60 Best Songs From The 1980s

Outstanding

Listen:

Artist:

The Gap Band

Album:

The Gap Band IV

Description

Outstanding took the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B Singles chart in 1982. The song lyrics are of a man infatuated with a woman, and he can’t get enough of her.

Forget Me Nots

Listen:

Artist:

Patrice Rushen

Album:

Straight From The Heart

Description

Patrice Rushen explains to us through song, that love can still exist even if its been a while. Sending a thoughtful reminder to your past love interest will help them to forget you not.

Take Your Time (Do It Right)

Listen:

Artist:

The S.O.S. Band

Album:

S.O.S.

Description

Take Your Time was able to capture the #1 position on three separate Billboard charts. The song is about a sexual encounter with lots of encouragement.

Your Love

Listen:

Artist:

The Outfield

Album:

Play Deep

Description

Your Love is also known as the song about the hopes of a one night stand. The Outfield achieved great success in the U.S. throughout the 1980’s, but sadly they never did in their native land.

Like a Virgin

Listen:

Artist:

Madonna

Album:

Like A Virgin

Description

Like a Virgin was a defining song for Madonna when is released on October 31, 1984. The video inspired people all over the world to copy Madonna’s famous “wedding looks” she so famously wore throughout the 80’s. This song has been covered by artists of all genres for decades.

Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)

Listen:

Artist:

Billy Ocean

Album:

Suddenly

Description

Caribbean Queen stole the 1984 Grammy for the Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performace category. The song is about a woman who captivates and seduces the vocal artist.

I Ran (So Far Away)

Listen:

Artist:

A Flock Of Seagulls

Album:

A Flock Of Seagulls

Description

The Song I Ran is a love song about a guy who is trying to run from the feelings he has for a woman. However, in the end, they both get abducted by aliens.

Just Like Heaven

Listen:

Artist:

The Cure

Album:

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

Description

Just Like Heaven was the first U.S. Billboard hit from The Cure. The song draws inspiration from a vacation that lead singer Robert Smith went on with the love of his life Mary Theresa Poole.

Everything She Wants

Listen:

Artist:

Wham!

Album:

Make It Big

Description

Everything She Wants was a #1 smash hit from Wham! The song is about a man who feels trapped in a relationship where he has nothing else to give.

Raspberry Beret

Listen:

Artist:

Prince

Album:

Around The World In A Day

Description

The song tells the story of a young man working at a dead-end job with no appreciation. A girl with a Raspberry Beret walks in through the out-door on this day, and the boy gets swept away by her beauty.

P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

Listen:

Artist:

Michael Jackson

Album:

Thriller

Description

Michael Jackson doesn’t hold back any feelings on this Billboard hit. P.Y.T. is about his feelings towards a woman who he wants to give some T.L.C.

Just The Two Of Us

Listen:

Artist:

Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers

Album:

Winelight

Description

Just The Two Of Us is a positive and uplifting song about love. Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers are the perfect duo for this Billboard Hot 100 R&B tune.

If I Could Turn Back Time

Listen:

Artist:

Cher

Album:

Heart Of Stone

Description

This iconic song’s music video was shot on the USS Missouri to boost recruitment. The Navy did however have some concern when Cher filmed the video in a see through fishnet bathing suit.

The Longest Time

Listen:

Artist:

Billy Joel

Album:

An Innocent Man

Description

The Longest Time is a compliment to the Doo-Wop genre of the 1950s. Using only one instrument, the bass guitar, Billy Joel hits a home run with this 1983 finger snappin’ classic.

Get Down On It

Listen:

Artist:

Kool & The Gang

Album:

Something Special

Description

The song Get Down On It was written to encourage all of us to dance. What are you waiting for? Get your back up off the wall!

Owner of a Lonely Heart

Listen:

Artist:

Yes

Album:

90125

Description

Owner of a Lonely Heart teaches us all that being lonely isn’t all that bad. At least it feels better than getting your heartbroken.

Like A Prayer

Listen:

Artist:

Madonna

Album:

Like A Prayer

Description

Like a Prayer is one of the best selling singles of all time. Madonna drew inspiration from her Catholic upbringing, her personal journals, and mixed it all with her Madonna style.

Tom Sawyer

Listen:

Artist:

Rush

Album:

Moving Pictures

Description

The song Tom Sawyer was written to pay homage to the story Mark Twain wrote in 1876. It tells the story of an adventurous boy who is a free-thinking, rebellious type with nothing to lose.

One

Listen:

Artist:

Metallica

Album:

…And Justice For All

Description

Metallica’s song One is based on the novel Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. The story is about a WWI vet who lost all of his limbs in battle and lives to tell about it.

Africa

Listen:

Artist:

Toto

Album:

Toto IV

Description

This song is about a man who travels to Africa. While he is there, his love interest gives him an ultimatum. He can either leave the country to be with her or stay and lose her.

Free Fallin'

Listen:

Artist:

Tom Petty

Album:

Full Moon Fever

Description

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers hit the jackpot with their hit ballad Free Fallin’. Unusual as it may seem, this song is one of the few singles the band has recorded without a guitar solo.

Livin' On a Prayer

Listen:

Artist:

Bon Jovi

Album:

Slippery When Wet

Description

Living On A Prayer was a chart-topper from the start. The song is about two teenage kids who work blue-collar jobs, trying to escape the hardships of a low income.

Broken Wings

Listen:

Artist:

Mr. Mister

Album:

Broken Wings

Description

Broken wings is a song about dealing with heartbreak. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist of the story wishes to have love mend the broken pieces.

Push It

Listen:

Artist:

Salt N Pepa

Album:

Hot, Cool, Vicious

Description

While many people believe this song is purely sexual, the ladies of Salt N Pepa would have to continuously explain it was about pushing it hard on the dance floor. They were told in interviews that many listeners heard “P**** Real Good”.

Papa Don't Preach

Listen:

Artist:

Madonna

Album:

True Blue

Description

One of Madonna’s most controversial songs, Papa Don’t Preach is about a teenage pregnancy. While Madonna was praised for taking a political stance, she claimed the song was more about standing up to male authority.

Juicy Fruit

Listen:

Artist:

Mtume

Album:

Juicy Fruit

Description

At the time of its release, the song Juicy Fruit was recorded with the lyrics you can lick me everywhere. However, due to censorship laws, the lyrics were changed to candy kisses everywhere.

Eminence Front

Listen:

Artist:

The Who

Album:

It's Hard

Description

The Who frontman Pete Townshend wrote the song Eminence front. He refers to in the lyrics that the front is just a put-on. Eminence is a word better known as a state of high praise or fame.

The Stroke

Listen:

Artist:

Billy Squier

Album:

Don't Say No

Description

The song The Stroke has some questioning the true meaning behind the lyrics. Some say that the song hints toward being about masturbation. Billy Squire, on the other hand, says his song is in reference to the music biz.

Rhythm Is Gonna Get You

Listen:

Artist:

Gloria Estefan

Album:

Let It Loose

Description

The Latina Queen of Pop released this hit in 1987 where it ranked on music charts worldwide. Gloria Estefan is still the highest selling latin cross over artist of all time.

Part-Time Lover

Listen:

Artist:

Stevie Wonder

Album:

In Square Circle

Description

Part-Time Lover is a song about a secret love affair. The couple knows it’s the wrong thing to do, but they can’t hide their feelings for one another.

Saturday Love (feat. Alexander O'Neal)

Listen:

Artist:

Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal

Album:

Hight Priority

Description

Cherrelle & Alexander O’Neal show some serious range on the song Saturday Love. The duet exchanges the same verse throughout the song, making this a great choice to sing with a partner at your next karaoke party.

You Can Call Me Al

Listen:

Artist:

Paul Simon

Album:

Graceland

Description

Paul Simon’s wrote the song You Can Call Me Al with the inspiration he had from a trip he took to South Africa. The lyrics point to a man who is obsessed with himself and is starting to realize more about his spirituality.

Money For Nothing

Listen:

Artist:

Dire Straits

Album:

Brothers In Arms

Description

Sting, the vocal artist, can be heard at the beginning of this song saying “I want my MTV”! Money For Nothing is about two blue-collar men watching music videos, and talking to each other about their views on it.

Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

Listen:

Artist:

Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson

Album:

Waylon & Willie

Description

Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys is a coming of age country classic. This song points out that being a cowboy isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

Twilight Zone

Listen:

Artist:

Golden Earring

Album:

Cut

Description

The song Twilight Zone by Golden Earring is about a rogue spy who is on the run. The song and the music video mirror each other, with the agent getting caught in the end.

How Soon Is Now?

Listen:

Artist:

The Smiths

Album:

Hatful of Hallow

Description

The Smiths song, How Soon Is Now, was a huge success. It is one of their most popular singles they have ever released. However, the song was very difficult for the band to play live.

Paid In Full

Listen:

Artist:

Erick B. & Rakim

Album:

Paid In Full

Description

Paid in Full is one of the first hip-hop songs to talk about wealth. However, Rakim’s lyrics in this song do not suggest that he flaunts his riches. Rather, Paid In Full highlights the honest work he does and the money it creates.

Going Down / Love In an Elevator

Listen:

Artist:

Aerosmith

Album:

Pump

Description

This Aerosmith smash single was #5 on the Billboard chart in 1989. The lyrics to the song go hand in hand with the title, making love in an elevator.

Don't You (Forget About Me)

Listen:

Artist:

Simple Minds

Album:

The Breakfast Club (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Description

Don’t You (Forget About Me) became a cult classic song, thanks to the John Hughes film The Breakfast Club. Simple minds were at the top of the charts with this 1985 single.

Straight Up

Listen:

Artist:

Paula Abdul

Album:

Forever Your Girl

Description

“Straight up” was a popular saying at the time and in this song, Paula is asking a new guy to be completely honest with her about his intentions. The Forever Your Girl album sold 1M copies within 10 days of it’s release.

Against The Wind

Listen:

Artist:

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

Album:

Against The Wind

Description

Bob Seger wrote Against The Wind with inspiration from a past relationship. The song references the difference between people who use you and the people who truly care for you.

Everybody Wants to Rule The World

Listen:

Artist:

Tears For Fears

Album:

Songs From The Big Chair

Description

Tears For Fears’ song Everybody Wants to Rule The World is a song about the desire for power. The song also leans toward power, having undesirable aftermath.

Take on Me

Listen:

Artist:

a-ha

Album:

Hunting High and Low

Description

Take on Me was a #1 Billboard chart-topper in 1985. The music video for the song was also a great success for the group, known for its sketchy, cartoon-like innovation.

Enjoy the Silence

Listen:

Artist:

Depeche Mode

Album:

Violator

Description

Enjoy the Silence is a subtle reminder that words can sometimes hurt a relationship more than benefit. Quiet emotions are sometimes more valuable, according to Depeche Mode.

Material Girl

Listen:

Artist:

Madonna

Album:

Like A Virgin

Description

A pop hit from Madonna’s 2nd album, this song focuses on a woman getting all the material things she wants from a man and not feeling bad about it. The music video was based on Marilyn Monroe’s scenes from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Where the Streets Have No Name

Listen:

Artist:

U2

Album:

The Joshua Tree

Description

Where the Streets Have No Name is a dramatic song about the divide of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Streets were segregated based on income and religious beliefs, hence the choice of the song title.

Gimme All Your Lovin'

Listen:

Artist:

ZZ Top

Album:

Eliminator

Description

The song Gimme All Your Lovin’ lyrically trends with band’s common theme, sex. This hit single was the first song by ZZ Top to land a music video. It was also the first-ever music video to get a sequel.

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

Listen:

Artist:

Eurythmics

Album:

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

Description

The song Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) is about longing for fulfillment. Annie Lennox and Dave Steward wrote the song not long after a horrible argument.

Love Is a Battlefield

Listen:

Artist:

Pat Benatar

Album:

Live From Earth

Description

Pat Benatar secured a #5 spot on the Billboard charts with Love Is a Battlefield. The song lyrics are about the hardships that love can create, especially at a young age.

The Power of Love

Listen:

Artist:

Huey Lewis & The News

Album:

Huey Lewis & The News: Greatest Hits

Description

The Power of Love became the theme song to the cult classic film Back to the Future. The song sends a message about love and the powers that lie within.

Maneater

Listen:

Artist:

Daryl Hall & John Oates

Album:

H2O

Description

Maneater is a song about a woman who uses her expensive taste to seduce and appease men. Hall & Oates took this single to the top of the Billboard chart in 1982.

White Wedding

Listen:

Artist:

Billy Idol

Album:

Billy Idol

Description

This song is actually the anti-wedding song. Idol revealed that this song is about his ex-girlfriend who he called “little sister” getting married to another man and how he wanted to crash the wedding.

I Love Rock & Roll

Listen:

Artist:

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Album:

I Love Rock & Roll

Description

Originally written and recorded by the band The Arrows in 1975 it failed to get much attention. Joan Jett resurrected the song in 1981 where it soared to the #1 spot on the US Billboard charts and worldwide.

Sweet Child O' Mine

Listen:

Artist:

Guns N' Roses

Album:

Appetite For Destruction

Description

Sweet Child O’Mine was written and inspired by a poem Axl Rose wrote about his ex-wife Erin Everly. The couple was only married for nine months after abuse allegations from Ms. Everly ended their marriage.

Hysteria

Listen:

Artist:

Def Leppard

Album:

Hysteria

Description

Love Bites is a song written by frontman Joe Elliott. The song hints toward a relationship that he was apart of where the woman of interest was not a loyal companion.

Voices Carry

Listen:

Artist:

Til Tuesday

Album:

Voices Carry

Description

Til Tuesday’s song Voices Carry is a dark love ballad written by lead singer Aimee Mann. The song hints to an abusive relationship between a man and a woman.

Keep On Loving You

Listen:

Artist:

REO Speedwagon

Album:

Hi Infidelity

Description

Frontman Kevin Cronin wrote this song as a response to his unfaithful girlfriend. The part that hurts the most is that she cheated on him the night before their wedding, and he decided to stay with her.

In the Air Tonight

Listen:

Artist:

Phil Collins

Album:

Face Value

Description

We know, you are expecting us to write about the guy that didn’t save the other guy from drowning, right? Well, sorry to burst your urban myth bubble, but this song is about Phil Collins and the bitter divorce with his wife.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)

Listen:

Artist:

Whitney Houston

Album:

Whitney

Description

This upbeat pop hit debuted in 1987 on the album Whitney. The song was #1 on the charts worldwide. Whitney added her own spin on the song while recording with the lines ” Don’t you wanna dance?, say you wanna dance.”

Rio

Listen:

Artist:

Duran Duran

Album:

Rio

Description

The song Rio was written to depict the vision of succeeding in America. Although somewhat deceiving, the lyrics that Duran Duran used for the song are actually quite clever.