25 Of The Greatest Songs From 1987

Discover the top 25 hits from 1987 that defined an era and continue to be beloved classics. From iconic ballads to upbeat dance tracks, these songs have stood the test of time and remain favorites among music lovers of all ages.

With or Without You by U2

'With or Without You' by U2 was released in 1987 as part of their album 'The Joshua Tree'. The song became one of the band's most popular and enduring hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It showcases Bono's emotional vocals and The Edge's iconic guitar riff. The lyrics explore themes of love, longing, and inner conflict. 'With or Without You' is considered a classic of 1980s music and continues to be a fan favorite at U2 concerts.

Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Roses

'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was released as the third single from their debut album 'Appetite for Destruction' and quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The iconic guitar riff, powerful vocals, and emotional lyrics make this song a timeless classic. 'Sweet Child o' Mine' is often considered one of the band's signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It remains a fan favorite at Guns N' Roses concerts and continues to be a staple of rock radio playlists.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston

'I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)' by Whitney Houston was released in 1987 and became one of the biggest hits of the year. The song topped the charts in multiple countries and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It is a feel-good dance anthem that showcases Whitney's powerful vocals and infectious energy. The song's catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it a timeless classic that continues to be a favorite at parties and dance floors around the world.

Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

'Livin' on a Prayer' by Bon Jovi is considered one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was released as the second single from Bon Jovi's album 'Slippery When Wet' and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The iconic chorus and catchy melody have made it a timeless anthem that continues to be a fan favorite at concerts and events. 'Livin' on a Prayer' has also been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its place as a classic rock song from the 1980s.

La Bamba by Los Lobos

'La Bamba' by Los Lobos was one of the greatest songs from 1987. The track was featured in the film 'La Bamba,' which told the story of the rise of rock and roll musician Ritchie Valens. Los Lobos recorded a new version of the traditional Mexican folk song for the movie's soundtrack, which became a huge hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the first Spanish-language song to do so. 'La Bamba' helped introduce Ritchie Valens' music to a new generation and solidified Los Lobos' place in music history.

Here I Go Again by Whitesnake

'Here I Go Again' by Whitesnake is one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was originally released on the band's 1982 album 'Saints & Sinners,' but it gained massive popularity when it was re-recorded and released as a single in 1987. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is considered one of Whitesnake's signature songs. 'Here I Go Again' features powerful vocals by lead singer David Coverdale and a memorable guitar solo by John Sykes. The song's lyrics about self-discovery and moving forward struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic from the 1980s.

I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany

'I Think We're Alone Now' by Tiffany was one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was a cover of the original version by Tommy James and the Shondells. Tiffany's rendition reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a massive hit around the world. The catchy pop tune solidified Tiffany as a teen pop sensation and remains a classic from the 80s.

Faith by George Michael

One of the greatest songs from 1987 is 'Faith' by George Michael. This iconic track was released as the lead single from George Michael's debut solo album of the same name. 'Faith' became a worldwide hit, topping the charts in the US and several other countries. The song's catchy melody and memorable lyrics helped solidify George Michael's status as a solo artist after his departure from Wham!. 'Faith' also won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1989. With its infectious groove and George Michael's soulful vocals, 'Faith' remains a classic song that continues to be loved by fans around the world.

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley

'Never Gonna Give You Up' by Rick Astley was released in 1987 and quickly became a massive hit. The song topped the charts in 25 countries and is considered one of the greatest songs from that year. Interestingly, 'Never Gonna Give You Up' became even more popular in recent years due to the 'Rickrolling' internet meme, where people would trick others into clicking on a link to the music video. Despite the meme, the song has stood the test of time and is still beloved by many fans around the world.

Heaven is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle's hit song 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' was released in 1987 and quickly became one of the most popular songs of the year. The catchy pop tune topped the charts in multiple countries and solidified Carlisle's solo career after her time with The Go-Go's. The song's uplifting lyrics and infectious melody captured the hearts of listeners and continues to be a beloved classic. 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' is a timeless anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of the late 80s and remains a staple on playlists and radio stations to this day.

Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard

One of the greatest songs from 1987 is 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' by Def Leppard. This iconic rock anthem was a massive hit for the band, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is known for its catchy chorus and infectious energy, making it a staple of 80s rock music. 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' was included on Def Leppard's album 'Hysteria', which went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. The song's success helped solidify Def Leppard's status as one of the biggest bands of the 80s, and it remains a classic rock favorite to this day.

Bad by Michael Jackson

'Bad' by Michael Jackson was released in 1987 as the title track of his seventh studio album. The song was written and composed by Jackson himself and was produced by Quincy Jones. It became one of Jackson's signature songs and was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for 'Bad' was directed by Martin Scorsese and features Jackson showcasing his iconic dance moves. The song's lyrics tell the story of a young man who is falsely accused of being a troublemaker, despite his good intentions. 'Bad' is considered one of the greatest songs from 1987 and solidified Michael Jackson's status as the King of Pop.

Just Like Heaven by The Cure

'Just Like Heaven' by The Cure is considered one of the greatest songs from 1987. The track was released as the third single from their album 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me' and became one of their most popular songs. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody combined with Robert Smith's distinctive vocals make it a timeless classic. The song reached the top 40 in multiple countries and has been covered by various artists over the years. 'Just Like Heaven' showcases The Cure's ability to blend pop sensibilities with their signature alternative rock sound, solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.

I Want Your Sex by George Michael

'I Want Your Sex' by George Michael was released in 1987 and caused quite a stir due to its provocative lyrics and music video. The song was part of George Michael's debut solo album 'Faith' and became a major hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Despite some controversy surrounding the song, it was praised for its catchy melody and George Michael's soulful vocals. 'I Want Your Sex' is considered one of the standout tracks from 1987 and solidified George Michael's status as a solo artist.

Sign Your Name by Terence Trent D'Arby

One of the greatest songs from 1987 is 'Sign Your Name' by Terence Trent D'Arby. The song was released as the second single from his debut album 'Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby'. 'Sign Your Name' reached the top ten in multiple countries and is considered one of D'Arby's signature songs. The soulful ballad showcases D'Arby's impressive vocal range and songwriting skills. The song's romantic lyrics and smooth melody have made it a timeless classic that continues to be loved by fans around the world.

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2

'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' by U2 is one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was released as the second single from U2's critically acclaimed album 'The Joshua Tree'. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since become one of the band's most iconic songs. The track features powerful vocals from lead singer Bono and a memorable gospel-inspired melody. Despite its success, the song's lyrics convey a sense of longing and searching for something elusive, making it a timeless anthem for anyone feeling lost or uncertain in their journey. U2's performance of the song at the 1988 Grammy Awards remains one of the most memorable moments in music history. 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' continues to resonate with listeners around the world, solidifying its place as a classic from the 1980s.

Mony Mony by Billy Idol

'Mony Mony' by Billy Idol was one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was actually a cover of a 1968 hit by Tommy James and the Shondells. Billy Idol's version became a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The catchy chorus and energetic performance by Idol made 'Mony Mony' a staple of 80s music. The song's popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in various movies and TV shows over the years. It remains a classic party anthem to this day.

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship was one of the greatest songs from 1987. The power ballad was featured in the film Mannequin and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren, and was performed by the band Starship, formerly known as Jefferson Starship. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now is known for its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody, making it a timeless classic that continues to be popular today.

The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson

'The Way You Make Me Feel' by Michael Jackson is one of the greatest songs from 1987. The song was released as the third single from Jackson's album 'Bad' and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for the song is iconic, featuring Jackson pursuing a woman through the streets of Los Angeles. 'The Way You Make Me Feel' showcases Jackson's signature vocals and catchy pop hooks, solidifying his status as the King of Pop. The song remains a fan favorite and is often performed at tribute concerts and events honoring Jackson's legacy.

Shake Your Love by Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson's hit song 'Shake Your Love' was released in 1987 and quickly became a chart-topping success. The upbeat pop track showcased Gibson's talent as a singer and songwriter, and solidified her status as a teen pop sensation. The song's catchy chorus and infectious melody made it a favorite among fans and helped propel Gibson to stardom. 'Shake Your Love' remains a beloved classic from 1987 and is a testament to Gibson's enduring popularity in the music industry.

I Found Someone by Cher

'I Found Someone' by Cher was released in 1987 and became one of the greatest songs of that year. The song was originally written and recorded by Michael Bolton, but Cher's version became a huge hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 'I Found Someone' showcases Cher's powerful vocals and emotional delivery, making it a standout track in her extensive discography. The song's success helped solidify Cher's status as a pop music icon, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.

Brilliant Disguise by Bruce Springsteen

One of the greatest songs from 1987 is 'Brilliant Disguise' by Bruce Springsteen. The song was released as the lead single from his album 'Tunnel of Love' and it reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 'Brilliant Disguise' is a powerful ballad that explores themes of love, deception, and self-reflection. The song showcases Springsteen's raw and emotional vocals, as well as his songwriting prowess. It has since become a fan favorite and a staple in his live performances. 'Brilliant Disguise' is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.

Big Love by Fleetwood Mac

Big Love by Fleetwood Mac is a standout track from the band's 1987 album, Tango in the Night. The song was written and sung by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, showcasing his intricate fingerpicking style and emotive vocals. Big Love was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is known for its powerful lyrics about love and relationships, and its infectious melody that has made it a fan favorite for over three decades. With its unique sound and timeless appeal, Big Love remains one of the greatest songs from 1987.

Alone by Heart

'Alone' by Heart is one of the greatest songs from 1987. The power ballad was a massive hit for the band, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, who have penned many other successful songs for artists like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. 'Alone' showcases lead singer Ann Wilson's incredible vocal range and emotional delivery, making it a standout track from the 80s. The song's iconic music video, featuring the band performing in a dark, moody setting, further solidified its popularity. Overall, 'Alone' remains a timeless classic and a standout from 1987.

Didn't We Almost Have It All by Whitney Houston

'Didn't We Almost Have It All' by Whitney Houston was one of the greatest songs from 1987. The ballad was released as the second single from her second album, 'Whitney', and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song showcases Houston's powerful vocals and emotional delivery, solidifying her status as one of the greatest singers of all time. 'Didn't We Almost Have It All' is a classic love song that resonated with listeners and remains a timeless favorite to this day.

Popnable /Popnable Media