You've probably heard a few oldies on the radio or in the movies, but have you ever actually sat down to listen to music released before the 90s? If so, hopefully, you'll find a new song or two below. If you don't know many older songs, these will help get your playlist started. Open Spotify and get ready to play some oldies!
1. "Purple Rain" by Prince
Wow, this is just a given for any oldies playlist. Originally intended as a duet with Stevie Nicks, Prince's "Purple Rain" is bound to be one of your new favorites.
2. "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
If this song doesn't ring a bell, it probably will when you listen to it. "Fast Car" is one of Chapman's most popular songs, and for good reason too.
3. "Hotel California" by Eagles
Even if you've never been to California, "Hotel California" by Eagles is a true bop. I listen to this song more than I probably should.
4. "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
What a classic! I've grown up listening to Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," and it's a must-have on an oldies playlist.
5. "The House Of The Rising Sun" by The Animals
The Animal's "The House Of The Rising Sun" is one of the most well-known oldies out there, and I'm sure that you'll love it!
6. "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
You're probably rolling your eyes at how cliche this one is, but come on. It's "Sweet Caroline" ... BUM BUM BUM!!!
7. "Fly Me To The Moon" by Frank Sinatra and Count Basie
Okay, this song is literally the cutest thing ever. "Fly Me To The Moon" is an adorable love song that I know you'll love as much as I do.
8. "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol
Ironically, my grandma introduced me to this song. Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" rocks, and I love it.
9. "Ring Of Fire" by Johnny Cash
I'm not a huge Johnny Cash person, but I wouldn't have an "Oldies But Goodies" playlist without "Ring Of Fire."
10. "Love Is A Battlefield" by Pat Benatar
My grandma and I jammed to this song in her car when I was, like, 10. Love really IS a battlefield, let me tell you. Benatar knows what she's singing about!
11. "Killing Me Softly With His Song" by Fugees
Last summer I listened to this song on repeat and woke up in the morning singing it. Fugee's "Killing Me Softly With His Song" is the perfect amount of drama you need on your oldies playlist.
12. "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is fittingly nicknamed the "King of Pop." Though it was extremely difficult to pick just one of his songs to feature, I figured "P.Y.T" could use a shoutout. Perfect to listen to before a date!
13. "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
If you need some more drama after "Killing Me Softly With His Song," this one is for you. Recently popularized by the 2017 solar eclipse, Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" is a song that will release anyone's inner diva.
14. "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin
I first heard this song watching "Top Gun" (you know, the one where Tom Cruise is a pilot), and I've loved it ever since. "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin truly will take your breath away.
15. "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Tears For Fears
Honey, ain't that the truth?! Tears For Fears has a lot of great songs, but this one is a true hit that belongs on an oldies playlist.
16. "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor
As a student at Clemson University (GO TIGERS), I had to include this one. You've probably heard this song because it's pure gold.
17. "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen
My mom tells me that she used to skate to this song in the eighties. Personally, I listen to this song whenever I break up with a boy. Either way, Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" is an upbeat, fun song to bop to.
18. "Sunglasses At Night" by Corey Hart
I literally heard this song as a toddler with my grandma, and I still listen to it to this day. "Sunglasses At Night" by Corey Hart is such a mysterious song and is what recently earned Hart a spot in the Canadian Hall of Fame. You know where else it needs a spot? On your playlist.
19. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!
Speaking of waking up, this song is great to help you get going in the morning. Add Wham!'s "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" to your playlist for a happy tune to wake up with!
20. "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa
Any oldies playlist needs an 80s rap song. "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa is that song. You'll love it, trust me.
21. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
Even though apparently some people think this song is creepy (think TV characters like Dan Humphrey and Joe Goldberg), I think this song is sweet. Either way, The Police are so talented, and "Every Breath You Take" is a classic.
22. "Peace Of Mind" by Boston
If you're a fan of "More Than A Feeling," you'll love "Peace of Mind," too. Boston is iconic and so is this song.
23. "Maneater" by Daryl Hall and John Oates
Written about New York City, "Maneater" by Daryl Hall and John Oates is another mysterious, funky song that needs to be on your "Oldies but Goodies" playlist.
24. "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses
My mother introduced this song to me and had me watch the music video. 10/10 would recommend. If you've never listened to Guns N' Roses' "November Rain," today is the day that you should. (Guns N' Roses' "Paradise City" is also fabulous.)
25. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Probably everyone knows this song so of course it belongs in an oldies collection. "September" is the definition of groovy. Your head will be bobbing, believe me.
26. "Barracuda" by Heart
Fun fact: Up until high school, I thought that a man sang this song. No idea why. Heart's "Barracuda" is actually sung by the ever-talented Wilson sisters, and it should definitely have a spot on your playlist.
27. "Into The Mystic" by Van Morrison
My parents played this song for me when I was a baby so it holds a special place in my heart. "Into The Mystic" by Van Morrison is one of Rolling Stone magazine's top 500 songs ever, and it should be one of yours, too.
28. "Carolina In My Mind" by James Taylor
James Taylor is such a talented guy (I mean, he's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), and, as a South Carolina native, this song is special to me. Even if you're not born in the Carolinas, Taylor's "Carolina In My Mind" is a soft, cheerful song perfect for your oldies playlist.
29. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
I already mentioned Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic," but no oldies playlist would be complete without Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl!" This song is so cheery and sweet.
30. "Tell It To My Heart" by Taylor Dayne
Taylor Dayne's "Tell It To My Heart," released in '87, will either make you want to dance or belt at the top of your lungs. Your choice!
31. "Faithfully" by Journey
Arguably my favorite songs ever, which is saying a lot, "Faithfully" by Journey is a classic soft rock song that's easily one of the greatest oldies ever recorded.
32. "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by Kim Wilde
For those of you dealing with bothersome exes, this song is for you. Kim Wilde's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" is a 60s dance hit that's been covered by many artists over the years.
33. "Rocket Man" by Elton John
A powerful piano ballad, "Rocket Man" by Elton John is an much-loved oldie that never really gets old.
34. "What About Love?" by Heart
Though a Canadian band first recorded this song, Heart's cover of "What About Love?" is a recognized hit from the 80s that's an essential on any oldies playlist.
35. "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner
For me, this song is up there with "Faithfully" by Journey. I love all of my oldies, but "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner is a song I could listen to on repeat for hours.
36. "Into The Groove" by Madonna
Another 80s dance hit, Madonna's "Into The Groove" is a true gem inspired by her own love for dancing.
37. "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks
This song fascinates me for some reason. Maybe it's because the title comes from a conversation between Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty's wife, or maybe it's because it's beautiful. "Edge of Seventeen" is a really neat rock song unlike anything I've ever heard.
38. "Your Love" by The Outfield
An English rock band, The Outfield recorded "Your Love" in 1985. It was a huge success in the U.S., and it's now one of the best oldies songs around.
39. "Hungry Eyes" by Eric Carmen
I'm a HUGE "Dirty Dancing" fan so, of course, I had to include Carmen's "Hungry Eyes" on my playlist. If you've never seen "Dirty Dancing," I highly recommend it, and hopefully it'll give you a new appreciation for this song.
40. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
You may be surprised to learn that Cyndi Lauper's breakthrough hit "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is actually a cover of the original by Robert Hazard. Her cover of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is one of the most well-known dance songs from the 80s.
41. "Kiss" by Prince
Though it lets off a completely different vibe, Prince's "Kiss" is just about as good as "Purple Rain." This song will probably quickly become one of your fav oldies.
42. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
"Stranger Things" fans will probably recognize this song from the finale of Season 2. Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" is an absolutely gorgeous song that you'll love to hear on your oldies playlist.
43. "Hopelessly Devoted To You" by Olivia Newton-John
Maybe it's just me, but I think that this song is wonderful. Added to "Grease" as an afterthought, Olivia Newton-John's "Hopelessly Devoted To You" is a good sad-ish song for your playlist.
44. "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House
I discovered this song a few months ago, and it's quickly become one of my most-listened-to songs on Spotify. "Don't Dream It's Over" by Australian band Crowded House, released in 1986, is a beautiful ballad and an international hit.
45. "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac
I love me some Stevie Nicks, and "Dreams" is a classic example of her talent as both a songwriter and a vocalist. "Dreams" is a, well, dreamy song that will be the perfect addition to your oldies collection.
46. "I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt
This fun song will be a hit on your playlist! Eddie Rabbit's "I Love A Rainy Night," released in 1980, is a cute song perfect for a rainy night or for any day, really.
47. "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes
I'm sure you've heard the song about pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. But have you ever actually listened to the lyrics of this song? If not, you have GOT to listen to it. Add it to your oldies playlist and remember to listen to what Holmes is singing about!
48. "Grease" by Frankie Valli
"Grease" is one of the best oldies movies out there, and it's also a great oldies song in my opinion. I enjoy the song alone because it reminds me of the movie! Plus, it's honestly such a bop.
49. "Maniac" by Michael Sembello
I can just imagine people in the 80s skating to this one. Michael Sembello's "Maniac" is an upbeat dance song that'll make you want to dance like you've never danced before!
50. "What A Feeling" by Irene Cara
Talk about a feel-good, empowering track. "What A Feeling" by Irene Cara was recorded for the 1983 movie "Flashdance" and eventually went platinum.
51. "Take Good Care Of My Baby" by Bobby Vee
Oh my word, y'all, this song makes my heart melt. Released in 1961, Bobby Vee's "Take Good Care Of My Baby" will be the sweetest song on your oldies playlist.
52. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" by B.J. Thomas
My grandpa used to sing this song to my mom when she was little. The award-winning "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" by B.J. Thomas is a cheery song that's bound to put you in a good mood.
53. "Listen To The Music" by The Doobie Brothers
This song is fitting for any dance party or road trip. The Doobie Brothers recorded "Listen To The Music" in the 70s, and it's still just as good decades later.
54. "She Works Hard For The Money" by Donna Summer
My mom danced to this song as a cheerleader when she was a little girl so it has a special place in my heart. "She Works Hard For The Money" is an upbeat, exhilarating song to boost your confidence.
55. "The Wanderer" by Dion & The Belmonts
You won't be able to contain a smile when you hear this one. Dion & The Belmonts' "The Wanderer" is also one of Rolling Stone magazine's top 500 songs ever recorded. If you like this one, check out "A Teenager In Love."
56. "So Emotional" by Whitney Houston
I had to include some Whitney in my playlist, and you should too! Her hit "So Emotional" is literally so good and showcases her incredible vocal abilities.
57. "Copacabana (At The Cope)" by Barry Manilow
Written about a nightclub in NYC, Manilow's "Copacabana" is disco song from the 70s that belongs on an oldies playlist, I promise.
58. "Africa" by Toto
I just had to put this one on here. If you haven't heard "Africa" by Toto, you haven't lived.
59. "What Am I Gonna Do" by Rod Stewart
I first heard this song whilst eating a cheeseburger at Fuddruckers, which I believe was an indication of how much I'd love this song. "What Am I Gonna Do" has become one of my favorite love songs ever.
60. "Gloomy Sunday" by Billie Holiday
Now THIS is an oldie. Released in 1941, Billie Holiday's cover of "Gloomy Sunday" is a melancholic but nonetheless beautiful song.
61. "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes
Another favorite of Rolling Stone magazine's, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes was released in 1963 and was recently inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. You will not regret adding this precious song to your oldies playlist.
62. "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar
A song written to the f-boys of the late 70s, Benatar's "Heartbreaker" is an anthem for the girls determined to stay away from trouble. Also it's just a great song.
63. "Only The Lonely" by Roy Orbison
"Only The Lonely" is an endearing song from Roy Orbison released in 1960. Trust me, you'll probably like this song as much as I do.
64. "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" by Paul Anka
Released in the late 50s, Paul Anka's "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" is a captivating doo-wop love song that will fit right in on any oldies playlist.
65. "Drive" by The Cars
I have this song on my oldies playlist because it's such a huge hit. But if I'm being totally honest, I can only listen to a little bit of it before I tear up. The Cars' "Drive" is such a powerful, moving song, and I highly recommend adding it to your oldies playlist just for the emotions it brings out.
66. "Heaven" by Bryan Adams
After opening for Journey, Bryan Adams was inspired to write his hit "Heaven." This song is a powerful ballad you'll want to add to your playlist.
67. "Open Arms" by Journey
I love this song almost as much as I love "Faithfully." Journey's "Open Arms" is yet another power ballad from the 80s that will bring you to tears if you're not careful. Some have called it the greatest love song ever written.
68. "Breakdown" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I recently discovered this song and am enchanted by it. Fans of John Mayer will probably enjoy Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Breakdown."
69. "Foolish Beat" by Debbie Gibson
I sing this one in the shower sometimes. "Foolish Beat" by Debbie Gibson was recorded when she was only 17. This emotional ballad belongs on everyone's oldies playlists.
70. "Who's Holding Donna Now?" by DeBarge
This soothing R&B song from the 80s is definitely worthy of a spot on your oldies playlist.
71. "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Simply Red
Simply Red's 1989 cover of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" is truly a gorgeous song I recently added to my oldies playlist.
72. "Talking In Your Sleep" by The Romantics
The Romantics, a rock band from Detroit, released "Talking In Your Sleep" in 1983. I've grown to really like this song; it's unique and groovy. I definitely recommend adding it to your playlist!
I'm listening to these oldies as I'm writing, and I'm seeing that no matter how much I listen to them, they never get old. These oldies are songs that will never, ever lose their value. For more oldies to add to your playlist, see my "oldies but goodies" playlist on Spotify: @savanabishop
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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