The Most Underrated Songs from the '80s

Ranker Music
Updated May 15, 2024 35 items
Ranked By
1.6K votes
346 voters

Journey through the vibrant music lanes of the 1980s, where tunes echo with nostalgia and are awash in distinctive synth-pop chords. Our collection amasses an intriguing medley of underrated '80s songs, each boasting a timbre seldom acknowledged among the era's monumental hits. Be it the eclectic melodies of a New Wave band or the power-driven rhythm of a quintessential rock group, our diverse lineup encompasses the unseen spectrum of '80s soundscapes.

Woven within the fabric of our compilation are songs that perhaps missed the mainstream marque but resonated profoundly with music monomaniacs. These are tracks that surged through the airwaves during neon-lit disco evenings, the sonic gems of the '80s often overlooked amid chart-toppers. Explore the poignant narratives they unravel, the stylistic nuances they introduced, and the lasting impact they left on the music industry.

Our list is carefully curated to be rooted not just in popularity but also in the profound depth of each song's narrative. Discover how groups like The Cure or The Smiths reverberated through the underground music wave, or how artists like The Police and Fleetwood Mac crafted unconventional tracks that flew under the radar.

From the euphonious tunes of A Flock of Seagulls to the gritty punk rhythms of The Clash, we provide a platform to discover, ponder, and appreciate these forgotten gems.

Soak in the unique harmonies of the lesser-known but unforgettable '80s sound. Whether you're a musical time traveler or a curious explorer venturing into the '80s groove, our comprehensive representation will serve as your compass. Fasten your seatbelt for a vibrant retro journey filled with underrated '80s songs awaiting rediscovery. Welcome aboard the lyrical time machine to the robust music landscape of the '80s. Happy listening!

Most divisive: Pass The Dutchie
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Underrated Songs from the '80s
  • Der Kommissar
    1
    109 votes

    Der Kommissar

  • Blue Monday
    2
    124 votes

    Blue Monday

  • The Promise
    3
    135 votes
  • Tell It To My Heart
    4
    80 votes

    Tell It To My Heart

  • Live to Tell
    5
    91 votes

    Live to Tell

  • Gypsy
    6
    77 votes
  • I Got You
    7
    87 votes
  • Cry Little Sister
    9
    68 votes

    Cry Little Sister

  • Brand New Lover
    10
    59 votes

    Brand New Lover

  • She Works Hard For The Money
    12
    82 votes

    She Works Hard For The Money

  • Pump Up the Volume
    13
    62 votes

    Pump Up the Volume

  • New Attitude
    14
    53 votes

    New Attitude

  • Let Me Go
    16
    38 votes

    Let Me Go

  • Channel Z
    17
    28 votes
  • Every Day Is Halloween
    20
    47 votes

    Every Day Is Halloween

  • Invisible
    21
    35 votes

    Invisible

  • Just Like Jesse James
    22
    51 votes

    Just Like Jesse James

  • World Where You Live
    23
    44 votes

    World Where You Live

  • I Should Be So Lucky
    24
    39 votes

    I Should Be So Lucky

  • Love Train
    26
    24 votes

    Love Train

  • Drive South
    27
    20 votes

    Drive South

  • Everybody
    28
    24 votes
  • The Circle
    29
    24 votes

    The Circle

  • Under Construction
    30
    17 votes

    Under Construction

  • I Sometimes Wish I Was Dead
    31
    24 votes

    I Sometimes Wish I Was Dead

  • Flame Trees
    32
    20 votes

    Flame Trees

  • City Of Night
    33
    15 votes

    City Of Night

  • City of Night
    34
    19 votes

    City of Night

  • City of Night
    35
    19 votes

    City of Night