Step back in time and crank up the volume! The early 80s – a decade that birthed some of the most iconic and influential music ever created. From synth-pop anthems to power ballads that still move us today, this era left an undeniable mark on the musical landscape. If you're ready to rediscover the magic or introduce a new generation to these timeless classics, then you've come to the right place. This list delves into the electrifying sounds and unforgettable melodies that define the best songs early 80s. We've compiled a definitive selection showcasing the diverse styles and unforgettable artists that dominated the airwaves, guaranteed to take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane (or a thrilling exploration of a musical goldmine if you're new to this era). Get ready to relive the energy and passion of the best music the early 80s had to offer.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Africa | TOTO | Toto IV | 1B+ |
| 2. Eye of the Tiger | Survivor | Working Class Dog | 1B+ |
| 3. Another One Bites The Dust | Queen | The Game (Deluxe Remastered Version) | 638M+ |
| 4. Down Under | Men At Work | Business As Usual | 413M+ |
| 5. Rock with You | Michael Jackson | Off the Wall | 375M+ |
| 6. Celebration |
Kool The Gang | 325M+ | |
| 7. Don't Stop Believin' | Journey | Escape (2022 Remaster) | 305M+ |
1. Africa (TOTO)
Synth Soundscapes: Africa's iconic synthesizers create a lush, expansive soundscape that perfectly captures the yearning and adventurous spirit of the early 80s.
Driving Rhythm: The song's memorable drum beat and bassline provide an irresistible groove that's both instantly catchy and endlessly replayable.
Nostalgic Vocals: Joseph Williams' powerful vocals deliver a passionate performance, evoking a sense of longing and wanderlust that resonates deeply with listeners even today.
2. Eye of the Tiger (Working Class Dog - 1982)
Driving Rhythm: Eye of the Tiger's instantly recognizable beat is a perfect example of the high-energy anthems that defined the early 80s, making it ideal for workouts or powering through a challenging task.
Iconic Vocals: Survivor's powerful vocals and soaring chorus perfectly capture the spirit of determination and triumph, resonating deeply with the decade's aspirational attitude.
Cultural Impact: Its use in the *Rocky III* soundtrack cemented its status as a symbol of perseverance and remains one of the most memorable and impactful rock anthems of the era.
3. Another One Bites The Dust (Queen - 1980)
Driving Beat: Another One Bites the Dust boasts an infectious, relentless bassline that defined the early 80s sound, making it perfect for high-energy workouts or road trips.
Synth-infused Funk: Queen masterfully blended hard rock with funk and synth elements, creating a unique and undeniably catchy track that transcended genre boundaries and remains incredibly danceable.
Enduring Popularity: Its iconic status is cemented by its continued presence in movies, commercials, and popular culture, highlighting its timeless appeal and undeniable impact on music history.
4. Down Under (Men At Work)
Catchy Rhythm: "Down Under" boasts an instantly recognizable, upbeat rhythm that perfectly encapsulates the energetic spirit of the early 1980s.
Iconic Sound: The song's unique blend of new wave and pop, incorporating elements of world music, set it apart from other hits of the era.
Nostalgic Vibe: Its breezy melody and feel-good lyrics evoke a potent sense of nostalgia for the decade, making it a perfect soundtrack for revisiting the sounds of the early 80s.
5. Rock with You (Michael Jackson - 1979)
Infectious Groove: Michael Jackson's "Rock with You" boasts an irresistible bassline and a driving beat that perfectly encapsulates the dance-floor energy of the early 80s.
Smooth Vocals: Jackson's signature smooth vocals are at their peak, delivering effortless cool and undeniable charisma.
Timeless Appeal: The song's sophisticated production and catchy melody ensured its enduring popularity, solidifying its place as an early 80s classic.
6. Celebration (1980)
Upbeat Energy: Kool & The Gang's "Celebration" is pure, infectious energy, perfectly capturing the optimistic spirit of the early 80s.
Funky Groove: The song's irresistible rhythm and memorable horn section make it a dance floor staple, ideal for any 80s-themed party.
Timeless Appeal: Its positive message and undeniable groove transcend the decade, ensuring "Celebration" remains a relevant and uplifting anthem even today.
7. Don't Stop Believin'
Anthemic Power Ballad: "Don't Stop Believin'" perfectly captures the aspirational spirit of the early 80s, its soaring vocals and powerful chorus resonating with a generation dreaming of escape and success.
Synth-Driven Sound: The song's iconic keyboard riff and driving rhythm section are quintessential examples of the decade's burgeoning synth-pop sound, yet retain a timeless quality.
Enduring Popularity: Its use in countless films and television shows, along with its continued radio play, solidifies "Don't Stop Believin'" as a true cultural touchstone of the early 80s.
8. Maneater (Hall ft Oates - 1982)
Smooth Vocals: Daryl Hall's effortlessly cool vocals are a hallmark of the early 80s sound, perfectly capturing the decade's laid-back yet sophisticated vibe.
Catchy Melody: The instantly memorable melody and rhythm are infectious, making "Maneater" a song that gets stuck in your head in the best possible way – a true earworm of the era.
Synth-Pop Influence: The song's subtle yet effective use of synthesizers exemplifies the burgeoning synth-pop sound that defined much of the early 1980s music landscape.
9. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - The Game (Deluxe Remastered Version)
Upbeat Tempo and Catchy Rhythm: Crazy Little Thing Called Love's infectious rockabilly beat instantly transports you back to the early 80s, making it a quintessential track of the era.
Freddie Mercury's Vocals: Mercury's playful and energetic vocals are perfectly suited to the song's lighthearted nature, adding to its irresistible charm.
Nostalgic Appeal: Its simple yet effective structure and undeniable energy cemented its place in 80s pop culture, ensuring its continued relevance today.
10. Sexual Healing (1982)
Sound: "Sexual Healing" boasts a lush, atmospheric soundscape, defined by its iconic synth bassline and subtly layered percussion, perfectly capturing the smooth, seductive vibe of early 80s R&B.
Vocals: Marvin Gaye's soulful vocals are at their peak here, conveying vulnerability and sensuality with effortless grace. His phrasing and delivery are masterful, adding to the song's intimate and captivating quality.
Cultural Impact: Its sensual themes and sophisticated production cemented "Sexual Healing" as a defining track of the early 1980s, influencing countless artists and remaining a timeless classic in the genre.
11Gloria
Laura Branigan
1982
12Bette Davis Eyes
Kim Carnes
1981
Mistaken Identity
13Super Freak
Rick James
1981
Street Songs (Deluxe Edition)
14Call Me
Blondie
1980
Lost in Love
15Keep on Loving You
REO Speedwagon
1980
Hi Infidelity (30th Anniversary Edition)
16Jessie's Girl
Rick Springfield
1981
Working Class Dog
17Tainted Love
Soft Cell
1981
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
18Another Brick in the Wall
Pink Floyd
1979
19Physical
Olivia Newton-John
1981
20Endless Love
Lionel Richie,Diana Ross
1981
211999
Prince
1982
22Funkytown
Lipps Inc.
1980
The Long Run (2013 Remaster)
23Woman in Love
Barbra Streisand
1980
Guilty
24Abracadabra
Steve Miller Band
1982
25I Love Rock 'n' Roll
Joan Jett , the Blackhearts
1981
26Come On Eileen
Dexys Midnight Runners
1982
Too Rye Ay
27Magic
Olivia Newton-John
1980
28Upside Down
Diana Ross
1980
Diana
29Jack and Diane
John Cougar Mellencamp
1982
30Do That to Me One More Time
Captain , Tennille
1980