Top 50 80s Songs That Got Popular Again

#50: (I Just) Died in Your Arms (1986)Cutting Crew

Commercials and TV shows can bring a once-popular song back into the public zeitgeist. (I Just) Died in Your Arms by Cutting Crew is one of those songs, having appeared not only in shows like Stranger Things, but also in widely seen ads such as a Planters commercial during the 2020 Super Bowl. And we appreciate its return, too, because (I Just) Died in Your Arms is a moving and dramatic song with driving drums, powerful melodies, and atmospheric synth. The song knows just when to brood and when to go for broke, so its no wonder that Cutting Crews finest 80s hour has been revisited.

#49: Blue Monday (1983)New Order

Some songs feel very indicative of the era in which they were produced. Newer artists can then be inspired by those old songs, channeling a bit of that magic. For example, a remix of Kylie Minogues hit Cant Get You Out of My Head aimed for an 80s vibeand achieved it by drawing from New Orders Blue Monday. New Order, formed from the ashes of post-punk icons Joy Division, featured a more synthesized, dance-friendly sound for a new decade. Blue Monday was even seamlessly inserted into the time-capsule throwback trailer for Wonder Woman 1984.

#48: Mickey (1981)Toni Basil

Never underestimate the power of a good rah-rah. Mickey by Toni Basil featured what has to be one of the most defining music videos of the 1980s. It also included a catchy, easy-to-copy structureone that incorporates Basils own cheerleading history into a chant thats impossible to resist. Maybe that explains why it was later interpolated by Run-D.M.C. for their hip-hop hit, Its Tricky, back in 1986. Meanwhile, a more contemporary example of Mickeys resurgence can be seen in Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne, where the comparisons are blatantly obvious.

#47: In the Air Tonight (1981)Phil Collins

The old adage attributed to Mark Twain certainly seems to fit here: Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Maybe thats why an urban legend continues to follow Phil Collins and his smash solo hit, In the Air Tonight even though that wasnt his intention. The tale involves a drowning man, a witness who refused to help, and Collins singing the song to a member of his audience. Eminem brought the legend back into pop culture in 2000 by referencing it in one of his verses.

#46: Just a Friend (1989)Biz Markie

Its perhaps a bit morbid, but when an artist passes, it often brings fans back to the music they loved. Just a Friend by Biz Markie has appeared in television shows such as Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Black-ish. True to the title of his album, The Biz Never Sleeps, Markies public profile never truly went awaysince his personality and flow were so quirky and larger-than-life. This has allowed Just a Friend to live on beyond cult fandom circles and cement its status as a true 80s karaoke jam.

#45: Goo Goo Muck (1981)The Cramps

It was a case of musical kismetan instance where a programs song choice during a scene felt note-perfect. Goo Goo Muck was covered by The Cramps for their second LP, Psychedelic Jungle. It showcased the bands darkly gothic take on hard-edged, punk-influenced rockabilly. Fast forward to 2022, and Goo Goo Muck gets included in the Netflix series Wednesday. And voila! A whole new bunch of fans join the party. The scene where Wednesday Addams dances to Goo Goo Muck was shared and re-shared on social media sites, with the music of The Cramps being discovered by a whole new, younger audience.

#44: Life in a Northern Town (1985)The Dream Academy

The debut album from Englands The Dream Academy was well-received by critics at the time, earning the group a hit single with Life in a Northern Town. Meanwhile, production assistance from none other than David Gilmour from Pink Floyd allowed The Dream Academy to live on as something of a cult band through the years. This piggybacking upon a Floyd connection wasnt all that kept The Dream Academy afloat, either. Their cover of Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths appeared on the soundtrack of Ferris Buellers Day Off.

#43: Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1983)Cyndi Lauper

Its not out of the ordinary for artists to try to update their biggest hits for a new decade. More than a decade after the original, Cyndi Lauper released a remixed reggae version of her smash hit Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Miley Cyrus, no stranger to cover songs herself, also recorded her own take on Girls Just Want to Have Fun while she was still performing for Disney as Hannah Montana. The lasting popularity of Laupers version shows how she transformed the original Robert Hazard composition into a fun, empowering anthem that has stood the test of time.

#42: Tarzan Boy (1985)Baltimora

The world of professional wrestling often incorporates outside composers to write intro music for their athletes. However, companies like AEW and the WWE also occasionally license established tunes, as evidenced by Baltimoras Italo-disco hit, Tarzan Boy. This idiosyncratic 80s hit was given a new lease on life when it was utilized as the theme music for Jungle Boy Jack Perry. Baltimoras Tarzan Boy was embraced by the AEW faithful as well. Back when Perry still came out to the tune, it was a common sight for audience members to enthusiastically sing along.

#41: Master of Puppets (1986)Metallica

The time capsule setting of Stranger Things has effectively made it a hit machine for reinvigorating classic 80s tunes and giving them a reappraised spit-shine. Eddie Munson was a fan favorite character from the series fourth season. And he received a fittingly epic sendoff during a finale that saw him go full Metallica with a spectacular performance of Master of Puppets, the title track to Metallicas third LP. Old school metalheads obviously didnt need any prodding to remember Master of Puppets, but this scene was a nice reminder and nod to the thrash metal gods enduring legacy.

#40: Give It Up (1982)KC and the Sunshine Band

We dont know about you, but were honestly glad that the vehement, anti-disco backlash of the 1980s has softened thanks to plenty of retro reappraisal. This genre of music was notably inclusive of many races, genders, and sexual orientations during a time when that wasnt necessarily a foregone conclusion. Were also glad that the Danish band Cut N Move proved that disco wasnt dead with their 1993 cover of Give It Up by KC and the Sunshine Band. The original tune received little American support during its 1982 releasealthough the song did better in Europe. Disco never really died in Europeor at least didnt face the same backlashletting songs like Give It Up live on.

#39: Gloria (1982)Laura Branigan

Sports stadiums and arenas can be great places to hear older songs become new again. One example of that is when the NHLs St. Louis Blues went on a notable winning streak during their 2018-19 season and the song Gloria by Laura Branigan was a part of the ride. Some members of the Blues were allegedly at a bar where Branigans hit was being played, and they kept requesting it from the local DJ. Pretty soon, Gloria was being played routinely at Blues games, and even reappeared on the iTunes singles charts after the team won the Stanley Cup!

#38: The NeverEnding Story (1984)Limahl

Hey, whaddaya know? Were back on the Stranger Things train once again, this time with the shows third season. Dustin and Suzies duet on Limahls theme to The NeverEnding Story reminded both eighties kids and wanna-be eighties kids alike of their love of this whimsical, dramatic adventure film. The NeverEnding Story was a successful solo hit for Limahl after he departed the new wave pop group Kajagoogoo, while the film captured the imaginations of legions of youngsters who grew up during the decade. Meanwhile, this scene from Stranger Things underlined just how important this tune was, bringing it to modern times in style.

#37: Push It (1986)Salt-N-Pepa

Isnt it funny how older artists occasionally circle back around to performing their classic hits in bite-sized format for commercials? Push It by Salt-n-Pepa was unequivocally one of the late eighties most popular hip-hop tracks. The genre was enjoying a rapidly ascending public profile, with more eyes and ears than ever gravitating towards this new and exciting musical movement. Fast forward to the 2010s, and those kids who rocked Push It in the eighties are likely now parents to their own children. And theyre looking for insurance. Who else to sell them that insurance than Salt, Pepa, and Geico?!

#36: Every Rose Has Its Thorn (1988)Poison

Theres something intimate and special about sharing your favorite songs with somebody you love. We admire that Miley Cyrus has essentially promoted her favorite tunes the old-fashioned way: by covering them and sharing them with us, her audience. This has resulted in songs from every conceivable genre being exposed to younger fans, from Communication by The Cardigans to Poisons hair metal smash, Every Rose Has Its Thorn. The latter might be considered, by some at least, as an outside-the-box cover choice for Cyrusbut we think she killed it with her version.

#35: Im Gonna Be (500 Miles) (1988)The Proclaimers

Some songs take a little while to resonate and find a proper audience. Im Gonna Be (500 Miles) was originally released by The Proclaimers back in 1988. But it wasnt a hit for this Scottish duo at first, perhaps due to its quirky and idiosyncratic nature. Enter the 1993 film Benny & Joon, which features its own quirky characters in search of a theme song. Im Gonna Be (500 Miles) came to the rescue, and audiences finally found their way to The Proclaimers. The song has since been reused for other moviesand its now considered, rightfully so, one of the eighties most unique hits.

#34: I Ran (So Far Away) (1982)A Flock of Seagulls

Video games are BIG business, so it just stands to reason that the inclusion of certain older tunes might have the added side effect of finding a new and appreciative audience. The release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in 2002 necessitated a banging eighties soundtrack to coincide with its in-game setting. The GTA series has prided itself on providing players with an immersive experience, right down to its radio stations. I Ran (So Far Away) was featured prominently within both the advertising and actual gameplay for Vice City, which meant that Britains A Flock of Seagulls were now finding more new ears than ever before.

#33: You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) (1984)Dead or Alive

As recently as April 2025, You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive received the vinyl reissue treatment as part of that months Record Store Day celebration. Elsewhere, this hi-NRG club hit was also featured prominently within the Adam Sandler comedy hit The Wedding Singer. Its sung by Sandler himself during the iconic opening sequence. Jessica Simpson also covered the tune, while Flo Rida and Ke$has Right Round, wellyou get the idea. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) is just one of those prototypical eighties songs thats ever-present on any self-respecting mix from the decade.

#32: Take Me Home Tonight (1986)Eddie Money

Its honestly kind of strange how the 2011 film Take Me Home Tonight doesnt actually utilize the Eddie Money song of the same name within its actual run time. Sure, the movies trailer did feature Take Me Home Tonight prominently, and we dont doubt that Mr. Moneys radio profile was raised a bit in the aftermath of that films release. Perhaps more notable, however, is how the original Take Me Home Tonight celebrated Ronnie Spectors contribution to the classic pop hit, Be My Baby. Spector's collaboration with Money on that million-dollar chorus essentially ensured that Take Me Home Tonight would remain on radio airwaves forever.

#31: The Final Countdown (1986)Europe

These Swedish rock legends used to both open and close their shows with The Final Countdown. Granted, their finale was more of a reprise than a replay, but this just speaks to how huge this song was for the band back in 86. Heck, the song is still played TODAY at sporting events across the United States, and remains a staple for classic rock radio. Europes career has continued undiminished at home and abroad in the aftermath of their worldwide smash hit, but yeahwere honestly kind of glad more recent setlists have seen the band open with On Broken Wings instead!

#30: Fast Car (1988)

Tracy Chapman

We have a feeling this folk rock song will live on forever. Tracy Chapmans Fast Car first gained widespread acclaim after her performance at Nelson Mandelas 70th Birthday Tribute concert in 1988. The song hit number six on the Hot 100, and earned Chapman a Grammy Award. Over two decades later, it re-entered the spotlight when Michael Collings performed it on Britain's Got Talent in 2011, sending it to new heights on the UK charts. Fast Car enjoyed yet another resurgence after country star Luke Combs covered it on his 2023 album Gettin Old. This version became a massive summer hit, reaching number two on the charts and making Chapman the first Black person to win the CMA Award for Song of the Year.

#29: Never Let Me Down Again (1987)

Depeche Mode

When it was first released, Depeche Modes Never Let Me Down Again was an instant hit across Europe, cracking the top ten in several countries. While the song has indeed never let fans down, with its uptempo beats and infectious synths, it also helped prop the band up, keeping their legacy alive through decades. The track had faded from public memory until 2023, when it was featured on HBOs The Last of Us. Following its use in the series premiere, it saw a staggering 200% increase in streaming overnight and gained popularity on TikTok. Its appearance in the episode may have spelled doom for the shows characters, but in real life, it helped introduce Depeche Mode to a new generation of listeners.

#28: Where Is My Mind? (1988)

Pixies

A truly great song always finds its way back into the spotlight, no matter how long ago it was released. On their debut album, Surfer Rosa, American alt rock band Pixies included a song that initially flew under the radar. It wasnt even released as a single. However, over a decade later, the song gained new life when it was played during the closing scene of 1999s Fight Club. By then, the Pixies had disbanded, but the movies success propelled the song to such popularity that it ultimately contributed to the bands reunion in 2004. Today, Where Is My Mind? has become a staple in film and TV, often used to depict characters struggling to distinguish reality from illusion.

#27: Material Girl (1985)

Madonna

A material girl never goes out of style, and this Madonna classic certainly proves that. Released as a single from her sophomore album, Material Girl rose to number two on the Hot 100, and produced one of her most iconic music videos. It has been covered by stars like Britney Spears and Hilary Duff, but perhaps its biggest generational revival came in 2019 when rapper Saucy Santana dropped his own track with the same title. While not a cover, Santanas version was inspired by Madonnas concept and even earned her approval. The songs popularity on TikTok revived interest in Madonnas original, and led to a collaboration between the two artists. In 2022, they released Material Gworrllllllll!, blending the old and new into a fresh anthem.

#26: Take My Breath Away (1986)

Berlin

Its rare for a song created specifically for a film to take on a life of its own, but thats exactly what happened with Berlins Take My Breath Away. The new wave band wrote the tune for the 1986 action film Top Gun and it became a massive hit. It topped the charts in both the U.S. and UK, and won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Just as the Top Gun franchise has soared to greater heights since then, the song has endured as well. In 1990, it saw a resurgence in the UK after Top Gun premiered on television, and Peugeot featured the track in a series of commercials. This time, it reached number three on the charts.

#25: 99 Luftballons (1983)

Nena

At the height of Cold War tensions, German new wave band Nena delivered the ultimate anti-war anthem. The song, which follows the chaos that ensues after 99 red balloons are mistaken for enemy aircraft, became a massive success, topping charts around the world. But even as the Cold War came to an end, 99 Luftballons never completely faded into obscurity. The song saw a brief resurgence in 2006 during a Hurricane Katrina fundraiser, when one diehard fan donated $35,000 to have it played nonstop on VH1 Classic for one hour. The timing was fitting, as the world faced a new wave of political tension, and the devastation caused by the hurricane mirrored the aftermath of war.

#24: Somebody's Watching Me (1983)

Rockwell feat. Michael Jackson

Paranoia has a way of creeping in, no matter how hard you try to shake it off, which explains why this song resurfaces every now and again. Dubbed the perennial paranoia-rock anthem by Rolling Stone, Somebodys Watching Me is pretty much the only memorable hit by Rockwell, the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Featuring the unmistakable vocals of Michael Jackson in the chorus, this tune hit number two in the U.S., and was commercially successful around the globe. Thanks to its eerie themes, it has become a Halloween staple. It was during that period in 2021 that the song found new life on TikTok, climbing back onto the charts and peaking at number 47 in the UK.

#23: Another One Bites the Dust (1980)

Queen

The impact of British rock band Queen on music will probably be felt until the end of time. That notion is perfectly encapsulated in their best-selling single Another One Bites the Dust. It was the bands second and final number-one hit in the U.S., and while it initially dropped off the charts, it later made a remarkable comeback. In 2018, the song was featured in the trailer for Bohemian Rhapsody, the biographical film about lead singer Freddie Mercury. This brought the track back into the mainstream, propelling it into the top 20 of Billboards Hot Rock Songs chart. It became even more popular, reaching the top five, following the 2019 Academy Awards, where the film won four trophies.

#22: Heaven Is a Place on Earth (1987)

Belinda Carlisle

Some songs perfectly capture the zeitgeist of the era in which they were created. Few do that as well as Belinda Carlisles Heaven Is a Place on Earth. This synth-heavy pop rock tune catapulted Carlisle to stardom, becoming her only chart-topper in the U.S. and earning her a Grammy nomination. It also served as an inspiration for Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker, while he was writing the acclaimed episode San Junipero, which is set in the 80s. As a result, Brooker featured the song prominently at the beginning and end of the episode. As viewers watched, many were either transported back to the good old days or discovered Carlisle for the first time, significantly reigniting the songs popularity.

#21: Danger Zone (1986)

Kenny Loggins

The 1986 action classic Top Gun delivered adrenaline-pumping aerial sequences that were amplified by its unforgettable soundtrack. One of the most iconic songs was Kenny Loggins high-octane anthem Danger Zone. Co-written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, the track captured the spirit of the original movie and helped cement Loggins as the King of the Movie Soundtrack. For the long-awaited 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, Loggins re-recorded the song with a modern twist, but star and producer Tom Cruise chose to stick with the original version. Danger Zone experienced a massive resurgence following its inclusion in the films opening moments. It returned to the charts in several countries, proving that a well-placed classic can still electrify audiences decades later.

#20: Holding Out for a Hero (1984)

Bonnie Tyler

While the good men and gods may have gone, this song will never leave our collective consciousness. Initially recorded by Bonnie Tyler for the Footloose soundtrack, Holding Out for a Hero has received several boosts thanks to its inclusion in various films and shows. The Fairy Godmothers take on the track in Shrek 2 plays over one of the franchises most action-packed sequences. Its easily the highlight of Jennifer Saunders iconic voice performance. Years later, the song received a much more adult treatment in season 2 of Euphoria, when theater kid Lexi used it to poke fun at toxic bad boy Nate Jacobs. Regardless of the context, Holding Out for a Hero remains larger than life.

#19: Time After Time (1984)

Cyndi Lauper

If we had a photo album of 80s memories, this would be the picture that absolutely refuses to fade. Time After Time has taken on a life of its own as the essential slow dance scene soundtrack across media. It really got a boost after it appeared in 1997s Romy and Micheles High School Reunion. From there, the song endured through the 2000s and 2010s with similarly heartwarming moments in Napoleon Dynamite and Stranger Things. Its tender lyrics focus on a drum beating out of time. The imagery of the song helped it become an anthem for outcasts looking to find support and community among each other. As the second hand unwinds, Time After Time continues to unite the wallflowers and misfits.

#18: Dont You (Forget About Me) (1985)

Simple Minds

Thanks to its association with The Breakfast Club, Simple Minds Dont You (Forget About Me) will forever be remembered as one of the most beloved hits of the 80s. That said, it also had a moment in the early 2010s thanks to being embraced by Easy A. But the songs dominance didnt stop there. Nickelodeons Victorious, Pitch Perfect, and even Glee, ALL had their own renditions of the feel-good song. This anthem was a way for younger kids to urge their peers to cherish the fun times before going their separate ways. Previously the theme song of Gen X nostalgia, millennials and Gen Zs can also relate to the songs coming-of-age message.

#17: True (1983)

Spandau Ballet

They bought a ticket to the world, but now theyve come back again. Spandau Ballets moody ballad True has seen a new wave in more ways than one. Besides belonging to the genre, it made a comeback nearly a decade later after being sampled in hip-hop group P.M. Dawns Set Adrift on Memory Bliss. Maintaining the songs riff and expanding even further on the unique atmosphere, its the rare remake thats just as good as the original. True is most often tied to the 80s movie Sixteen Candles. However, it also made for a good gag on Modern Family when Edward Norton appeared as a fictitious member of Spandau Ballet.

#16: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (1987)

Whitney Houston

When the night falls, our nostalgia calls. Whitney Houstons I Wanna Dance With Somebody is the go-to 80s song for happy onscreen and real-life occasions. Still a floor-filler decades later, its a staple at weddings and dances as well in rom-coms. Jennas getting-ready scene in 13 Going on 30 is easily one of the films most beloved moments because of this banger of a song choice. And of course, The Voices 2022 biopic named after the song once again renewed its popularity. One scene shows Houston enthusiastically listening to a demo before deciding she has to have it for herself. And as they say, the rest was history.

#15: Sweet Child o Mine (1988)

Guns N Roses

For all we know, the child in the title might have kids of their own by now. Guns N Roses biggest smash first saw a resurgence when Sheryl Crow covered Sweet Child o Mine in 1999. In the years since, the original has been featured in movies like 2008s Step Brothers, where Adam Scotts character showed us the fun and dangers of carpool karaoke. The song also featured prominently in 2022s Thor: Love and Thunder. Thanks to its inclusion in the film, we had proof that the Guardians dont have an MCU monopoly on rock throwbacks. With lyrics of rose-colored childhood memories, its no wonder Sweet Child o Mine continues to resonate.

#14: Shout (1984)

Tears for Fears

Originally written as a protest song encouraging listeners to use their voices, Shout was repurposed by Shout for England for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Dizzee Rascal and a pre-Late Late Show James Corden combined their talents for some team spirit. While England sadly underperformed, the pairs efforts did not. The remade Shout debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, introducing the song to a new generation with a new meaning. Meanwhile, the original has been used for dramatic and comedic effect alike, from Netflixs Dark to Everybody Hates Chris. Did you really expect it to go out with a whimper?

#13: Eye of the Tiger (1982)

Survivor

Since its introduction in the 1980s as the Rocky III theme song, Survivors Eye of the Tiger has gotten the crowd hyped at many a sporting event, boxing or otherwise. The songs competitive spirit has appeared in live-action movies and animated fare alike. However, not every use has been welcomed by the band. Political figures like Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich infamously faced legal action for using the song during their campaigns. Fortunately, incidents like that didnt stop Eye of the Tiger from getting in movies and shows. Case in point, Peter Griffin gives a surprisingly strong rendition of the song as he encourages Lois in the ring.

#12: Livin On a Prayer (1986)

Bon Jovi

Everyone loves some 80s cheese, and Livin On a Prayer is a giant wheel of it. Bon Jovis 1986 signature anthem about a struggling working-class couple continues to be referenced in pop culture today, with even their own songs calling back to it. The arena rockers mention Tommy and Gina in their 2000 hit Its My Life, dedicating the song to them for never backing down. In 2013, Livin on a Prayer made a comeback to the charts, after a 2009 video of a Boston Celtics fan dancing his heart out in the bleachers went viral. The song also appears in season 3 of Supergirl, when villainess Reign breaks into prison.

#11: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1985)

Eurythmics

Who are we to disagree? Despite its title, Sweet Dreams sounds more like a nightmare. The 1983 hits ominous vibe has made it a favorite for modern movie trailers, from A Wrinkle in Time to House of Gucci. Its also been covered numerous times, most notably by Marilyn Manson in 1995. His industrial rock rendition ramped the creepy factor up to 11, with Billboard calling its music video one of the scariest of all time. Actress Emily Browning also covered Sweet Dreams for the 2011 film Sucker Punch, and Britney Spears sampled it in Everybody, from her 2007 album Blackout. Sweet Dreams was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020, solidifying its status as a timeless 80s gem.

#10: The Safety Dance (1982)

Men Without Hats

How did a quirky new wave song about pogo dancing become so popular? Well, after the death of disco in the early 80s, pogoing was the new style of dance. Consisting of jumping up and down in place, Men Without Hats lead singer Ivan Doroschuk was kicked out of a club for trying the trend, and wrote The Safety Dance in protest. The song later appeared on South Park in 2015, and Alaska Airlines filmed a parody video in 2020 to promote their COVID-19 safety precautions. With lyrics about hand-washing and mask-wearing, the company chose the perfect song to get the message across.

#9: Tainted Love (1981)

Soft Cell

With a beat this infectious, its easy to see why Tainted Love continues to bewitch well into the 21st century. Its opening synth instantly transports the listener to a seedy underground club from the future, making its inclusion in Doctor Who a no-brainer. In the second episode of the 2005 revival series, Christopher Ecclestons Ninth Doctor can be seen dancing to it at Lady Cassandras end-of-the-world party. A year later, Rihanna sampled the song in her hit SOS, referencing other 80s throwbacks by A-ha, Michael Jackson, and Tears for Fears in the lyrics. Contrary to popular belief, Tainted Love precedes the 2000s and the 80s: before Soft Cell covered it, it was actually a 60s soul song by Gloria Jones.

#8: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (1985)

Tears for Fears

Nothing ever lasts forever...except this songs legacy. Possibly one of the deepest chart-toppers ever recorded, Everybody Wants to Rule the Worlds existentialist lyrics grow more relevant with every passing yearhaving Lorde cover it cant hurt, either. While Tears for Fears original version contrasts its heavy lyrics with upbeat production, Lordes 2013 cover for the Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack goes full dystopian in true Capitol fashion. With its profound lines about greed, corruption, and human nature in the Cold War era, Everybody Wants to Rule the World continues to resonate with listeners around the world no matter the decade.

#7: Dont Stop Believin (1981)

Journey

Journeys Dont Stop Believin just seems to get bigger with each passing year. It became particularly synonymous with 80s nostalgia in the late 2000s. Back then, it was used prominently in not one but two huge and wildly different TV series. It first closed out the bittersweet series finale of The Sopranos in 2007. It then got a wholesome rendition from New Directions in the pilot episode of Glee. Seasons later, it stands as one of the shows most beloved covers. Resonating with listeners from all walks of life whether they assign it to endings or beginnings, millions are still holding onto that feeling.

#6: Take On Me (1984)

a-ha

Synth-pop is one of the 1980s most beloved genres, and Take On Me is arguably its crowning achievement. A sonic sugar rush from beginning to end, it gave Norwegian trio A-ha their first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as one of the most iconic music videos of the MTV era. Flashforward to 2013, when it was sampled by the most unlikely artist possible: Pitbull. His duet with Christina Aguilera, Feel This Moment, transformed the iconic keyboard melody into a party song. When the rapper-singer duo performed at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, they invited original A-ha singer Morten Harket on stage to celebrate the songs renewed success.

#5: Careless Whisper (1984)

George Michael

Whether or not you lived through the 80s, youre almost certainly familiar with this steamy saxophone riff. George Michaels Careless Whisper hits perfectly when youre seeking out a serious, soulful breakup jam, but its flair for the dramatic is undeniably funny out of context. The song was used in memes galore throughout the 2010s, and even received a major movie moment thanks to its inclusion in Deadpool. In the films final minute, Wade pulls out his phone to play Careless Whisper during his big kiss scene with Vanessa, leading into the end credits where an animated Deadpool plays the saxophone.

#4: Africa (1982)

Toto

As previously mentioned, the arrival of Stranger Things in 2016 introduced Generation Z to dozens of 80s classics, but none has received a boost quite like Totos soft-rock masterpiece. In the shows series premiere, Africa blasts over Nancy and Steves makeout session. The song proved extremely popular among young fans of the show, and Weezer took note of its renewed popularity: the bands 2018 rendition became their first #1 hit on Billboards Alternative chart in a decade. They werent the only ones to jump on the Africa bandwagonlater that year, Pitbull sampled it in Ocean to Ocean, which played in the DC film Aquaman to unintentionally hilarious effect.

#3: Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983)

Bonnie Tyler

The 1980s were full of bombastic power ballads, but none are as beloved (and ridiculed) as Total Eclipse of the Heart. Thanks to its massive chorus and melodramatic lyrics, a 2013 survey saw it voted the most popular song to sing in the shower, over more recent hits by Justin Bieber and One Direction. Much like Mariah Carey around the holidays, it also gets a bump whenever theres a real-life solar or lunar eclipse. During the solar eclipse of August 2017, Bonnie Tyler performed the song on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship with Joe Jonass band DNCE backing her. Despite its story of falling apart, new listeners are still falling in love with Total Eclipse of the Heart.

#2: Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) (1985)

Kate Bush

Forget roads, hills and buildings this 80s anthem ran up the charts a whopping three times. Kate Bushs Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) made a minor comeback when a remix of the song was included in the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. But it wouldnt make waves across the pond until a decade later when it arrived in season 4 of Stranger Things. Heavily tied into Maxs storyline throughout the season, Bush gave the shows producers her personal blessing to use the passionate track. It certainly paid off. The track became a worldwide hit that introduced her catalog to Gen Z listeners via Netflix, TikTok, and elsewhere. These days, were betting she wouldnt swap places with anyone.

#1: Never Gonna Give You Up (1987)

Rick Astley

Just as its lyrics promised, this 80s smash hit is never gonna say goodbye. Three decades after its release, Never Gonna Give You Up resurfaced in 2007 when 4chan users posted disguised links to the music video at unexpected moments. The now-common practice, known as Rickrolling, revived singer Rick Astleys career and became one of the biggest memes in Internet history. Astley, who originally called the meme weird, eventually embraced the songs second life and gave a surprise performance at the 2008 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. As of 2025, the Never Gonna Give You Up music video has over 1.5 billion views, and the song has cemented its place in past and present pop culture.

What do you think was the best decade for pop music on the radio? Let us know in the comments!