Top 30 80s Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

Alannah Myles[a]
The nineties were clearly on the horizon when this late decade cut from Canada’s Alannah Myles hit the charts. There’s a slinky and sexy groove to “Black Velvet” that couldn’t feel more removed from the polished pop or arena-ready hair metal of the ‘80s. Instead, Myles brings a bold and brash bluesy feeling to the tune. “Black Velvet” still possesses a rock core, however, a propulsive and addictive song that remains a career calling card for Myles. The singer has remained connected to the tune ever since, but hey - there’s worse things out there than having “Black Velvet” be your biggest hit, right?

Pet Shop Boys
There’s a wonderful sense of gothic grandeur to “It’s a Sin” by the Pet Shop Boys, a dramatic and almost dark emotional core to the group’s electronic pop. The song has also gone on to become something of a cathartic anthem to the LGBTQIA+ community, many of whom have internalized Neil Tennant’s lyrics to the tune. This is despite “It’s a Sin” actually deriving from Tennant’s youthful upbringing in the Catholic School system. We’re honestly just glad “It’s a Sin” has lived on all these years, since this combination of hi-NRG shine and propulsive rhythmic polish just ROCKS, plain and simple.

George Harrison
Nostalgia can sometimes be a bitter beast, but there’s thankfully a lot to celebrate when it comes to “When We Was Fab” by George Harrison. This tune leans into Harrison’s time as a member of The Beatles, both lyrically and musically, and does so with fondness. “When We Was Fab” reflects upon the excitement of music-making during the sixties and seventies, while the song also embraces psychedelic music tropes popular during those eras. At the same time, the clean and bright production style of ELO’s Jeff Lynne allows “When We Was Fab” to stand upon its own creative feet as a true George Harrison original.

Cutting Crew
There’s a palpable urgency and sincerity to Cutting Crew’s hit single, “(I Just) Died in Your Arms.” It’s a dramatic song with driving drums, powerful melodies, atmospheric synth, and punctuating bass work. Lead vocalist Nick Van Eede[b] also kills it in the vocal harmony department, particularly during that EPIC chorus. “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” knows when to brood and when to go for broke with a passionate bridge. What can we say? We just never get tired of hearing this song, and it remains Cutting Crew’s finest hour from the 1980s.

Quarterflash
It just hits you, right from that fantastic opening saxophone melody. “Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash is something special. Rindy Ross[c] does great work with a slightly sad, but beautifully sung performance on lead vocals. “Harden My Heart” shuffles along with an insistent, bass-driven groove that also allows for plenty of room for the band to shine. There’s smooth and melodic guitar soloing, great vocal harmonies on that chorus, and, of course, that saxophone. The song’s final section in particular amps up the edge and aggression, entering full anthem territory for a group that, in our opinion, deserved more success. Long live Quarterflash.

Robert Tepper
Some songs just sound cinematic, as if they can’t possibly be separated from that silver screen source material. “No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper was notably utilized within a memorable montage from “Rocky IV,” and we’ve been singing along ever since. There’s fierce rawness to Tepper’s unabashedly emotive performance, a go-for-broke sensibility that’s impossible to deny. The song’s musicality shouldn’t be questioned, either, since those processed ‘80s synths meld perfectly with that driving bass to create musical magic on the chorus. Meanwhile, Tepper’s singing as the song fades out surges with an unironic, make you BELIEVE IT energy. And we are HERE for it.

Mike + The Mechanics
Phil Collins wasn’t the only member of Genesis to achieve chart success outside of that main band. Guitarist Mike Rutherford’s group Mike and The Mechanics laid down an impressive hit of their own with “The Living Years.” The main, looped guitar lick from Rutherford is great stuff, but the real standout here with “The Living Years” are its lyrics. Themes of regret for not patching up an estranged relationship might not, on the surface, feel as if they might resonate on the pop charts. In the end, however, this is exactly why “The Living Years” has endured in the modern day. Rutherford and his band have something to say here and weave together some standout melodies at the same time. It’s honestly pretty wonderful.

Lisa Lougheed[d]
This all time jam from Lisa Lougheed wastes absolutely no time in getting its thematic point across to the listener. Synthesized bass, drums and keyboards highlight “Run With Us,” a song that also served as the theme to “The Raccoons” cartoon show back in the ‘80s. Lougheed’s vocals carry the torch here with an emotionally resonant performance that hits us right in the heart, tugging on those strings for all they’re worth. There’s also some high energy guitar work to be had here on “Run With Us,” particularly during the song’s final chorus. Make no mistake, however: this is Lisa Lougheed’s show all the way.

Eddie Murphy
We can’t fault Eddie Murphy for collaborating with funk legend Rick James on this ultimate vanity project. “Party All the Time” essentially just exists to prove that Murphy could also dominate another aspect of the entertainment industry, after conquering stand-up comedy and moviemaking. “Party All the Time” wisely hides Murphy’s limitations as a vocalist, thanks to those grandiose keyboards on the chorus. Elsewhere, James’ hands are all up in this production pie, adding reverb and echo like layers on a cake - a friggin’ awesome cake of pop star/pop chart kismet that we’re so glad exists.

Dire Straits
Sometimes you don’t need to be loud or brash to get your point across to a listener. Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits knew this all too well, and this sentiment is delivered with beautiful poignancy on “Romeo and Juliet.” There’s an ache and yearning to be had within Knopfler’s lyrics of failed love, as well as his generational ability to make that guitar practically weep with emotion. “All I do is kiss you, through the bars of a rhyme” is a simple, but gorgeous bit of lyrical poetry from the song. Meanwhile, “Romeo and Juliet” vacillates musically from sparse verses to cathartic chorus, while the closing guitar solo reverberates through broken hearts around the world. It’s a beautiful and bittersweet sort of pain, really.

Ultravox
For those that know the band Ultravox well, “Vienna” is usually considered their most prominent release. The song is sometimes associated with the band's performance at Live Aid, where it was a highlight. Avoiding sentimentality, the synth pop track uses the title city as the setting for a torrid romantic relationship. Emotions run high as singer Midge Ure puts his all into every note. The chorus in particular allows Ure to show off, proving himself as a highly underrated vocalist. The original release was a hit in multiple European countries, but it failed to cross the pond in the same way. All these years later, it deserves a rediscovery from modern listeners.

Crowded House
After leaving Split Enz, singer Neil Finn brought his talents to the group Crowded House and this hit was a result. It very narrowly missed out on the top of the Billboard Hot 100, hitting the number two spot on the charts instead. Despite its initial success, the tune doesn’t always get the same attention nowadays. Finn’s writing shines here in one of his most enduring singles of his entire musical career. The inventive lyrics elevate it beyond the other rock and new wave songs of the period. It could easily have a similar impact if it was released tomorrow, owing to its timeless quality.

Real Life
From their debut album “Heartland,” Real Life’s single “Send Me an Angel” captures the early new wave scene in full force. The group released an initial version in 1983, but their version from 1989 did even better in countries like the US. Bands have rarely had as much fun in the studio as this, generating an earworm that you won’t soon forget. If there’s such a thing as enjoyably repetitive, “Send Me an Angel” takes the cake with its simple glory. There have been many covers since that attempt to capture the energy of the original, but Real Life’s version reigns supreme.

Huey Lewis and the News
Huey Lewis and the News might not have been the hardest rocking stars of the 80s, but they certainly had a number of successful hits. “If This Is It” finds them in top form with both an entertaining 80s production and a throwback to doo-wop music. Lewis’ vocals are typically well-rounded and powerful throughout, especially in the fun chorus. The song appears on their album “Sports” and doesn’t always get the same reception as their other singles. For those wanting an enjoyable trip back to the height of the group’s career, you could do a lot worse than “If This Is It.”

‘Til Tuesday
While they might have had short-lived success, the band 'Til Tuesday more than proved themselves with the single "Voices Carry." Aimee Mann sings the track with complete conviction, giving this new wave production something special. Her performance indicates all the promise of her eventual solo career, while still capturing a very definite 80s pop vibe. The
Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit also gives off a more unique sound that seems to have influenced portions of the alternative rock scene as well. 'Til Tuesday's legacy continued on for two more albums, but this hit remains the highlight of their brief run.

Boy Meets Girl
Boy Meets Girl is an 80s pop act composed of Shannon Rubicam and George Merrill, both known as the songwriting duo behind a pair of Whitney Houston classics. Off of their second album "Reel Life," "Waiting for a Star to Fall" has all of the wonder of a classic and unadulterated pop effort. The song made it to number five on the Hot 100 and managed to find audiences with chart success around the world. Since its release, there have even been a few covers that have reinterpreted it for 21st century listeners. The composers clearly demonstrated that they also have talent as performers.

Echo & the Bunnymen
At the intersection of new wave and the gothic rock movement, Echo & The Bunnymen offer up the perfect bridge between musical influences. “The Killing Moon” serves as one of their greatest achievements as a band. Perfect for a spooky evening listen, the single has a murky and atmospheric sound that lures listeners into its mystery. Several films like “Donnie Darko” have borrowed the tune and capitalized on its intriguing nature. Dangerous and romantic, the track features career-best vocals from singer Ian McCulloch. Even if the group or song hasn't reached household status, that doesn’t mean it can’t have another resurgence.

Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan continues to be an underrated performer from the 80s. Her contributions to the cover song “Self Control” helped make it a top 5 hit on the Billboard pop chart. As with her other signature hit “Gloria,” Branigan stands out with a lively performance style. The single soared to the top of several international charts during the peak of the artist’s fame. Taking a cue from the Italian disco scene, she takes Raf’s original release for a ride in a genre-mixing production. With a steamy story and arrangement, “Self Control” reminds everyone why the singer should be remembered as one of the unsung solo artists from the period.

Hall & Oates
There haven’t been many duos in music history as successful as Daryl Hall and John Oates. Before their slow down in the late 80s, they had one final number one in the decade with “Out of Touch.” The bouncy synth track reveals the all-star musicianship from the pair, who bend genres at the will of the current popular music trend. With humble roots in R&B and rock, Hall & Oates stretch their legs in a supremely catchy pop single. This and their accompanying album “Big Bam Boom” might seem like a proverbial swan song, but instead display a band that’s only getting started with another phase of their fruitful career.

Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper's first album contains many of her finest and most acclaimed tracks. One of those songs, "All Through the Night," doesn't receive the same attention as it deserves. Like her other major hit "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," the piece is actually a cover that has since become synonymous with the singer. The song glides effortlessly between being a passionate love ballad and a delicate lullaby. Lauper's angelic voice carries the verses with a beautifully somber quality. A guest vocal from the original author Jules Shear also rounds out the production with some well-placed harmonies. The entire song deserves further attention for its showcase of the performer's talents and a pure pop sound.

Oingo Boingo
As a delightfully different act from the decade, Oingo Boingo again defies expectations with "Dead Man's Party." Singer Danny Elfman and company generates a track that utilizes a mix of new wave and ska elements into one of the band's best efforts. It's also been heard in the film "Back to School," among many other appearances since its initial release in 1986. The groovy beat and imaginative lyrics keep audiences engaged the whole way through. From start to finish, Elfman's idiosyncratic performance and the horn section make this a truly memorable experience. The frontman was destined for further greatness as a film composer, but this kind of release has its own inherent greatness that's worth celebrating.

Big Country
"In a Big Country" could only have been sung by Big Country. That's not only because of their title similarities, but because the single has all of their trademarks, from a driving rock foundation to folk and celtic arrangements. Even with this early song off of their debut album “The Crossing,” the group feels more than ready for mainstream success. The track found an audience in both the UK and the US, where it was a Top 20 success. Some people think of Big Country as a one-hit wonder, but they’ve managed to keep a devoted following since their first release. This tune, more than any other, best represents their bright sound and Scottish roots.

New Order
"The Perfect Kiss" represents New Order's firm grasp on the synth pop genre. As one of the early masters of the genre, the band's post-punk roots transfer fluidly into this epic and electronic single. Beyond its cryptic lyrics, there’s an engrossing dance-pop song waiting to be discovered. In an exciting and methodical track, Peter Hook’s bass playing is one of the many ingredients that come together to make it a standout effort. With some minor success on the 80s pop charts, this work was never a commercial high point for New Order. More time has allowed for people to reconsider it, hopefully leading to its reappraisal as a notable entry into the synth wave.

Split Enz
New Zealand legends Split Enz maintained a steady output in the early 80s. Their track "I Got You" finds them in peak form and serves as one of their calling cards. Singer and songwriter Neil Finn lends his musical prowess to a rocker with an enthralling presentation. By the time you reach the chorus, there’s no way to deny the catchiness of this single. New Zealanders and neighboring Australia welcomed the song with open arms before it sailed around the world to further fame. Split Enz has more than a few engaging songs, but this stands as one of their finest moments.

When in Rome
New wave group When in Rome had at least one sizable entry into the 80s canon with “The Promise.” One could easily criticize it for its cheesy synth or its heartfelt lyrics, but this track is much more than the sum of its parts. Sometimes sincerity trumps more artful words and this song works in much the same way, shedding any pretense to tell a direct love story. When In Rome’s dueling singers both deliver commendable vocal parts in an all-too rare 80s male duet. "The Promise" is also prominently featured at the end of "Napoleon Dynamite," where many people too young for the original release heard the track for the first time.

Kate Bush
Critically acclaimed and legendary among many music circles, Kate Bush is one of the great minds behind more avant-garde pop music in the 80s. The song “Running Up That Hill” has an undisputed power that Bush harnesses without wasting one second. Defying genres, the multi-faceted artist uses a mesmerizing drumbeat to construct a single like no other. The performer’s impressive singing voice also gives the entire production a beautiful resonance that few others can replicate. “Running Up That Hill” received another resurgence after being featured in “Stranger Things,” introducing a new generation to the wonders of her artistry.

Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears more than earned their title as one of the decade’s best new wave acts, reminding everyone of their talents in “Head Over Heels.” It comes off of the band's smash album “Songs from the Big Chair,” starting with a triumphant piano intro that leads into a smooth and listenable production. Among a list of extremely underrated 80s singers, Roland Orzabal gives one of his finest performances in a triumphant expression of affection. Its considerable success upon release has since dissipated because of the group’s other singles taking precedent, including “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Its true potential as a definitive pop statement could have easily made it the greatest work of any lesser band.

Billy Squier
Billy Squier's "The Stroke" is the primary track associated with the musician's career. A single off of his highly successful album "Don't Say No," the artist creates music that's perfect for a stadium rock tour. Whether or not you understand the lyrics, Squier's electric vocals coincide with a groovy riff that will have you playing air guitar in no time. One of his best musical statements still rocks the house all these years later. Even people who don't remember his name can appreciate this full-throttle 80s declaration, cultivating a wild performance into a few shocking minutes.

Foreigner
Foreigner is known for many different singles, but "Urgent" sometimes falls between the cracks. Among the band's first releases in the 80s, the track and its adjoining fourth album function as an evolution of their sound without compromising their earlier success. The song clearly had its day in the sun, attracting enough attention to reach the top of the US Mainstream Rock charts. Elements such as Lou Gramm's energetic vocals and an amazing saxophone solo by Junior Walker take this production to another level. While Foreigner isn't everyone's cup of tea, this track's funky energy could easily sway critics.

INXS
"Never Tear Us Apart" is an 80s ballad like no other. INXS might be known for bombastic new wave songs and big rock productions, but this track features them in a more somber mood. Michael Hutchence delivers a glorious vocal with all the passion of a true artist with great charisma. The lyrics stand out and read out like a beautiful love letter. A string arrangement is the main focus for this particular work, which might be the boldest in the INXS catalog. It might have been a single in its day, but it deserves to be heard as much as their other hits like "Need You Tonight."


If you could share a secret, beloved ‘80s song with us, what would it be? Let us know in the comments!

[b]van eed https://youtu.be/o6Q8slUoy4g?si=VSIBRBA3oyG4f4PT
[c]https://youtu.be/wVqV-NTJsjU?si=76D8dRT9jcwzgnPe&t=99
[d]LOH-heed https://youtu.be/3DO9hskRJhA?si=icI3W1BgL7oEEKYY&t=10