Wild Cherry Play that funky music
28 You Light Up My Life" - Debby Boone. ...
29 Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)" - Rod Stewart. ...
30 Le Freak" - Chic. ...
31 How Deep Is Your Love" - Bee Gees. ...
32 I Just Want To Be Your Everything" - Andy Gibb. ...
33 Silly Love Songs" - Wings. ...
34 Let's Get It On" - Marvin Gaye. ...
35 Night Fever" - Bee Gees.
36 SISTEER SLEDGE WE ARE MY FAMILY
FROM INTERNET YOUTUBE
TO
TOP 36
01. BROS - WHEN WILL I BE FAMUS 1988 80S
02. DNA & FEATURING SUZANNE VEGA - TOM'S DINERS 1991 90S
03. U2 - STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOCKINGS FOR 1987 80S
04. BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - ONE LOVE 1977 70S
05. BACKSTREET BOY – IF I DON’T HAVE YOU 1997 90S
06. DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS - GENO 1980
07. MEAT LEAF - BAT OUT OF HELL 1979
08. MADONNA - BORDERLINE 1984 80S
09. MOTT THE HOOPLE - AL THE YOUNG DUDES 1972 70S
10. BERLIN - TAKE MY BREATH AWAYS 1986
11. T. REX – 20TH CENYURY BOYS 1997
12. KOOL & THE GANG - CELEBRATION 1980
13. KIM WILDE - KIDS IN AMERICA 1981
14. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - BORN IN THE USA 1984
15. THE KINKS - COME DACING 1983
16. SISTER SLEDGE - FRANKIE 1986
17. FLEETWOOD MAC - BIG LOVE 1987
18. THE CARS - DRIVE 1984
19. NINE SIMONE - MY BABY JUST CARES For ME 1987
20. EXTREME – MORE THAN WORDS 1990 90S
21. THE BOOMTOWN RATS I DON´T LIKE THE MONDAY
22. BOB SINGLAR - LOVE GENERATION 2006 2000S
23. DR BOMBAY - SOS 1998
24. MARIA MCKEE SHOW ME HEAVEN 1990 90S
25. LADY VIOLET - INSIDE TO OUTSIDE 1999 90S
26. IRON MAIDEN - GANGLAND 1982 80S REMASTERED VERSION
27. KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION VERSION 80S KYLIE TWO
28. KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION - AUSTRALIE VERSION REMASTERED 1987 80S
29. WHITNEY HOUSTON - I LEARNED FROM THE BEST 1998 90S
30. METALLICA WHEREVER I MAY ROAM 1991 90S
31. DELTA GOODREAM - LOS WITHBOUT YOU 2003 2000S
32. THE HUMANS LEAGUE - TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS 1984 80S
33. SPICE GIRLS MAMA 90S
34. STEPHEN BISHOP LET YOUR HEART REMEMBER 90S
35. BEACH BOYS FUN FUN FUN 1964 REMASTERED 60S
36. MACY GRAY I TRY 90S
FROM INTERNET YOUTUBE
TO
TOP 46
01 DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS - GENO 1980
02 KIM WILDE - KIDS IN AMERICA 1981
03 BERLIN - TAKE MY BREATH AWAYS 1986
04 MADONNA - BORDERLINE 1984 80S
05 KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION - AUSTRALIE VERSION REMASTERED 1987 80S
06 KYLIE MINOGUE - LOCOMOTION VERSION 80S KYLIE TWO
07 THE CARS - DRIVE 1984
08 FLEETWOOD MAC - BIG LOVE 1987
09 U2 - STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOCKINGS FOR 1987 80S
10 BROS - WHEN WILL I BE FAMUS 1988 80S
11 KOOL & THE GANG - CELEBRATION 1980
12 THE HUMANS LEAGUE - TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS 1984 80S
13 WHITNEY HOUSTON HOW WILL I KNOW
14. SISTER SLEDGE - FRANKIE 1986
15 DAVID BOWIE LET'S DANCE
16 MADONNA HOLIDAY
17 CYNDI LAUPER TIME AFTER TIME
18 BON JOVI YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME
19 JOAN JETT I LOVE ROCK & ROLL
20 PRINCE 1999
21 BILLY IDOL MONY MONY
22 WHITESNAKE HERE I GO AGAIN
23 BRYAN ADAMS SUMMER OF '69
24 PAT BENATAR HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT
25 GO-GOS OUR LIPS ARE SEALED
26 GEORGE MICHAEL FAITH
27 HUMAN LEAGUE DON'T YOU WANT ME
28 DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS COME ON EILEEN
29 MICHAEL JACKSON THRILLER
30 SOFT CELL TAINTED LOVE
31 JOHN MELLENCAMP JACK AND DIANE
32 EURYTHMICS SWEET DREAMS
33 SIMPLE MINDS DON'T YOU (FORGET ABOUT ME)
34 B-52S LOVE SHACK
35 PRINCE KISS
36 MADONNA LIKE A PRAYER
37 U2 WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
38 PHIL COLLINS IN THE AIR TONIGHT
39 CYNDI LAUPER GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
40 DURAN DURAN HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF
41 BON JOVI LIVIN' ON A PRAYER
42 RICK SPRINGFIELD JESSIE'S GIRL
43 POLICE EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE
44 JOURNEY DON'T STOP BELIEVIN
45 MICHAEL JACKSON BILLIE JEAN
46 ANTHRAX INDIANS
FROM INTERNET YOUTUBE
TO
TOP 38
01 WHITNEY HOUSTON - I LEARNED FROM THE BEST 1998 90S
02 FOO FIGTHERS EVERLONG 90S
03 MACY GRAY I TRY 90S
04 SPICE GIRLS MAMA 90S
05 DR BOMBAY - SOS 1998
06 BACKSTREET BOY – IF I DON’T HAVE YOU 1997 90S
07 MARIA MCKEE SHOW ME HEAVEN 1990 90S
08 EXTREME – MORE THAN WORDS 1990 90S
09 LISA LEAB – STAY I MISSED YOU
10 NICKELBACK LEFT 90S
11 DNA & FEATURING SUZANNE VEGA - TOM'S DINERS 1991 90S
12 METALLICA ENTER SANDMAN METALLICA 1991 90S
13 MICHEAL JACKSON –BLACK OR WHITE
14 RAGEAGAINST THE MACHINE – KILLING IN THE NAME OF
15 2PAC FT. DR. DRE – C
Roy Rogovy on August 12, 2019:
I get my kicks above the waistline, Sunshine...
will on August 06, 2019:
Drive - Cars should be number 1 but it's not even on this list. Therefore this is poor.
Louise Blainey on July 08, 2019:
Where's Michael Jackson? He had some of the biggest number ones in the 80s. In all decades. Yet you have Debbie bloody Gibson on here which no one would remember. No Michael Jackson???
Louise on July 08, 2019:
Sorry but why is there no Michael Jackson? He had some of the biggest number 1s in the 80s, in every decade actually so why isn't he listed here? I mean you have Debbie Gibson? But no MJ??
omdemelo on July 08, 2019:
Thriller by Michael Jackson should be #1! Since it won so many awards. Thriller was recognized as the world's best-selling album on February 7, 1984, when it was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records. It is one of four albums to be the best-seller of two years (1983–1984) in the US.
Stephen on May 27, 2019:
Not even ONE Bryan Adams... Seriously?
Queen Fan 4691 on April 20, 2019:
Where is fricking Queen?
vijay m trivedi on April 17, 2019:
there r many hits not in the list. whitney Houston - I wanna dance with somebody, phil Collin's sussudio , take on me by a - ha, tina turner's whats love got to do, sledge hammer by ? , and many many more. '80's was the baddest decade of all time. it gave all it had & nothin' kept with it. oh those good ole days will never ever come back.
that's it.
Nick on April 10, 2019:
where's its my life and wanted dead or alive by Bon Jovi? still I agree with most of your choices
Limp Noodle on April 01, 2019:
I can't believe Beds Are Burning isn't on this list.
Dan on March 13, 2019:
"It's The End Of The World As We Know It" by REM was released in 1987 not 1980
Noodle on March 12, 2019:
thanks so much for making this list! but by any chance could you make one just like this one but 70s?
GOTCHA on February 22, 2019:
??????
No Fancy, Miko Mission, Divine, Lime, Erasure, Yazoo, Simply Red, Thompson Twins, Yello, Billy Idol, Jennifer Rush, Tina Turner.......
aytu on January 08, 2019:
COMMENTS HAVE THE BEST SONGS IGNORE LIST :)
Marc on December 19, 2018:
Africa by TOTO and The heat of the moment by Asia
im offended on November 29, 2018:
WHERES AFRICA BY TOTO
jessie vaquez on November 26, 2018:
I did not see any songs by queen
CSL (CrazySharkLady) on November 13, 2018:
I am only 12 years old, but the 60s - 90s music is my favorite kind of music. Through those 40 years, the 80s years were my favorite. Also, the song "Janie Has A Gun" by Aerosmith, I love it! My name is Janie also so yeah. And I know the song is about her dad doing something to her but I do love the song. Thank you for making this list!
Just Some Dude on November 10, 2018:
I have never been a big fan of Madonna, but that woman was huge, in the 1980's. She had a string of the biggest hits that still get a lot of airplay, and only one is in this list? This list is worthless.
Ansuman Mondal on September 28, 2018:
There should the song in this list.
That is,'A different corner 'by George Michael
Sylvia Kaufman on September 24, 2018:
Why isn’t dead mans party on here?!
שמעון כאפה on September 17, 2018:
are you guys nuts?!?!?!
Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
Witschge on August 16, 2018:
Papa don't preach et holiday MADONNA !!!
Dustin on August 10, 2018:
Lol everyone is mad their favourite songs aren't on here. Do you realize how hard it is to narrow down an era of music to just 100 songs?
Argyjr on July 31, 2018:
No Simple Minds "Don't You (Forget About Me)?! Seriously?? Erroneous.
Bryoney on July 03, 2018:
To mumy Bryoney ruby stve and priec and Carla priec and Tina priec
Priec and and Hary heeln toy tom Vivey bev Liam ney Thomas oilex ailex
You oilex ailex meilex ruby stve mumy bryoney Shomas louke louse
cant tell meh name on June 30, 2018:
add eye of the tiger and MORE MICHAEL JACKSON
kfk31 on June 27, 2018:
that god awful song jack and diane is the worst song ever recorded, no matter what era.... are you kidding me! have you every listened to it
??? on June 26, 2018:
Need more michael
Jackson!,!,,!
David achee on June 13, 2018:
No "Don't You"? One of the Best songs of OUR generation.
something on March 13, 2018:
I agree with chris. We need some huey lewis, and outfield in there. Especially David Bowie
Airo on January 30, 2018:
Can't believe What a feeling (Irene Cara) is missing when it's being played at least 5 times a day in VH1Classic... certainly, your list needs a profuse revision! Neverthless, thanks for sharing it. There are great songs that I will add in my 1000 top 80s!
chris on January 09, 2018:
No Huey Lewis, The Outfield, murray head, Dire Straight, Richard Marx, phil Collins-no jackets required album, David Bowie. Were the creators of this list even there.
CLJ on January 05, 2018:
I love these songs so much. My dad grew up in the 70’s and 80’s so he pasted on so many movies and amazing songs! Sometimes I feel self out at school because when I talk about my favorite songs, no one knows what I’m talking about!
Geri on November 13, 2017:
What a memory lane! What fantastic songs. The fact that people comment on songs or artists missing from this list just shows how much great music we had in the 80's!
K.M on November 08, 2017:
Totally agree Mary!! The best!!!!
mary on November 07, 2017:
The best time of my life was 70's and 80's wish that I could go back in time. something that I can't forget!!!
Gab on September 24, 2017:
Owner of a Lonely Heart by YES ???? Where is that song
Petro.botha@mweb.co.za on August 27, 2017:
I loved the programme loved the music never thought killer by Michael Jackson was no. 1 song of 80,s. Where did this list come from
Miguel on August 26, 2017:
I'd add...
I've Been Waiting - Foreigner
Object of My Desire - Starpoint
Head To Toe - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Shout-Tears for Fears
Human - Human League
Maniac - Michael Sembello
Dammit. Ima make my own list. Lol
Konig dave on August 23, 2017:
Bon jovi
Pablo NJ on August 05, 2017:
I loved the music of the Cars surprised not one song. Unforgiveable to leave off this list were Dire Straits - Money for Nothing and Material Girl by Madonna. For chrissake, I heard four radio stations in LA playing Material Girl at the same time. Oh well, no one's perfect.
JP on July 12, 2017:
Maybe everyone complaining about the list should put one together themselves and then we can all criticise that list. Everyone that is criticising should go and find another list that makes you happy,I am sure there is someone else who thinks exactly the way you do and then you can all agree together that you are right. It's so easy to be a critic, it doesn't take much creativity at all. What a bore you supiorior music prats are. You are like a bunch of 3 year olds, and all you have to offer is a tantrum. Grow up. Yes, there are hundreds of omissions, but don't take it all so seriously, it's not life and death, it's just a silly music list.
me on July 03, 2017:
Ever heard of this underground sensation "MICHAEL JACKSON"
YOU SUCK!!!!
Mom on June 04, 2017:
Great songs
Sydney on May 29, 2017:
I loved all the choices! Could have maybe included "Africa" by Toto though....
bob on May 16, 2017:
who made this list? where is EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD BY TEARS FOR FEARS. THAT SHOULD BE NUMBER ONE. AND CARELESS WHISPER?
Judith Williamson on May 03, 2017:
Does anyone know who sang the song with lyrics you send shrivers up and down my spine?
kyle G on April 25, 2017:
I love the 80's back when i was young
Woe on April 17, 2017:
Africa by TOTO
tomas gonzalez on April 11, 2017:
why is there only one queen song!
dont stop me now
we are the champions
killer queen
somebody to love
another one bites the dust
Sharon Buck on March 25, 2017:
Would like to buy this collection
Donald Williams on March 15, 2017:
Karma Chameleon not in your top 100?
jam b on February 20, 2017:
only the young.. Journey
MARK on January 19, 2017:
What an awful list! "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock,
"Word Up!" by Cameo, "Tempted" by Squeeze? Theres about 20 small hits on here, and another 30 that were top 10, so 50 that need replaced by other massive hits. Where's Whats Love Gotta Do With It, Physical, Careless Whisper, We Are The World, On My Own, Waiting For A Girl Like You, Endless Love, heck even Father Figure, Papa Dont Preach, Toy Soldiers, and True Colors belong on here over 50 of these! Ugh... PS If you like hard rock a great album from the 80s is Operation Mindcrime by Queensryche (they did Silent Lucidity).
David Perrins on January 10, 2017:
This list is terrible
mylie kinogue on January 01, 2017:
1 we are the world 2 do they know it's x-mas. richard marx.cars,nik kershaw,howard jones,bryan adams,fleetwood mac,
michael jackson , prince , madonna , cyndi lauper,billy idol, eurythmics,erasure,duran,inxs,phil collins,whitney houston,split enz,crowded house, cure the smiths.
Aubrey Williams on December 30, 2016:
OK. Who created this list? Where is Don Henley, Depeche Mode...I mean I could go on?
Wut on November 15, 2016:
Where is another one bites the dust?
Austin on October 12, 2016:
Where's Purple Rain??? Easily a top 5 song. Great lyrics, great emotion, and an outstanding guitar solo. My opinion Purple Rain is the greatest song ever
Paul on October 05, 2016:
where in the world is "Bad Name" by Bon Jovi! It was certainly a super hit of the 80's
George Morris on July 09, 2016:
Tossed it onto Spotify here - https://open.spotify.com/user/georgehm3/playlist/6...
Christopher from Northridge, CA on November 20, 2015:
There were some good songs on this list, but I'm a bit disappointed with #1. I've never been much of a Bon Jovi fan; there's a lot of better music, especially from the 80s.
nooty on April 02, 2015:
Not a sign of Kate Bush, what a disgrace.
jon_yarbrough@yahoo.com on March 30, 2015:
Corey Hart - Sunglasses at Night?
Glenn Frye - Smuggler's Blues?
Don Henley - Dirty Laundry?
John Fogerty - The Old Man Down The Road?
Taco - Puttin' On The Ritz?
Lita Ford - Kiss Me Deadly?
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust?
The Cutting Crew - I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight?
Blondie - Heart Of Glass?
Blondie - The Tide Is High?
Kenny Loggins - I'm All Right?
Elton John - I'm Still Standing?
Prince - Purple Rain?
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Crimson And Clover?
I could go on, but I'm just getting madder. Lol. Who made this list, Justin Bieber?
Who dat on January 18, 2015:
I thought it was a good list :)
Kim Warwick on November 25, 2014:
What happened to Japan they got to #1 with ghost ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ David Sylvian and Adam & the ants ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Them too
who on June 16, 2014:
maria magdalena?
To AT on April 30, 2014:
No? Stones was 60s and 90s not very much 80s
At on March 24, 2014:
Rolling Stones 'Start Me Up' easily in the top 20.
sweg on March 20, 2014:
i luh it
So Much on February 28, 2014:
So do Madonna, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard and many more!
sage on February 28, 2014:
Michael Jackson so desreves more spots on this!
Wabadabaooo on February 24, 2014:
Chrisphils i just wanna remind you about that Be Gees was grat during the 80s. But its a crime that Bryan Adams and Dire Straits is missing
Everything But That on February 08, 2014:
Well Clarebear im 14 too. I Dont have a problem with this list but come on Final Countdown should really be here. You Got To Agree With that. Also a bit more U2, MJ, Bon Jovi, Van Halen and Def Leppard would be nice
clarebear on February 07, 2014:
I like the list because I think it has all of the best songs, I mean sure there are some good songs missing but honestly these were basesd on votes so if you wanted your song you shoulda voted, and if you didnt then I suggest that you shut yourself right up.
also dont complain because when people that like the lists look at your comments they will start to say bad things about everyone elses comments so you might just be starting something that would have never happened just with your foolish comment.
I my self may be starting something with all of the haters but i just wanted to say what I thought. And I for one just love all of these songs especially with all the 2013 crud. And I am 14 and that is sayting a lot.
chrisphils26 on February 02, 2014:
There are a lot of obvious omissions from this list, but there is no way that Money For Nothing is not on this list, that's ridiculous. Also, no songs by Huey Lewis, Bee Gees, The Cars, Bryan Adams, Toto(Africa), Don Henley (Boys of Summer). Hold Me Now by the Thompson Twins and some other songs probably deserved to make this list over some of the songs on here too.
Ellio on February 02, 2014:
Oj dra mig baklänges va många kommentarer.
Something on January 09, 2014:
Well Stop Complaining But I Got To Agree that some songs misses like:
Final Countdown - Europe
Free Fallin - Tom Petty
Why Cant This Be Love - Van Halen
Is This Love? - Whitesnake
Andrew Winters on August 27, 2013:
No "Blister in the Sun"???? Come on!!
Roberto on August 04, 2013:
Donde està toto?definitivamente deberìan estar en esta lista,no solo por sus èxitos comerciales y esto va para todo mundo y màs para todos los fans,ya que si escuchan todos sus discos se daràn cuenta que tienen muy buenas canciones y como dato adicional les digo que nada màs ni nada menos que el disco màs vendido del "pop" de todos los tiempos que fuè "thriller" by MJ pràcticamente ellos lo hicieron,nada màs para que se den una idea de lo que estamos hablando.Por eso son considerados como "mounstros del rock".
Brandon on July 27, 2013:
Someones has clearly never heard of Metal. Also the 80's were probably the best decade for metal aswell, with albums like Bonded by Blood, Reign in Blood, Screaming for Vengeance, Master of Puppets, The Number of the Beast, Ace of Spades, Peace Sells, Among the Living, The Legacy and PLENTY more. I could very easily make a list of 100 metal songs from the 80 's that are worthy of being on this list.
Ali Torabi from NY on July 21, 2013:
That's Great.Thank u.
Jim on June 13, 2013:
This list is horrendous
Adam on May 30, 2013:
I'm glad they left out Footloose. I hate that song.
Alex m on May 21, 2013:
Where is Toto-Africa?
tim on May 15, 2013:
where is tears for fears shout and everybody wants to rule the world?
Eduardo Ramón McGhaney from Jacksonville, Florida on May 11, 2013:
well at least only (1) Queen Song made this list, "Under Pressure," but there needs to be more Queen Songs like "Another One Bites The Dust," "Radio Gaga," and "One Vision," Freddie Mercury was the best in the early '80s.
None of your beeswax on May 10, 2013:
NOT ENOUGH QUEEN
WHERE WAS "I want it all" "A kind of magic" "Another one bites The dust" "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" "Radio Gaga" "Hammer to fall"
tacitinc on April 20, 2013:
This really brought back some memories lmao i hope ya don't mind if i backlinked from my personal blog http://tacit-inc.com :) love this!!
Eduardo Ramón McGhaney from Jacksonville, Florida on March 29, 2013:
Queen "Under Pressure" Song all the way WOW Yayyyyyy.
Andrei Octavian on March 22, 2013:
where's the police - every breath you take ?
Eduardo Ramón McGhaney from Jacksonville, Florida on March 10, 2013:
The only song I Love is Queen and David Bowie "Under Pressure" Song back in the 80's Freddie Mercury had a great Singing Voice.
Nick on February 28, 2013:
In class
Gonçalo on February 28, 2013:
Really bad this list...I think that the propose was to make like a comercial list of the 80's but even so... per example not considering any theme from The Smihs, Joy Division, Pogues, etc...and considering The New Kids on The Block....
Anonymous on February 19, 2013:
I don't see how "Livin' on a Prayer" is the best song...the number one song should've been a song by an Alternative band, not another teenybopper, Hair Metal band. No offense to Bon Jovi, though, because they aren't too bad. I was just sayin'.
FAQs
What was the number 1 song in the 80s? ›
Number ones
Olivia Newton-John's song, "Physical", was the song which remained the longest at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1980s (10 weeks).
- Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?
- Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Relax.
- Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You.
- Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Two Tribes.
- The Human League - Don't You Want Me?
- Wham - Last Christmas.
- Culture Club - Karma Chameleon.
The 1980s had more than 200 one-hit wonders – ie, acts who made the UK's Top 40 once only in their careers.
What is the most famous one hit wonder? ›| # | ARTIST | TITLE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Del Rio | Macarena [Bayside Boys Mix] |
| 2 | Soft Cell | Tainted Love |
| 3 | Dexy's Midnight Runners | Come on Eileen |
| 4 | Right Said Fred | I'm Too Sexy |
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (10 weeks)
What was the number 1 song in 1985? ›The two longest running number-one singles of 1985 are "We Are the World" by USA for Africa and "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie which each logged four weeks at number-one. "Say You, Say Me" logged two weeks at number-one in 1985 and two more additional weeks in 1986, reaching a total of four.
Who sold most records in 80s? ›- Madonna – True Blue. ...
- U2 – The Joshua Tree. ...
- Phil Collins – No Jacket Required. ...
- Fleetwood Mac – Tango in the Night. ...
- Whitney Houston – Whitney. ...
- Kylie Minogue – Kylie. ...
- Queen – Greatest Hits. ...
- Michael Jackson – Thriller.
The best-selling album relesased in 1980 is THRILLER by MICHAEL JACKSON which sold 66,000,000 copies.
What is the most played song of all time? ›Yet “It's a Small World,” also known as “It's a Small, Small World” and “It's a Small World (After All),” is very likely the most played song in music history — nearly 50 million times.
What is the biggest hit of all time? ›According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
What's the biggest hit of the 80s? ›
| 1 | 1.Olivia Newton-John Physical / The Promise (The Dolphin Song) (1981) [Single] 10 weeks - 1981/82 |
|---|---|
| 9 | 9.Kenny Rogers Lady / Sweet Music Man (1980) [Single] 6 weeks - 1980 |
| 6 weeks - 1980 | |
| 10 | 10.The J. Geils Band Centerfold / Rage in the Cage (1981) [Single] 6 weeks - 1982 |
| 6 weeks - 1982 | |
1. KC and the Sunshine Band - "Please Don't Go" Please Don't Go by KC And The Sunshine Band became the the first No. 1 of the 1980s in the U.S. However, very soon after the song topped the charts the founder, Harry Wayne Casey, decided to break-up the band and concentrate on a pop solo career.
Who has the most Top 40 hits in the 80s? ›Top 80's Performers
Madonna has a combined total of 18 singles in the top 100 songs from 1980 to 1989. She was named “Top Billboard Hot 100 artist of the 1980s” by Billboard Magazine and is also “The Greatest Billboard Hot 100 solo artist of all time”.
The 1970s. The 1970s was the decade that saw the most one-hit wonders make it to the top spot with a total of 23.
What is considered the greatest song ever written? ›"Bohemian Rhapsody," the legendary six-minute single by Queen, is what many call the greatest song ever written. It's still one of the best-selling rock singles of all time, was voted The Song of the Millennium in 2000, and was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the No. 1 song of all time.
What band had the most hits in the 80's? ›Kool & the Gang
1 his, their ripples of popularity reached the Hot 100 on a regular basis. Earning that distinction 18 times with tracks like "Too Hot," "Joanna," and "Get Down on It," Kool & the Gang are a high quality 1980s mainstay.
Michael Jackson's Thriller, estimated to have sold 70 million copies worldwide, is the best-selling album.
What was the number one song of 1986? ›The longest running number-one single of 1983 is "Every Breath You Take" by the Police at eight weeks. That year, 9 acts reached number one for the first time: Toto, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Dexys Midnight Runners, Irene Cara, The Police, Eurythmics, Michael Sembello, and Bonnie Tyler.
What was the number 1 song of 1984? ›Of course Prince clocks in at No. 1 with “When Doves Cry,” which remains one of the most epic songs from his epic career. More surprisingly, three of the top ten songs came from movies — Kenny Loggins' “Footloose,” Phil Collins' “Against All Odds,” and Ray Parker Jr.'s “Ghostbusters.”
Who was the biggest band of the 80s? ›
Bands such as AC/DC, Queen, Def Leppard, Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, Scorpions, Europe, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Poison, Dokken, Whitesnake, and Cinderella were among the most popular acts of the decade.
Who was the biggest rock band in the 80's? ›- Guns N' Roses. From Los Angeles, California, Guns N' Roses is definitely one of the most influential USA rock bands in history. ...
- Metallica. ...
- Van Halen. ...
- R.E.M. ...
- Bon Jovi. ...
- Mötley Crüe. ...
- ZZ Top. ...
- Red Hot Chili Peppers.
George Michael
The record reached No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts, and Michael's reputation as a pop superstar was quickly cemented.
- “Master Blaster (Jammin')” by Stevie Wonder (1980) ...
- “Super Trouper” by Abba (1980) ...
- 3. “ ...
- “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey (1981) ...
- “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates (1981) ...
- “I Love Rock 'n Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (1981) ...
- “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks (1981) ...
- 8. “
The 1984 charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid was the best-selling single of the decade, and also became the biggest selling single of all time in the UK.
What was the 1 song in 1983? ›The longest running number-one single of 1983 is "Every Breath You Take" by the Police at eight weeks. That year, 9 acts reached number one for the first time: Toto, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Dexys Midnight Runners, Irene Cara, The Police, Eurythmics, Michael Sembello, and Bonnie Tyler.
Who has the most UK number 1 hits in the 80s? ›Madonna had six number ones during the 1980s, more than any other artist.