The Best Rock Songs of the ’80s
The best rock songs of the ’80s made their prospective bands household names and solidified those bands’ careers for years to come. – Author: Anne Erickson, AC/DC courtesy photo via Sony Music
The best rock songs of the ’80s made their prospective bands household names and solidified those bands’ careers for years to come. If one were to really pick one decade to define hard rock and show when rock ruled the airwaves, it would be the ’80s, thanks to blockbuster songs that appealed to different musical tastes and made it onto mainstream radio. Of course, some of this hard rock took a backseat to grunge music in the ’90s, but even though that, there was a love for arena rock that could never be completely squelched. In honor of the decade of rock, Audio Ink Radio presents its roster of the best rock songs of the ’80s.
Celebrating the Best Rock Songs of the ’80s
AC/DC, “Back in Black”
Australian rockers AC/DC were a major part of the rock scene in the 1980s and truly contributed to the decade’s rock explosion. The song has a catchy riff and upbeat drumbeat that suck the listener in right away. “Back in Black” marked the introduction of Brian Johnson in the band, and he delivered, with strong vocals that had a party-happy vibe, too. It’s an iconic classic rock song and has been certified triple platinum.
Bon Jovi, “Livin’ on a Prayer”
Bon Jovi, in a way, is the quintessential 1980s rock band. The group’s massive power chords and arena-style rock ruled the decade. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, fronted by Jon Bon Jovi, bridged the gap between glam metal or hair metal and a more classic rock sound, and they also worked in some pop for good measure. The result was blockbuster songs, such as “Livin’ on a Prayer,” that were omnipresent then and now.
Joan Jett, “I Love Rock ‘N Roll’
People love rock ‘n’ roll, and Joan Jett embraced that concept with her simple yet powerful 1981 anthem, “I Love Rock ‘N Roll.” The track had that sharp personality of Joan Jett, the rock queen, and her incredible guitar playing and raw vocals, making it an instant classic. It’s a cover of the Arrows’ 1970s song, and lead singer and bass player Alan Merrill told Louder Sound that the original track “was basically about two kids meeting at a disco and fancying each other.”
Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin'”
The 1982 Journey hit “Don’t Stop Believin'” is perhaps the first song that comes to mind when anybody thinks of an inspirational kind of rock song. It’s appeared on playlists for everyone from Olympians to politicians. Steve Perry’s vocals are inspiriing, and Neal Schon’s guitar playing is triumphant. It’s a stadium-ready rock anthem that speaks to anyone trying to accomplish something or overcome adversity in life.
Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust”
Queen ruled the 1970s, so perhaps they don’t belong on a list of the best rock songs of the 1980s, expect for the fact that the band released their opus, “Another One Bites the Dust,” in 1980. While many of Queen’s songs from the prior decade were massive hits, “Another One Bites the Dust” was special and solidified them as a force going into the new decade until the tragic loss of vocalist Freddie Mercury.
Van Halen, “Jump”
Van Halen went mainstream with their 1983 chart-topper “Jump,” which carried a catchy synth line that perfectly fit the decade. Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth and company ruled MTV with this song, too, and their music video for “Jump” became a staple on the television network. “Jump” was the band’s very first No. 1 hit and is pretty much their most recognizable. It’s certainly one of the best rock songs of the ’80s.
While the 1980s weren’t a time celebrated for grunge music, the early scene was taking shape. Find Audio Ink Radio’s tally of the best grunge songs of the 1980s for some insight into the genre’s beginnings.
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