Best 80s Songs: Add This Playlist To Your Library Now!
Ever wonder how a decade defined by big hair, neon, and synthesized sounds could simultaneously birth some of the most enduring musical anthems of all time? The 1980s weren't just a phase; they were a sonic revolution, a period where music became as vibrant and unapologetic as the fashion.
The era's musical landscape was a fascinating dichotomy. On one hand, you had the slick production and polished sheen of pop music, designed to dominate the airwaves and MTV. On the other, the raw energy of rock and the experimental spirit of new wave created a rich tapestry of sound. This decade saw the rise of iconic artists who would go on to define generations, their music becoming the soundtrack to countless memories. Picture a stereo on the shelf, a stack of dubbed tapes, and an empty afternoon with nowhere else to be some days just sorted themselves out. The music didn't feel like a soundtrack; it was more like an environment. Like wallpaper in a room you didn't decorate but grew to understand.
This wasn't just about the songs; it was about the feeling they evoked. Whether it was the dance-floor euphoria of Madonna, the stadium rock anthems of AC/DC, or the soulful ballads of Whitney Houston, the 1980s offered something for everyone. The decade's impact is undeniable; the music continues to resonate, influencing artists and inspiring listeners of all ages. These aren't just songs; they are portals to a time of unbridled creativity and cultural transformation. Finding the best 80s music involves a journey through the decade's greatest hits.
Let's take a look at some of the main artists of the decade, with focus on some of the defining figures:
| Artist | Birth Name | Born | Died | Genre | Key Hits | Notable Achievements | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson | Michael Joseph Jackson | August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, USA | June 25, 2009, Los Angeles, California, USA | Pop, R&B, Dance | "Billie Jean", "Beat It", "Thriller", "Man in the Mirror" | Highest number of top hits at the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1980s (9 songs). Remained longest at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1980s (27 weeks). Winner of numerous Grammy Awards and a global icon. | Official Website |
| Madonna | Madonna Louise Ciccone | August 16, 1958, Bay City, Michigan, USA | - | Pop, Dance, Electronic | "Like a Virgin", "Material Girl", "Papa Don't Preach", "Like a Prayer" | Most successful female artist of the 1980s, with 7 songs and 15 weeks atop the chart. Known for her boundary-pushing music videos and stage performances. | Official Website |
| Prince | Prince Rogers Nelson | June 7, 1958, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA | April 21, 2016, Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA | Pop, R&B, Funk, Rock | "Little Red Corvette", "1999", "Purple Rain", "Kiss" | Grammy and Academy Award winner. Prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for his innovative sound. | Official Website |
| Whitney Houston | Whitney Elizabeth Houston | August 9, 1963, Newark, New Jersey, USA | February 11, 2012, Beverly Hills, California, USA | Pop, R&B, Gospel | "Saving All My Love for You", "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)", "So Emotional", "I Will Always Love You" | One of the best-selling music artists of all time. Known for her powerful voice and vocal range. | Official Website |
| AC/DC | - | Formed: November 1973, Sydney, Australia | - | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | "Back in Black", "Highway to Hell", "You Shook Me All Night Long", "Thunderstruck" | Multi-platinum selling band. Known for their high-energy live performances and enduring influence on rock music. | Official Website |
The best 80s songs weren't just about the music itself. They represented a cultural shift. The rise of MTV was a game-changer, turning music videos into an art form. Artists meticulously crafted visuals to accompany their music, creating a symbiotic relationship that propelled songs to even greater heights. A snare drum loaded with reverb. A guitar line that's tight and powerful. These were the sonic signatures of an era, defining its energy and capturing its essence.
A stereo on the shelf, a stack of dubbed tapes, and an empty afternoon with nowhere else to be some days just sorted themselves out. The music didn't feel like a soundtrack; it was more like an environment. Like wallpaper in a room you didn't decorate but grew to understand. These weren't songs that made you feel; they became the very fabric of your experience.
Consider the impact of synthesizers, the evolution of drum machines, and the way recording techniques transformed the sonic landscape. The '80s were a playground for experimentation, where artists pushed boundaries and embraced innovation. The production quality was often bold and clean, in many cases, this created the distinctive and instantly recognizable sound that still resonates today.
The list of iconic artists and hits is vast. From the pop perfection of Michael Jackson to the new wave cool of The Cure, the diversity of sounds makes it easy to create the best of 80s music playlist. The 1980s was a period of rapid change. Whether it was the rise of hip-hop, the popularity of hair metal, or the continued evolution of rock and pop, this decade's music continues to have influence.
The '80s were about more than just the chart-toppers. Hidden gems and cult classics also thrived, representing the vastness of the era's creativity. From the politically charged lyrics of artists like U2 to the experimental sounds of bands like My Bloody Valentine, the 80s songs list offers a journey of discovery.
The influence of the 1980s can be heard in contemporary music. Many modern artists cite the 80s as a major influence, and its sound and style continue to be reinterpreted and sampled. The legacy of the 1980s music is ongoing.
The appeal of 80s music is timeless, and the decade's greatest hits will continue to find new audiences. The music didn't feel like a soundtrack; it was more like an environment. The 80s songs list is a testament to the period's innovative and influential music, with songs from the 80s continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The following table outlines some of the common musical characteristics:
| Musical Characteristic | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Synthesizers | Prevalent use of synthesizers to create unique sounds, pads, and leads. | "Take On Me" (A-ha), "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (Eurythmics) |
| Drum Machines | Widespread use of electronic drum machines, creating a distinct, often processed, drum sound. | "Don't You Want Me" (The Human League), "Billie Jean" (Michael Jackson) |
| Reverb and Echo | Extensive use of reverb and echo effects on vocals, drums, and instruments. | "Every Breath You Take" (The Police), "Heaven is a Place on Earth" (Belinda Carlisle) |
| Layered Vocals | Complex vocal arrangements with layered harmonies and backing vocals. | "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen though from the 70s, it influenced 80s vocal styles), "Like a Prayer" (Madonna) |
| Big Drums | Characterized by a prominent and powerful drum sound, often heavily processed. | "Livin' on a Prayer" (Bon Jovi), "You Give Love a Bad Name" (Bon Jovi) |
| Catchy Hooks and Melodies | Emphasis on memorable melodies and catchy hooks designed to grab the listener's attention. | Countless examples across all genres |
| Guitar Solos | Guitar solos were often prominent, both in rock and pop. | "Sweet Child o' Mine" (Guns N' Roses), "Summer of '69" (Bryan Adams) |
| Electronic Effects | Extensive use of effects like chorus, flanger, and phaser. | Many songs across genres |
| Song Structure | Common song structures: verse-chorus, often with bridges and instrumental breaks. | Most 80s pop and rock songs |
The ultimate collection of the best 80s music!
The best of 80s pop, rock, and new wave top hits from iconic bands and artists like madonna, phil collins, and tina turner. These tracks often appear in collections like 100 hits of the 80s and 80s hits songs, highlighting the decade's rich tapestry of sound.
Michael jackson had the highest number of top hits at the billboard hot 100 chart during the 1980s (9 songs). In addition, jackson remained the longest at the top of the billboard hot 100 chart during the 1980s (27 weeks).Madonna ranked as the most successful female artist of the 1980s, with 7 songs and 15 weeks atop the chart.
If you enjoyed listening to this playlist, you'll probably also like these: Includes tracks from depeche mode, wham!, eurythmics, u2, cyndi lauper, whitney houston, duran duran, spandau ballet and many more!.
The music from the 80s represents a moment of cultural transformation, innovation, and creativity, that continues to inspire and energize people around the world.
