Something happened to music in the 1980s. Everything suddenly got bigger, louder, weirder, and a whole lot shinier. Synthesizers were no longer just a supporting act; they were the sound. Glam rockers teased their hair to the heavens, and new wave bands layered electronic beats with just enough angst. And then there was MTV. A music TV station that would completely change the way people heard and saw music by blasting music videos into every living room, turning pop songs into pop culture moments. No matter your taste—catchy synth beats or screaming guitar solos—the ’80s gave us songs that are still stuck in our heads 40+ years later.
Related: Watch The First Two Hours of MTV’s Debut Broadcast Back in 1981
1. “Take On Me” by A-ha
- Year: 1985
- Album: Hunting High and Low
The iconic music video, featuring groundbreaking rotoscope animation, perfectly complemented the song’s soaring synth-pop melody and memorable falsetto vocals.
Related: 30 Iconic ’80s Rock One-Hit Wonders
2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
- Year: 1985
- Album: The Breakfast Club Soundtrack
Forever linked with The Breakfast Club, this anthem was initially turned down by multiple artists before Simple Minds turned it into a timeless symbol of teenage rebellion and nostalgia.
3. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics
- Year: 1983
- Album: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
The stark, rhythmic synths paired with Annie Lennox’s androgynous image in the video captivated and challenged mainstream audiences.
4. “I Ran (So Far Away)” by Flock of Seagulls
- Year: 1982
- Album: A Flock of Seagulls
Famous for their hairstyles as much as their music, the band’s video featured heavy use of mirrors and lasers, highlighting the futuristic aesthetic of the early 80s.
5. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive
- Year: 1984
- Album: Youthquake
The upbeat track’s video, with its spinning disco balls and provocative dance moves, became a staple of 80s pop visuals.
6. “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer
- Year: 1984
- Album: Beverly Hills Cop Soundtrack
This synth instrumental defined 80s film music, setting the scene for Eddie Murphy’s comedic adventures in Beverly Hills.
7. “Rockit” by Herbie Hancock
- Year: 1983
- Album: Future Shock
Pioneering scratching and robotics in music videos, “Rockit” won several MTV awards and greatly influenced hip-hop and electronic music.
8. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael
- Year: 1984
- Album: Make It Big (Wham!)
Known for its memorable saxophone riff, the video’s cinematic portrayal of heartbreak solidified its emotional resonance.
9. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
- Year: 1983
- Album: She’s So Unusual
Lauper’s colorful and vibrant video perfectly matched the song’s empowering message and playful spirit.
10. “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League
- Year: 1981
- Album: Dare
Its video featured dramatic lighting and narrative storytelling that complemented the synth-driven rhythm and memorable duet.
11. “Maneater” by Hall & Oates
- Year: 1982
- Album: H2O
A sleek, shadowy video accentuated the track’s smooth combination of pop-rock and iconic saxophone solos.
12. “Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash
- Year: 1981
- Album: Quarterflash
Featuring lead singer Rindy Ross’s powerful vocals and saxophone skills, the video captured emotional intensity and classic 80s style.
13. “Africa” by Toto
- Year: 1982
- Album: Toto IV
With its rhythmic drums and compelling visuals of books and artifacts, the video amplified the song’s adventurous spirit.
14. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- Year: 1982
- Album: Eye of the Tiger
Inextricably linked to Rocky III, the song’s video incorporated performance clips interspersed with the film’s iconic training scenes.
15. “Jump” by Van Halen
- Year: 1984
- Album: 1984
A classic glam-rock performance video, featuring energetic stage antics, keyboard-driven sound, and charismatic vocals.
16. “Money For Nothing” by Dire Straits
- Year: 1985
- Album: Brothers in Arms
Famous for its early use of computer animation, this video symbolized the high-tech ambitions of the decade.
17. “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
- Year: 1981
- Album: Face Value
Its iconic drum break and atmospheric synths made it a staple of the 80s soundscape.
18. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
- Year: 1985
- Album: Songs from the Big Chair
This song’s lush synth sounds and thoughtful lyrics captured the decade’s optimism and underlying anxieties.
19. “Major Tom (Coming Home)” by Peter Schilling
- Year: 1983
- Album: Error in the System
This new wave hit expanded on David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” featuring electronic beats and space-themed visuals.
20. “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
- Year: 1986
- Album: Top Gun Soundtrack
Forever tied to Tom Cruise and Top Gun, this energetic track is synonymous with adrenaline and action-packed visuals.
