I've always loved 80s music. There's something idealistically romantic about the post-disco emergence of new wave and dance music. And I love it. It's a genre in itself.
Here's a list of some popular favorites and some of my personal favorites.
1. Big Country - In a Big Country
This is definitely my favorite new age-y type 80s song. It has a guitar driven, alternative rock sound reminiscent of U2 or Simple Minds.
2. The Vibrators - Baby Baby
I'm a sucker for pretty much any British punk rock band of the era. The Vibrators are no exception.
3. The B- 52's - Roam
Famous for "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster". Less famous (but better) is their hit "Roam". I've loved this song for years. It's my spirit song. A must listen.
4. Siouxsie and the Banshees - The Passenger
A band representative of the post-punk era, Siouxsie and the Banshees' cover of Iggy Pop's "The Passenger" is perfect.
5. The The - This is the Day
A feel-good song to perpetuate your good mood. Also a great song to wake up to.
6. The Romantics - One in A Million
My favorite 80s love song.
7. Blondie - Atomic
Blondie is epic. This is song is epic. Her absolute best.
8. Tiffany - I Think We're Alone Now
A classic.
9. Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in The Dark
Known as "The Boss", Bruce is one of the world's best selling artists of all time. I could listen to his music for days.
10. Public Image Ltd. - Seattle
One of my favorite songs about one of my favorite cities! Public Image Ltd. was helped formed by John Lydon, former lead singer of the Sex Pistols. Public Image Ltd.'s music is like the Sex Pistols, but more experimental and, in my opinion, more enjoyable.
11. Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies
Who doesn't love Fleetwood Mac?
12. Bruce Springsteen - Hungry Heart
Bruce again. He'll be relevant forever.
13. Nena - 99 Luftballons
If you listen to this song and don't love it, you're a sociopath.
14. U2 - With or Without You
A song to listen to when you're sad. U2 just knows what you need sometimes. They get it.
15. The Cars - You Might Think
The Cars are my favorite 80s band. It's hard to find a song of theirs that I dislike. This one is my favorite.
16. Madness - Our House
That quintessential 80s song you will hear at every 80s party ever.
17. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500)
"The only reason I'm attracted to Scottish accents, I'm pretty sure." - Mary Beth Bloomer
18. The Cars- Magic
Another gem by The Cars.
19. Dexy's Midnight Runners - Come on Eileen
An entire education on the Irish way of life as told in one song.
20. UB40 - Red Red Wine
The anthem of wine moms across the country.
21. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody
The ultimate 80s love song.
