61 Best '80s Songs for 2023 - Music From the 1980s
Skip to Content

61 Best Songs From the '80s That Are, Like, Totally Bitchin'

Re-fall in love with these bangers.

By Kelly Allen and Katherine J Igoe
80s playlist cassette tape  best 80s songs
Getty/John Francis

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!

1

"Once in a Lifetime," by Talking Heads (1980)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime (Official Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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).

2

"Pump Up the Jam," by Technotronic (1989)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Technotronic - Pump Up The Jam (Official Music Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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!~

3

"Somebody's Watching Me," by Rockwell (1984)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me (Official Music Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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??

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

"Heat of the Moment," by Asia (1982)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Asia - Heat Of The Moment (Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

(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.

5

"Super Freak," by Rick James (1981)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Rick James - Super Freak (Official Music Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

6

"Manic Monday," by The Bangles (1986)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The Bangles - Manic Monday (Official Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," by Wham! (1984)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Official Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

8

"Call Me," by Blondie (1980)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Blondie - Call me
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

9

"Abracadabra," by Steve Miller Band (1982)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

"More Than This," by Roxy Music (1982)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Roxy Music - More Than This
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

11

"Love Shack," by The B-52's (1989)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The B-52's - Love Shack (Official Music Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

12

“Higher Love,” by Steve Winwood (1986)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Steve Winwood - Higher Love (Official Music Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” by Whitney Houston (1987)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Official 4K Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

Listen, if you haven’t belted this song while dancing with your friends, you’re missing out on pure enjoyment!

14

“Take On Me,” by A-ha (1985)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [Remastered in 4K]
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

Long live this infectious beat that withstands the test of time as a karaoke go-to.

15

“Modern Love,” by David Bowie (1983)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
David Bowie - Modern Love (Official Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16

“Jessie’s Girl,” Rick Springfield (1981)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl (Official Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

“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?

17

“Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey (1981)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Official Audio)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

18

“Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds (1985)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

Even people who have never seen The Breakfast Club immediately associate this song with the film. Fists in the air, everyone!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

“What’s Love Got to Do With It,” by Tina Turner (1984)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It (Official Music Video)
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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.

20

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears For Fears (1985)

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Watch onWatch on YouTube
This is an image

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."

Headshot of Kelly Allen
Kelly Allen
Associate Editor

Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.

Headshot of Katherine J Igoe
Contributor

Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.

Watch Next
 
preview for All Sections Playlist - Cosmopolitan US

Music

the 2023 met gala celebrating "karl lagerfeld a line of beauty" inside

Behold: A Lyric Breakdown of Halle's Song "Angel"

blue jack o lantern holding a cd in its mouth

Found: Your Halloween Party Playlist With 99 Songs

2022 kbs song festival

Wanna Know Everything about NCT 127?

"40 principales awards" 2013 photocall

"What Makes You Beautiful" Joins the Billions Club

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Young Women's Network - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map