30 of the Most Iconic Songs of the 1980s You Forgot About
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The hair was big, and the bangs were high; Aquanet was a staple in backpacks and purses. The color palette was neon — the more, the better. And getting dressed was all about layering: more bracelets, more legwarmers, more spandex. In the makeup drawer were blue eyeshadow, frosted lipstick, and some clear nail polish to stop any runs on the obligatory pantyhose. On the weekends, it was off to rent a movie on VHS from Blockbuster and hit the Sam Goody at the mall for the latest record or cassette tape from your favorite band. And the music was so, so good.
Our roundup of the best songs of the 1980s will bring you right back to that magical place and time — like you never even left. Our list includes some of the decade's top artists (like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder), along with some iconic hitmakers you probably haven't thought of much in decades (like J.J. Fad and Neneh Cherry).
So pour yourself an ice-cold glass of New Coke or Pepsi Free and devour our list of streamable songs. Imagine you're listening on your glorious old Walkman or boombox — and enjoy!
"Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (1988)
Before Will Smith was a huge Hollywood actor — long before any Oscar-night scandals — he was the Fresh Prince rapping about his mom ruining his rep.
"Bust a Move" by Young MC (1989)
There are so many memorable lyrics to look back on, but we're particularly tickled to recall a time when going to the movies cost just $5. ("Movie's showin,' so you're goin', could care less about the five you're blowin'.
"Africa" by Toto (1982)
This early-80s soft-rock ballad is so soaring and evocative — and the tune still holds up great.
"I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters (1982)
This classic Pointer Sisters' song does an excellent job of channeling the frenetic energy of the decade's dance, party, and wardrobe scenes.
"Love Shack" by The B-52s (1989)
This earworm was the biggest hit for the B-52s: It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"Eternal Flame" by The Bangles (1988)
Yes, we could have gone with "Walk Like an Egyptian." But to represent the Bangles on this list, we picked the moody "Eternal Flame" to evoke all those early-crush memories.
"Push It!" by Salt-N-Pepa (1986)
"Get out there and dance.... dance, I said!" It's a compelling order, even all these decades later.
"Hangin' Tough" by New Kids on the Block (1988)
New Kids on the Block were the boy band of a generation, and this song — and the dance that went with it — captured the whole vibe.
"Supersonic" by J.J. Fad (1988)
J.J. Fad might not be an enduring name in hip-hop, but this song (produced by Dr. Dre) is downright iconic.
"We Are the World" by USA for Africa (1985)
The all-star group known as the USA for Africa assembled for this monster charity single, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.
"Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean (1984)
Billy Ocean won a Grammy for best R&B vocals on this enduring mid-'80s hit.
"Buffalo Stance" by Neneh Cherry (1989)
In the age before Google, did you even know what a "buffalo stance" was, though? (It means standing sideways with your arms crossed. You're welcome.)
"Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers (1983)
A romantic 1983 duet between Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers... written by the Bee Gees? Chef's kiss!
"Take on Me" by A-ha (1985)
Who could forget this dramatic, emo black-and-white-sketched video and the song from this Norwegian synth-pop band?
"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson (1982)
Michael Jackson made too many unforgettable songs to count, but 1982's "Human Nature" stands out as one of his more understated masterpieces.
"The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow (1980)
Released in 1980, Kurtis Blow's iconic "The Breaks" became the first certified gold rap song ever.
"People Are People" by Depeche Mode (1984)
It's a classic song of the '80s, with an enduring message that we all still need to hear.
"1999" by Prince and the Revolution (1982)
It's hard to believe that the forward-looking date named in this song actually passed 25 years ago. Still, "party like it's 1999" is a phrase that will never leave us.
"Sweet Love" by Anita Baker (1986)
While this song wasn't Anita Baker's top-charting single (that was 1988's "Giving You the Best That I Got"), this romantic R&B song still puts stars in our eyes.
"Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard (1987)
Out of all the '80s hair bands' hard-rocking hits, this classic still lives rent-free in our brains.
"Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross (1981)
So legendary is this song, its title serves as the name of the new movie about the life of Luther Vandross. He died at age 54 in 2005.
"Love Comes Down" by Evelyn King (1982)
This sweet song came out on Evelyn King's fifth album... when she was only 22.
"Physical" by Olivia Newton-John (1981)
"Physical" doesn't just conjure the late great Olivia Newton-John's hot voice — but a whole decade of layered neon spandex and leg warmers.
"Every Little Step" by Bobby Brown (1989)
This catchy single earned Bobby Brown his first Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocals at the 1990 Grammy Awards.
"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits (1985)
Everyone in a generation knew the refrain and knew it well: "I want my MTV!" It wasn't so much a lyric but a way of life.
"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley Jennifer Warnes (1987)
This hit will forever conjure magical, generation-defining scenes from the movie Dirty Dancing. (The lift!)
"Crazy for You" by Madonna (1985)
Madonna is best known for her upbeat dance songs, but this downtempo 1985 song hits all the right notes.
"Electric Youth" by Debbie Gibson (1989)
If you remember this song, you will also remember the perfume of the same name. (And you'll be shocked to know it's currently selling on eBay for $200!)
"Control" by Janet Jackson (1986)
Before the Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction and long before the Vegas residency, there was Janet Jackson's immaculate 1986 anthem, "Control."
"Part-Time Lover" by Stevie Wonder (1985)
This song had a scandalous theme about a girl on the side — and a beat you can't get out of your head.
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