The 1980s was a time of mascara for men, frilled shirts, the creation of MTV, the birth of U2, mega-hits by David Bowie and the saying, “Shop Til You Drop.” It was also a decade filled with some of the greatest music enjoyed by today’s youngest baby boomers.
The 1980s were filled with some of the best songs ever written, whether you were a slamming rocker, a stylish new wave lover or star struck by glam metal artists.
New Wave Songs With Depeche Mode and The Clash
Bands were inspired by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, the leading contender as the inventors of New Wave with its song “When the Time Comes” which smashed onto the charts in 1978. Those New Wave musicians who came later are perhaps best remembered as defining the style.
Bands such as Talking Heads (and who can forget the Saturday Night Live parody by comedian Rich Hall of David Byrne in his wide-shouldered suit when he sang “You may ask yourself, why such a big suit?”)
- B-52s – Rock Lobster
- The Clash -- London Calling
- Yaz - Situation
- Prince -- When Doves Cry
- Peter Gabriel – Games Without Frontiers
- Spandau Ballet - True
- Ultravox -- Vienna
- Devo – We are Devo
- Talking Heads -- Burning Down the House
- Devo – Whip It!
- Thompson Twins – Hold Me Now
- Soft Cell – Tainted Love
- Depeche Mode – Everything Counts
- Thomas Dolby – She Blinded Me With Science
- David Bowie – Modern Love
- Flock of Seagulls – I Ran (So Far Away)
- Elvis Costello – Everyday I Write the Book
- Men At Work – Who Can It Be Now?
- Duran Duran – Hungry Like the Wolf
- Psychedelic Furs – Pretty In Pink
- Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls
U2 Songs, David Bowie Songs Top 80s Retro Sound
Let’s not forget that the 1980s were also a time of some of the best commercial pop and rock songs of all time. Some may say that several of these songs are bit more forgettable than others.
However experts, such as those at The People History, believe that the music of the 1980s serves as a symbol of the decade's events. This list of pop and rock favorites will definitely stir up some memories of your biggest 1980s moments.
- Walk Like an Egyptian - The Bangles
- Styx – Mr. Roboto
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
- Van Halen – Jump
- Pretenders – Brass in Pocket
- Rick Springfield – Jesse’s Girl
- Madonna – Material Girl
- Pat Benatar – Heartbreaker
- Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers – Don’t Do Me Like That
- U2 -- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Stevie Nicks -- Edge of Seventeen
New Wave Songs With a Love Touch
These songs crossed all musical genres in the decade, some demonstrating that even the most hardened rockers and post-punkers have a heart.
- U2 – With Or Without You
- Cyndi Lauper – True Colors
- Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight
- REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling
- Dan Fogelberg – Longer
- Air Supply – Lost In Love
- Lionel Richie – Hello
- The Police – Wrapped Around Your Finger
- Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – Endless Love
- John Lennon – Woman
- The Police – Every Breath You Take
- Journey – Open Arms
1980s Songs Show 80s Retro New Wave Song Style
These bands may have been known for their style but there was definitely some substance beneath the makeup, zippers and chains. Bands such as Queen, Alice Cooper, Poison, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue and Bon Jovi kept crowds under their spell with their lifestyles, big hair and hyper masculine lyrics.
- Queen – Another One Bites the Dust
- Alice Cooper – Freedom
- Billie Idol – White Wedding
- Twisted Sister – We’re Not Gonna Take It
- Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
- Guns ‘N Roses – Patience
- Motley Crue – Shout At the Devil
- Night Ranger – Sister Christian
- Ozzy Osbourne – Diary of a Madman
What are your best musical memories of the 1980s? Chances are you still have those zippered pants and trenchcoat so haul them out, blast the 80s tunes and walk like an Egyptian.
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