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By decade

Best Songs of the 1980s

Synths, MTV and hip-hop's rise — twelve songs that defined the decade, each from an album worth owning.

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  1. 1
    MJ

    Billie Jean

    Michael Jackson · from Thriller (1982)

    The bassline, the beat and the moonwalk.

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  2. 2
    PR

    When Doves Cry

    Prince · from Purple Rain (1984)

    A number one with no bassline at all.

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  3. 3
    TH

    Once in a Lifetime

    Talking Heads · from Remain in Light (1980)

    Afrobeat polyrhythm meets existential dread.

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  4. 4
    SM

    There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

    The Smiths · from The Queen Is Dead (1986)

    Morrissey and Marr's most beloved song.

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  5. 5
    U2

    With or Without You

    U2 · from The Joshua Tree (1987)

    The slow-burn that made them stadium-sized.

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  6. 6
    MA

    Like a Prayer

    Madonna · from Like a Prayer (1989)

    Gospel choir, controversy and a huge hook.

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  7. 7
    KB

    Running Up That Hill

    Kate Bush · from Hounds of Love (1985)

    An art-pop landmark that found a vast new audience.

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  8. 8
    TF

    Everybody Wants to Rule the World

    Tears for Fears · from Songs from the Big Chair (1985)

    Effortless, melancholy synth-pop.

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  9. 9
    PE

    Bring the Noise

    Public Enemy · from It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)

    A wall of sound and righteous fury.

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  10. 10
    RU

    Walk This Way

    Run-DMC · from Raising Hell (1986)

    The rap-rock team-up that broke MTV open.

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  11. 11
    SY

    Teen Age Riot

    Sonic Youth · from Daydream Nation (1988)

    Noise-rock's most tuneful five minutes.

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  12. 12
    GN

    Sweet Child o' Mine

    Guns N' Roses · from Appetite for Destruction (1987)

    That opening riff and a soaring outro.

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Tap the artwork or "Listen" to find the track on Amazon Music; "Watch" opens a YouTube search; the song title opens its album page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups.