Required Listening: 15 Songs That Defined the '80s
For greater appreciation of the decade, whether you were alive for them or not.

It seems like they're always on fashion's back burner (no one can ever decide if they're fully back), but the music of the '80s has proved timeless. Here, for a trip down memory lane—we won't tell if you skipped down that primrose path the first time around—the top 15 songs of the decade.
1.a-ha, "Take on Me"
"Taaaakeeee on meeeeeeee." You know the rest (even if your register doesn't go quite that far), which just goes to show how a good tune can still make a room full of millennials scream (and their parents before them).
2.Bon Jovi, "Livin' on a Prayer"
Even if you think you only know him from a meme about a misspelled tattoo, you know this song. Everybody knows this song, probably because it is so thoroughly singable you can't help but join in, no matter how cool you think you are.
3.Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"
These days, we might have added "-damental rights," but the jubilance and the "work hard, play hard" sentiment still hold.
4.David Bowie, "Modern Love"
Ah, the struggle between man and deity. But also, you can't help but tap your toes to this, at the very least,
5.Def Leoppard, "Pour Some Sugar on Me"
Okay, this has got a massive sound and sick guitar licks and wicked drumming, all the ingredients for an ever-popular record.
6.George Michael, "Faith"
Provocative then with the word (gasp) "sex." But great, classic rock. He will be missed.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
7.Journey, "Don't Stop Believin'"
Another one that lives on in memes and champagne-soaked singalongs, owed to the track's perennial feeling of outsiderness and the atmosphere it creates.
8.Lionel Richie, "All Night Long"
Then: a hit that made Lionel Richie an international superstar. Now: SUCH A GOOD VIBE.
9.Madonna, "Like a Virgin"
An instant classic that earned thumbs up when it came out on Halloween 1984, and still does as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
10.Marvin Gaye, "Sexual Healing"
You've got that chill Afro-Caribbean funk that people are still remixing today.
11.Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean"
An instance in which the video is just as important as the song. This was one of the first visuals by a black artist to air on MTV, thus paving the way for those who came after.
12.Pat Benatar, "Love Is a Battlefield"
A revelation (the storyline of that video!) that's wormed its way into pop culture (13 Going on 30, for one, ha).
13.Prince, "When Doves Cry"
People thought this was weird when it first came out, but that's the usual story with geniuses. And today, after the artist's passing, it's still visionary.
14.Tina Turner, "What's Love Got to Do with It"
Tina Turner: one of the greats, who's still going strong today at 77. But this track, which has since been analyzed as a feminist response to Turner's abusive relationship with husband Ike. That's how important it is.
15.Whitney Houston, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"
On the surface, this was and is a bona fide, throw-your-head-back-and-twirl-on-the-dance-floor Pop Anthem. But only she could inject it with a twinge of sadness that's appealed to so many throughout the years.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Why Fans Think Selena Gomez’s New Songs "You Said You Were Sorry" and \201cHow Does It Feel To Be Forgotten" Are About Justin Bieber
The songs have lyrics like "happy without you," and \201cyou’re so embarrassing."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince Harry’s Ex, Cressida Bonas, Is Launching a Podcast and Princess Eugenie Is Already Lined Up as a Guest
Other famous faces in the podcast's launch announcement video include Kate Winslet, Mary Berry, and Camilla Alves McConaughey.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Hailey Bieber Pairs a Celebrity-Beloved Bag With $450 Flip-Flops for Date Night
The model kept it new-parent-casual for her date night with her husband, Justin Bieber.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year for the First Time Ever at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar—who has the most wins in the award show's history—took home the biggest prize of the night for 'Cowboy Carter.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—And Called Upon Record Labels to Enact Artist Healthcare Reform
The Midwest Princess made a powerful speech while accepting the award for Best New Artist.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album at the Grammys and Dedicates the Award to Black Women: "You're Exactly Who You Need to Be"
"The Swamp Princess" is the third female rapper to take home the gramophone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
RAYE Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
The Best New Artist-nominated singer discusses Britney Spears, Charli xcx, and Nina Simone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published