8 ultimate 1980s tracks that belong on every playlist

In the 1980s, popular music underwent an exhilarating transformation. Building upon the foundations laid by punk, glam, and traditional rock in the previous decade, the ’80s saw the emergence of numerous subgenres like new-wave, post-punk, and hair metal. This musical revolution was simultaneously fueled by the advent of a groundbreaking idea that would reshape the entire music industry – MTV.

Throughout the 1980s, some truly iconic musicians started gaining recognition, and they devoted equal care to crafting their lyrics and sound as they did to their music videos. These videos became popular worldwide when they were aired on televisions everywhere.

Reflecting on the last ten years, whether you were part of it or not, carries a strong feeling of nostalgia and respect. It was vibrant, the music was indelible, and specific visuals, artists, and tunes immediately pop into our minds when we think about the ’80s.

Ultimate 1980s tracks that should be part of everyone’s playlist

“Shake the Disease” – Depeche Mode

During the 1980s, Depeche Mode amassed numerous hits, earning them a reputation as an alternative, seductive, and enigmatic act. Their songs, such as “Enjoy the Silence,” “Personal Jesus,” and “Just Can’t Get Enough,” catapulted them into stardom within the new wave genre, making them one of the most celebrated bands of the ’80s.

Back in 1985, the song titled “Shake the Disease” made its debut as a standalone track. It gained popularity due to its unique, hypnotic vocals and powerful, ominous structure. This single climbed charts worldwide, and soon after its launch, its accompanying music video began airing internationally.

“Girls On Film” – Duran Duran

In the years following Beatlemania’s global reign, England gifted us another band to adore in the 1980s – Duran Duran was their name. Shortly after the launch of their 1981 self-titled debut album, their popularity soared worldwide. With early hits such as “Planet Earth” and “Girls On Film”, they embarked on their journey towards superstardom.

In a less explicit form, the original music video for “Girls On Film” was considered too provocative for MTV’s daytime viewing, and what you see now is an edited version. The band stood out in pop music due to their daring audacity, coupled with their exceptional musical skill, as exemplified by John Taylor’s bass riff in the song, which placed them among pop music’s elite acts.

“Dress You Up” – Madonna

The title “Queen of Pop” wasn’t given casually to Madonna; it was a fitting recognition of her transformative impact on the music industry. When the “Material Girl” debuted, pop music underwent a significant shift, and she became an unforgettable figure in its landscape. Her music, brimming with iconic hits, and her performances, steeped in controversy yet oozing sexuality, left an indelible mark on the era. For the better part of the decade, everyone aspired to be like Madonna.

The song ‘Dress You Up’ is found on Madonna’s influential 1984 album titled Like A Virgin. This album, considered a masterpiece of the ’80s and possibly one of the greatest pop albums ever made, solidified Madonna’s iconic status in the world of pop music. The song ‘Dress You Up’, with its catchy, melodious rhythm and lyrics subtly filled with sexual references, has endured as one of Madonna’s most popular singles.

“She Bop” – Cyndi Lauper

In the same vein as Madonna’s “Dress You Up,” Cyndi Lauper’s song “She Bop” was listed among the PMRC’s notorious “Filthy Fifteen” due to its explicit sexual themes. This tune, which is found on her highly praised debut album, She’s So Unusual, discusses female masturbation and stirred up a great deal of controversy when it was first released because of its sensitive content.

Contrary to any controversy it stirred up, “She Bop” turned out to be a chart-topping sensation, with its music video even nominated for “Best Female Video” at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards. With its playful lyrics and infectious dance-pop rhythm, “She Bop” has since earned a place as one of the most contentious yet endearing ’80s pop hits.

“Eyes Without A Face” – Billy Idol

On his iconic 1984 album, “Rebel Yell“, punk legend Billy Idol showcased a more tender sound with the single “Eyes Without A Face”. Interestingly,

Through songs like “Dancing With Myself” and “White Wedding Pt. 1”, Idol gained widespread recognition for his energetic rock anthems. However, it was “Eyes Without A Face” with its eerie vocals and intricate structure that truly showcased Idol’s versatility, solidifying his status as a renowned artist of the decade.

“Photograph” – Def Leppard

During the 80s, a time when arena rock and glam metal dominated the music scene, Def Leppard emerged as one of the decade’s most celebrated bands. With albums such as “High ‘n’ Dry” (1981), “Pyromania” (1983), and “Hysteria” (1987), they churned out hit after hit, earning a place among the most successful rock groups ever.

The hit single, titled “Photograph”, was launched as the main track from Def Leppard’s third album, Pyromania. This upbeat number boasts powerful instrumentals and emotive, epic vocals, earning it a place among the most iconic rock songs ever composed. With its blend of tender romance and subtle foreboding, “Photograph” is more than just a great rock song; it’s a defining tune from the ’80s music scene.

“I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” – Joan Jett

Although not everyone may realize that “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” was originally a track by Arrows in 1975, Joan Jett significantly personalized the song when she re-recorded it for her self-titled album released in 1981. After catching Arrows performing the song on television, Jett developed a fondness for the tune and included it in her live performances over an extended period before eventually releasing it.

Jett’s version of “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” is one of the most iconic rock anthems in the genre, with catchy lyrics and a powerful, memorable guitar melody that resonates deeply with music enthusiasts. When it was first released, not only did the song but also the critically acclaimed album it was part of solidified Jett as a symbol of rebellion within the rock world.

“China Girl” – David Bowie

In the 1970s, David Bowie gained widespread popularity due to his constantly evolving artistic concepts, which were reflected in his stage personas. However, it wasn’t until the early ’80s that he achieved global commercial success. The 1983 album “Let’s Dance” catapulted him to unprecedented fame, and this album remains Bowie’s best-selling record to date.

In the album “Let’s Dance“, David Bowie showcased well-known singles such as the title track and “Modern Love”. Notably, it also featured the hugely successful single “China Girl”, which was originally written by Bowie and his longtime collaborator Iggy Pop. However, on “Let’s Dance“, Bowie gave “China Girl” a fresh spin with his more pop-oriented interpretation, a departure from Pop’s original version on his 1977 solo debut album “The Idiot“.

David Bowie’s video for the song sparked a lot of controversy when it first came out, because it used stereotypes about Asian women to address racism. The video was eventually prohibited in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries upon release due to its content. However, despite the song being controversial, it is now seen as an important ’80s pop hit and one of Bowie’s top achievements in his music career.

2025-08-03 13:00