This will be an unusual post for me, but since I have heard of the death of Marie Fredriksson (1958 – 2019), once lead singer in Swedish band Roxette, I thought I would also pay tribute on my blog to the music (and love ballads) of the 1980s by compiling a list of memorable songs from that decade. In the 1980s, Roxette had a hit song – “The Look” [1989] and it is also the band behind song “It Must Have Been Love” [1987], featured in a film Pretty Woman [1990]. Even though I do not listen to the 1980s music much anymore, I recognise that that decade produced some of the greatest hits ever, especially in pop music, and, in my humble opinion, no music could compare to the instantly recognisable beat of the 1980s. This was also the decade that produced the best love songs, whose quality (and cheesiness!) is unmatched to this day. In no particular order (trying to feature different genres without repeating artists):
I. Pet Shop Boys – “West End Girls” [1984]
II. A-Ha – “Take On Me” [1985]
III. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer” [1986]
IV. John Waite – “Missing You” [1984]
V. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child O’ Mine” [1987]
VI. Toto – “Africa” [1982]
VII. Laura Branigan – “Self-Control” [1984]
VIII. Robert Palmer – “Simply Irresistible” [1988]
IX. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” [1982]
X. Blondie – “Call Me” [1980]
XI. Richard Marx – “Angelia” [1989]
XII. Phil Collins – “In the Air Tonight” [1981]
XIII. Berlin – “Take My Breath Away” [1986]
XIV. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – “The Power of Love” [1984] (see also Huey Lewis and the News – “Power of Love” [1985])
XV. Billy Idol – “Rebel Yell” [1983]
XVI. W.A.S.P. – “Sleeping (In the Fire)” [1984]
XVII. Peter Gabriel – “In Your Eyes” [1986]
XVIII. Lionel Richie – “Hello” [1983]
XIX. Joy Division – “Love Will Tear Us Apart” [1980]
XX. Foreigner – “I Want to Know What Love Is” [1984]
XXI. Mr. Mister – “Broken Wings” [1985]
XXII. Bryan Adams – “Summer of ’69” [1984]
XXIII. Def Leppard – “Love Bites” [1987]
XXIV. Wham! – “Careless Whisper” [1984]
XXV. Kenny Loggins – “Danger Zone” [1986]
Obviously, this is just a selection, and there are many more, including from artists The Police, U2, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Tina Turner, Chicago, REO Speedwagon and Alannah Myles. Though the following three songs were released in 1990, I still consider them worth mentioning because they helped to define (put finishing touches on) the beat/music of the 1980s: Seal – “Crazy”, Scorpions – “Wind of Change” & Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”. Did/do you enjoy music of the 1980s? What was/is your favourite band/song?
Thoughts on Papyrus 
Oh, some of these bring back great memories💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love will tear us apart is one of my favourite songs…Tainted love by Soft Cell would be another of my favourite songs from the 80’s
LikeLiked by 3 people
Tainted Love is also a good song! There was something special about the music of the 1980s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Tainted Love… I was very much a raver back in the day. I am showing my age! Hope you had a lovely Christmas season and happy New Year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it is a good one for you Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wanted to include INXS – “Need You Tonight”, too. So many good songs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the music from the ’80s. I’d have to say The Cars were my favorite band from that time period–until someone reminds me of another one I liked just as much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Cars had great songs! I also noticed the gulf between the visuals of videos and the music. The music was often out of this world, but music videos could not match it. Oh, the 1980s…such high music standards – if only the technology could catch up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean. Some of those videos were pretty cheesy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so love the music from ’80s. Everything you mentioned and a lot more! Air Supply is ’80s too, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, and also before and after. So much talent emerged or reached its height in the 1980s – it is unbelievable. If I want to listen to quality pop – it is definitely the 1980s. Just recently listened to Suzanne Vega’s “Luka” again and that also inspired me to do this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I didn’t know Marie died 😢 Thank you for this list, I love the 80’s and it brings so many memories 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t even born in the 80’s (instead the 90’s), but these are all such classic songs! Africa by Toto is one of my favorite songs of all time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a big fan of Lionel Richie when I was little – his self-titled album was the first cassette tape I owned (my parent bought it for me.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list! The two bands not listed that I loved were Eurythmics (“Here comes the rain again”) and Yazoo (“Baby” from Upstairs at Eric’s album). I remember singing along to all the songs in your 25 on FM radio! -Rebecca
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes, these are great additions, thanks, especially Eurythmics. There was just something about the 80s music that wakes you up, makes you want to dance and feel alive. Very special.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, I’m pretty sure I’m biased, but I do love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s it! I can’t think of any other era with such effervescently optimistic, joyful and fun music!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! Liberating and happy! Perhaps music had a chance of even greater popularity if it can also be used to do popular aerobics.
LikeLike
The 80’s was the time for aerobics too, the music and aerobics = pure optimism. I will share with you a bit of a cult video or meme about this, so cringey, so 80s, but so good. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/ozoTzkCeO-A
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all of these songs Diana…there was no better time for music than the 80s. RIP Marie, it’s so sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person