Top 10 Pop Songs From the 1980s
As disco slowly fell out of fashion, mainstream music in the 1980s veered in exciting new directions. In this video, MsMojo counts down our picks for the Top 10 Pop Songs From the 1980s.
For this list, we're looking at the best pop songs of the decade, meaning they had to have been released between 1980 and 1989. We're basing our picks on critical acclaim, popularity, and the lasting legacies that the songs have left onthe music industry.
Special thanks to nathansharp28 and Jaime Enrique Gutierrez Pérez for submitting this idea on our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.MsMojo.tv
#10: “Hangin’ Tough” (1989)
New Kids on the Block
The granddaddies of the modern boy band, New Kids on the Block have sold over 80 million albums worldwide. The band’s second album Hangin’ Tough proved to be their breakthrough into the mainstream, and the titular single became one of their most popular songs. With lead vocals by Donnie Wahlberg, brother of “Marky Mark” Wahlberg, the song shot to number one in September of 1989 and became the UK’s first number one single of the 1990s. While seemingly tough guys from Boston and boy band music don't necessarily go hand-in-hand, it's still the best way to have starstruck fangirls begging for more.
#9: "Footloose" (1984)
Kenny Loggins
Co-written and performed by Kenny Loggins, "Footloose" comes from the movie of the same name, and is one of two chart-topping singles released from the soundtrack. While "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)" is a good song, "Footloose" is on a whole other level entirely. We challenge anyone listening to this song to remain stationary. There's just something about it that instantly puts listeners in a good mood, whether it be the upbeat nature of the music or the carefree, "get up and dance" lyrics. It's easily one of the most recognizable songs from a movie, and it even won the Grammy Award in 1985 for Song of the Year. Not bad at all.
#8: "In the Air Tonight" (1981)
Phil Collins
Top 10 Decade Defining Rap Songs of the 1980s
Serving as Collins's debut single as a solo artist, this song showed everyone that he would be just as good on his own as he was with Genesis. The song has an eerie and dream-like quality to it that makes the experience unique, mostly stemming from Collins's echo-y, reverberating vocal effect. Also, let's not forget that classic drum break that’s almost impossible to refrain from drumming in the air like a maniac whenever you hear it. Just, maybe not in public.
#7: “Flashdance... What A Feeling” (1983)
Irene Cara
It's clear by now that 80s movies had some terrific theme songs! “Flashdance” was released in 1983 to negative reviews, but it was a surprise hit at the box office, earning over $200 million, the third largest box office take for the year in the U.S.. As the theme song, “Flashdance... What A Feeling” perfectly encapsulates the tone of the movie and the goofiness of the decade, but also works well on its own terms as a fun, upbeat pop song. Winner of a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award, the song was a huge success and reminds us all of how fun and energetic the 80s could be.
#6: “Hungry Like the Wolf” (1982)
Duran Duran
In the early 1980s, British new wave band Duran Duran hadn’t quite made an impact in North America. Then “Hungry Like the Wolf” and it's iconic video caught everyone's attention, and the song became their first international hit. Filmed in the jungle of Sri Lanka, the video was played as much as four times a day on MTV, quickly becoming an instant classic and helping the song reach #3 in the United States. The band wrote and recorded the song in one day after playing around with new recording equipment, creating an instant 80s classic, complete with singer Simon Le Bon’s signature echo-y, almost robotic vocals.
#5: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (1987)
Whitney Houston
Top 20 Best Dance Songs of the 80s
By 1987, Whitney Houston had already made her mark on the music industry, as her debut album retained the top spot on the Billboard chart for fourteen weeks and spun off three number one singles. However, it's this timeless song that captures the soul of the 1980s dance-pop era the most. Complete with that poppin' bassline and Houston’s perfect, angelic voice, the song helped Whitney reach new heights in her career and remains one of her trademark pieces. It became her fourth straight number one in the US, has sold over seven million physical copies worldwide, and won the Grammy for Best FemalePop Vocal Performance. In short, this is Whitney at her very best.
#4: “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1984)
Wham!
Akoben X Florence - Don’t Wake Me Up (Lyric Video)
Wham!, the duo consisting of Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael, had an image that was a little moodier than a mainstream audience was ready for. However, with the release of this single, they became much more radio-friendly due to the track’s bright and colorful tone. Written and produced by George Michael, the song became the duo’s first number one hit in many countries, including the United States, and is known as one of their signature songs today. The lyrics lend themselves nicely to the fun, upbeat music, and we can't help ourselves from dancing along. Now if we can only clear Chris Griffin’s take on it out of our memories…
#3: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)
Cyndi Lauper
Top 10 Ultimate Girls Night Out Songs
While Lauper’s version was renowned for its feminist approach, this song was actually written and performed by a man named Robert Hazard in 1979. After altering some lyrics with Hazard’s approval, Lauper’s debut single shot her to instant fame. With the help of its classic music video, this song reached the top spot in ten countries and became a feminist anthem. It's an instantly recognizable piece from its very first synthesized notes, and Lauper’s energetic vocals carry a sense of fun throughout the entire song while still retaining a powerful stance. It's a tricky balancing act, but Lauper pulls it off perfectly, creating one of the most memorable songs of the entire decade.
#2: “Like a Virgin” (1984)
Madonna
Top 10 Decade Defining Songs: 1980s
What would a 1980s list be without Madonna? While “Material Girl” is always fun to listen to, it simply doesn't compare to the importance and influence of “Like a Virgin”. Serving as the lead single from her second album, this song became Madonna’s first number one hit in the United States, beginning her ascent as a pop culture icon. “Like a Virgin” became a defining song for young women of the 1980s who hoped to make a statement, and they began imitating the performer, especially in regards to her confident fashion style and aggressive sexuality. It's not only a fun pop song, but a defining piece of 80s culture.
Before we look at our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Walk Like An Egyptian” (1986)
The Bangles
“Physical” (1981)
Olivia Newton-John
“Electric Youth” (1989)
Debbie Gibson
“Cruel Summer” (1983)
Bananarama
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (1983)
Eurythmics
“Walking on Sunshine” (1985)
Katrina and the Waves
#1: "Billie Jean" (1983)
Michael Jackson
Top 10 Best Billie Eilish Songs
Admit it. Even if you're not a fan of Michael Jackson, you love this song. "Billie Jean" just screams "classic" from the title, with the groovy opening notes of the bass transitioning to the sharp sounds of the synthesizer. It's instantly recognizable, and insanely memorable. Michael commands the song, from the powerful chorus to his signature vocal hiccups spread throughout the song. There's truly something here for everyone, whether it be the stellar production, Michael himself, thewicked guitar solo, or the confident, dominating lyrics. Often considered to be one of the best pop songs of all time, "Billie Jean" is a true, timeless classic and arguably one of Michael's greatest achievements.
Do you agree with our list? What pop songs from the 80s are your favorite? For more shredding top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
