Madonna, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie – just a few of the stars who soundtracked the ’80s.
It was the decade of electronic dance music with influences of disco and punk rock. The hair was bigger and music videos were all about vibrant neon aesthetics and dramatic choreography (just think back to Olivia Newton-John’s memorable lycra looks in the ‘Physical’ video and you’ll get the picture).
The charts were stacked with timeless hits like ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor, Belinda Carlisle’s ‘Heaven Is a Place on Earth’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’, as well as classic from one-hit wonders. According to Billboard, these songs all made it to number one during the ’80s – let’s see how many you remember.
© Getty Images‘The Power of Love’ – Huey Lewis and The News
Huey Lewis and The News were new on the scene after forming in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Following their hit ‘Do You Believe in Love’, the group had their first number one in 1985 with ‘The Power of Love’.
The song featured on the Back to the Future soundtrack and is a proper classic from the decade.
The group have stepped back from recording and performing after frontman Huey was diagnosed in 2018 with Ménière’s disease.
© Redferns‘Abracadabra’ – Steve Miller Band
Remember this one? The Steve Miller Band followed up their mega 1973 hit ‘The Joker’ with ‘Abracadabra’ in 1982.
The band was first formed in 1966 by frontman, Steve Miller, who led vocals and guitar. Steve, who is now 82, had to cancel his 2025 tour over extreme weather but is making a return to the stage this October with two performances in New York.
© Getty Images‘Bette Davis Eyes’ – Kim Carnes
You’ll surely know this one! One of the biggest hits of the ’80s was Kim Carnes’ ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ in 1981.
The track earned Kim a Grammy and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine weeks.
These days, Kim has largely retreated from the spotlight. She is set to release a CD box set of her remastered studio albums in October.
© Michael Ochs Archives‘Kyrie’ – Mr. Mister
If you’re listening to the opening notes of this and drawing a blank, just wait until the chorus hits.
‘Kyrie’ took American rock band Mr. Mister to the top of the charts in 1986, where it stayed for two weeks.
The band last reunited in 2025 to mark the 40th anniversary of their 1985 chart-topper, ‘Broken Wings’.
© United Archives via Getty Images’99 Luftballons’ – Nena
From the first notes of the iconic synthesizer intro, German singer Nena’s ’99 Luftballons’ is quintessentially ’80s.
“Around the world I’m a one-hit wonder,” the singer told The Weekend West about her famous track, which released an English version in 1984.
“Of course in Germany I have a lot of hits because that’s my country … but in America that (99 Luftballoons) was the one.”
As of 2026, Nena is still touring across Europe.
© Getty Images‘Sailing’ – Christopher Cross
While it was first recorded in 1979, Christopher Cross’ soft rock track ‘Sailing’ was released as a single in June 1980 and made it to number one on the Billboard charts in August that year.
The song won three Grammy awards, including song of the year for Christopher. Four decades later, Christopher is still touring and making music.
© Alamy Stock Photo‘Mickey’ – Toni Basil
Before Toni Basil even starts singing, the opening claps of her track ‘Mickey’ made it an easily recognisable hit.
The 1982 pop track topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number two in the UK.
While the track made Toni known around the world, the singer, now 82, has stepped back from music to instead focus on dancing, working as a choreographer.
© Getty Images‘Maniac’ – Michael Sembello
Flashdance fans will remember this one! Michael Sembello’s 1983 hit ‘Maniac’ featured in the dance film’s iconic training and audition montage.
Along with topping the US charts, the track even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
These days, Michael lives in California and is said to still be working as a musician and producer.
© Getty Images‘Who’s That Girl’ – Madonna
You can’t talk about the ’80s without mentioning Madonna! From Like a Prayer to Like a Virgin, Madonna’s discography was stacked with hits across the decade.
One of her lesser-known number ones was the 1989 single ‘Who’s That Girl’ from Madonna’s movie of the same name. It reached number one in the US and the UK.
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