TOP 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1980s. Updated: #120-111.

THE ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS

OF THE

1980s

These are the songs that mattered most in terms of breaking new ground; changing the musical landscape and influencing the music that followed. These 200 songs helped shape the music of the present day and / or captured that timeless quality.

To be eligible for the list, a song first appeared –on an album or single- between Jan. 1980 and Dec. 1989

120 LIKE A PRAYER

MADONNA -1989

 

Madonna reached new heights in her creation of pop with “Like A Prayer”. It featured elements of dance music, gospel and spirituality; all astutely meshed together. This was a fitting conclusion to the decade in which Madonna dominated.

119 IN THE AIR TONIGHT

PHIL COLLINS - 1981

 

The Genesis drummer became a bonafide solo pop star with this highlight in his repertoire. The haunting song established Collins as 1 of the top recording acts of the 1980s. Additionally, the production was impeccable. When the drumbeats blast towards the end of the track, “In The Air Tonight” assures its place in rock music history.

118 WHITE LINES (DON’T DO IT)

GRANDMASTER FLASH & MELLE MEL -1983

 

After years of criticism for its homophobic and misogynistic themes and lyrics, Grandmaster Flash showed that rap could be responsible and progressive. The anti-drugs message addressed an issue that was affecting the rap community and audience.

117 EYE OF THE TIGER

SURVIVOR - 1982

 

“Eye of the Tiger” was featured in the film ‘Rocky III’. Since then, it has motivated countless athletes and others facing an adversary. It remains an enduring favourite from the era.

116 SMOOTH OPERATOR

SADE - 1984

 

Sade’s sultry jazz style paved the way for the likes of Dido, Des’ree, India.Arie and Norah Jones. “Smooth Operator” became the new yardstick for classy lounge /  soulful pop.

115 AVALON

ROXY MUSIC - 1982

 

Bryan Ferry’s suave vocals, Andy MacKay’s saxophone work and Phil Manzanera’s skills on the guitar; all combine to make this track an aesthetic aural delight. Roxy Music create a sound that is contemporaneously romantic and mysterious.

114 ASHES TO ASHES

DAVID BOWIE - 1980

 

Bowie approached the new decade embracing the ‘New Romantic’ genre that was a chart fixture at the time of this single’s release. It was a perfect bridge to Bowie’s 70s work as well as his 1^st hit “Space Oddity”. This is an example of a true artist evolving and adapting to changing musical trends.

113 ONLY YOU

YAZOO [aka YAZ] - 1982

 

Synth pop sounded cold in its early years; that is, until it met the voice of Alison Moyet. Her soulful, impassioned vocal skills gave the genre a new depth that had hitherto been lacking.

112 WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN

STYLE COUNCIL - 1985

 

Paul Weller’s political message was wrapped around a beat reminiscent of The Motown Sound. This empowering song was simultaneously stinging and inspiring. Dee C. Lee’s backing vocals add force to the group’s theme attacking the evils of Thatcher and her government.

111 THE RIVER

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - 1980

 

Gloomy and pessimistic, “The River” delivers the harsh realities of those hit hard by the economy. Springsteen continues in his Dylanesque role as a spokesperson for the working class and deft storyteller.

10 new songs will be added tomorrow.