Pete
Mr. Eighties
- Apr 29, 2023
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- 530
The 1980s kicked off a bold new chapter in music. From dance-pop to glam metal, from new wave to rock ballads, the best 1980s songs delivered variety, emotion, and innovation. Artists pushed boundaries, shaped pop culture, and competed for chart domination as the decade unfolded.
Each year brought something new, and it all began with the number one song on January 1st. Here's a year-by-year breakdown of the songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 on New Year's Day throughout the decade. These tracks are not only great 1980s songs, but essential pieces of music history.
From chart-topping pop to unforgettable rock ballads, these number one 1980 songs helped define a generation. If you're building a playlist of the best 1980s songs, this list is a great place to start.
Each year brought something new, and it all began with the number one song on January 1st. Here's a year-by-year breakdown of the songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 on New Year's Day throughout the decade. These tracks are not only great 1980s songs, but essential pieces of music history.
1980 – Rupert Holmes – Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
The final number one hit of the 1970s carried over into the new decade. Thanks to heavy radio play in late 1979, this catchy tune about tropical drinks and rekindled romance became an unexpected pop favorite.1981 – John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over
Released just weeks before his death in December 1980, this single became a bittersweet farewell. It marked Lennon’s return to music and was the last release during his lifetime.1982 – Olivia Newton-John – Physical
One of the biggest 1980 songs, “Physical” ruled the charts for ten weeks, longer than any other track that decade. Its blend of playful lyrics and aerobics culture made it an instant classic.1983 – Hall and Oates – Maneater
From their hit album H2O, this song captured the duo at the peak of their powers. “Maneater” spent four weeks at number one, becoming one of their most successful singles.1984 – Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson – Say Say Say
Two music icons teamed up for a track that blended McCartney’s songwriting with Jackson’s unstoppable energy. The single was a chart topper by the time the new year arrived.1985 – Madonna – Like a Virgin
Madonna's rise to superstardom began here. With six weeks at number one, this track helped shape her image and made her one of the defining voices of the best 1980s songs.1986 – Lionel Richie – Say You, Say Me
A ballad featured in the movie White Nights, this song won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. It became Richie’s ninth number one on the Adult Contemporary chart.1987 – The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian
The Bangles claimed the top spot with a song that mixed humor, rhythm, and catchy melodies. It became the number one Billboard song of the entire year.1988 – George Michael – Faith
From his solo debut album, “Faith” showed Michael’s crossover appeal and creative control. It was the biggest hit of 1988 and remains one of his most iconic songs.1989 – Poison – Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Power ballads ruled the late 80s, and this one stood above the rest. Poison’s signature song hit number one in December 1988 and stayed there into the new year.From chart-topping pop to unforgettable rock ballads, these number one 1980 songs helped define a generation. If you're building a playlist of the best 1980s songs, this list is a great place to start.
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