Turn back the clock and crank up the volume! Get ready for a nostalgic journey through the decade of big hair, bold fashion, and unforgettable music. This ultimate countdown of the best songs of the 1980s, your guide to the 80s greatest hits, is designed for anyone who lived through the era or simply loves the iconic sounds of synth-pop, hair metal, and new wave. From power ballads that stirred hearts to dance anthems that lit up the dance floors, the 80s left an undeniable mark on music history. Whether you're reliving your youth or discovering these classic tracks for the first time, this list of the best songs of 1980s 80s greatest hits promises to reignite your passion for a generation's soundtrack. Prepare for a wave of memories, a rush of excitement, and a soundtrack you won't soon forget! Let’s dive into the ultimate 80s playlist!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Take on Me | a-ha | Hunting High and Low | 2B+ |
| 2. Sweet Child O' Mine | Guns N' Roses | Appetite For Destruction | 2B+ |
| 3. Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | Thriller | 2B+ |
| 4. Never Gonna Give You Up | Rick Astley | Whenever You Need Somebody | 2B+ |
| 5. Girls Just Want to Have Fun | Cyndi Lauper | She's So Unusual | 1B+ |
| 6. Every Breath You Take | The Police | Synchronicity (Remastered 2003) | 1B+ |
| 7. Careless Whisper | George Michael | 1B+ |
1. Take on Me (a-ha - 1984)
Synth-Pop Perfection: a-ha's "Take On Me" epitomizes the vibrant synth-pop sound of the 1980s, with its iconic, instantly recognizable melody.
Groundbreaking Music Video: The innovative, animated music video was a pop culture phenomenon, further cementing the song's place in 80s history.
Enduring Legacy: Its catchy hook and memorable chorus continue to resonate with audiences, making it a true classic of the decade.
2. Sweet Child O' Mine (Appetite For Destruction - 1987)
Iconic Guitar Riff: Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine" is instantly recognizable thanks to Slash's legendary guitar intro, a defining sound of the 80s hard rock scene.
Unmistakable Vocals: Axl Rose's powerful and emotive vocals perfectly complement the song's energy and romantic lyrics, making it a timeless classic.
Enduring Popularity: Its consistent radio play and enduring presence in pop culture solidify "Sweet Child o' Mine" as a true 80s anthem that continues to resonate with generations.
3. Billie Jean (Thriller - 1982)
Iconic 80s Groove: Billie Jean's instantly recognizable bassline and crisp drum beat remain a cornerstone of 80s pop, defining the era's slick production style.
Michael Jackson's Vocal Prowess: Jackson's powerful yet controlled vocals showcase his unmatched talent, delivering both vulnerability and intensity in the song's narrative.
Enduring Cultural Impact: The music video, a masterpiece of storytelling and visual innovation, cemented Billie Jean's place in pop culture history, influencing countless artists and videos that followed.
4. Never Gonna Give You Up
Synth-Pop Perfection: Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" showcases the quintessential 80s synth-pop sound, with its infectious melody and driving beat.
Unforgettable Vocals: Astley's smooth, powerful vocals are instantly recognizable and contribute significantly to the song's enduring appeal.
Timeless Charm: This track transcends its era, remaining a catchy and enjoyable listen even decades later, solidifying its place among the 80s greatest hits.
5. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Synth-Pop Anthem: Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" perfectly encapsulates the vibrant synth-pop sound of the 1980s, with its infectious melodies and driving beat.
Unforgettable Vocals: Lauper's distinctive, powerful vocals are instantly recognizable and add an extra layer of energy to the already upbeat track.
Enduring Legacy: Its catchy chorus and empowering message continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place as an 80s classic and a testament to the decade's innovative music scene.
6. Every Breath You Take (The Police)
Iconic 80s Sound: Every Breath You Take's instantly recognizable reggae-infused synth-pop sound perfectly encapsulates the decade's musical landscape.
Sting's Unforgettable Vocals: Sting's smooth yet subtly menacing vocals deliver a captivating performance, adding to the song's enduring appeal.
Enduring Popularity: Its catchy melody and relatable themes of obsession and surveillance cemented its place as an 80s classic and a staple on any greatest hits playlist.
7. Careless Whisper - 1984
Iconic Saxophone Solo: Careless Whisper's instantly recognizable saxophone riff is a defining feature of 80s music, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity and placement among the decade's greatest hits.
Smooth Vocals and Lyrical Storytelling: George Michael's emotive vocals perfectly convey the song's themes of betrayal and regret, creating a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners even today.
Unforgettable Melody: The song’s memorable melody and structure cemented its place in pop culture history, making it a staple on 80s playlists and a testament to the era's musical landscape.
8. The Final Countdown - The Final Countdown (Expanded Edition)
Anthemic Power Ballad: "The Final Countdown" isn't just a song; it's an 80s experience. The soaring vocals and dramatic build-up perfectly capture the decade's larger-than-life energy.
Synth-Driven Majesty: Europe masterfully weaves synthesizers into a powerful soundscape that remains instantly recognizable and undeniably infectious.
Enduring Legacy: Its memorable chorus and iconic intro continue to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place as a true 80s anthem that transcends generations.
9. Livin' On A Prayer (Bon Jovi)
Anthemic Power Ballad: Livin' on a Prayer perfectly encapsulates the soaring, stadium-ready sound of 80s rock, a testament to Bon Jovi's songwriting prowess.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable chorus and catchy guitar riff cemented this song's place in popular culture, making it a true singalong classic.
Enduring Legacy: Its powerful message of perseverance and hope continues to resonate with listeners decades later, solidifying its status as an 80s icon.
10. Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983)
Power Ballad Perfection: Bonnie Tyler's soaring vocals and the song's dramatic build make "Total Eclipse of the Heart" a quintessential 80s power ballad.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable melody and chorus are pure earworm magic, ensuring its place in 80s music history.
Nostalgic Resonance: Its iconic music video and enduring popularity solidify its status as a defining track of the decade's romantic soundscape.
11Eye of the Tiger
Survivor
1982
Working Class Dog
12Africa
TOTO
1982
Toto IV
13Karma Chameleon
Culture Club
1983
True Blue
14Another One Bites The Dust
Queen
1980
The Game (Deluxe Remastered Version)
15Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Wham!
1984
16I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Whitney Houston
1987
Whitney
17Take My Breath Away
Berlin
1986
Slippery When Wet
18Don't You
Simple Minds
1985
Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe)
19Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
1981
Escape (2022 Remaster)
20You Spin me 'round
Dead Or Alive
1985
21Jump
Van Halen
1984
1984 (Remastered)
22Man in the Mirror
Michael Jackson
1987
Bad 25th Anniversary
23Pour Some Sugar On Me
Def Leppard
1987
Hysteria (Super Deluxe)
24Should I Stay or Should I Go
The Clash
1982
Combat Rock (Remastered)
25Like a Virgin
Madonna
1985
Like a Virgin
26Footloose
Kenny Loggins
1984
4 (Expanded)
27Rock You Like A Hurricane
Scorpions
1984
Love At First Sting
28Faith
George Michael
1987
Faith
29Under Pressure
David Bowie,Queen
1981
Hot Space (Deluxe Remastered Version)