Best 80s Songs

Top 10 Contents[]

Best 80s Songs

Good music does not wear off with years. It stays on to deliver the message and pass on the legacy behind epic lyrics and melodic sound. 80’s songs are something that’s off the radar but yet commonly known about older people or those who are really into the music world. The 1980s are famous for being the time when people started to feel more lively again, embracing the disco genre of music. 80s songs are not limited by the type of music, as there was no standard of what to listen to. Jazz, rock, metal and disco were almost equally popular among the people, therefore a great diversity was encouraged, allowing us to hear some amazing tracks of many different genres. The music of that decade was also named the most popular among the European citizens, indicating the huge impact on culture and everyday lives. This RankTopTen chart will allow you to decide which are the best 80s songs that have ever made it to our ears.

We were working hard to put a number of representatives of very different genres into this 80s songs list, simply so anyone could find someone that matches the taste. That period has given some of the best Michael Jackson hits to us, great metal from Ozzy Osbourne and impressive pop by Madonna.

Metallica, Bon Jovi, A-HA, all of these guys are there, waiting for you to vote for them and show the support for the mark they have managed to leave in our history. Now it is time to define top 80s songs in cooperation with hundreds of thousands of fans around the world. Take a look at the ranking, vote and leave the comments that describe your opinion on the artists.

Take on Me - A-ha

80’s songs were often inspired by synthpop and this one happened to become legendary. It won the top spots in major charts and sold more than 7 million copies, making it one of the most commercially successful singles. A lot of modern memes also use this iconic song, mixing the generations and their experience.

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

A second single from the almighty album Thriller. It was released just before the Beat It and became one of the best 80s songs. The song shared high spots in major charts with other MJ releases and was about the groupies - loyal fans of the music bands and Jackson in particular.

Beat It - Michael Jackson

When someone’s talking about top 80’s songs, then Beat It is guaranteed to pop up in the conversation. A third single from the Thriller album, it was released in 1983 and gained instant recognition. The song condemns violence and gang wars as it was a personal and a very sensitive issue for MJ.

Sweet Child of Mine - Guns N Roses

Originating from a simple guitar exercise and an hour of jamming, it quickly grew to be one of the 80’s songs to remember for ages. It is based on the girlfriend of the lead vocalist, Axl Rose and includes some words that Rose was repeating while searching for something to do at the breakdown.

Heaven Is a Place On Earth - Belinda Carlisle

Jump - Van Halen

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

80s songs are known for their power, motivation and meaning. Same goes for this one, a.k.a. “that song from Rocky III”. It earned a huge popularity with 2 million vinyl copies alone sold and another 4 million of downloads as of 2015. It has the power, the rhythm and gives us the boost we need.

Thriller - Michael Jackson

Summer Of '69 - Bryan Adams

Best 80s songs incorporate a number of powerful topics and add catchy and meaningful music to it. Bryan Adams describes this song as an ode to his nostalgia, the dissolution of Beatles, the moon landing, the discovery of sex and cultural revolution. This song contains Adams’ history as he sees it and feels about it.

Livin' On a Prayer - Bon Jovi

It would be wrong not to include Livin’ on a Prayer among top 10 songs of all time, especially given that it led Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track found a lot of fans among working class, as the lyrics are about a couple in love, which has to work hard to make ends meet.

Uptown Girl - Billy Joel

Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes

The Final Countdown - Europe

Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears

Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler

Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N Roses

This is a great example of how 80’s songs cling to our souls and rarely let go, even after 30 years. It was written in approximately three hours. According to the musicians, the song is sort of an autobiography and a depiction of Seattle, where Axl Rose wrote the lyrics. It is also a live opener.

Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne

The song, which takes 9th place in the list of metals on the VH1 version. It is hard to mention all the awards of this musical masterpiece, as well as its use as soundtracks for movies, games, and advertisements. Crazy Train without exaggeration is Ozzy Osbourne’s business card that still occupies the leading position in hearts of many metal fans.

Fade In Black - Metallica

Fade in Black is one of the most famous lyrical metal songs in the world. Metallica created it in not the easiest time of their life, and its melancholy mood still affects us. The change between quiet melody and dramatically expressive sounds is so harmonious that it does not leave indifferent even those who do not like metal.

Alone - Heart

80s songs are famous for their powerful message and this love ballad is just one of them. It was released in 1987 as a part of Bad Animals album. It earned a great reception and remains one of the classic love songs and retains a pivotal position in the development of music industry.

If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher

Paradise City - Guns N Roses

Hunting High and Low - A-Ha

Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran

When Doves Cry - Prince

Papa Don't Preach - Madonna

Like A Prayer - Madonna

Listen to Your Heart - Roxette

Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

Train of Thought - A-Ha

Every Breath You Take - The Police

I Want It All - Queen

Back In Black - AC/DC

Master of Puppets - Metallica

Master of Puppets takes the 33rd place in 100 best metal songs by Rolling Stone magazine. Filled with deep meaning text can be interpreted differently, but it inspires people to rethink their lives. The song received several prestigious awards; it is one of the longest tracks in the whole Metallica’s repertoire.