What endures about a song? For the 1980s, it wasn’t hooky hooks instead, it was cultural moments that defined an era. From video revolutions to genre-bending hybrids, the decade was a rainbow of sound and style that continues to echo today.
MTV’s ascendance, the synth-pop explosion, the stadium rock reign, and hip-hop’s birth all occurred in an overlap of sounds that could never be replicated. Artists weren’t recording songs they were creating identity, politics, and pop culture. And decades after, these songs remain to fill dance clubs, get remixed by other artists, and get utilized in everything from big-budget movies to viral TikToks. The following are eight unforgettable ’80s songs that did not only rule the charts they redefined them.
1. “Purple Rain” – Prince (1984)
Prince’s nine-minute epic was not a song it was an odyssey of the spirit. Seamlessly combining rock, R&B, and orchestral colors, it testified to his unchallenged superiority in genre-bending without sacrificing emotional force. “It refers to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting faith/god lead you through purple rain,” as explained by Prince himself.
It’s become a part of his live show, particularly at the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show amidst real rain. It is not simply a musical inspiration its a cultural reference point that continues to serve as an inspiration source for artists across every genre.
2. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson (1982)
When Michael Jackson dropped “Thriller,” he didn’t release a single he released a pop culture phenomenon. Its chilling lyrics (“Darkness falls across the land.”) and its innovative video made it an event. Time Magazine would subsequently refer to it as “the sound of a new pop renaissance.”
Aside from its record-smashing popularity, “Thriller” solidified MTV as a cultural powerhouse and set the stage for music videos to be on par with the songs themselves. It’s still a Halloween classic and a demonstration of how to make music and visual elements come together.
3. “Like a Virgin” – Madonna (1984)
Provocative, frivolous, and boldly transgressive, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” openly defied mainstream values in the midst of the HIV/AIDS crisis. It was more than a pop hit a declaration of sexual empowerment and personal rebirth.
The track’s effect was further bolstered by Madonna’s in-your-face shows and clothing, and she became a role model of empowerment for young women as a consequence. Years later, it remains one of her standouts and an affirmation of pop’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
4. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey (1981)
Few songs have the staying power of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Its memorable piano opening is instantly recognizable, and its small-town girl-meets-city-boy-chasing-the-dreams story has mass appeal.
From the series finale of The Sopranos to the world’s worst karaoke parties, the song has become an anthem of hope and perseverance. It’s not nostalgia proof that a great rock ballad can reach across generations.
5. “Take On Me” – a-ha (1985)
Synth-pop hit “Take On Me” by Norwegian group a-ha was one of the decade’s most iconic tunes. Its iconic falsetto chorus is impossible to forget, but its groundbreaking rotoscope-animated music video made it a worldwide phenomenon.
The application of sketch animation and live-action in the clip earned awards and created a new standard for visual imagination in music. A-ha is generally classified as a one-hit wonder, but so prevalent is the influence of this track over pop imagery.
6. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears (1985)
This sheening new wave song wrapped bitter political commentary in an intolerably catchy tune. Cold War anxieties in its wake, its power- and ambition-laden lyrics hit a chord still reverberating today.
It has been recorded by hundreds of artists since it was penned, including a spine-tingling rendition by Lorde for The Hunger Games Catching Fire. It’s still everywhere in popularity because it has optimism but balanced with a realistic assessment of humankind.
7. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston (1987)
Whitney Houston’s incredible voice made “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” more than a party-dance song it was ecstasy in song form. Took its sweet time to reach the top of the charts at first compared to some of her other number-one hits, but became one of her anthems.
Its blend of triumphant production and isolated yearning captures the essence of camaraderie discovered in music. The song is so powerful, it even named a Houston biopic from 2022.
8. “Under Pressure” – Queen & David Bowie (1982)
When two of rock’s legends got together, the outcome was lightning in a bottle. “Under Pressure” matched Queen’s arena-friendly style with Bowie’s art-rock tastes, held together by one of the most iconic basslines in history.
The unity and understanding message in the song is as powerful now as it was when the song was penned during the early ’80s. It reminds us that even in adversity, unity can give rise to something enduring.
The ’80s weren’t about decadence about experimentation, risking it all, and working together. These eight songs didn’t redefine a decade they continue to define how music is made, played, and listened to. Whether it’s in a popular cover version, a film score, or a late-night karaoke session, their legacy ensures great music never goes out of style.
