Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
The 1980s were a decade of excess, with big hair, shoulder pads, and massive hits that we still love to this day. Introducing new rock stars and pop hits, this period was an extremely transformational time for the music industry, one which made synthesizers and other digital sounds mainstream. It was also a time when rap and hip hop made huge strides, paving the way for many artists today.
Keen on reminiscing the biggest hits from the '80s? Then check out the gallery.
The first single released from his 1984 album 'Born in the U.S.A.,' this song became Springsteen's biggest hit which helped the album become the best-selling one of his career.
Written and performed by Billy Joel, this classic '80s jam describes a working-class man attempting to woo a wealthy uptown girl. It's an overall fun and romantic pop song.
The first and biggest hit by the Norwegian electro-pop trio A-ha, ‘Take On Me’ rose to international popularity in 1985. Its music video was also groundbreaking due to its mix of live-action and pencil-drawn animation.
The chronicles of the harsh truths of the street-fighting life, this dance-rock beat is a true masterpiece that even included a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.
This soft-rock anthem by Cher is an unforgettable song. The music video, in which she wears a fishnet body stocking, is one of her most iconic looks of all time.
This 1983 jam reminds you of a tropical vacation thanks to its rhythms and beat. Not only is it an iconic '80s song, but it's also one of Richie's biggest hits.
‘Purple Rain’ is a perfectly crafted masterpiece that spotlights everything that made Prince a legend. From his unique melodies to his vocal ability, this song is eternal.
An ode to Bob Marley, this 1980 hit has deep political messaging in line with Marley’s peaceful vision of the world. You can't sit still to this reggae beat!
There's probably nothing more iconic than the guitar riffs from ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine.’ More than three decades on, the song still keeps us rocking, whether it's on the dance floor or in karaoke.
Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' album included several smash hits like ‘Lucky Star,’ ‘Like a Virgin,’ and ‘Material Girl.’ But 'Express Yourself' was an eternal anthem for anyone to embrace their own individuality. Truly iconic!
Released in 1982, ‘The Message’ was an early prominent hip hop song to provide a social commentary that describes the stress of inner-city poverty. This song showed the word that hip hop was also a movement and not just a hobby.
The British duo, consisting of members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, created one of the most intense, thrilling pop songs ever that we can't help but love.
The debut single recorded by English singer and songwriter Rick Astley, this 1987 hit became his signature song. The music video of the song even became a meme known as Rickrolling, where someone baits you with an enticing link, which points instead to the video.
An all-time karaoke favorite, ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ became a chart-topping single and the band's signature song. And even if you find this 1986 hit to be cheesy, you can't help but sing along.
Launched in the summer of 1987, this song turned Whitney Houston into a superstar. A timeless tune, it has been covered by everyone from David Byrne to the cast of 'Glee.'
‘Africa’ is a song by American rock band Toto, and it was released as a single in the US in 1982. A soft-rock anthem, it was the group's contribution to a wave of telethons during the Reagan era.
No other song can hype you up as much as 'I Love Rock ’n Roll' by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. All you need is another dime for the jukebox.
You can't think about the 1980s without remembering ABBA. The twinkling harmonies of 'Super Trouper' is still the ultimate dance jam.
Written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, this disco hit keeps us all dancing till this day. The song rightfully hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, and stayed there for four weeks.
Written by Sting, the single was the biggest US hit of 1983, which also became his signature song. In 2010, it was estimated to generate between a quarter and a third of Sting's music publishing income.
A classic from 1988, the all-gal hip hop trio made music magic in the combination of Casio beats, keyboard stabs, and their fun lyrics.
Released in 1982, this punk rock track brought some of that late '70s rock into the '80s. The song was re-released in 1991 thanks to a Levi's jeans commercial.
David Bowie had several hits in the '80s, and this one is impossible to forget. The beat is infectious and makes you want to dance immediately.
This song is the ultimate soundtrack to any beach day or road trip with your female friends. This song is a true classic.
One of Janet Jackson's signature songs, the pop icon sings about not having time for “nasty” boys, “nasty” food, or “nasty” cars. Only “nasty” grooves.
Considered Turner’s big comeback song after her first success with her infamously abusive ex-husband Ike, this song really turned her into a rock star and icon.
Debbie Harry brought her punk-glam style into the '80s with this new wave hit. The song served as the official theme for the Richard Gere film 'American Gigolo' (1980), which helped popularize the song.
A beloved classic, this 1981 power ballad by Journey typifies the fun and cheesy '80s music. And who doesn't love when the note hits the title lyric?
Released in late 1989, this song was the perfect transition into the ’90s, with its up-tempo track inspiring everyone to get on their feet and take action.
Sources: (Glamour) (Rolling Stones) (Time Out)
See also: Iconic films from the '80s that are worth rewatching
The biggest hit songs from the '80s
These jams were blasting on every boombox!
MUSIC Tunes
The 1980s were a decade of excess, with big hair, shoulder pads, and massive hits that we still love to this day. Introducing new rock stars and pop hits, this period was an extremely transformational time for the music industry, one which made synthesizers and other digital sounds mainstream. It was also a time when rap and hip hop made huge strides, paving the way for many artists today.
Keen on reminiscing the biggest hits from the '80s? Then check out the gallery.