Top Hits of the 80s by Year (1980–1989)

Did you enjoy this 1980 Music Through the Years Video above? Then be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our Top40Weekly videos!

The top songs of the 80s capture a decade of huge pop stars, new wave, synth-pop, arena rock, R&B, power ballads, and an increasingly visual music industry.

Below, all of the hit songs of the 80s are organized year by year from 1980 through 1989, making it easy to explore which records performed strongest during each individual chart year.

For more background on the decade, visit A Year in Music: The 1980s.

How We Ranked the Top Hits of the 80s

These yearly rankings use the Nolan Method, the point-based chart system developed by longtime Top40Weekly contributor Jarrett Nolan.

Instead of looking only at a song’s peak position, the Nolan Method measures its complete performance inside the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40. Higher positions earn more points, while songs that stay near the top for longer continue building their totals.

That means a long-running record can finish ahead of a song that briefly reaches No. 1 but falls away more quickly.

For the complete formula, weekly point system, and debut bonuses, see Nolan Method Explained.

Scroll – 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989

1980

1. DO THAT TO ME ONE MORE TIME by Captain & Tennille
2. CALL ME by Blondie
3. UPSIDE DOWN by Diana Ross
4. ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, PART II by Pink Floyd
5. IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME by Billy Joel
6. CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE by Queen
7. ROCK WITH YOU by Michael Jackson
8. COMING UP by Paul McCartney
9. ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST by Queen
10. LITTLE JEANNIE by Elton John
11. ALL OUT OF LOVE by Air Supply
12. MAGIC by Olivia Newton-John
13. RIDE LIKE THE WIND by Christopher Cross
14. CRUISIN’ by Smokey Robinson
15. ESCAPE (THE PIÑA COLADA SONG) by Rupert Holmes
16. WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU/FORGIVE ME, GIRL by The Spinners
17. THE ROSE by Bette Midler
18. FUNKYTOWN by Lipps Inc
19. LOST IN LOVE by Air Supply
20. EMOTIONAL RESCUE by The Rolling Stones
21. BIGGEST PART OF ME by Ambrosia
22. WOMAN IN LOVE by Barbra Streisand
23. CUPID/I’VE LOVED YOU FOR A LONG TIME by The Spinners
24. COWARD OF THE COUNTY by Kenny Rogers
25. SEXY EYES by Dr. Hook
26. STEAL AWAY by Robbie Dupree
27. YES, I’M READY by Teri DeSario & KC
28. DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH A DREAMER by Kenny Rogers & Kim Carnes
29. SHINING STAR by The Manhattans
30. SAILING by Christopher Cross
31. LONGER by Dan Fogelberg
32. TAKE YOUR TIME (DO IT RIGHT) by The SOS Band
33. DRIVIN’ MY LIFE AWAY by Eddie Rabbitt
34. GIVE ME THE NIGHT by George Benson
35. HE’S SO SHY by the Pointer Sisters
36. SEND ONE YOUR LOVE by Stevie Wonder
37. TOO HOT by Kool & the Gang
38. CARS by Gary Numan
39. DESIRE by Andy Gibb
40. WITH YOU I’M BORN AGAIN by Billy Preston and Syreeta
41. LATE IN THE EVENING by Paul Simon
42. NEVER KNEW LOVE LIKE THIS BEFORE by Stephanie Mills
43. FAME by Irene Cara
44. SPECIAL LADY by Ray, Goodman & Brown
45. AGAINST THE WIND by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
46. ON THE RADIO by Donna Summer
47. THE LONG RUN by Eagles
48. PLEASE DON’T GO by KC and the Sunshine Band
49. MORE LOVE by Kim Carnes
50. THIS IS IT by Kenny Loggins
51. WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE by Cliff Richard
52. THE WANDERER by Donna Summer
53. I CAN’T TELL YOU WHY by Eagles
54. LOOKIN’ FOR LOVE by Johnny Lee
55. LADY by Kenny Rogers
56. REAL LOVE by Doobie Brothers
57. FIRE LAKE by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
58. I’M ALRIGHT by Kenny Loggins
59. HURT SO BAD by Linda Ronstadt
60. LET’S GET SERIOUS by Jermaine Jackson
61. HIM by Rupert Holmes
62. LADIES’ NIGHT by Kool & the Gang
63. BABE by Styx
64. STOMP! by The Brothers Johnson
65. THE SECOND TIME AROUND by Shalamar
66. STILL by Commodores
67. HOW DO I MAKE YOU by Linda Ronstadt
68. YOU MAY BE RIGHT by Billy Joel
69. SARA by Fleetwood Mac
70. TIRED OF TOEIN’ THE LINE by Rocky Burnette
71. DON’T DO ME LIKE THAT by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
72. I’M COMING OUT (#5*) by Diana Ross
73. LET ME LOVE YOU TONIGHT by Pure Prairie League
74. BRASS IN POCKET (I’M SPECIAL) by The Pretenders
75. DAYDREAM BELIEVER by Anne Murray
76. LET MY LOVE OPEN THE DOOR by Pete Townshend
77. SHE’S OUT OF MY LIFE by Michael Jackson
78. JESSE by Carly Simon
79. XANADU by Olivia Newton-John / Electric Light Orchestra
80. COOL CHANGE by Little River Band
81. MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN’) by Stevie Wonder
82. DREAMING by Cliff Richard
83. BETTER LOVE NEXT TIME by Dr. Hook
84. INTO THE NIGHT by Benny Mardones
85. I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER by Prince
86. OFF THE WALL by Michael Jackson
87. NO MORE TEARS (ENOUGH IS ENOUGH) by Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer
88. ROMEO’S TUNE by Steve Forbert
89. AN AMERICAN DREAM by The Dirt Band
90. ONE FINE DAY by Carole King
91. HOT ROD HEARTS by Robbie Dupree
92. YOU’RE ONLY LONELY by J.D. Souther
93. YOU’RE THE ONLY WOMAN (YOU & I) by Ambrosia
94. PILOT OF THE AIRWAVES by Charlie Dore
95. HOLD ON TO MY LOVE by Jimmy Ruffin
96. ALL OVER THE WORLD by Electric Light Orchestra
97. LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO ME by Boz Scaggs
98. BREAKDOWN DEAD AHEAD by Boz Scaggs
99. HEAD GAMES by Foreigner
100. JANE by Jefferson Starship

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1980.

1981

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1. BETTE DAVIS EYES by Kim Carnes
2. ENDLESS LOVE by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
3. JESSIE’S GIRL by Rick Springfield
4. WOMAN by John Lennon
5. CELEBRATION by Kool & the Gang
6. THEME FROM THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO (BELIEVE IT OR NOT) by Joey Scarbury
7. QUEEN OF HEARTS by Juice Newton
8. I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT by Eddie Rabbitt
9. THE TIDE IS HIGH by Blondie
10. KEEP ON LOVING YOU by REO Speedwagon
11. 9 TO 5 by Dolly Parton
12. BEING WITH YOU by Smokey Robinson
13. (JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER by John Lennon
14. JUST THE TWO OF US by Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers
15. SLOW HAND by The Pointer Sisters
16. THE BEST OF TIMES by Styx
17. KISS ON MY LIST by Daryl Hall & John Oates
18. ARTHUR’S THEME (BEST THAT YOU CAN DO) by Christopher Cross
19. STOP DRAGGIN’ MY HEART AROUND by Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
20. START ME UP by the Rolling Stones
21. STARS ON 45 MEDLEY by Stars on 45
22. I DON’T NEED YOU by Kenny Rogers
23. RAPTURE by Blondie
24. URGENT by Foreigner
25. PASSION by Rod Stewart
26. SUKIYAKI by A Taste of Honey
27. WHO’S CRYING NOW by Journey
28. MORNING TRAIN (NINE TO FIVE) by Sheena Easton
29. (THERE’S) NO GETTIN’ OVER ME by Ronnie Milsap
30. CRYING by Don McLean
31. A WOMAN NEEDS LOVE (JUST LIKE YOU DO) by Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio
32. ANGEL OF THE MORNING by Juice Newton
33. EVERY WOMAN IN THE WORLD by Air Supply
34. THE ONE THAT YOU LOVE by Air Supply
35. TAKE IT ON THE RUN by REO Speedwagon
36. STEP BY STEP by Eddie Rabbitt
37. LIVING INSIDE MYSELF by Gino Vannelli
38. LOVE ON THE ROCKS by Neil Diamond
39. ELVIRA by The Oak Ridge Boys
40. PRIVATE EYES by Daryl Hall & John Oates
41. THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL by ABBA
42. ALL THOSE YEARS AGO by George Harrison
43. LADY (YOU BRING ME UP) by Commodores
44. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY by Sheena Easton
45. HEARTS by Marty Balin
46. YOU MAKE MY DREAMS by Daryl Hall & John Oates
47. THE NIGHT OWLS by Little River Band
48. GUILTY by Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb
49. THE BOY FROM NEW YORK CITY by The Manhattan Transfer
50. HELLO AGAIN by Neil Diamond
51. GIVING IT UP FOR YOUR LOVE by Delbert McClinton
52. HUNGRY HEART by Bruce Springsteen
53. AMERICA by Neil Diamond
54. IT’S MY TURN by Diana Ross
55. WHILE YOU SEE A CHANCE by Steve Winwood
56. I CAN’T STAND IT by Eric Clapton
57. LADY by Kenny Rogers
58. SWEETHEART by Franke and the Knockouts
59. HEY NINETEEN by Steely Dan
60. THIS LITTLE GIRL by Gary U.S. Bonds
61. I’VE DONE EVERYTHING FOR YOU by Rick Springfield
62. TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS by Styx
63. TRYIN’ TO LIVE MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU (LIVE) by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
64. I LOVE YOU by Climax Blues Band
65. HOLD ON TIGHT by Electric Light Orchestra
66. MORE THAN I CAN SAY by Leo Sayer
67. DON’T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME by The Police
68. TELL IT LIKE IT IS by Heart
69. I AIN’T GONNA STAND FOR IT by Stevie Wonder
70. DE DO DO DO, DE DA DA DA by The Police
71. SAME OLD LANG SYNE by Dan Fogelberg
72. WHAT ARE WE DOIN’ IN LOVE by Dottie West with Kenny Rogers
73. HARD TO SAY by Dan Fogelberg
74. HERE I AM (JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS OVER YOU) by Air Supply
75. I MADE IT THROUGH THE RAIN by Barry Manilow
76. HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT by Pat Benatar
77. HER TOWN TOO by James Taylor & J.D. Souther
78. WHEN SHE WAS MY GIRL by Four Tops
79. HOW ‘BOUT US by Champaign
80. WHAT KIND OF FOOL by Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb
81. TOGETHER by Tierra
82. SOMEBODY’S KNOCKIN’ by Terri Gibbs
83. WATCHING THE WHEELS by John Lennon
84. COOL LOVE by Pablo Cruise
85. WAITING FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU by Foreigner
86. THEME FROM HILL STREET BLUES by Mike Post featuring Larry Carlton
87. A LITTLE IN LOVE by Cliff Richard
88. TIME by The Alan Parsons Project
89. WE’RE IN THIS LOVE TOGETHER by Al Jarreau
90. MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN’) by Stevie Wonder
91. THE BEACH BOYS MEDLEY by The Beach Boys
92. THE BREAKUP SONG (THEY DON’T WRITE ‘EM) by The Greg Kihn Band
93. SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH ME by Kenny Rogers
94. ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST by Queen
95. GEMINI DREAM by Moody Blues
96. PHYSICAL by Olivia Newton-John
97. SUPER FREAK (PART 1) by Rick James
98. AIN’T EVEN DONE WITH THE NIGHT by John Cougar
99. MISS SUN by Boz Scaggs
100. TIME IS TIME by Andy Gibb

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1981.

1982

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1. HURTS SO GOOD by John Cougar
2. EYE OF THE TIGER by Survivor
3. ABRACADABRA by Steve Miller Band
4. CENTERFOLD by J. Geils Band
5. DON’T YOU WANT ME by Human League
6. HARD TO SAY I’M SORRY by Chicago
7. JACK & DIANE by John Cougar
8. EBONY AND IVORY by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
9. ROSANNA by Toto
10. I CAN’T GO FOR THAT (NO CAN DO) by Daryl Hall & John Oates
11. I LOVE ROCK ‘N ROLL by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
12. WHO CAN IT BE NOW? by Men at Work
13. DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS by Rick Springfield
14. PHYSICAL by Olivia Newton-John
15. HARDEN MY HEART by Quarterflash
16. EYE IN THE SKY by Alan Parsons Project
17. HOLD ME by Fleetwood Mac
18. WE GOT THE BEAT by The Go-Go’s
19. CHARIOTS OF FIRE by Vangelis
20. OPEN ARMS by Journey
21. SHAKE IT UP by The Cars
22. WAITING FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU by Foreigner
23. LET IT WHIP by Dazz Band
24. SWEET DREAMS by Air Supply
25. 867-5309/JENNY by Tommy Tutone
26. ALWAYS ON MY MIND by Willie Nelson
27. THE SWEETEST THING (I’VE EVER KNOWN) by Juice Newton
28. YOU SHOULD HEAR HOW SHE TALKS ABOUT YOU by Melissa Manchester
29. TURN YOUR LOVE AROUND by George Benson
30. YOU CAN DO MAGIC by America
31. THAT GIRL by Stevie Wonder
32. THE OTHER WOMAN by Ray Parker Jr.
33. EVEN THE NIGHTS ARE BETTER by Air Supply
34. KEY LARGO by Bertie Higgins
35. LET’S GROOVE by Earth, Wind & Fire
36. HEAT OF THE MOMENT by Asia
37. 65 LOVE AFFAIR by Paul Davis
38. ONLY THE LONELY by The Motels
39. LEATHER AND LACE by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
40. FREEZE-FRAME by J. Geils Band
41. I KEEP FORGETTIN’ (EVERY TIME YOU’RE NEAR) by Michael McDonald
42. I’VE NEVER BEEN TO ME by Charlene
43. LEADER OF THE BAND by Dan Fogelberg
44. KEEP THE FIRE BURNIN’ by REO Speedwagon
45. LOVE’S BEEN A LITTLE BIT HARD ON ME by Juice Newton
46. TAINTED LOVE by Soft Cell
47. HEART ATTACK by Olivia Newton-John
48. WASTED ON THE WAY by Crosby, Stills & Nash
49. SOMEBODY’S BABY by Jackson Browne
50. GLORIA by Laura Branigan
51. TAKE IT EASY ON ME by Little River Band
52. TAKE IT AWAY by Paul McCartney
53. UP WHERE WE BELONG by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
54. TROUBLE by Lindsey Buckingham
55. DID IT IN A MINUTE by Daryl Hall & John Oates
56. PAC-MAN FEVER by Buckner & Garcia
57. DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE by Huey Lewis and the News
58. HOOKED ON CLASSICS by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
59. COOL NIGHT by Paul Davis
60. YOUNG TURKS by Rod Stewart
61. MAKE A MOVE ON ME by Olivia Newton-John
62. COMIN’ IN AND OUT OF YOUR LIFE by Barbra Streisand
63. LOVE IS IN CONTROL (FINGER ON THE TRIGGER) by Donna Summer
64. CAUGHT UP IN YOU by 38 Special
65. HEARTLIGHT by Neil Diamond
66. VACATION by The Go-Go’s
67. CRIMSON AND CLOVER by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
68. LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND by Kenny Rogers
69. THINK I’M IN LOVE by Eddie Money
70. MIRROR MIRROR by Diana Ross
71. WAITING ON A FRIEND by The Rolling Stones
72. I RAN (SO FAR AWAY) by A Flock of Seagulls
73. YESTERDAY’S SONGS by Neil Diamond
74. WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE? by Diana Ross
75. GET DOWN ON IT by Kool & the Gang
76. BREAK IT TO ME GENTLY by Juice Newton
77. DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ by Journey
78. BLUE EYES by Elton John
79. EDGE OF SEVENTEEN by Stevie Nicks
80. EMPTY GARDEN (HEY HEY JOHNNY) by Elton John
81. IT’S GONNA TAKE A MIRACLE by Deniece Williams
82. THROUGH THE YEARS by Kenny Rogers
83. YOU COULD HAVE BEEN WITH ME by Sheena Easton
84. DO I DO by Stevie Wonder
85. OH, PRETTY WOMAN by Van Halen
86. HOLD ON by Santana
87. MAKING LOVE by Roberta Flack
88. WHAT’S FOREVER FOR by Michael Murphey
89. SHOULD I DO IT by The Pointer Sisters
90. SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL WORLD by The Police
91. THE BEATLES MOVIE MEDLEY by the Beatles
92. SOMEONE COULD LOSE A HEART TONIGHT by Eddie Rabbitt
93. MAN ON YOUR MIND by Little River Band
94. TRULY (#1*) by Lionel Richie
95. ANY DAY NOW by Ronnie Milsap
96. BOBBIE SUE by Oak Ridge Boys
97. OH NO by Commodores
98. PERSONALLY by Karla Bonoff
99. GOIN’ DOWN by Greg Guidry
100. BODY LANGUAGE by Queen

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1982.

1983

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1. FLASHDANCE… WHAT A FEELING by Irene Cara
2. EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE by The Police
3. BEAT IT by Michael Jackson
4. DOWN UNDER by Men at Work
5. SHAME ON THE MOON by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
6. BILLIE JEAN by Michael Jackson
7. TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART by Bonnie Tyler
8. BABY, COME TO ME by Patti Austin and James Ingram
9. SWEET DREAMS (ARE MADE OF THIS) by Eurythmics
10. MANIAC by Michael Sembello
11. DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HURT ME by Culture Club
12. HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF by Duran Duran
13. LET’S DANCE by David Bowie
14. ELECTRIC AVENUE by Eddy Grant
15. SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY by Donna Summer
16. MAKING LOVE OUT OF NOTHING AT ALL by Air Supply
17. YOU AND I by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle
18. MANEATER by Daryl Hall & John Oates
19. NEVER GONNA LET YOU GO by Sérgio Mendes
20. MR. ROBOTO by Styx
21. SEXUAL HEALING by Marvin Gaye
22. THE SAFETY DANCE by Men Without Hats
23. TELL HER ABOUT IT by Billy Joel
24. OVERKILL by Men at Work
25. COME ON EILEEN by Dexys Midnight Runners
26. AFRICA by Toto
27. JEOPARDY by The Greg Kihn Band
28. TIME (CLOCK OF THE HEART) by Culture Club
29. SEPARATE WAYS (WORLDS APART) by Journey
30. SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE by Thomas Dolby
31. YOU ARE by Lionel Richie
32. ISLANDS IN THE STREAM by Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton
33. WE’VE GOT TONIGHT by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton
34. DIRTY LAUNDRY by Don Henley
35. THE GIRL IS MINE by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney
36. DER KOMMISSAR by After the Fire
37. TRUE by Spandau Ballet
38. LITTLE RED CORVETTE by Prince
39. PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ by Taco
40. STRAY CAT STRUT by Stray Cats
41. STAND BACK by Stevie Nicks
42. ONE ON ONE by Daryl Hall & John Oates
43. BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG by The Pretenders
44. MICKEY by Toni Basil
45. KING OF PAIN by The Police
46. DON’T LET IT END by Styx
47. ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER by the Fixx
48. YOU CAN’T HURRY LOVE by Phil Collins
49. IS THERE SOMETHING I SHOULD KNOW? by Duran Duran
50. WANNA BE STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’ by Michael Jackson
51. ROCK THE CASBAH by The Clash
52. ALL NIGHT LONG (ALL NIGHT) by Lionel Richie
53. (KEEP FEELING) FASCINATION by Human League
54. ALL RIGHT by Christopher Cross
55. THE OTHER GUY by Little River Band
56. AFFAIR OF THE HEART by Rick Springfield
57. GOODY TWO-SHOES by Adam Ant
58. TOO SHY by Kajagoogoo
59. SOLITAIRE by Laura Branigan
60. TWILIGHT ZONE by Golden Earring
61. GLORIA by Laura Branigan
62. IT’S A MISTAKE by Men at Work
63. (SHE’S) SEXY + 17 by Stray Cats
64. TELEFONE (LONG DISTANCE LOVE AFFAIR) by Sheena Easton
65. HEART TO HEART by Kenny Loggins
66. MY LOVE by Lionel Richie
67. FAMILY MAN by Daryl Hall & John Oates
68. COME DANCING by The Kinks
69. OUR HOUSE by Madness
70. DELIRIOUS by Prince
71. ALLENTOWN by Billy Joel
72. HUMAN NATURE by Michael Jackson
73. I’LL TUMBLE 4 YA by Culture Club
74. I WON’T HOLD YOU BACK by Toto
75. ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME by Naked Eyes
76. STEPPIN’ OUT by Joe Jackson
77. PROMISES, PROMISES by Naked Eyes
78. DON’T CRY by Asia
79. HEARTBREAKER by Dionne Warwick
80. SAY SAY SAY by Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson
81. SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER by the Motels
82. FAITHFULLY by Journey
83. I KNOW THERE’S SOMETHING GOING ON by Frida
84. UPTOWN GIRL by Billy Joel
85. SHE’S A BEAUTY by The Tubes
86. I’M STILL STANDING by Elton John
87. TONIGHT, I CELEBRATE MY LOVE by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack
88. HOT GIRLS IN LOVE by Loverboy
89. CHINA GIRL by David Bowie
90. FAR FROM OVER by Frank Stallone
91. LAWYERS IN LOVE by Jackson Browne
92. TRULY by Lionel Richie
93. PASS THE DUTCHIE by Musical Youth
94. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU by Laura Branigan
95. BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE by Talking Heads
96. YOUR LOVE IS DRIVING ME CRAZY by Sammy Hagar
97. ROCK THIS TOWN by Stray Cats
98. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART by Bryan Adams
99. 1999 by Prince
100. CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE by Quiet Riot

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1983.

1984

Did you enjoy this 1980 Music Through the Years Video above? Then be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our Top40Weekly videos!

1. WHEN DOVES CRY by Prince
2. WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT by Tina Turner
3. HELLO by Lionel Richie
4. AGAINST ALL ODDS (TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW) by Phil Collins
5. JUMP by Van Halen
6. FOOTLOOSE by Kenny Loggins
7. OWNER OF A LONELY HEART by Yes
8. KARMA CHAMELEON by Culture Club
9. DANCING IN THE DARK by Bruce Springsteen
10. GHOSTBUSTERS by Ray Parker Jr.
11. MISSING YOU by John Waite
12. LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY by Deniece Williams
13. THE REFLEX by Duran Duran
14. I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU by Stevie Wonder
15. TALKING IN YOUR SLEEP by The Romantics
16. TIME AFTER TIME by Cyndi Lauper
17. LET’S GO CRAZY by Prince and The Revolution
18. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN by Cyndi Lauper
19. JUMP (FOR MY LOVE) by The Pointer Sisters
20. HOLD ME NOW by Thompson Twins
21. SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME by Rockwell
22. SAY SAY SAY by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
23. JOANNA by Kool & The Gang
24. STUCK ON YOU by Lionel Richie
25. SELF CONTROL by Laura Branigan
26. HARD HABIT TO BREAK by Chicago
27. SHE BOP by Cyndi Lauper
28. DRIVE by The Cars
29. 99 LUFTBALLONS by Nena
30. OH SHERRIE by Steve Perry
31. BREAK MY STRIDE by Matthew Wilder
32. CARIBBEAN QUEEN (NO MORE LOVE ON THE RUN) by Billy Ocean
33. HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN by Eurythmics
34. I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES by Elton John
35. EYES WITHOUT A FACE by Billy Idol
36. THE GLAMOROUS LIFE by Sheila E.
37. THE HEART OF ROCK & ROLL by Huey Lewis and the News
38. SAY IT ISN’T SO by Daryl Hall & John Oates
39. AUTOMATIC by The Pointer Sisters
40. STATE OF SHOCK by The Jacksons featuring Mick Jagger
41. RUNNING WITH THE NIGHT by Lionel Richie
42. THAT’S ALL by Genesis
43. THE WARRIOR by Scandal featuring Patty Smyth
44. UNION OF THE SNAKE by Duran Duran
45. TWIST OF FATE by Olivia Newton-John
46. SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT by Corey Hart
47. I CAN DREAM ABOUT YOU by Dan Hartman
48. I WANT A NEW DRUG by Huey Lewis and the News
49. IF THIS IS IT by Huey Lewis and the News
50. SAD SONGS (SAY SO MUCH) by Elton John
51. MISS ME BLIND by Culture Club
52. INFATUATION by Rod Stewart
53. THRILLER by Michael Jackson
54. TO ALL THE GIRLS I’VE LOVED BEFORE by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson
55. ALMOST PARADISE by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson
56. COVER ME by Bruce Springsteen
57. LEGS by ZZ Top
58. BORDERLINE by Madonna
59. LUCKY STAR by Madonna
60. SISTER CHRISTIAN by Night Ranger
61. LOVE SOMEBODY by Rick Springfield
62. PURPLE RAIN by Prince
63. YOU MIGHT THINK by The Cars
64. IF EVER YOU’RE IN MY ARMS AGAIN by Peabo Bryson
65. NOBODY TOLD ME by John Lennon
66. ADULT EDUCATION by Daryl Hall & John Oates
67. LET THE MUSIC PLAY by Shannon
68. BREAKDANCE by Irene Cara
69. ALL NIGHT LONG (ALL NIGHT) by Lionel Richie
70. THEY DON’T KNOW by Tracey Ullman
71. I’M SO EXCITED by The Pointer Sisters
72. ON THE DARK SIDE by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
73. UPTOWN GIRL by Billy Joel
74. WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO by Wham!
75. WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER by The Police
76. GOT A HOLD ON ME by Christine McVie
77. CRUEL SUMMER by Bananarama
78. LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD by Pat Benatar
79. UNDERCOVER OF THE NIGHT by The Rolling Stones
80. PINK HOUSES by John Cougar Mellencamp
81. HEAD OVER HEELS by The Go-Go’s
82. AN INNOCENT MAN by Billy Joel
83. MAGIC by The Cars
84. THINK OF LAURA by Christopher Cross
85. BLUE JEAN by David Bowie
86. BREAKIN’… THERE’S NO STOPPING US by Ollie & Jerry
87. NEW MOON ON MONDAY by Duran Duran
88. ROUND AND ROUND by Ratt
89. LIGHTS OUT by Peter Wolf
90. DOCTOR! DOCTOR! by Thompson Twins
91. I FEEL FOR YOU by Chaka Khan
92. THE LONGEST TIME by Billy Joel
93. I STILL CAN’T GET OVER LOVING YOU by Ray Parker Jr.
94. BETTER BE GOOD TO ME by Tina Turner
95. SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK by Rod Stewart
96. DESERT MOON by Dennis DeYoung
97. ROCK ME TONITE by Billy Squier
98. THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE by Dan Fogelberg
99. I’LL WAIT by Van Halen
100. CHURCH OF THE POISON MIND by Culture Club

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1984.

1985

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1. CARELESS WHISPER by Wham! featuring George Michael
2. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS by Foreigner
3. LIKE A VIRGIN by Madonna
4. CRAZY FOR YOU by Madonna
5. EASY LOVER by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins
6. WE ARE THE WORLD by USA for Africa
7. EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD by Tears for Fears
8. EVERYTIME YOU GO AWAY by Paul Young
9. THE POWER OF LOVE by Huey Lewis and the News
10. CAN’T FIGHT THIS FEELING by REO Speedwagon
11. DON’T YOU (FORGET ABOUT ME) by Simple Minds
12. TAKE ON ME by a-ha
13. MONEY FOR NOTHING by Dire Straits
14. CHERISH by Kool & the Gang
15. ST. ELMO’S FIRE (MAN IN MOTION) by John Parr
16. SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU by Whitney Houston
17. RASPBERRY BERET by Prince and The Revolution
18. SUSSUDIO by Phil Collins
19. SHOUT by Tears for Fears
20. HEAVEN by Bryan Adams
21. PART-TIME LOVER by Stevie Wonder
22. A VIEW TO A KILL by Duran Duran
23. THE HEAT IS ON by Glenn Frey
24. EVERYTHING SHE WANTS by Wham!
25. YOU’RE THE INSPIRATION by Chicago
26. IF YOU LOVE SOMEBODY SET THEM FREE by Sting
27. LOVERBOY by Billy Ocean
28. OH SHEILA by Ready for the World
29. RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT by DeBarge
30. ONE MORE NIGHT by Phil Collins
31. FREEWAY OF LOVE by Aretha Franklin
32. NEVER SURRENDER by Corey Hart
33. YOU GIVE GOOD LOVE by Whitney Houston
34. THE WILD BOYS by Duran Duran
35. WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER HERO by Tina Turner
36. MIAMI VICE THEME by Jan Hammer
37. ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK by Murray Head
38. THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER by Howard Jones
39. THE SEARCH IS OVER by Survivor
40. NIGHTSHIFT by Commodores
41. LOVERGIRL by Teena Marie
42. ALL I NEED by Jack Wagner
43. MATERIAL GIRL by Madonna
44. NEUTRON DANCE by The Pointer Sisters
45. DON’T LOSE MY NUMBER by Phil Collins
46. GLORY DAYS by Bruce Springsteen
47. OBSESSION by Animotion
48. AXEL F by Harold Faltermeyer
49. SMOOTH OPERATOR by Sade
50. SUDDENLY by Billy Ocean
51. LONELY OL’ NIGHT by John Cougar Mellencamp
52. THE BOYS OF SUMMER by Don Henley
53. HEAD OVER HEELS by Tears for Fears
54. WE BELONG by Pat Benatar
55. SEA OF LOVE by The Honeydrippers
56. RUN TO YOU by Bryan Adams
57. SOME LIKE IT HOT by Power Station
58. TOO LATE FOR GOODBYES by Julian Lennon
59. IN MY HOUSE by Mary Jane Girls
60. FREEDOM by Wham!
61. COOL IT NOW by New Edition
62. SUMMER OF ’69 by Bryan Adams
63. CALIFORNIA GIRLS by David Lee Roth
64. ANGEL by Madonna
65. OUT OF TOUCH by Daryl Hall & John Oates
66. WOULD I LIE TO YOU? by Eurythmics
67. YOU BELONG TO THE CITY by Glenn Frey
68. DRESS YOU UP by Madonna
69. WE BUILT THIS CITY by Starship
70. I’M ON FIRE by Bruce Springsteen
71. VOICES CARRY by ‘Til Tuesday
72. WALKING ON SUNSHINE by Katrina and the Waves
73. FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART by Sting
74. METHOD OF MODERN LOVE by Daryl Hall & John Oates
75. WHO’S HOLDING DONNA NOW by DeBarge
76. BORN IN THE U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
77. PRIVATE DANCER by Tina Turner
78. I FEEL FOR YOU by Chaka Khan
79. FRESH by Kool & the Gang
80. ALL SHE WANTS TO DO IS DANCE by Don Henley
81. SENTIMENTAL STREET by Night Ranger
82. BE NEAR ME by ABC
83. VALOTTE by Julian Lennon
84. MISLED by Kool & the Gang
85. POP LIFE by Prince & the Revolution
86. INVINCIBLE by Pat Benatar
87. DARE ME by The Pointer Sisters
88. LOVIN’ EVERY MINUTE OF IT by Loverboy
89. YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN (SECOND WIND) by Billy Joel
90. WHAT ABOUT LOVE by Heart
91. GET IT ON (BANG A GONG) by Power Station
92. NO MORE LONELY NIGHTS by Paul McCartney
93. DANCING IN THE STREET by Mick Jagger & David Bowie
94. DO WHAT YOU DO by Jermaine Jackson
95. SUGAR WALLS by Sheena Easton
96. LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME by Thompson Twins
97. SEPARATE LIVES by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin
98. I WOULD DIE 4 U by Prince
99. MISSING YOU by Diana Ross
100. SMUGGLER’S BLUES by Glenn Frey

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1985.

1986

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1. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR by Dionne Warwick featuring Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder
2. ON MY OWN by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald
3. SAY YOU, SAY ME by Lionel Richie
4. HOW WILL I KNOW by Whitney Houston
5. BURNING HEART by Survivor
6. FRIENDS AND LOVERS by Gloria Loring and Carl Anderson
7. DANCING ON THE CEILING by Lionel Richie
8. WEST END GIRLS by Pet Shop Boys
9. THERE’LL BE SAD SONGS (TO MAKE YOU CRY) by Billy Ocean
10. GREATEST LOVE OF ALL by Whitney Houston
11. SLEDGEHAMMER by Peter Gabriel
12. LIVE TO TELL by Madonna
13. KISS by Prince and The Revolution
14. SECRET LOVERS by Atlantic Starr
15. KYRIE by Mr. Mister
16. ADDICTED TO LOVE by Robert Palmer
17. STUCK WITH YOU by Huey Lewis and the News
18. GLORY OF LOVE by Peter Cetera
19. PAPA DON’T PREACH by Madonna
20. HIGHER LOVE by Steve Winwood
21. SARA by Starship
22. I CAN’T WAIT by Nu Shooz
23. ROCK ME AMADEUS by Falco
24. WHEN I THINK OF YOU by Janet Jackson
25. VENUS by Bananarama
26. MAD ABOUT YOU by Belinda Carlisle
27. HOLDING BACK THE YEARS by Simply Red
28. TAKE MY BREATH AWAY by Berlin
29. THESE DREAMS by Heart
30. DON’T FORGET ME (WHEN I’M GONE) by Glass Tiger
31. WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING by Billy Ocean
32. TALK TO ME by Stevie Nicks
33. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY by Janet Jackson
34. WHAT YOU NEED by INXS
35. PARTY ALL THE TIME by Eddie Murphy
36. I MISS YOU by Klymaxx
37. CRUSH ON YOU by The Jets
38. DANGER ZONE by Kenny Loggins
39. INVISIBLE TOUCH by Genesis
40. MANIC MONDAY by The Bangles
41. IF YOU LEAVE by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
42. TYPICAL MALE by Tina Turner
43. WHY CAN’T THIS BE LOVE by Van Halen
44. NO ONE IS TO BLAME by Howard Jones
45. I’M YOUR MAN by Wham!
46. ALIVE AND KICKING by Simple Minds
47. TRUE COLORS by Cyndi Lauper
48. NASTY by Janet Jackson
49. CONGA by Miami Sound Machine
50. I DIDN’T MEAN TO TURN YOU ON by Robert Palmer
51. R.O.C.K. IN THE U.S.A. by John Cougar Mellencamp
52. WALK OF LIFE by Dire Straits
53. SOMETHING ABOUT YOU by Level 42
54. WHO’S JOHNNY by El DeBarge
55. TWO OF HEARTS by Stacey Q
56. HUMAN by The Human League
57. LET’S GO ALL THE WAY by Sly Fox
58. THE SWEETEST TABOO by Sade
59. THROWING IT ALL AWAY by Genesis
60. WE DON’T HAVE TO TAKE OUR CLOTHES OFF by Jermaine Stewart
61. YOUR LOVE by The Outfield
62. SWEET FREEDOM by Michael McDonald
63. WORDS GET IN THE WAY by Miami Sound Machine
64. SMALL TOWN by John Cougar Mellencamp
65. ALL CRIED OUT by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
66. RUMORS by Timex Social Club
67. LIVING IN AMERICA by James Brown
68. AMANDA by Boston
69. LOVE TOUCH by Rod Stewart
70. WALK THIS WAY by Run–D.M.C. featuring Aerosmith
71. ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE by Mike + The Mechanics
72. TAKE ME HOME by Phil Collins
73. BAD BOY by Miami Sound Machine
74. TRUE BLUE by Madonna
75. HARLEM SHUFFLE by the Rolling Stones
76. DREAMTIME by Daryl Hall
77. SILENT RUNNING (ON DANGEROUS GROUND) by Mike + The Mechanics
78. NIKITA by Elton John
79. BABY LOVE by Regina
80. SEPARATE LIVES by Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin
81. TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT by Eddie Money
82. TONIGHT SHE COMES by The Cars
83. BROKEN WINGS by Mr. Mister
84. SPIES LIKE US by Paul McCartney
85. LIFE IN A NORTHERN TOWN by Dream Academy
86. KING FOR A DAY by Thompson Twins
87. HEARTBEAT by Don Johnson
88. A DIFFERENT CORNER by George Michael
89. MY HOMETOWN by Bruce Springsteen
90. YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME by Bon Jovi
91. GO HOME by Stevie Wonder
92. SWEET LOVE by Anita Baker
93. YOUR WILDEST DREAMS by Moody Blues
94. WORD UP! by Cameo
95. LOVE ZONE by Billy Ocean
96. IS IT LOVE by Mr. Mister
97. TENDER LOVE by Force MDs
98. THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT by Loverboy
99. A LOVE BIZARRE by Sheila E.
100. TUFF ENUFF by Fabulous Thunderbirds

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1986.

1987

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1. I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (WHO LOVES ME) by Whitney Houston
2. ALONE by Heart
3. NOTHING’S GONNA STOP US NOW by Starship
4. HERE I GO AGAIN by Whitesnake
5. SHAKEDOWN by Bob Seger
6. DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER by Crowded House
7. LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER by Bon Jovi
8. LA BAMBA by Los Lobos
9. ALWAYS by Atlantic Starr
10. C’EST LA VIE by Robbie Nevil
11. WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by U2
12. LOOKING FOR A NEW LOVE by Jody Watley
13. AT THIS MOMENT by Billy Vera and the Beaters
14. SHAKE YOU DOWN by Gregory Abbott
15. I WANT YOUR SEX by George Michael
16. HEAD TO TOE by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
17. I STILL HAVEN’T FOUND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR by U2
18. DIDN’T WE ALMOST HAVE IT ALL by Whitney Houston
19. ONLY IN MY DREAMS by Debbie Gibson
20. THE LADY IN RED by Chris de Burgh
21. OPEN YOUR HEART by Madonna
22. HEART AND SOUL by T’Pau
23. WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN by The Bangles
24. KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF by Georgia Satellites
25. LOST IN EMOTION by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
26. (I JUST) DIED IN YOUR ARMS by Cutting Crew
27. LEAN ON ME by Club Nouveau
28. I KNEW YOU WERE WAITING (FOR ME) by Aretha Franklin and George Michael
29. JACOB’S LADDER by Huey Lewis and the News
30. YOU KEEP ME HANGIN’ ON by Kim Wilde
31. LAND OF CONFUSION by Genesis
32. SOMEWHERE OUT THERE by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram
33. CONTROL by Janet Jackson
34. I THINK WE’RE ALONE NOW by Tiffany
35. I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU by Michael Jackson with Siedah Garrett
36. U GOT THE LOOK by Prince
37. TOUCH ME (I WANT YOUR BODY) by Samantha Fox
38. MONY MONY by Billy Idol
39. WHO’S THAT GIRL by Madonna
40. NOTORIOUS by Duran Duran
41. I HEARD A RUMOUR by Bananarama
42. LITTLE LIES by Fleetwood Mac
43. CAUSING A COMMOTION by Madonna
44. IN TOO DEEP by Genesis
45. YOU GOT IT ALL by The Jets
46. SONGBIRD by Kenny G
47. LUKA by Suzanne Vega
48. DON’T MEAN NOTHING by Richard Marx
49. CARRIE by Europe
50. DON’T DISTURB THIS GROOVE by The System
51. WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME? by Chicago
52. SIGN O’ THE TIMES by Prince
53. LA ISLA BONITA by Madonna
54. COME GO WITH ME by Exposé
55. LET’S WAIT AWHILE by Janet Jackson
56. BAD by Michael Jackson
57. CHANGE OF HEART by Cyndi Lauper
58. WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE by Bon Jovi
59. MANDOLIN RAIN by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
60. CAN’T WE TRY by Dan Hill featuring Vonda Shepard
61. SOMEDAY by Glass Tiger
62. EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT by Wang Chung
63. WHEN SMOKEY SINGS by ABC
64. CASANOVA by LeVert
65. RHYTHM IS GONNA GET YOU by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
66. LET ME BE THE ONE by Exposé
67. THE FINER THINGS by Steve Winwood
68. BREAKOUT by Swing Out Sister
69. ROCK STEADY by The Whispers
70. THE WAY IT IS by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
71. TONIGHT, TONIGHT, TONIGHT by Genesis
72. BIG TIME by Peter Gabriel
73. DIAMONDS by Herb Alpert
74. POINT OF NO RETURN by Exposé
75. HEAT OF THE NIGHT by Bryan Adams
76. SOMETHING SO STRONG by Crowded House
77. IS THIS LOVE by Survivor
78. BIG LOVE by Fleetwood Mac
79. MIDNIGHT BLUE by Lou Gramm
80. JUST TO SEE HER by Smokey Robinson
81. NOTHING’S GONNA CHANGE MY LOVE FOR YOU by Glenn Medeiros
82. BRILLIANT DISGUISE by Bruce Springsteen
83. VICTORY by Kool & the Gang
84. RESPECT YOURSELF by Bruce Willis
85. DOING IT ALL FOR MY BABY by Huey Lewis and the News
86. WHO WILL YOU RUN TO by Heart
87. CROSS MY BROKEN HEART by The Jets
88. RIGHT ON TRACK by Breakfast Club
89. BALLERINA GIRL by Lionel Richie
90. (I’VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
91. PAPER IN FIRE by John Cougar Mellencamp
92. STAND BY ME by Ben E. King
93. FUNKYTOWN by Pseudo Echo
94. (YOU GOTTA) FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT (TO PARTY!) by Beastie Boys
95. IT’S A SIN by Pet Shop Boys
96. MEET ME HALF WAY by Kenny Loggins
97. WAR by Bruce Springsteen
98. LET’S GO by Wang Chung
99. LOVE YOU DOWN by Ready for the World
100. WIPE OUT by Fat Boys & the Beach Boys

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1987.

1988

Did you enjoy this 1988 Music Through the Years Video above? Then be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our Top40Weekly videos!

1. NEED YOU TONIGHT by INXS
2. SEASONS CHANGE by Exposé
3. COULD’VE BEEN by Tiffany
4. NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP by Rick Astley
5. SWEET CHILD O’ MINE by Guns N’ Roses
6. GET OUTTA MY DREAMS, GET INTO MY CAR by Billy Ocean
7. HANDS TO HEAVEN by Breathe
8. ROLL WITH IT by Steve Winwood
9. ONE MORE TRY by George Michael
10. WISHING WELL by Terence Trent D’Arby
11. ANYTHING FOR YOU by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
12. GOT MY MIND SET ON YOU by George Harrison
13. THE FLAME by Cheap Trick
14. MAN IN THE MIRROR by Michael Jackson
15. POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME by Def Leppard
16. I’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU by Taylor Dayne
17. HUNGRY EYES by Eric Carmen
18. SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE by Robert Palmer
19. HOLD ON TO THE NIGHTS by Richard Marx
20. A HAZY SHADE OF WINTER by The Bangles
21. WHERE DO BROKEN HEARTS GO by Whitney Houston
22. ENDLESS SUMMER NIGHTS by Richard Marx
23. SHATTERED DREAMS by Johnny Hates Jazz
24. NAUGHTY GIRLS (NEED LOVE TOO) by Samantha Fox
25. LOVE BITES by Def Leppard
26. FOOLISH BEAT by Debbie Gibson
27. FATHER FIGURE by George Michael
28. ANGEL by Aerosmith
29. MAKE ME LOSE CONTROL by Eric Carmen
30. THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL by Michael Jackson
31. I DON’T WANNA GO ON WITH YOU LIKE THAT by Elton John
32. SHE’S LIKE THE WIND by Patrick Swayze featuring Wendy Fraser
33. SO EMOTIONAL by Whitney Houston
34. A GROOVY KIND OF LOVE by Phil Collins
35. DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY by Bobby McFerrin
36. RED RED WINE by UB40
37. TOGETHER FOREVER by Rick Astley
38. DEVIL INSIDE by INXS
39. MONKEY by George Michael
40. OUT OF THE BLUE by Debbie Gibson
41. MAKE IT REAL by The Jets
42. I DON’T WANNA LIVE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE by Chicago
43. FAITH by George Michael
44. WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND (PURE ENERGY) by Information Society
45. WILD, WILD WEST by The Escape Club
46. GIRLFRIEND by Pebbles
47. WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS? by Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield
48. I GET WEAK by Belinda Carlisle
49. IF IT ISN’T LOVE by New Edition
50. TELL IT TO MY HEART by Taylor Dayne
51. I WANT TO BE YOUR MAN by Roger Troutman
52. 1-2-3 by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
53. SIGN YOUR NAME by Terence Trent D’Arby
54. DIRTY DIANA by Michael Jackson
55. PERFECT WORLD by Huey Lewis and the News
56. IS THIS LOVE by Whitesnake
57. MERCEDES BOY by Pebbles
58. ONE GOOD WOMAN by Peter Cetera
59. DON’T BE CRUEL by Cheap Trick
60. NEW SENSATION by INXS
61. ROCKET 2 U by The Jets
62. THE LOCO-MOTION by Kylie Minogue
63. PINK CADILLAC by Natalie Cole
64. THE VALLEY ROAD by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
65. EVERYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES by Daryl Hall & John Oates
66. I WANT HER by Keith Sweat
67. CANDLE IN THE WIND by Elton John
68. ELECTRIC BLUE by Icehouse
69. SAY YOU WILL by Foreigner
70. KOKOMO by The Beach Boys
71. DON’T BE CRUEL by Bobby Brown
72. FAST CAR by Tracy Chapman
73. SHAKE YOUR LOVE by Debbie Gibson
74. ALWAYS ON MY MIND by Pet Shop Boys
75. NITE AND DAY by Al B. Sure!
76. BAD MEDICINE (#1*) by Bon Jovi
77. DON’T YOU KNOW WHAT THE NIGHT CAN DO? by Steve Winwood
78. WHEN IT’S LOVE by Van Halen
79. I DON’T WANT TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU by Foreigner
80. PIANO IN THE DARK by Brenda Russell featuring Joe Esposito
81. I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
82. ONE MOMENT IN TIME by Whitney Houston
83. DON’T SHED A TEAR by Paul Carrack
84. NEVER TEAR US APART by INXS
85. PROVE YOUR LOVE by Taylor Dayne
86. NOTHIN’ BUT A GOOD TIME by Poison
87. JUST LIKE PARADISE by David Lee Roth
88. WAIT by White Lion
89. I STILL BELIEVE by Brenda K. Starr
90. DON’T YOU WANT ME by Jody Watley
91. CIRCLE IN THE SAND by Belinda Carlisle
92. NOBODY’S FOOL by Kenny Loggins
93. CAN’T STAY AWAY FROM YOU by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
94. CHERRY BOMB by John Cougar Mellencamp
95. CATCH ME (I’M FALLING) by Pretty Poison
96. I COULD NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR MAN by Prince
97. TWO OCCASIONS by the Deele
98. RUSH HOUR by Jane Wiedlin
99. I FOUND SOMEONE by Cher
100. PLEASE DON’T GO GIRL by New Kids on the Block

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1988.

1989

Did you enjoy this 1989 Music Through the Years Video above? Then be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our Top40Weekly videos!

1. COLD HEARTED by Paula Abdul
2. MISS YOU MUCH by Janet Jackson
3. STRAIGHT UP by Paula Abdul
4. WIND BENEATH MY WINGS by Bette Midler
5. GIRL YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE by Milli Vanilli
6. DON’T WANNA LOSE YOU by Gloria Estefan
7. HEAVEN by Warrant
8. RIGHT HERE WAITING by Richard Marx
9. LIKE A PRAYER by Madonna
10. LOST IN YOUR EYES by Debbie Gibson
11. GIRL I’M GONNA MISS YOU by Milli Vanilli
12. SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY by Fine Young Cannibals
13. I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU by Bon Jovi
14. ON OUR OWN by Bobby Brown
15. TWO HEARTS by Phil Collins
16. IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME BY NOW by Simply Red
17. MY PREROGATIVE by Bobby Brown
18. BABY DON’T FORGET MY NUMBER by Milli Vanilli
19. I’LL BE LOVING YOU (FOREVER) by New Kids on the Block
20. FOREVER YOUR GIRL by Paula Abdul
21. TOY SOLDIERS by Martika
22. THE LOOK by Roxette
23. EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN by Poison
24. THE LIVING YEARS by Mike + The Mechanics
25. IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME by Cher
26. DON’T RUSH ME by Taylor Dayne
27. BORN TO BE MY BABY by Bon Jovi
28. BUFFALO STANCE by Neneh Cherry
29. BUST A MOVE by Young MC
30. ETERNAL FLAME by The Bangles
31. THE LOVER IN ME by Sheena Easton
32. GOOD THING by Fine Young Cannibals
33. WHEN I’M WITH YOU by Sheriff
34. EVERY LITTLE STEP by Bobby Brown
35. ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY by Great White
36. ROCK ON by Michael Damian
37. WILD THING by Tone Lōc
38. SATISFIED by Richard Marx
39. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART by Roxette
40. REAL LOVE by Jody Watley
41. HANGIN’ TOUGH by New Kids on the Block
42. SO ALIVE by Love and Rockets
43. BATDANCE by Prince
44. CHERISH by Madonna
45. ARMAGEDDON IT by Def Leppard
46. MY HEART CAN’T TELL YOU NO by Rod Stewart
47. 18 AND LIFE by Skid Row
48. I LIKE IT by Dino
49. SOLDIER OF LOVE by Donny Osmond
50. YOU GOT IT (THE RIGHT STUFF) by New Kids on the Block
51. EXPRESS YOURSELF by Madonna
52. SECOND CHANCE by .38 Special
53. SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE by Tears for Fears
54. WHEN THE CHILDREN CRY by White Lion
55. MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY by Natalie Cole
56. THE WAY YOU LOVE ME by Karyn White
57. FUNKY COLD MEDINA by Tone Lōc
58. SECRET RENDEZVOUS by Karyn White
59. LOVESONG by The Cure
60. LOOK AWAY by Chicago
61. ANGEL EYES by The Jeff Healey Band
62. WAITING FOR A STAR TO FALL by Boy Meets Girl
63. GIVING YOU THE BEST THAT I GOT by Anita Baker
64. ALL THIS TIME by Tiffany
65. PATIENCE by Guns N’ Roses
66. SHOWER ME WITH YOUR LOVE by Surface
67. LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME by Bon Jovi
68. COVER GIRL by New Kids on the Block
69. STAND by R.E.M.
70. RONI by Bobby Brown
71. LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR by Aerosmith
72. AFTER ALL by Cher and Peter Cetera
73. CLOSE MY EYES FOREVER by Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne
74. WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE by Bad English
75. PARADISE CITY by Guns N’ Roses
76. WHAT I AM by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
77. IN YOUR ROOM by The Bangles
78. WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW by Exposé
79. SMOOTH CRIMINAL by Michael Jackson
80. HEAVEN HELP ME by Deon Estus
81. IT’S NO CRIME by Babyface
82. DREAMIN’ by Vanessa Williams
83. SHE WANTS TO DANCE WITH ME by Rick Astley
84. THIS TIME I KNOW IT’S FOR REAL by Donna Summer
85. SURRENDER TO ME by Ann Wilson and Robin Zander
86. THE END OF THE INNOCENCE by Don Henley
87. I REMEMBER HOLDING YOU by Boys Club
88. ROCK WIT’CHA by Bobby Brown
89. I WANNA HAVE SOME FUN by Samantha Fox
90. I DROVE ALL NIGHT by Cyndi Lauper
91. KEEP ON MOVIN’ by Soul II Soul
92. THINKING OF YOU by Sa-Fire
93. FRIENDS by Jody Watley with Eric B. & Rakim
94. LOVE SHACK by The B-52s
95. BABY, I LOVE YOUR WAY/FREEBIRD MEDLEY by Will to Power
96. WHEN I LOOKED AT HIM by Exposé
97. WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE by Guns N’ Roses
98. WALKING AWAY by Information Society
99. DR. FEELGOOD by Motley Crue
100. PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART by Annie Lennox & Al Green

Want to go deeper? Explore the complete weekly charts for 1989.

The Sound of the 1980s

The songs of the 80s reflected a music industry changing almost as quickly as the technology around it. Synthesizers, drum machines, digital production, music videos, and larger concert productions helped create a sound and visual identity that remains instantly recognizable.

At the same time, there was no single 80s sound. Rock, pop, R&B, country crossover, adult contemporary, new wave, post-disco, heavy metal, and emerging hip-hop all found audiences during the decade.

That variety is one reason so many popular songs of the 80s still appear across radio, playlists, movies, television, and popular culture today.

MTV, Synth-Pop, New Wave, and Arena Rock

MTV launched in 1981 and helped make the music video an increasingly important part of how audiences discovered artists. Performers such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston became associated not only with major records but with memorable visual identities.

Synth-pop and new wave brought electronic textures into the mainstream, while rock continued to expand through arena-sized productions from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Journey, Van Halen, and Def Leppard.

The result was a decade in which radio, television, fashion, touring, and recorded music became more closely connected than ever before.

Pop Superstars and Genre Crossovers

Many of the songs of the ’80s became successful because they crossed traditional format boundaries.

Country performers reached pop audiences, R&B stars became global pop icons, rock bands embraced synthesizers, and soundtrack singles regularly became major radio records.

Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Hall & Oates, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, George Michael, and many others built remarkable chart runs during the decade, while established artists from the 1960s and 1970s continued finding new audiences.

Looking at the decade year by year makes those changes especially clear. The sound of 1980 is noticeably different from 1985, and by 1989 the charts were already pointing toward many of the trends that would dominate the following decade.

Popular Genres: Synth-Pop, New Wave, Dance-Pop, R&B, Arena Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Hair Metal, Soft Rock, Adult Contemporary, Post-Disco, Funk, Hip-Hop, Pop Rock, College Rock, Country Pop

What was the biggest hit of the 1980s?

There is no single answer unless you first decide how “biggest” is being measured. A song can dominate through weeks at No. 1, spend months near the top of the chart, sell enormous numbers of copies, or simply become more culturally recognizable over time.

That is one reason the yearly rankings above are useful. They show which hit songs of the 80s performed most strongly during each individual chart year rather than trying to force the entire decade into one definition of success.

Some of the decade’s biggest chart moments came from artists including Michael Jackson, Olivia Newton-John, Queen, The Police, Madonna, Prince, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, and George Michael.

For readers who want one ranking covering the whole decade, our decade-wide Nolan Method countdown measures cumulative Billboard Top 40 performance across the 1980s.

What songs were popular in the 80s?

The popular songs of the 80s changed dramatically as the decade progressed.

The early years still carried traces of disco, soft rock, and late-70s pop, while new wave and synth-pop quickly became much more prominent. By the middle of the decade, artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, and Cyndi Lauper were all major chart forces.

Later in the 80s, Whitney Houston, George Michael, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, and other newer stars helped shift the sound again.

Songs such as “Billie Jean,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Like a Virgin,” “When Doves Cry,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Faith,” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” give only a small idea of how varied the decade became.

The yearly lists above are designed to make that evolution easier to see. You can also browse our 1980s Playlists if you would rather hear the decade than simply read through the charts.

What were the top 20 songs in 1980?

1980 was an unusual bridge between two musical eras. Disco had not disappeared, soft rock and adult contemporary remained major radio forces, and artists who would help define the new decade were already beginning to take over the charts.

The 1980 ranking above includes major records from artists such as Queen, Blondie, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney, Olivia Newton-John, and Pink Floyd.

What makes the year especially interesting is the variety. Funk, rock, pop, disco, R&B, country crossover, and ballads were all competing for the same Top 40 audience.

Rather than looking only at a handful of familiar songs, the full 1980 section above shows how those records ranked against the rest of the year’s major hits using the Nolan Method.

For an even deeper look, explore the complete weekly charts for 1980 and see how individual songs moved through the Top 40 week by week.

What were the best songs of the 80s?

That depends on what “best” means.

A personal favorites list might prioritize influence, songwriting, cultural importance, or the songs people still play most today. This page takes a different approach: it focuses on the top songs of the 80s by year and measures how strongly records performed on the charts at the time.

That produces a much broader picture of the decade. Familiar classics sit alongside songs that may not receive the same attention today but were enormous radio and chart records when they were released.

It also shows why the songs of the 80s are difficult to reduce to one sound or one group of artists. Queen, Michael Jackson, Hall & Oates, Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Journey, Lionel Richie, Bon Jovi, George Michael, and dozens of other performers all had very different kinds of success during the decade.

Sources & External References

For chart verification and additional historical context, Top40Weekly references established music-industry and historical sources:

• Billboard Hot 100 — weekly U.S. singles chart history and chart positions
• RIAA Gold & Platinum Database — U.S. recording sales certifications and historical awards
• GRAMMY Awards Archive — award winners, nominees, and recording history
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — artist biographies, careers, and music-history context

These external references support the historical context surrounding the charts. The year-by-year ordering itself follows Top40Weekly’s Nolan Method calculations.

More 80s Content

Conclusion

The top hits of the 80s chart the evolution of a decade that moved from post-disco and new wave into synth-pop, stadium rock, dance-pop, R&B, metal, and the early mainstream growth of hip-hop.

Looking at the hit songs of the 80s year by year also shows how quickly tastes changed. The artists dominating American radio in 1980 were not necessarily the same artists controlling the charts in 1985 or 1989.

Whether revisiting familiar favorites or exploring the decade in more depth, these year-by-year rankings offer a broader look at the most popular songs of the 80s and the records that helped shape American Top 40 radio.

Harris Sterling

Independent music label executive Harris Sterling has worked in the music industry for most of his career.

As Executive Vice President for independent music label Madacy Entertainment, he led the strategic marketing and business development for the label, negotiating agreements with the major record labels to release custom music compilations under license with major brands, such as Ford Motor Company, Crayola, Care Bears and Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Harris also led Madacy’s strategy for the licensing of its entire music catalogue to Apple for their launch of the IPOD.

In 2011, Harris co-founded Starting Five Media, a company that specializes in recording and licensing custom renditions of popular songs as well as clearing the rights to the music composition for use by their clients in media projects.

Harris has negotiated publishing and master recording rights for many Top 40 songs for use in various media projects, TV Commercials and more.

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