Relive the electrifying sounds of 1984! This year wasn't just about the Olympics and the release of Apple's Macintosh; it was a monumental year in music, shaping the soundscape of a generation. If you're a music lover yearning for a nostalgic trip back to the decade of big hair and even bigger hits, then you've come to the right place. This definitive list tackles the question on everyone's mind: What are the best songs of 84? We've delved deep into the archives, considering chart toppers, critical darlings, and enduring classics to bring you a curated selection that captures the vibrant energy and diverse styles that defined 1984's musical landscape. Prepare to rediscover forgotten gems and belt out the lyrics to anthems you thought you'd never hear again. Get ready for a blast from the past that will have you reaching for your boombox (or your Spotify playlist!).
Pop Anthems That Defined the 80s Music Scene
These pop classics dominated the charts and became cultural staples. 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' by Cyndi Lauper became an anthem for female empowerment, while 'Karma Chameleon' by Culture Club showcased the vibrant energy of the era.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Cyndi Lauper
1983
She's So Unusual
Karma Chameleon
Culture Club
1983
True Blue
Time After Time
Cyndi Lauper
1983
She's So Unusual
Hello
Lionel Richie
1984
Ghostbusters
Ray Parker Jr.
1984
The Runaways
Rock and New Wave Hits That Shaped the Sound of 1984
Rock and new wave flourished in 1984, with Bruce Springsteen’s 'Dancing In the Dark' leading the charge. Yes' 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' brought progressive rock into the mainstream, while Prince’s 'Let's Go Crazy' showcased his electrifying style.
Dancing In the Dark
Bruce Springsteen
1984
Born In The U.S.A.
Owner of a Lonely Heart
Yes
1983
Let's Go Crazy
Prince
1984
The Reflex
Duran Duran
1984
Dance and Funk Tracks That Kept the Party Going
These dance-floor favorites kept the energy high, with Van Halen’s 'Jump' delivering an iconic synth riff and Lionel Richie’s 'All Night Long' bringing infectious grooves.
Jump
Van Halen
1984
1984 (Remastered)
All Night Long
Lionel Richie
1992
White Feathers
Footloose
Kenny Loggins
1984
4 (Expanded)
Let's Hear It for the Boy
Deniece Williams
1984
Metal Health
Soulful Ballads That Captured the Heart of the 80s
The 80s were rich with emotional ballads, including Tina Turner’s 'What's Love Got to Do with It' and Stevie Wonder’s 'I Just Called to Say I Love You,' both of which became timeless classics.
What's Love Got to Do with It
Tina Turner
1993
Private Dancer (30th Anniversary Issue)
I Just Called to Say I Love You
Stevie Wonder
1984
Against All Odds
Phil Collins
1984
Face Value (Deluxe Editon)
Missing You
John Waite
1984
Synth-Pop and Electronic Tracks That Defined the Era
Synth-pop was at its peak in 1984, with Rockwell’s 'Somebody's Watching Me' delivering eerie electronic vibes and Nena’s '99 Luftballons' becoming an international hit.
Somebody's Watching Me
Rockwell
1984
99 Luftballons
Nena
1983
Break My Stride
Matthew Wilder
1983
Iconic Duets and Collaborations That Made History
Collaborations were a major trend, with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson’s 'Say Say Say' blending pop and R&B, while Dan Hartman’s 'I Can Dream About You' became a soulful hit.
Say Say Say
Michael Jackson,Paul McCartney
1983
Pipes Of Peace
I Can Dream About You
Dan Hartman
1984