20 Songs from the 80s That Still Give Us Goosebumps
Technological developments and a proliferation of genres defined the transforming period in music in the 1980s. With their continuing impact seen today, the following 1980s songs have stood the test of time. These 20 songs remain as powerful and hauntingly beautiful as they aired, whether via innovative production, emotional words, or unforgettable melodies.
- Tricia Quitales
- 7 min read
From the 1980s, some of the most well-known songs have persisted throughout time and carved themselves into the soundtrack of popular culture. From soaring ballads to electronic-driven choruses, these songs still elicit strong emotions that carry listeners to a period of vivid fashion, innovation, and artistic exploration. This list of 20 amazing 80s singles reveals original insights on their impact and ongoing strength, inspiring us now.
1. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson (1982)
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From its famous opening chuckle to the bone-chilling video, “Thriller” changed what a music video could be and produced an ongoing cinematic experience. It is difficult not to feel goosebumps as the chorus strikes since the strong beat and creepy synths still leave an impact. Every Halloween season feels the cultural value of the song, which marks a turning point in mainstream music.
2. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses in 1987
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Even decades after its publication, listeners today still find great resonance in the instantly identifiable opening riff of “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Slash’s famous guitar work, combined with Axl Rose’s raw vocals, produces an unparalleled emotional intensity. This song catches the ideal mix of young innocence and raw rock revolt.
3. “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
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Cyndi Lauper’s voice has never been more haunting than in “Time After Time,” where the lyrics explore vulnerability, loyalty, and her unadorned sensitivity. Reflecting a universal, eternal truth about love and devotion, the mix of synth-pop and emotional depth still sends chills down the spine. This tune seems to have been your life’s soundtrack.
4. The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry” (1980)
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One of the first instances of the band’s unique capacity to combine jangly, bouncy guitars with melancholy is The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry.” Though the song’s catchy rhythm raises the mood, Robert Smith’s unique voice strikes deep and vulnerability. Its emotional resonance and lasting effect on listeners come from this juxtaposition of melancholy with delight.
5. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (1981)
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Becoming a worldwide anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’s” speaks to anybody who has ever dreamed of something more. Even decades later, Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and journey-like story inspire listeners with hope and drive. The song’s remarkable capacity to unite people in typical optimism is unmatched in the rock genre.
6. “With or Without You” – U2 (1987)
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Still one of the most emotionally powerful songs ever created, U2’s “With or Without You” deftly balances love, suffering, and loyalty. Long after the song ends, Bono’s passionate vocals and the ambient orchestration produce a spine-tingling effect. This album demonstrated the band’s creative depth and variety, indicating a turning point in their growth.
7. “Take On Me” – A-ha (1985)
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People love A-ha’s “Take On Me” because of its catchy synth-driven tune. Still, people are drawn in by the strange quality that the song’s honest words and clever arrangement create. With its innovative rotoscoping animation, the accompanying music video adds even more artistic flair, maintaining it as a visual and aural classic.
8. The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” (1983)
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Though initially appearing as a lovely love song, “Every Breath You Take” has an unsettling undercurrent because of its obsessive and longing lyrics. It’s one of the strangest songs from the 1980s, and Sting’s smooth, haunting singing makes the simple but powerful orchestration stand out. The track’s emotionally powerful hypnotic quality never goes away.
9. “Africa” – Toto (1982)
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Toto’s “Africa” honors adventure and amazement while simultaneously arousing a special feeling of nostalgia. Along with the great vocals, the complex layers of percussion transport listeners to a fabled, far-off realm that seems familiar but alien. Thought of as a cult favorite, this song unites people for singalongs over multiple decades.
10. “I Want to Know What Love Is” – Foreigner (1984)
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“I Want to Know What Love Is” explores closely the sensitivity and yearning of the complexity of love with its rising orchestral and Lou Gramm’s strong vocals. The song’s anthem-like character and passionate build-up never fail to get listeners in motion. This song is the best example of an 80s power ballad ever made.
11. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (1982)
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Combining Jackson’s trademark rhythmic voice with a mesmerizing bassline and an indelible dance beat, “Billie Jean” is a pop masterwork. Jackson’s captivating performance and the enigmatic story of the song enthrall listeners today. For its creative approach to production and narrative, it is still a turning point in pop music.
12. “Faith” – George Michael (1987)
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Combining pop, rock, and a bit of R&B, “Faith” has George Michael’s charismatic voice driving the contagious energy of the song. It’s hard to resist tapping your feet to the audacious, appealing riff and Michael’s mischievous but assured vocals. The song has ongoing importance since its themes of love and self-confidence appeal to listeners even now.
13. “Purple Rain” – Prince (1984)
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Prince’s most moving and emotional work, “Purple Rain,” deftly combines rock, pop, and soul. While Prince’s passionate performance builds a very intimate connection with listeners, the famous guitar solo is sufficient to send a chill down anyone’s spine. The track has everlasting impact because of its deep emotional depth and mixing of musical genres.
14. “Walk Like an Egyptian” – The Bangles (1986)
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Still one of the most enjoyable, instantly identifiable songs of the 1980s, “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles has a catchy melody and strange lyrics. Dancing along to the song is difficult because of its catchy rhythm and lighthearted intensity. Though its tone is playful, the song perfectly embodies 1980s pop by combining a casual attitude with cultural references.
15. “In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins (1981)
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Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” is possibly among the most terrible songs ever produced. Its eerie atmosphere and well-known drum break still shake listeners to the very core. Collins’s spirited voice and the unexpectedly stark sound of the song capture an emotional weight not lost over the years. Still a cultural benchmark, it is often cited in movies and songs.
16. “Take My Breath Away” – Berlin (1986)
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Played in Top Gun, “Take My Breath Away” is a song still evoking yearning and desire. Terri Nunn’s breathiness accentuates the surreal quality of the rich synths and deep, resonant bass. This song will always be unique since it wonderfully catches the fleeting emotion of first love.
17. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (1982)
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Renowned for its strong drive and appealing melodies, “Eye of the Tiger” is the ultimate motivating hymn. The song’s strong pulse and Jim Peterik’s victorious words have made it known for helping one to overcome obstacles and go on. Athletes and dreamers alike still find great inspiration in it.
18. “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell (1981)
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With its sad but danceable investigation of poisonous relationships, Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” combines a new wave with synth-pop. Long after the song finishes, Marc Almond’s emotionally driven vocals and the repeating melody produce a mesmerizing effect. It became the song for unhappy lovers and is still the pillar of 80s alternative music.
19. “Jump” – Van Halen (1984)
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Among Van Halen’s most famous songs, “Jump” features their trademark rock and synth-driven pop combination. David Lee Roth’s enthusiastic voice and the exploding chorus produce a force that makes stillness seem impossible. The song is a timeless classic for listeners of all ages because of its contagious hope and sense of freedom.
20. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” – Tina Turner (1984)
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Still a monument to Tina Turner’s strong vocals and ageless appeal, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is Turner’s genuine, emotionally poignant voice is precisely suited for the track’s mix of synth-pop and soul. It is the song for everyone who has ever doubted romance since it catches the complexities of love with both intensity and detachment.