he 1980s were a transformative era for music, brimming with innovation, reinvention, and a blend of genres that captured the spirit of a decade marked by boldness and change. It was a time of synths, drum machines, and towering hairdos. But the music? That’s what truly left a lasting legacy. From the emergence of new wave and synthpop to the growth of rock and the early seeds of hip hop, the ’80s shaped the course of popular music in ways that still reverberate today.

Here’s a look at the top 10 songs that helped define this incredible decade, with a mix of personal storytelling, genre-shaping sound, and cultural significance.

1. Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” (1985)

Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” encapsulates the artistry and emotional depth that separated her from the typical pop fare of the ’80s. With its haunting synths and pulsating rhythm, Bush explores the complexities of human relationships, yearning for a world where men and women can swap places to understand each other better. Her ethereal vocals cut through the atmospheric production, creating a sound that feels otherworldly. Though it wasn’t initially a chart-topping hit, this song’s enduring appeal (especially with its resurgence in the 2020s thanks to Stranger Things) shows just how ahead of its time it was.

2. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (1983)

Few songs capture the synth-driven essence of the early ’80s quite like Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Built on one of the most iconic keyboard riffs in music history, the track combines Annie Lennox’s cool, commanding vocals with a beat that feels both futuristic and eerily hypnotic. Lennox, sporting her signature androgynous look in the music video, broke gender conventions, becoming a beacon of the decade’s spirit of rebellion. “Sweet Dreams” is not just a song—it’s an anthem of resilience and determination, wrapped in the chilly elegance of synthpop.

3. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (1982)

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” not only propelled “Thriller” into becoming the best-selling album of all time but also redefined pop music itself. From the unforgettable bassline to Jackson’s delicate yet emotionally charged vocal delivery, every element of “Billie Jean” was meticulously crafted to perfection. The song’s mysterious narrative—about a woman falsely claiming the singer fathered her child—added layers of intrigue. It also ushered in the music video revolution, where Jackson’s groundbreaking “moonwalk” became an iconic symbol of his artistry.

4. Prince – “Purple Rain” (1984)

The title track of Prince’s Purple Rain album is a towering anthem that blends rock, gospel, and funk in a way only Prince could. Clocking in at nearly nine minutes, “Purple Rain” is an emotional rollercoaster—a slow-burning ballad that crescendos into one of the most epic guitar solos ever recorded. Prince’s unique blend of raw emotion and virtuosity made this song a timeless masterpiece, embodying the fusion of genre and performance that defined much of the music of the 1980s.

5. Madonna – “Like a Virgin” (1984)

Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural moment. Released in 1984, this track pushed boundaries both musically and socially, as Madonna unapologetically redefined female sexuality in pop music. With a buoyant melody, playful lyrics, and a hook that would become one of the decade’s most recognizable, “Like a Virgin” established Madonna as the Queen of Pop. It also sparked a conversation about autonomy and expression, cementing her as a cultural provocateur.

6. Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (1985)

A staple of the ’80s, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears stands as a perfect example of the decade’s penchant for blending complex emotions with pop sensibility. Behind the smooth, infectious melody lies a reflection on power, control, and the consequences of ambition. The song’s breezy feel masks its serious themes, which made it a massive hit, yet deeply introspective—a signature combination in the socially conscious pop of the time.

7. Cyndi Lauper – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)

No song embodies the free-spirited energy of the ‘80s quite like Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” A feminist anthem at its core, the song’s infectious pop-rock melody encouraged women to break away from societal expectations and live life on their own terms. Lauper’s quirky style, paired with the song’s joyous celebration of freedom and fun, turned it into one of the decade’s most beloved tracks, influencing pop music’s trajectory for years to come.

8. A-ha – “Take on Me” (1985)

Not only did A-ha’s “Take on Me” become a synthpop sensation, but its innovative music video—featuring rotoscoped animation and live-action—forever changed the visual language of music videos. The song itself is a rollercoaster of electronic brilliance, combining an irresistible keyboard hook with Morten Harket’s soaring falsetto. The chorus is pure ’80s gold: catchy, uplifting, and instantly recognizable. “Take on Me” remains a defining moment in the era’s sound and aesthetic.

9. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child o’ Mine” (1987)

While much of the ’80s was dominated by pop, synths, and dance beats, Guns N’ Roses brought rock back into the spotlight with “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” The song’s opening guitar riff, played by Slash, is one of the most iconic in rock history, and Axl Rose’s raw, emotional vocals brought a sense of authenticity to a genre that had been veering toward excess. The ballad’s mix of tenderness and hard-edged rock highlighted the band’s versatility, pushing them into superstardom.

10. Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (1987)

Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is one of the most uplifting and exuberant pop songs of the 1980s. Her powerhouse vocals, paired with the upbeat production, made this track an instant hit. It’s the kind of song that transcends time, still capable of getting people out on the dance floor decades later. Houston’s effortless ability to combine emotional depth with joyful sound defined the late ’80s, showcasing her as one of the most iconic voices of her generation.