Throwback Thursday: Best Songs of the 80s
- hehumphr
- Nov 20, 2024
- 3 min read
When I was younger, I dreaded getting into the car with my mom and dad. Not because I didn't want to hang out with them but because I couldn't stand the idea of listening to anything other than Katy Perry. I feel as though this is a shared experience. However, as time goes on, I'd like to think we all reach a point in which we begin to not only tolerate the "old people" music our parents listen to but actually appreciate it. Hopefully, we're all on the same page because today I'll be sharing with you my five favorite songs from the 80s. Now, this wasn't an easy list to compile, considering the 80s brought about some of the greatest hits of all time. Nonetheless, having taken into account my rather trustworthy opinion and that of others as well, I managed to put something together.
Without further ado, here are 5 of the best songs brought to us by the 80s:
Tears For Fears (1985)
Starting off with my personal favorite, this list simply wouldn't be adequate without some Tears For Fears, and in my opinion, Head Over Heels takes the cake for them. It’s got everything—a killer synth line and dramatic, heartfelt lyrics. It just feels like the soundtrack to a big, nostalgic moment in a coming-of-age movie (aka, Donnie Darko). It’s one of those songs that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs, even if you’re terrible at it. It's nostalgic, it’s powerful, and it totally holds up decades later. 80s perfection, no question.
The Psychedelic Furs (1982)
Now we have my current obsession: Love My Way. I like to listen to this song on the way to class and pretend I'm in a movie, genuinely. It's just such a vibe. It’s dreamy, melancholic, and somehow uplifting all at once. That marimba hook? Pure genius. It gives the song this otherworldly feel that makes it stand out from the synth-pop crowd of the 80s. Richard Butler’s raspy, soulful voice is so unique—he sounds like he’s pouring his heart out in every line. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re walking through some romantic, hazy dream. Very much timeless in my expert opinion.
Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Now to slow things down a little bit we have a little bit of Cyndi Lauper, one of the most iconic artists of the 80s. While Lauper has a number of impressive songs from the decade, such as Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," I thought I would include this one, mostly because it's featured in "Napoleon Dynamite," a cult classic. Besides the point. The lyrics are universal, too—whether it’s about love, friendship, or just being there for someone, it hits home every time. Plus, that soft 80s production with the subtle synths and dreamy vibes? Big fan. It’s not just a love song; it’s the love song.
New Order (1986)
As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of synth. It's probably the biggest factor in my love for 80s music. In fact, just yesterday, I annoyed my roommates for over thirty minutes, blasting every synthesizer GarageBand has to offer on full volume. Anyways, Bizarre Love Triangle offers one of the very best uses of pop-synth ever. The beat is super catchy—it makes you want to dance, no matter where you are. It’s sad but also fun, it has a dreamy vibe that never gets old. It’s one of those tracks you can play on repeat and still feel something new every time, especially the chorus. If you haven't heard this one before, try adding it to your playlist.
Daryl Hall & John Oates (1982)
Last but not least, we have a true, timeless classic in, I'm sure, everyone's eyes: Maneater by Hall & Oates. Every time it comes on, I can still picture my mom tapping her fingers on the steering wheel and singing her heart out. A cover was also recently featured in the film "No Hard Feelings," and they almost did it justice. The song’s got this slick, mysterious vibe that pulls you in, and Daryl Hall’s vocals are so soulful, it’s like he’s warning you but in the smoothest way possible. And those sax solos? Iconic. It’s the kind of track that’s impossible to skip.
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