- A year of big hair, bold fashion, and unforgettable music. If you're a child of the 80s, or simply a lover of iconic tunes, then you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the sonic landscape of that incredible year, presenting our definitive ranking of the best songs of 87. From power ballads that tugged at heartstrings to dance tracks that filled the airwaves, 1987 offered an unparalleled variety and sheer musical excellence. Relive the nostalgia, rediscover forgotten gems, or simply experience the magic of a year that shaped a generation's soundtrack. Whether you're looking to build the ultimate 80s playlist or just want to bask in the glory of some seriously awesome music, get ready for a trip down memory lane as we countdown the songs that defined 1987. Prepare to be transported back to a time of vibrant sounds and unforgettable melodies!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Livin' On A Prayer | Bon Jovi | Slippery When Wet | 1B+ |
| 2. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now | Starship | No Protection | 486M+ |
| 3. I Wanna Dance with Somebody | Whitney Houston | Whitney | 461M+ |
| 4. Alone | Heart | Bad Animals | 375M+ |
| 5. Don't Dream It's Over | Crowded House | 268M+ | |
| 6. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For | U2 | The Joshua Tree (Super Deluxe) | 220M+ |
| 7. With Or Without You | U2 | The Joshua Tree (Super Deluxe) | 163M+ |
1. Livin' On A Prayer (Bon Jovi)
Anthemic Chorus: "Livin' on a Prayer" features one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable choruses in rock history, perfectly capturing the spirit of 1987.
Unforgettable Guitar Riff: Richie Sambora's guitar riff is a masterpiece of catchy, memorable rock and roll, instantly transporting listeners back to the decade.
Energetic Rhythm: The driving beat and powerful rhythm section provide an irresistible energy that fueled the song's massive popularity and cemented its place as an 80s anthem.
2. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (Starship)
Power Ballad Perfection: Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" epitomizes the anthemic power ballad sound that defined 1987, perfectly capturing the decade's optimistic spirit.
Unforgettable Vocals: Mickey Thomas's soaring vocals deliver an unforgettable performance, filled with emotion and conviction that resonated deeply with listeners.
Synth-Pop Magic: The infectious synth melodies and driving rhythm create an undeniably catchy and uplifting track, perfectly suited for the upbeat energy of the late 80s.
3. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston)
Upbeat Tempo and Infectious Rhythm: "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" boasts an irresistible beat that perfectly captures the energetic spirit of 1987, making it a quintessential dance track of the era.
Whitney Houston's Powerful Vocals: Houston's incredible vocal range and emotional delivery elevate the song beyond a simple dance tune; her performance is both exhilarating and deeply moving.
Enduring Pop Culture Impact: The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, remaining a staple at parties and celebrations decades after its release, solidifying its place in 80s music history.
4. Alone (Heart - 1987)
Power Ballad Perfection: Heart's "Alone" epitomizes the soaring vocals and emotional depth that defined power ballads in 1987.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable melody and Ann Wilson's emotive delivery cemented "Alone" as a radio staple and a defining track of the era.
Enduring Legacy: Its timeless quality ensured "Alone" transcended its 80s origins, remaining a powerful and resonant song for generations.
5. Don't Dream It's Over
Sound: "Don't Dream It's Over" boasts a shimmering, anthemic quality, driven by its memorable guitar riff and driving rhythm section, perfectly capturing the spirit of 1987.
Vocals: Neil Finn's emotive vocals are both vulnerable and powerful, conveying a sense of longing and bittersweet acceptance that resonated deeply with listeners.
Emotional Impact: The song's blend of melancholy and hope, coupled with its universally relatable themes of loss and perseverance, solidified its place as a defining track of the year.
6. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Sound: The soaring vocals and anthemic quality of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" made it a stadium-ready hit, perfectly capturing the spirit of large-scale concerts in 1987.
Emotional Impact: Its introspective lyrics, exploring themes of faith and searching, resonated deeply with listeners, creating a powerful and memorable listening experience.
Rhythm: The song's driving rhythm, a blend of gospel and rock influences, provided a unique sound for the time, making it both instantly catchy and enduringly popular amongst the best songs of '87.
7. With Or Without You (U2 - 1987)
Anthemic Quality: "With or Without You" boasts a soaring, unforgettable chorus that perfectly encapsulates the yearning and passion of 1987.
Bono's Vocals: Bono's raw, emotionally charged vocals are at their peak, conveying vulnerability and power in equal measure, making it a truly iconic performance of the year.
Enduring Impact: Its simple yet effective structure and emotionally resonant lyrics ensured the song's lasting appeal, cementing its place as a defining track of the decade's sound.
8. Walk Like an Egyptian (The Bangles)
Catchy Hook: "Walk Like an Egyptian" boasts an instantly memorable chorus and playful, repetitive lyrics that cemented its place in 1987's pop landscape.
Unique Sound: The song's distinctive instrumentation, blending pop sensibilities with a unique Middle Eastern-inspired feel, set it apart from other hits of the year.
Enduring Popularity: Its infectious rhythm and easy-to-learn dance moves ensured "Walk Like an Egyptian" remained a radio staple and a cultural touchstone well beyond 1987.
9. Shake You Down
Infectious Groove: "Shake You Down" boasts an irresistible rhythm that perfectly encapsulates the upbeat energy of 1987.
Smooth Vocals: Gregory Abbott's smooth vocals deliver a captivating performance, making the song instantly memorable and incredibly easy to sing along to.
Enduring Appeal: Its blend of pop and R&B elements ensured the song transcended its era, remaining a classic feel-good track that continues to resonate with listeners today.
10. Here I Go Again
Iconic Guitar Riff: Whitesnake's signature sound is all over "Here I Go Again" with a memorable guitar riff that instantly transports you back to 1987.
David Coverdale's Vocals: Coverdale's powerful yet emotive vocals are a key element, perfectly capturing the song's yearning and romantic feel.
Power Ballad Perfection: The song’s masterful blend of hard rock energy and heartfelt balladry solidified its place as a quintessential power ballad of the era, a defining characteristic of 1987's sound.
11I Think We're Alone Now
Tiffany
1987
Tiffany
12Open Your Heart
Madonna
1986
Back To Avalon
13The Time of My Life
Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
1987
14The Way It Is
Bruce Hornsby and the Range
1986
The Way It Is
15Always
Atlantic Starr
1982
16Didn't We Almost Have It All
Whitney Houston
1987
Whitney
17Mony Mony
Billy Idol
1981
18Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Wang Chung
1986
19La Bamba
Los Lobos
1987
Bad Animals
20Head to Toe
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
1987
21Only in My Dreams
Debbie Gibson
1987
22Looking for a New Love
Jody Watley
1987
23C'est La Vie
Robbie Nevil
1987
24Notorious
Duran Duran
1986
25The Lady in Red
Chris de Burgh
1986
26I Want Your Sex
George Michael
1987
27At This Moment
Billy Vera and the Beaters
1987
28Lean on Me
Club Nouveau
1987
29Shakedown
Bob Seger
1987
Against The Wind