The music of the 80’s certainly has its fans especially among those who were in high school and college during those years like me. I have put together a list of the top 20 eighties party songs. This list is generated based on great memories of both the author and personal friends. All of the songs can be downloaded via itunes.
Burning down the house- by The Talking Heads
Released in 1983 this song shot to #9 on the billboard charts. David Byrne had an edgy vocal sound that Americans found very cool.
Mony Mony- by Billy Idol
This cover of a Tommy James and the Shondels song was an 80’s party must have, it definitely got people pumped up.
Going back to Cali- by LL Cool J
Yes I admit it after five beers singing along thinking I was so cool. “Heels tall, bikini small…”.
Relax-by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
A very cool 80’s dance mix that was sure to get the ladies out on the dance floor.
1999- By Prince
It may have been titled “1999” but this song by Prince came out in 1983 and was extremely popular shooting to #12 on the Billboard Charts.
Rock Lobster-by The B52’s
Bizarre yes, but a ton of fun too! The B52’s were definitely a little different but their music made people want to get their groove on.
Whip it-by Devo
You can’t really say the phrase 80’s music without mentioning Devo. This punk/new wave hybrid was very influential on emerging new wave bands.
Brass Money-by the Beastie Boys
That Funky Monkey! The Beastie Boys had a bunch of 80’s music hits many of which could be on this list.
Safety Dance-by Men without hats
This was the 80’s version of YMCA. I am sure you can remember singing along?
Mexican Radio-by the Wall of Voodoo
With lyrics like “I wish I was in Tijuana eating barbequed Iguana” this song was destined to be a cult classic.
We got the beat-by the Go Go’s
Although for the Go Go’s fame did not last as long as they might have liked this song left a lasting impression on the 80’s music scene.
I Love Rock and Roll-by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Put another dime in the juke box baby and crank up the volume why you are at it!
Blister in the Sun-by the Violent Femmes
This was more an underground favorite, unfortunately for the Femmes this album took 10 years to go platinum!
Push it-by Salt and Pepa
Push it real good! This one always got the ladies to shake it up on the dance floor.
I melt with you-by Modern English
This song didn’t stop the world in fact it helped get the party started.
Paradise City-by Guns and Roses
Guns and Roses is hard rocking party music pure and simple. This stuff never dies.
Jump-by Van Halen
What 80’s Party music list would be complete with out some Van Halen?
Los Angeles-by X
X was a serious punk innovator; this song definitely has to make the list. You can still catch these guys touring occasionally. I have seen them twice at the House of Blues in Orange County.
Blue Monday-by New Order
I can still hear the keyboard riffs banging away in my head. The 80’s saw the birth of new wave and let’s face it New Order was at the core of the New Wave genre.
I ran-by Flock of Seagulls
Great tune still gets play on radio today.
This is only a partial list as most of these artists had several songs that came out in the 80’s that could have easily been listed on any 80’s party song website. However
Information regarding recording sales and billboard rankings was attained from the following sources:
Billboard.com
Wikipedia.com
