{"id":173425,"date":"2024-07-13T10:39:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-13T10:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/culture.org\/?p=173425"},"modified":"2024-07-13T10:39:12","modified_gmt":"2024-07-13T10:39:12","slug":"80s-albums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/80s-albums\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 20 Best 80s Songs: Iconic Tracks That Shaped the 1980s and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best 80s songs are built on the styles from the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/1950s-albums\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1950s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/best-1960s-albums\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1960s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/70s-rock-bands\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1970s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> music, blending various genres to create timeless hits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This era saw the rise of iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Bon Jovi, who set new standards in the music industry.<\/span><\/p>\n <!-- <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n jQuery(document).ready(function() {\r\n jQuery(\".key-accordion-item .key-menu\").on(\"click\", function() {\r\n if (jQuery(this).parent().hasClass(\"active\")) {\r\n jQuery(this).next().slideUp();\r\n jQuery(this).parent().removeClass(\"active\");\r\n } else {\r\n jQuery(\".key-content\").slideUp();\r\n jQuery(\".key-accordion-item\").removeClass(\"active\");\r\n jQuery(this).parent().addClass(\"active\");\r\n jQuery(this).next().slideDown();\r\n }\r\n });\r\n })\r\n <\/script> -->\r\n\r\n\r\n <!-- start html -->\r\n\r\n <div class=\"news-key-takeaway-wapper\">\r\n <span style=\"background-color:#4db2ee;\">Key Takeaways<\/span>\r\n <ul class=\"news-key-nbox\" style=\"border-color:#4db2ee;background-color:rgba(77, 178, 238, 0.1);\">\r\n <li>The 1980s was a diverse decade for music, blending various genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop.<\/li>\r\n <li>Iconic songs from the 80s continue to influence today's music scene and resonate with listeners.<\/li>\r\n <li>Key artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince set new standards in music and performance.<\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (1982)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the standout tracks from Michael Jackson’s album <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thriller<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, “Billie Jean,” features a <\/span><b>memorable bassline and Jackson’s signature vocal hiccups<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song’s narrative about a fan’s false paternity claim and its revolutionary music video helped it become a cultural phenomenon\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Madonna – “Like a Prayer” (1989)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madonna pushed boundaries with “Like a Prayer,” both musically and visually.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song’s controversial music video, which <\/span><b>featured religious imagery, sparked debates and cemented Madonna’s status as a pop icon<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Cyndi Lauper – “Time After Time” (1983)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyndi Lauper’s heartfelt ballad “Time After Time” became an anthem of the ’80s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its <\/span><b>emotional lyrics and Lauper’s distinctive voice <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">helped it become a timeless classic, showcasing her versatility beyond playful hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse of the Heart” (1983)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its powerful vocals and haunting melody, this dramatic ballad became a worldwide hit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tyler’s <\/span><b>throaty and impassioned performance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, coupled with the song’s sweeping arrangement, captured the dramatic flair of the decade and left a lasting impression on listeners.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust” (1980)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queen kicked off the decade with this funky, bass-driven track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Another One Bites the Dust” showcases <\/span><b>the band’s ability to blend rock with other genres<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, resulting in one of their biggest hits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer” (1986)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its iconic talk box intro and anthemic chorus, “Livin’ on a Prayer” <\/span><b>became Bon Jovi’s signature song<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The story of Tommy and Gina, two working-class heroes, resonated with listeners and turned the song into a rock staple\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (1983)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics created<\/span><b> one of the most recognizable synthpop tracks of the ’80s<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with “Sweet Dreams.”<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song’s innovative use of synthesizers and Lennox’s striking androgynous image in the music video left a lasting impact\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. A-Ha – “Take On Me” (1984)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for its <\/span><b>groundbreaking rotoscope animation music video<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, “Take On Me” by A-Ha combined catchy synth melodies with a powerful vocal performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The video helped the song achieve global success and remains a beloved piece of ’80s nostalgia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Depeche Mode – “Just Can’t Get Enough” (1981)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This early hit from Depeche Mode is a <\/span><b>quintessential synthpop track characterized by its upbeat tempo and infectious melody<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It marked the beginning of the band’s long and influential career\u200b\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five – “The Message” (1982)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“The Message” was a groundbreaking track in the evolution of hip-hop. It addressed <\/span><b>social issues and urban struggles with a raw and honest perspective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and its influence can still be felt in the genre today\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Salt-N-Pepa – “Push It” (1987)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This energetic and catchy track <\/span><b>brought female rap to the mainstream<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. “Push It” became an international hit and is still a favorite at parties and dance floors\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (1987)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whitney Houston’s <\/span><b>powerhouse vocals and the song’s infectious dance beat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> made “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” one of the biggest hits of the ’80s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It remains a feel-good anthem and a highlight of Houston’s illustrious career.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” (1985)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” shows her unique talent and how she mixes profound ideas with easy-to-listen music. The song was first called “A Deal with God,” but this title caused some issues at the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s become popular again recently after being<\/span><b> used in the Netflix series <\/b><b><i>Stranger Things<\/i><\/b><b>, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">helping new fans discover it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Prince – “Purple Rain” (1984)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prince’s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purple Rain<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> album title track is <\/span><b>an epic ballad that showcases his incredible musicianship and emotional depth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song’s live performances, especially at the Super Bowl, have become legendary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. The Cure – “Close to Me” (1985)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its melancholy lyrics and upbeat brass riffs, “Close to Me” is one of The Cure’s standout tracks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The song’s unique sound and Robert Smith’s introspective lyrics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> made it a defining moment for the band.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16. B-52’s – “Love Shack” (1989)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Love Shack” is a<\/span><b> quirky, fun track that became an instant party anthem<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The B-52s created a timeless hit with the song\u2019s infectious beat and playful lyrics, ensuring it remains a favorite at gatherings and events.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17. Rick James – “Super Freak” (1981)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for its<\/span><b> funky groove and memorable chorus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, “Super Freak” by Rick James became an iconic ’80s track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its influence extended beyond the decade, famously sampled by MC Hammer in “U Can’t Touch This.”<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18. Chaka Khan – “Ain’t Nobody” (1983)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This R&B classic showcases Chaka Khan’s <\/span><b>powerful vocals and the song’s smooth, catchy rhythm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. “Ain’t Nobody” remains a beloved track, often covered and sampled by other artists. Its timeless appeal and Khan’s dynamic performance have ensured its place as one of the standout songs of the 1980s.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19. Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (1985)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This synthpop anthem by Tears for Fears captures the essence of ’80s music with its thoughtful lyrics and catchy melody.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song’s <\/span><b>introspective take on power and control and its memorable hooks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> made it a global hit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20. George Michael – “Faith” (1987)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Faith” <\/span><b>marked George Michael’s transition to a solo artist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with its iconic guitar riff and infectious beat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song’s blend of rock and pop elements, along with Michael’s charismatic performance, cemented its place as a quintessential ’80s track.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relive the Best of ’80s Music!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 1980s gifted us with some of music history’s most memorable and influential songs that continue to influence artists to this day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why not take a trip down memory lane and rediscover these classics? Whether you’re planning a nostalgic party or simply want to experience the magic of the ’80s again, this curated playlist will transport you back in time Marty McFly style!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Embrace the rhythms, stories, and emotions of an era that changed music forever. Create your ultimate ’80s playlist and let the decade’s music inspire and entertain you.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":10026,"featured_media":173426,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[398],"tags":[3860],"class_list":["post-173425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-best-albums-in-history"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173425"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10026"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173425"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173425\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/173426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=173425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/culture.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}