12 Retro Jukebox Songs from the ’80s That Are Forgotten
These overlooked ’80s jukebox tracks once defined dance floors, car radios, and teen angst but have slipped away from mainstream nostalgia.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
While the ’80s are often remembered for megahits by Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince, there exists a treasure trove of lesser-known tracks that once rocked diners and neon-lit arcades. These 12 songs reflect the diversity of the decade, from synth-pop oddities and jazz-infused singles to socially aware anthems and funky ballads. Forgotten by many but beloved by a few, these tunes deserve another chance to echo through the speakers of modern nostalgia.
1. “Cool Places” – Sparks feat. Jane Wiedlin (1983)
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A bubbly duet between synth-pop duo Sparks and Go-Go’s guitarist Jane Wiedlin, “Cool Places” was a quirky dancefloor favorite. The song merged new wave with sugary pop and a touch of punk energy. Despite its chart success at the time, it rarely resurfaces in conversations about iconic ’80s collaborations.
2. “Don’t Shed a Tear” – Paul Carrack (1987)
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This soft-rock track was once a radio staple, delivering heartfelt vocals and a polished, echo-heavy production. Paul Carrack, also known for his work with Mike + The Mechanics, found solo success with this song. Today, it’s often overlooked in favor of more dramatic power ballads from the era.
3. “Breakout” – Swing Out Sister (1986)
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With a splash of jazz-pop and smooth vocals, “Breakout” was stylish and empowering. It offered a sophisticated sound that stood apart from the synth-heavy mainstream. While it charted well internationally, it’s now largely absent from ’80s playlists.
4. “Obsession” – Animotion (1984)
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“Obsession” delivered a pulsing beat and steamy lyrics that captured the club culture of the mid-’80s. The dramatic duet made it a favorite on dance floors and early MTV. Today, it lives in the shadow of bigger hits from more commercially enduring bands.
5. “Voices Carry” – ’Til Tuesday (1985)
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This haunting synth-rock ballad, featuring Aimee Mann’s emotional delivery, was a minor hit with a memorable music video. Its themes of control and silencing in a relationship hit hard at the time. However, it’s been overshadowed by Mann’s later solo work and largely forgotten outside die-hard fans.
6. “No One is to Blame” – Howard Jones (1986)
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This introspective tune combined poetic lyrics with a clean synth backdrop, reflecting a more thoughtful side of ’80s pop. It had moderate chart success and became Howard Jones’s biggest U.S. hit. Yet, it rarely gets airplay today, eclipsed by more upbeat hits of the decade.
7. “Election Day” – Arcadia (1985)
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A moody, experimental track from Duran Duran’s side project Arcadia, “Election Day” leaned into atmospheric art-pop. Featuring Grace Jones on vocals, the song was stylish and enigmatic. Its avant-garde nature likely contributed to its slow disappearance from retro rotations.
8. “Perfect Way” – Scritti Politti (1985)
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This glossy funk-pop track blended British sensibility with American R&B polish. “Perfect Way” was an unexpected U.S. hit, despite being virtually unknown in its homeland. It’s a time capsule of high-production ’80s pop that’s now almost entirely forgotten.
9. “Let’s Go!” – Wang Chung (1986)
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While “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” became a karaoke staple, “Let’s Go!” was another energetic gem from the band. It was packed with synth textures and a driving rhythm perfect for a late-night joyride. Unfortunately, it’s often left out of compilations and retrospectives on ’80s pop-rock.
10. “Dancing With Myself” – Generation X/Billy Idol (1980/1981)
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Originally released by Billy Idol’s band Generation X, the song found more fame in Idol’s solo re-release. With its punk roots and danceable beat, it had jukebox swagger. Still, it’s usually upstaged by Idol’s better-known anthems like “White Wedding.”
11. “The Politics of Dancing” – Re-Flex (1983)
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This track delivered a funky, socially conscious message masked in a synth-laced dance tune. It was catchy, stylish, and had heavy rotation in clubs and on MTV. Yet, Re-Flex quickly faded from the music scene, taking this song with them into obscurity.
12. “Living in a Box” – Living in a Box (1987)
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An oddly titled song by a band of the same name, this hit played with themes of consumerism and urban pressure. Its polished production and funky hook made it a sleeper hit in the U.S. However, the band’s limited output meant it didn’t stay in the public’s long-term memory.