The Best Songs of the 1980s: A Golden Decade of Music

The 1980s was a decade marked by innovation and diversity in the music industry. From rock to pop, and hip-hop to orchestral works, the decade produced some of the world's most beloved and timeless songs. In this article, we’ll delve into the best songs of the 1980s, including classics like Back in Black by AC/DC, iconic hits like Purple Rain by Prince, and passionate ballads such as I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

Rock and Roll: Your Shaken, My Stolen

Rock music was undoubtedly at its peak in the 80s, with AC/DC leading the charge. Back in Black (1980) is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time, setting the stage for a generation of aspiring guitarists looking to emulate lead singer Bon Scott's rockstar persona. The song, along with Hells Bells and You Shook Me All Night Long, remains a staple for AC/DC fans and guitar enthusiasts alike.

The Pop Era: Dancing to the Beat

The 1980s also saw a resurgence in pop music, with several iconic hits shaping the culture of the decade. Michael Jackson's Beat It introduced guitar solos to a broader audience, while Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance With Somebody echoed the power and passion that has come to define the 80s pop sound. Other notable hits include:

Purple Rain by Prince Express Yourself by Madonna Straight Outta Compton by NWA Free Fallin' by Tom Petty What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner Take on Me by A-ha Every Breath You Take by The Police Africa by Toto I Can’t Go For That by Hall and Oates

These songs not only defined their respective genres but continue to inspire and evoke nostalgia for those who grew up in the 1980s.

Chamber Music: The 1812 Overture

While rock and pop were the dominant genres in the 1980s, classical music also achieved its own share of fame. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The 1812 Overture (1882), while not created in the 1980s, was a musical sensation during the era. Its use of real cannon fire in the climactic finale made it a thrilling concert experience, blending the grandeur of orchestral music with a new level of spectacle.

The Cream of the Crop

There's an abundance of music that stands out from the 1980s, here are a few selections:

Anything by Stevie Ray Vaughan Panama and Jump by Van Halen Free Fallin' by Tom Petty
What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner Tacky by A-ha. Though not one of the big hits, it’s a fun anecdote that the band refused to take the stage at the WRNR Festival due to its intensity. (Note: A-ha typically performs Take on Me) Rock You Like a Hurricane by The Scorpions When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin (one of my favorites) Handle with Care by The Travelling Wilburys Pretty much anything by Tom Petty Wild Thing by Sam Kinnison (my favorite line: “Why didn’t you tell me you were a demon from HELL!!!”)

Conclusion

Growing up in the 1980s or reminiscing about that decade, the music from the 80s continues to hold a special place in popular culture. From rock anthems to pop classics and orchestral masterpieces, the 80s produced a rich tapestry of music that has stood the test of time. The songs mentioned above, whether you're a 1980s fan or simply appreciate timeless tunes, offer a window into an era of creativity, innovation, and cultural significance.