61 Best Songs From the '80s That Are, Like, Totally Bitchin'
Re-fall in love with these bangers.
The ‘80s—in all of its hair-crimping, shoulder-pad-wearing, and neon-forward glory—produced so many iconic songs that it’s almost impossible to rally them all up. It was also a time of wild variety, from house music to whatever Michael Bolton was doing. If you grew up in the '90s, you'll see where *a lot* of your favorite bands got their inspiration from. And if you didn't, and you're discovering/rediscovering the decade, you'll see what all the fuss was about: Truly, it was a time of "throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall" and "sometimes making some of the catchiest music of all time."
But which '80s songs are the best, you ask? Well, here's our (entirely subjective, probably incredibly biased) list of bops that you should add to your fave playlists immediately. Some of them are love songs for the ages. Some of them are the danciest dance hits of all time (yea, I said it). Some are absolutely weird and wonderful "songs." All of them? A hundred percent amazing.
It was tough work, but it had to be done! We put in the labor so that instead trying to recall all of the best ‘80s hits, you can channel your energy into actually singing them, while using your hairbrush as a mic and dancing around in your bedroom. It's, like, scientifically proven these songs will instantly put you in a hella good mood. I kid you not!
"Once in a Lifetime," by Talking Heads (1980)
Same as it ever was! This weird, wacky music video is pretty fitting for the song, tbh: It's both gibberish and also a deep rumination about the perils of consumerism and the hardships of aging (brain explodes).
"Pump Up the Jam," by Technotronic (1989)
This very late entry to the 1980s musical canon (it was literally released in August 1989) might feel like a classic bop these days, but it's also known as the first house song to hit it big in the U.S. ~History!~
"Somebody's Watching Me," by Rockwell (1984)
It's not just because you can hear Michael Jackson's voice in the chorus—this song is catchy because it's, like, paranoia but also fun??
"Heat of the Moment," by Asia (1982)
(deep inhale) "It was the heeeeeaaaaat of the moment!" you sing to your splurge brownie purchase. Seriously, this song isn't just relevant for a passionate, very-bad-idea affair—even though that's technically what it's about.
"Super Freak," by Rick James (1981)
As controversial as the singer became, there's no denying that the line "she's the kind you don't take home to mother" honestly feels as iconic now as it did four decades ago.
"Manic Monday," by The Bangles (1986)
I mean. Who hasn't absolutely 1) had this song stuck in their head on a random Monday, and 2) started singing it not-so-quietly to themselves? Bonus points if it's on the subway.
"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," by Wham! (1984)
You might know this from the movie Zoolander, but if that's the case then please watch this George Michael video immediately. It's hard to create the perfect lil pop song—but this absolutely nails it.
"Call Me," by Blondie (1980)
Forever fashion icon Blondie is also the voice of the single people who just, like, would love their crush to stop ghosting them. Replace "call" with "text," "message," or "slide into my DMs," and it's perf for the 21st century.
"Abracadabra," by Steve Miller Band (1982)
Inspired by Diana Ross (also on this list, obv), never underestimate the power of "I wanna reach out and grab ya"—consensually, of course—to get stuck in your head for hours.
"More Than This," by Roxy Music (1982)
You prob know the remakes of this song, but give the original a whirl. Nothing says the '80s like an almost 2-minute synth outro and watching yourself play instruments from a movie theater.
"Love Shack," by The B-52's (1989)
The party song of every generation, this is also a very late '80s hit (released in June of '89) that '90s kids, myself included, immediately latched onto and played one million times in a row.
“Higher Love,” by Steve Winwood (1986)
You can literally feel the hope in each vibration of this song, and it's irresistible. Also, Whitney Houston and Kygo’s 2019 cover of this song is straight fire.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” by Whitney Houston (1987)
Listen, if you haven’t belted this song while dancing with your friends, you’re missing out on pure enjoyment!
“Take On Me,” by A-ha (1985)
Long live this infectious beat that withstands the test of time as a karaoke go-to.
“Modern Love,” by David Bowie (1983)
Oh, the songs David Bowie blessed us with. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this one without moving some part of your body to it.
“Jessie’s Girl,” Rick Springfield (1981)
“Jessie’s Girl” walked ran, so “Stacy’s Mom” could also run. Honestly, who hasn’t imagined themselves as Jessie’s girl in this scenario?
“Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey (1981)
An underdog yearning, strangers wandering, street lights in the night...whether you’re a romantic or not, you have to admit this song makes you feel some type of way.
“Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds (1985)
Even people who have never seen The Breakfast Club immediately associate this song with the film. Fists in the air, everyone!
“What’s Love Got to Do With It,” by Tina Turner (1984)
Soul icon Tina Turner strutting around New York City in a jean jacket, leather miniskirt, and big hair in this music video is the level of cool I aspire to reach. Plus, this song makes points.
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears For Fears (1985)
When you think about it, this song is pretty heavy on substance. It really hits you right away with the first lyrics: "Welcome to your life / There's no turning back."
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