Get ready to moonwalk down memory lane! From synth-pop sensations to rock anthems, we're celebrating the most iconic tracks that defined a generation. Join us as we explore unforgettable hits from Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Queen, and many more legendary artists who shaped the sound of an incredible decade.
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00:00All night long, all night, all night long
00:06Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most entertaining, essential, and or highest quality songs of the 1980s.
00:14I'm free, free for it
00:22Number 30. Jump, Van Halen
00:26When you hear that synth, you couldn't ask for a more 1980 sound.
00:36Van Halen knows how to craft a crowd-pleaser like few other bands of the era.
00:40With the guitarist pulling double duty, he proves why he's not just a professional shredder.
00:45This doesn't mean he can't also have a great solo.
00:47David Lee Roth is a real showman, singing his head off as his bandmates cook up a fun ride.
01:00Jump is exactly the kind of rock fit for a party.
01:03Since Roth left the group a few years later, fans might consider this a parting gift.
01:08Number 29. All Night Long, All Night, Lionel Richie
01:19Using a Calypso influence, Lionel Richie brings good vibes to this track.
01:23It's just one in a long line of hits from his solo years.
01:26The singer eases you into a single with a fantastic beat.
01:30True to the title, it's the kind of sound you want to hear all night.
01:33Let the music play on, everybody sing, everybody dance.
01:41Richie gives you a reason to be happy, making this among his key works from the 1980s.
01:46The entertainment value reaches peak levels with an exciting bridge.
01:57Even if you don't know the lyrics, the song encourages you to let loose and hum along.
02:02The former Commodore's member was already a legend, but this helped him push his career even further.
02:15Number 28. Livin' on a Prayer, Bon Jovi
02:18John Bon Jovi sings about people struggling to make it.
02:22It's a relatable message that's timeless, uniting all kinds of listeners.
02:25Livin' on a Prayer also contains a huge sound fit for the decade.
02:35Even if you're not in a stadium, you feel like you're in one when you hear this single.
02:40The chorus is one that people of all ages love to belt out.
02:43Oh, we're halfway there.
02:47Oh, Livin' on a Prayer.
02:50With an iconic vocal, the singer delivers one of his strongest performances.
02:55There's also the unmistakable work of guitarist Richie Sambora.
03:06It's hard to imagine the 1980s without this lively anthem.
03:10Number 27. Free Fallin' Tom Petty
03:14At the end of the 1980s, Tom Petty proved he wasn't done yet.
03:18The singer makes this catchy tune come alive.
03:26Taking listeners around Los Angeles, Petty name-checks several locations in this entertaining travelogue.
03:32The artist creates a song that lives on for its storytelling.
03:35It's an all-American classic, mixing colorful details with the vast city of Los Angeles.
03:40The main hook feels like it could have been written yesterday.
03:51In another exemplary work, this performer only added to his legacy as a musical hero.
03:56It's also an easy-going track that anyone can enjoy.
04:00Co-written by the brilliant Jeff Lynne, this piece makes you want to go out on your own adventure.
04:05Number 26. Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen
04:16As one of America's great songwriters, Bruce Springsteen reached another high point with this hit.
04:22It's both a rousing single and filled with an important message.
04:26Born down in a dead-nast town
04:28The first kick that took us when I hit the ground
04:32While many don't understand them, Springsteen's lyrics tell a much darker story.
04:37His gritty voice pays tribute to the veterans let down by their own government.
04:42The performer puts this theme forward through one of his most engaging tracks.
04:45Down the shadow of the pen, a touch of free
04:49Up out of gas, fires of love, fire, green
04:53In one of his more successful songs, the boss rides the line between musical excellence and inspirational words.
04:59This release and the accompanying album helped even more people fall in love with the artist.
05:11Number 25. Africa, Toto
05:14Is it a classic? At this point, you could easily say yes.
05:18Toto combines nice drum beats with strange lyrics.
05:22It doesn't have to mean anything to be entertaining.
05:24From the percussion of Jeff Beccaro to Bobby Kimball's voice,
05:35This single takes you on a magical journey.
05:37The signature track off of Toto 4 has that sing-along quality.
05:41Even if the writers don't know much about Africa,
05:44They can still turn this music into a fun attraction.
05:46There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
05:50The band also includes some of the finest session players of their day.
05:56With musical talent for days,
05:57This group glides their way into 1980s legend.
06:09Number 24. The sweetest taboo, Sade.
06:12With her smooth voice,
06:13Sade sings a love song that makes you want to shimmy.
06:16The beat hypnotizes you before the lead singer even begins.
06:20Once she starts the first verse,
06:26The performer carries the listener away to another world.
06:30This fantasy finds her singing about a lover that treats her right,
06:33Brimming with passion.
06:34The sweetest taboo shows that romance can be worth it
06:37If you find the perfect person.
06:38Sweetest taboo, that's why I'm in love with you.
06:45The artist has a talent for setting the mood with her charisma.
06:48From her second album, Promise,
06:51This single shot to the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
07:00Number 23. Sweet dreams are made of this,
07:03Eurythmics.
07:04As a high-powered duo,
07:06Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart know how to make music.
07:09Their single, Sweet Dreams,
07:10Brings together their knack for pop hooks.
07:12The synth line is nothing short of catchy,
07:15With the production values coming in clutch.
07:24There's also incomparable vocals from Lennox.
07:27The range and depth of her voice know no bounds,
07:30With sharp lyrics guiding the way.
07:33Eurythmics were arguably never better than in this classic.
07:35Some of them want to be abused.
07:40On just their second album,
07:41They'd already shown the world that they were a groundbreaking pair.
07:45Their exciting sounds shook up the charts,
07:47And helped earn them plenty of accolades.
07:49Sweet dreams are made of this,
07:52Who am I to disagree?
07:56Number 22. Don't Stop Believin'.
07:58Journey.
07:59It's something of an anthem,
08:01With words that fans of all kinds love to sing.
08:03Journey knows how to make stadiums happy with this track.
08:07Steve Perry shows off his range,
08:09Telling tales about people chasing their dreams.
08:12Singer in a smoky room,
08:15I smell a wine and cheap perfume.
08:19The singer gives a career-defining performance in this iconic single.
08:23It's full of all the emotional heft of a great novel,
08:25With tons of detail crammed into a musical triumph.
08:28Somewhere in the night,
08:33The piano, guitars, and production,
08:37Are all certifiably 1980s.
08:39Don't Stop Believin' might be the band's most recognizable track,
08:42And an essential rock song from the time.
08:45Don't Stop Believin'
08:48With the opening guitar, this track reignites the flame of a great rock group.
09:07ACDC began again in the 1980s with singer Brian Johnson ready to work.
09:12Powered by the Young Brothers guitars, this song lets Johnson scream his way into history.
09:16The bandmates lay down one of their finest grooves on Back in Black.
09:27While the Bon Scott era might have been over, the next decade was shaping up to be another one filled with success.
09:34This song proved that they could change with the times and deliver more incredible riffs.
09:38Building off of this awesome hit, the rockers created a tour de force album.
09:46On their landmark album, The Joshua Tree, U2 might have gone from a good band to a legendary one.
10:00They upped their game on both a technological and songwriting level.
10:03With or Without You finds them in a meditative mood, with Bono mustering up some of his best lyrics.
10:17The Edge's inventive guitar rings out across a heartfelt song.
10:21Adam Clayton lays down a thumping bass line, but he sounds even better with Larry Mullen Jr.'s understated drum track.
10:27As four musicians at their peak, the Irishman give an unforgettable performance.
10:39The poetic words seem to work on multiple levels, giving listeners something to think about long after it's over.
10:44Number 19. Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper
10:55In both covers and original songs, Cyndi Lauper shows off her artistry.
11:00She spent the 1980s churning out hits like Time After Time.
11:04Lauper's ballad tells a complex tale of love, tugging at listeners' heartstrings.
11:09The artist also brings a more subdued performance.
11:11She can give people more delicate vocals, while also going all out on Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
11:29In both cases, she packs a punch that you cannot forget.
11:33The singer and her co-writer Rob Hyman know how to spin a devastating yarn.
11:37You don't have to be an 80s kid to feel nostalgic for this one.
11:40With the dreamy synths taking you back in time.
11:49Number 18. Crazy Train, Ozzy Osbourne
11:52After Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne went out on his own.
11:56He then teamed up with Randy Rhoades to create this hard rock standby.
12:00With the singer's introduction, Rhoades establishes himself as a force all his own.
12:05The historic riff does not disappoint throughout this hardcore track.
12:10Osbourne raises the bar once again for heavy metal, evolving beyond Sabbath's sound.
12:21He and his fellow musicians set a high bar for 1980s metal.
12:24Before it's all over, there's also a formidable solo.
12:27For his impressive album, Blizzard of Oz, the artist co-creates an epic piece that's endured for decades.
12:40Number 17. In the Air Tonight, Phil Collins
12:50There's much more to In the Air Tonight than the drum part.
12:54Contemplating his personal life, Phil Collins takes you on a slow burn journey.
12:59This solo masterpiece gave him a chance to stand out, showing that he could shine beyond Genesis.
13:04I've seen your face before, my friend
13:08But I don't know if you know who I am
13:12Collins builds a tense atmosphere that's waiting to burst.
13:16It all comes down to the musician's iconic breakdown, showing off his drumming expertise.
13:21His songwriting stands tall among a decade of groundbreaking rock and pop music.
13:33The singer unleashes a flurry of emotions, showing off his skills as a performer, writer, and producer.
13:40Throughout the years, many TV shows and films have paid tribute to its greatness.
13:44I've been waiting for this moment for all my life
13:49One more time, guys
13:50Oh, Lord
13:52Oh, jeez!
13:54Number 16. Once in a Lifetime, Talking Heads
13:57With his unique voice and preacher-like delivery, David Byrne performs a miracle.
14:02This musical statement stands as a crowning achievement for Talking Heads.
14:06Letting the things go by
14:08Let the water hold me down
14:10Letting the things go by
14:12Water flowing up
14:14The collective mixes various influences into a rock masterpiece.
14:18With a cool lineup behind him, Byrne asks existential questions about life.
14:22It makes you consider your dreams, failures, and everything in between.
14:26Once in a Lifetime is a highlight of the band's astonishing work Remain in Light.
14:30You may ask yourself
14:32What is that beautiful house?
14:35You may ask yourself
14:36Where does that highway go to?
14:38The piece makes you question life as much as it makes you want to dance.
14:42This visionary mix showcases one of the group's greatest assets, showing that they have tons of versatility.
14:56Number 15. Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N' Roses
14:59On their first album, Appetite for Destruction, this band shook up audiences.
15:05Guns N' Roses were ready with a new brand of hard rock on Welcome to the Jungle.
15:09Combining guitars and amazing vocals, the group serves up a wicked single.
15:14Axl Rose leads his bandmates through a twisted tale, ready to entertain with his stratospheric voice.
15:19Welcome to the Jungle, we got fun and games, we got everything you want, how do we know the name?
15:26There's also some tremendous guitar work from the likes of Slash.
15:37Based on positive reactions to this hit and the Destruction record, the musicians climbed the ranks of rock history.
15:43They bring a bad boy attitude to the music that makes it all the more intense.
15:47Number 14. Hungry Like the Wolf, Duran Duran
15:57Hailing from the UK, this band was a popular example of the new romantic genre.
16:02Hungry Like the Wolf might be their most remembered single for its exciting sound.
16:06This energetic tune doesn't waste any time, with its perfect pace and rhythms.
16:10The group is more than ready to play, giving audiences a rock song you could hear at a dance club.
16:24Simon Le Bon gives one of his best vocals over some fierce lyrics.
16:27His bandmates like John, Andy and Roger
16:36Taylor all back him up with tremendous style.
16:40While they might be pop idols to some, the troupe could also be considered underrated musicians.
16:45This particular track shows that they can impress any crowd.
16:56Number 13. Take On Me, A-Ha.
16:58In the 1980s, Norwegian band A-Ha had this major international hit.
17:03The upbeat pop track is both campy and exciting in equal measure.
17:13The singer Morten Harkett gives a stunning performance that deserves to go down in pop history.
17:18With a huge range, he reaches one of the best high notes of the decade.
17:22Take On Me has a bouncy energy that makes you want to get up and move.
17:32With great production values, the single gave the band their calling card.
17:36While they might live in the song's shadow,
17:39they should be proud of the work on this impressive tune.
17:46Number 12. Let's Dance, David Bowie.
17:49In the early 80s, David Bowie decided to once again
17:52reinvent his sound.
17:53He enlisted producer Nile Rodgers to help him release another smash hit.
18:03Complete with funky guitars,
18:05Let's Dance lives up to its title.
18:07It's able to mix multiple genre elements into one unforgettable track.
18:11Bowie is nothing short of charismatic with his signature vocals.
18:14Using horns and various percussion instruments,
18:24the production features layers of fine details.
18:27It also carries with it some sweet and vibrant sounds all these years later.
18:31Bold and free, the artist charted a new course with this achievement.
18:34Number 11. In Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel.
18:45On his album, So,
18:46Peter Gabriel assembled some of his best solo work.
18:49The ballad In Your Eyes might be one of the finest tracks from that record.
18:53With a lush sound,
18:55the artist helps to build out a tune full of worldly elements.
18:58Gabriel and his co-producers build a wall of effects and instruments.
19:09Underneath it all,
19:10the singer gifts audiences with one of his most heartbreaking songs.
19:13His descriptions of love and longing are among the most effective ever.
19:23It might be associated with Say Anything,
19:25but the hit deserves attention for its own greatness.
19:29In your eyes,
19:31The light,
19:32The heat,
19:33In your eyes,
19:34Number 10.
19:35I Want to Dance with Somebody Who Loves Me,
19:37Whitney Houston.
19:38With her second album,
19:40Whitney Houston reminded everyone of her singular talent.
19:43Her hit,
19:43I Want to Dance with Somebody,
19:45might be her happiest song.
19:46Thought strikes upon the hour,
19:50and the sun begins to fade.
19:54The singer uses her incredible voice,
19:56letting her talent ring out on every syllable.
19:59There's also a catchy hook that grabs you and doesn't let go.
20:03As a generational vocalist,
20:05Houston makes high notes sound easy.
20:07Her work on the chorus helps to sell this as a feel-good anthem.
20:11Yeah,
20:11I want to dance with somebody,
20:13with somebody who loves me.
20:18As a commercial success,
20:19the public proved that they loved her performance.
20:22If you ever need to brighten up your day,
20:24all you need to do is turn on this iconic track.
20:27With somebody who loves me.
20:31Few musical statements have ever been as surefire as this one.
20:41At the start of their debut album,
20:42NWA blasts off into hip-hop history.
20:45Ice Cube wastes no time introducing himself.
20:48The legendary rapper and his collaborators
20:55perform like their life depends on it,
20:57choosing every word and verse carefully.
21:00Straight Outta Compton might be the definitive track
21:02in their catalog alongside other inspiring work.
21:05As a fiery introduction,
21:14the rap group elevates their genre and revolutionizes music.
21:18Gangsta rap was never the same again
21:19after these men elevated the West Coast scene.
21:22Straight Outta Compton
21:23Number 8
21:25Like A Prayer
21:26Madonna
21:27For the Queen of Pop,
21:29this hit represents the end of a thrilling decade.
21:32Madonna finished the 1980s at the top of her game.
21:35Like A Prayer represents her vision for both pop hooks
21:38and deep songwriting.
21:39When you call my name
21:41It's like a little prayer
21:43I'm down on my knees
21:45I wanna take you there
21:48Lyrically, the track runs through plenty of rich thematic material.
21:52You can bring your own interpretation to the religious imagery.
21:55Complete with a classic video,
21:56this single ranks high among the artist's most compelling work.
21:59In the midnight hour
22:01I can feel your power
22:03Just like a prayer
22:05You know I'll take you there
22:07It also hinted at her evolution
22:09and further success through the 1990s.
22:12By 1989,
22:13she had shown herself to be a groundbreaking performer
22:16that could write elaborate numbers.
22:22Number 7
22:23Just Like Heaven
22:24The Cure
22:25As goth icons,
22:26The Cure cultivated a legendary look and sound in the 1980s.
22:30Their single Just Like Heaven
22:32showed that they weren't all doom and gloom.
22:34The opening riff plays over an eclectic arrangement.
22:37The one that makes me love to say
22:41Through her arms around my name
22:44Robert Smith sings with his unique voice,
22:46bringing out the not-so-secret ingredient of the band's success.
22:50The singer sets the stage for a heartwarming story about love.
22:53Dream of all the different ways I had to make a climb
22:58His bandmates build out the song with unbelievable parts,
23:02letting Smith flourish among their work.
23:04Whether you like their music or their wardrobe,
23:06the group proves that they can write bright and shining hits.
23:09You know you're lost and lowly
23:12You know you're just like heaven
23:16Number 6
23:17Under Pressure
23:18Queen and David Bowie
23:20When these two artists joined forces in 1981,
23:23they created musical magic.
23:25Queen and David Bowie collaborated on a jam that became an anthem.
23:34With some scatting,
23:36Freddie Mercury gives a career best vocal.
23:39This doesn't discount the contributions of David Bowie either.
23:42The former starman gives his all,
23:45putting his stamp on one of the decade's tightest duets.
23:47Terror of knowing what this world is about
23:51Watching some good friends scream
23:54Let me out
23:55There's also a message within the lyrics about anxiety,
23:59unity and community.
24:00These titans of music showed that they could work together
24:03while complementing each other's styles.
24:05Little did they know,
24:06their time at Mountain Studios produced an inventive classic.
24:09Bless ourselves
24:13Under Pressure
24:15Number 5
24:18Running Up That Hill
24:20Kate Bush
24:20With her experimental take on pop,
24:23Kate Bush stands alone
24:24as one of the most original artists of the 1980s.
24:27Her single,
24:28Running Up That Hill
24:29is one example of her visionary mind.
24:31The musician creates an intense track
24:33full of fantastic instrumental parts.
24:41Using a hypnotic beat,
24:43Bush locks the audience into a tense and engaging experience.
24:47Her angelic singing only adds to the overall production.
24:57After being used in various media,
25:00we hope that future generations come to love this song.
25:03Her work on this hit and the album Hounds of Love
25:06feels way ahead of its time.
25:07They're running on that road
25:09They're running on that hill
25:11With no problem in here
25:15Number 4
25:16Fight the Power
25:17Public Enemy
25:17In the 1980s,
25:19this rap group came ready with something to say.
25:22Public Enemy has a clear message to give,
25:24making strong points throughout their music.
25:26The hip-hop collective
25:27also brings a funky and energetic edge to this track.
25:31Powered by Chuck D's verses,
25:32this song goes from politically charged
25:34to danceable.
25:35The band clearly knows how to blend ideas and rhymes
25:45into something that's lasted for years.
25:48From the soundtrack of Do the Right Thing,
25:50this song is part of music and film history.
25:52Many people will hear this
25:54and think of Rosie Perez's iconic routine.
25:56Fight the power!
25:58We've got to fight the power!
26:00Death beat!
26:00For others,
26:01it's still a symbol of fighting oppression and racism at every turn.
26:06Fight the power!
26:09Fight the power!
26:10Fight the power!
26:12Number 3
26:12Every Breath You Take
26:14The Police
26:14In a career of hits,
26:16the police arguably outdid themselves with this one.
26:19It's a solid and straightforward track that sounds wonderful.
26:23It might not be as upbeat or technical as their earlier catalog,
26:26but this piece is something special.
26:35Andy Summers keeps the slick arpeggios coming,
26:38with Stuart Copeland holding down a driving beat.
26:41Sting pens one of his most layered and menacing songs.
26:44With his complicated lyrics,
26:53the songwriter isn't afraid to make the audience uncomfortable either.
26:56Every Breath You Take highlights the group's chemistry,
26:58bringing together three skilled musicians for an iconic single.
27:02It's a shame they didn't stick around to write a sequel.
27:10Number 2
27:11Purple Rain
27:12Prince
27:12On a seminal movie soundtrack,
27:15Prince achieves one of his greatest works.
27:17The soaring ballad Purple Rain begins with his smooth guitar.
27:21Setting the mood right away,
27:23this artist has listeners in the palm of his hand.
27:33The musician eventually unleashes his vocal and instrumental abilities.
27:38It's the perfect encapsulation of his genius,
27:40with compelling music and storytelling.
27:42Purple Rain, Purple Rain,
27:45The emotion oozes from every second of this 1980s masterwork.
27:52It's fitting that this track stands as the centerpiece of a classic album.
27:56With help from the notable film,
27:57this tune came to define the artist's brilliance.
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28:21It's hard to choose the best track from an album as powerful as Thriller.
28:30There's the mighty title song,
28:32but there's also the fearsome guitars on Beat It.
28:34Even with those examples,
28:42Billie Jean still stands out for its cool rhythms,
28:45lyrics,
28:45and deeper meaning.
28:46Michael Jackson's bold song deals with adult themes like obsessive groupies.
28:50It also features one of his strongest beats and a killer bass line.
28:54Jackson's passionate vocal is in top form,
29:04stunning listeners with his trademark tone.
29:07It makes you want to dance
29:08and remember the peak of a pop-centric decade.
29:18Did we forget another quintessential 80s song?
29:21Let us know in the comments below.
29:24Did you enjoy this video?
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