The 80s was a mediocre time for movies, but the music industry exploded. With the popularity of MTV many songs got a chance they might not have. Many bands popularized their tracks through creative music videos that catapulted their popularity. Yet to this day people argue over what were the best songs of the era. Here we’ll be counting down the top 20 songs from the 80s!
20. What’s Love Got To Do With it? – Tina Turner
What does love have to do with this one? Tina Turner’s hit lead many to reflect on love and those that surrounded them.
19. Karma Chameleon – Culture Club
Like ‘Celebration’, Karma was upbeat, fast, and played for eager listeners everywhere.
18. Call Me – Blondie
The main theme of ‘American Gigolo’ and a hit from the early ’80s. How Blondie’s most famous song not make the list?
17. Celebration – Kool & The Gang
No other song could get the house bouncing faster than ‘Celebration. Upbeat and perfect for a party.
16. Maneater – Daryl Hall & John Oates
Some might give this spot to ‘Kiss on my list’, but ‘Maneater’ made men open their eyes to the true nature of many women in the 80s they would have otherwise fell for.
15. Don’t You Want Me? – The Human League
One of the most successful singles of all time- despite being heavily disliked by Oakey.
14. Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
While most would call ‘Beat it’ MJ’s greatest, many would prefer to give the title to the slick lyrics of ‘Smooth Criminal’.
13. Cars – Gary Numan
People were bending and twisting in 80s clubs to this electrified track. Gary’s voice suited the song perfectly, giving it its unique sound.
12. Every Breath You Take – The Police
Sting’s collapsing marriage inspired this sinister ‘love’ song. The haunting melody remains a favorite of fans to this day.
11. Ballroom Blitz – Krokus
A barrage of bottles from the Great Hall of the Palace Theater led to this song’s birth.
10. Maniac – Michael Sembello
Originally a song about a serial killer, it was later remade into a track about a dancer to be more… commercial.
9. Straight Up – Paula Abdul
Before arriving on American Idol, everyone remembered her for this 80s song.
8. Final Countdown – Europe
Like a lesser version of ‘Eye of the Tiger’, this one is great for inspiring listeners to do their best.
7. Land Down Under – Men At Work
Like the ‘Safety Dance’, this one made people took people away with its unique tone and lyrics.
6. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
This classic released on ‘Too-Rye-Ay’- people always remember the trademark lyrics that come in at one minute through the song.
5. I Ran – Flock of Seagulls
Much of its early popularity came from the music video, in which the band members performed in a room covered in aluminum foil and mirrors.
4. Eye of The Tiger – Survivor
Inspirational is a understatement. When people hear ‘Eye of the Tiger’, they’re prompted to try their hardest like Rocky or Little Mac. You’ll overcome any obstacle with Survivor’s help.
3. You Spin Me Round – Dead or Alive
Considered the greatest hit and accompanying video from ‘Dead or Alive. The video has no coherent story but has impressive visuals that fit with the song.
2. Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
There was something about that red hair and those surreal lyrics that made people fall in love with ‘Sweet Dreams. It remains an 80s classic that deserves more credit than it’s given.
1. Sunglasses At Night – Corey Hart
Although Europe didn’t appreciate it, ‘Sunglasses’ conveyed a message against totalitarian governments, enlightened romantics, and urged many to put their sunglasses on at night. Some have been wearing them since ’83.
