The 1980s produced anthems that defined pop culture, from synth-driven hits to rock power ballads that still dominate playlists. These tracks shaped dance floors, MTV, and radio for decades, with lasting influence on everything from fashion to film soundtracks. What matters most is how they resonate today—vote for your favorites.
What counts: Best means cultural staying power, chart dominance, and replay value; figures like chart peaks are approximate.
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson▲ Rising
Billie Jean launched Thriller into stratosphere status with its unmistakable bass line and MJ's moonwalk debut on Motown 25. It held the top spot for seven weeks while sparking endless dance challenges. The track's mystery and groove keep it at the top of any 80s ranking.
Year: 1983Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 9.8/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi▲ Rising
Tommy and Gina's working-class story became the ultimate arena-rock sing-along with its fist-pumping chorus. The talk-box guitar hook and anthemic build made it a staple of every 80s mixtape. It turned Bon Jovi into superstars overnight.
Year: 1986Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 9.3/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Every Breath You Take by The Police▲ Rising
Sting's stalker-tinged ballad dominated 1983 with its hypnotic guitar and obsessive lyrics that many misread as romantic. The track's minimalist arrangement and massive sales cemented its status. Its dark edge still sparks debate at karaoke.
Year: 1983Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 9.1/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Roses▲ Rising
The opening guitar riff became an instant classic, turning Appetite for Destruction into a rock landmark. Axl's raw vocals and the band's stadium energy captured late-80s excess. It remains the ultimate sing-along at every wedding and bar.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 9.5/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
The piano intro and Steve Perry's hopeful vocals turned a struggling band into legends with a story-song that refuses to die. Its placement in The Sopranos finale gave it a second life decades later. Few tracks match its universal sing-along power.
Year: 1981Billboard Peak: 9 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 9.2/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
Take On Me by a-ha▲ Rising
The groundbreaking rotoscope video turned a catchy synth track into a global phenomenon that still feels fresh. Morten's soaring vocals and the song's joyful energy made it inescapable in 1985. Its enduring appeal comes from perfect pop craftsmanship.
Year: 1985Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: Synth-popIconic Score: 9.4/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Like a Prayer by Madonna▲ Rising
Madonna blended gospel and controversy in a song that pushed boundaries and topped charts worldwide. The video's church imagery created global debate while the music itself soared. It marked her evolution from pop star to cultural force.
Year: 1989Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 8.8/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves▲ Rising
The ultimate upbeat burst of joy that still soundtracks every summer playlist and commercial. Its bright horns and relentless positivity made it an instant feel-good staple. Few songs capture pure happiness this cleanly.
Year: 1985Billboard Peak: 9 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 8.5/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Take My Breath Away by Berlin▲ Rising
The Top Gun power ballad became synonymous with 80s romance and fighter-jet montages. Its sweeping synths and emotional delivery made it a prom-night essential. The track's cinematic feel keeps it iconic.
Year: 1986Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 8.4/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
Whitney's joyful delivery turned this into the ultimate feel-good dance track that still opens wedding receptions. The bright production and her unmatched vocal runs made it a career highlight. Its pure happiness remains unmatched.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 9/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper▲ Rising
A tender ballad that showcased Cyndi's vulnerable side and became one of the decade's most covered love songs. Its simple synth and heartfelt lyrics offered a contrast to her upbeat hits. The track proved her range beyond the fun persona.
Year: 1984Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 8.7/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner
The gospel choir-backed ballad became Foreigner's biggest hit and a staple of 80s slow-dance sets. Its dramatic build and heartfelt plea made it an instant classic. The song's emotional peak still resonates.
Year: 1984Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 8.3/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi's colorful persona and the song's rebellious feminist message made it an 80s girl-power anthem. The video's playful energy helped launch MTV's embrace of quirky pop. Its simple chorus still sparks instant sing-alongs.
Year: 1983Billboard Peak: 2 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 8.9/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
Bono's spiritual search paired with The Edge's chiming guitar made this a stadium-filling epic from The Joshua Tree. The gospel-tinged chorus turned it into an instant classic. Its restless energy defined 80s rock introspection.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 8.6/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
What's Love Got to Do with It by Tina Turner▲ Rising
Tina's comeback smash proved her voice and attitude could conquer the 80s with raw honesty and swagger. The song's cool detachment and funky groove made it a radio staple. Its story of resilience adds depth.
Year: 1984Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.8/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
A nostalgic rocker that captured teenage freedom and became a backyard barbecue anthem. Its simple chords and sing-along chorus made it timeless despite the specific year reference. The track's energy never fades.
Year: 1984Billboard Peak: 5 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 8.2/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
MJ's call for personal change featured a gospel choir and became one of his most socially conscious hits. The song's message and vocal performance gave it lasting impact. Its reflective tone stands out.
Year: 1988Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.1/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
True Colors by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi's sensitive ballad showed her emotional range beyond the colorful persona with a message of acceptance. The simple arrangement and heartfelt delivery made it a quiet classic. Its message of support endures.
Year: 1986Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.3/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
With or Without You by U2
Bono's vulnerable delivery and The Edge's atmospheric guitar made this a slow-burn classic from The Joshua Tree. Its emotional tension and stadium scale turned it into a live highlight. The track's quiet intensity still captivates.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 7.9/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
The glam-rock party anthem that turned Hysteria into a multi-platinum juggernaut with its chantable chorus. The song's raw energy and arena-ready hooks made it a strip-club and sports-arena staple. Its fun excess defines the era.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 2 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 8/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Faith by George Michael
George's post-Wham! declaration mixed rockabilly guitar with confident swagger to launch his solo career. The simple arrangement and catchy hook made it an instant hit. Its bold attitude still feels fresh.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.7/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
Whitney's early hit delivered pure 80s pop joy with bright synths and her soaring vocals that announced a new star. The video's colorful energy helped cement her image. Its upbeat innocence remains charming.
Year: 1985Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.6/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle
Belinda's solo peak delivered an uplifting anthem with big drums and a chorus built for car sing-alongs. The song's optimistic message and polished production made it a radio staple. Its joyful tone still lifts moods.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.5/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby▼ Falling
Bruce's piano-driven hit tackled social issues with a smooth groove that stood out from typical 80s pop. The memorable piano riff and thoughtful lyrics gave it depth. Its message still resonates.
Year: 1986Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 7.4/10Danceable: —
added by IJR
Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley▼ Falling
The blue-eyed soul hit that launched a meme decades later thanks to its catchy chorus and polished production. Rick's smooth vocals and the track's upbeat energy made it a dance-floor regular. Its legacy now spans generations.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: PopIconic Score: 8.1/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
Here I Go Again by Whitesnake▼ Falling
David Coverdale's power ballad became a hair-metal staple with its driving riff and anthemic chorus about moving on. The song's arena energy and video made it inescapable. Its resilience theme still connects.
Year: 1987Billboard Peak: 1 #Genre: RockIconic Score: 7.2/10Danceable: ✓
added by IJR
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Billie Jean by Michael Jackson at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.
Wild that Billie Jean by Michael Jackson is winning this. Scroll down — the real answer is further down the board.
Voted, but this order is going to look very different in a month once more people find it.