The 1980s didn’t only bestow upon us big hair and larger shoulder pads; it bestowed a soundtrack that won’t quit. Synth-infused anthems, genre-bending rock ballads, the music of the decade was so in-your-face, it continues to resonate through today’s music charts. And the cherry on top: plenty of those hits weren’t only the trends of their moment but have since been turned into the building blocks of current pop, rock, and even hip-hop.
It was the age when Michael Jackson moonwalked into legend, Madonna made controversy an art form, and acts like U2 and The Cure rewrote the sound of rock. MTV didn’t merely play music videos; it launched icons. And now, all these years later, those songs continue to be sampled, covered, and feted, demonstrating that their durability transcends nostalgia.
Here’s a closer examination of seven great songs from the ’80s that didn’t just represent a decade; they continue to shape the music we listen to today.
1. Purple Rain – Prince (1984)
Prince’s nine-minute masterpiece wasn’t a song, it was a declaration. Fusing elements of rock, pop, and gospel, “Purple Rain” displayed his unparalleled skill at genre-bending without sacrificing emotional impact. His album and film title song solidified him as a cultural icon, with guitar solos that continue to inspire musicians of all genres. Its legacy can be heard in contemporary ballads that balance exposure with strength, and its performances on stage remain the benchmark for spectacle.
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson (1982)
A bigger hit single, “Thriller” was a worldwide phenomenon. Featuring its Vincent Price-voiced outro and innovative music video, it set a new standard for what a pop single could do. The combination of funk, rock, and disco beats in the song still fascinates producers. And due to its yearly Halloween comeback, it’s one of the few songs that’s both a cultural phenomenon and a lesson in pop-making.
3. With or Without You – U2 (1987)
The moodiness of layering and emotional control that defined “With or Without You” was a turning point for rock ballads. The use of The Edge’s extended guitar notes by U2 created a sound world that has been replicated by countless alternative and indie bands. It was also the band’s first U.S. number one, enabling them to cross over into the mainstream without sacrificing their introspective bite.
4. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (1983)
Not many intros are more recognizable than the throbbing synth line of “Sweet Dreams.” Annie Lennox’s androgynous look and minimalist production on the song set the template for synth-pop bands to come. Its reach is beyond pop electronic and dance artists continue to reference it as a guiding light for making songs that are both hypnotic and radio-ready.
5. Take On Me – a-ha (1985)
Popular for its sweeping falsetto and pioneering rotoscope-directed video, “Take On Me” is not a one-hit wonder. The song’s blend of hooky synth riffs and emotional intensity has influenced contemporary acts ranging from indie pop to EDM. Its popularity even extended to a decades-later stripped-down acoustic rendition, indicating the song’s melodic potency independent of production.
6. Blue Monday – New Order (1983)
Clocking in at more than seven minutes, “Blue Monday” was the biggest-selling 12-inch single ever. Its mix of post-punk gloom and dance-party intensity influenced electronic music for decades to come. Rihanna and The 1975, among others, borrowed its distinctive beat and synth sheen, demonstrating how a song that originated in the club environment can have a ripple effect into mainstream pop culture.
7. Tainted Love – Soft Cell (1981)
A 1960s Northern Soul original, Soft Cell’s synth-inflected cover made “Tainted Love” an 80s anthem. Its minimalist production and brooding delivery set the tone for synth-pop’s darker moments and inspired thousands of covers and borrowings. Rihanna’s “SOS” notoriously based its hook on it, demonstrating that a superior reworking can surpass the original in cultural significance.
The 80s were not just a decade of hook-filled pop songs they were a sound lab, style incubator, and storytelling sandbox that continues to influence. These songs didn’t merely dominate charts; they defined trends, shattered conventions, and constructed models that current artists are still using. For fans of music, listening to them again isn’t merely a walk down memory lane, it’s a reminder that great songs never age.
