29 Best 80s Songs of All Time: A Definitive Playlist

The 1980s. A decade of big hair, bold fashion, and even bolder music. For many, it represents the soundtrack of their youth, a time of unforgettable anthems and iconic artists. But sifting through the vast catalog of 80s music to find the truly best songs of all time 80s can feel overwhelming. This isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a journey through a pivotal era in music history, exploring the sounds that shaped generations and continue to resonate today. Whether you're a seasoned 80s aficionado or a curious newcomer, this definitive list promises a vibrant rediscovery (or discovery!) of the decade's most unforgettable tracks. Prepare to relive the energy, the passion, and the pure, unadulterated brilliance of some of the greatest songs ever recorded. Get ready to crank up the volume and let the 80s reign supreme!

Timeless Rock Anthems That Defined the 80s

These rock anthems were stadium-filling powerhouses that defined the '80s music scene. From Bon Jovi's 'Livin' On A Prayer' to Journey's unforgettable 'Don't Stop Believin',' these songs captured the energy and emotion of the era.

  • Sweet Child O' Mine

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    Guns N' Roses

    1987

    Appetite For Destruction

  • Livin' On A Prayer

    Livin' On A Prayer

    Bon Jovi

    1986

    Slippery When Wet

  • Another One Bites The Dust

    Another One Bites The Dust

    Queen

    1980

    The Game (Deluxe Remastered Version)

  • Don't Stop Believin'

    Don't Stop Believin'

    Journey

    1981

    Escape (2022 Remaster)

  • With Or Without You

    With Or Without You

    U2

    1987

    The Joshua Tree (Super Deluxe)

Synth-Pop & New Wave Classics That Ruled the Charts

The 80s was the golden age of synth-pop and new wave, bringing danceable beats and catchy hooks. Tracks like 'Take on Me' by A-ha and 'Never Gonna Give You Up' by Rick Astley are among the most iconic pop hits of the decade.

  • Take on Me

    Take on Me

    a-ha

    1984

    Hunting High and Low

  • Never Gonna Give You Up

    Never Gonna Give You Up

    Rick Astley

    1987

    Whenever You Need Somebody

  • Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

    Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

    Wham!

    1984

  • You Spin me 'round

    You Spin me 'round

    Dead Or Alive

    1985

  • Tainted Love

    Tainted Love

    Soft Cell

    1981

    Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret

Powerful Ballads and Emotional Masterpieces That Resonated

These songs tugged at the heartstrings and became some of the most enduring emotional ballads of all time. 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and 'Careless Whisper' remain powerful, soul-stirring classics of the 80s.

  • Every Breath You Take

    Every Breath You Take

    The Police

    1983

    Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)

  • Careless Whisper

    Careless Whisper

    George Michael

    1984

  • Total Eclipse of the Heart

    Total Eclipse of the Heart

    Bonnie Tyler

    1983

  • Take My Breath Away

    Take My Breath Away

    Berlin

    1986

    Slippery When Wet

Pop Icons & Dancefloor Hits That Got Everyone Moving

From Michael Jackson’s 'Billie Jean' to Whitney Houston’s 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody,' these pop hits defined the dancefloors of the 80s and showcased the era’s greatest pop icons.

  • Billie Jean

    Billie Jean

    Michael Jackson

    1982

    Thriller

  • Girls Just Want to Have Fun

    Girls Just Want to Have Fun

    Cyndi Lauper

    1983

    She's So Unusual

  • I Wanna Dance with Somebody

    I Wanna Dance with Somebody

    Whitney Houston

    1987

    Whitney

  • Like a Prayer

    Like a Prayer

    Madonna

    1989

    Faith

  • Man in the Mirror

    Man in the Mirror

    Michael Jackson

    1988

    Bad (Remastered)

Rock Legends and Musical Giants That Made History

Rock icons like Prince, Queen, and Van Halen dominated the decade with their legendary hits. 'Purple Rain' and 'Under Pressure' were masterclasses in musical brilliance that solidified their place in history.

  • Eye of the Tiger

    Eye of the Tiger

    Survivor

    1982

    Working Class Dog

  • Purple Rain

    Purple Rain

    Prince

    1984

    Purple Rain

  • Jump

    Jump

    Van Halen

    1984

    1984 (Remastered)

  • Rock the Casbah

    Rock the Casbah

    The Clash

    1982

    Combat Rock (Remastered)

  • Under Pressure

    Under Pressure

    David Bowie,Queen

    1981

    Hot Space (Deluxe Remastered Version)