Top 10 Most Influential Songs of the 1980s
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Andy Hammersmith
These are the tracks that defined a decade and changed music forever. Join us as we count down our picks for the most enduring and culturally influential songs of the 1980s! Our countdown includes iconic hits like "Billie Jean," "Purple Rain," "Like a Prayer," "Sweet Child O' Mine," and more! Which song do you think had the biggest impact? Let us know in the comments below! From Michael Jackson's groundbreaking bassline in "Billie Jean" to The Buggles' prophetic "Video Killed the Radio Star" — the very first MTV video — these songs shaped pop, rock, and hip-hop for generations. We're also highlighting genre-defining moments from Prince, Madonna, Guns N' Roses, Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, New Order, Phil Collins, and Afrika Bambaataa.
- #10: "In the Air Tonight" (1981)
- #9: "Blue Monday" (1983)
- #8: "The Message" (1982)
- #7: "Sweet Child o' Mine" (1988)
- #6: "Planet Rock" (1982)
- #5: "Walk This Way" (1986)
- #4: "Like a Prayer" (1989)
- #3: "Purple Rain" (1984)
- #2: "Billie Jean" (1983)
- #1: "Video Killed the Radio Star" (1979)
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Tags:
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