Top 10 Annoyingly Catchy 80s Songs

The Go-Gos

In what could be called a defining track of the new wave, The Go-Gos are in top form. They create something thats built for a Sunday drive. Our Lips Are Sealed could be considered a low-key rock masterpiece, with a subtle hook you cant deny. Theres also a chorus thats almost minimal and straightforward. Hours after hearing it, you might be humming it to yourself. The band almost sneaks up on you with its easy going style. By the time you get to the bridge, you realize that its been a joyful experience. Its got that earworm quality to it with its slick bass, guitars, and vocal magic.

Bananarama

You cant deny that the band Bananarama has some certifiable hits. Cruel Summer is one of their most memorable, with a riff thats quickly identifiable. The group has lots of fun on this track and in their sunny music video. While its wildly entertaining, the tune is much better for a summer party. The trio gives you an accurate trip through the highs and lows of the hottest season. Even if the instrumentation might be a little dated, its still impossible to forget. You dont have to know the 1980s to connect with this one either. Nothing short of catchy, this pop single knows exactly what its doing from the verses to the inescapable chorus.

Dexys Midnight Runners

With a celtic spirit, Come On Eileen is hard to hate. Dexys Midnight Runners make pop, rock, and folk sound like a party. Their biggest hit features the kind of rhythm thatll get you dancing whether you like it or not. Its infectious to say the least, infiltrating your brain and not letting go. Dont get us started on the bridge either. Its hard to knock a song thats so free-spirited, but theres a hint of annoyance when you hear it. Kevin Rowland and his bandmates do all they can to make you feel part of the family. Buried underneath all the pomp and circumstance, theres still something lovable about this piece.

Journey

The second you hear the piano introduction, you know whats about to happen. In the United States and abroad, this music has served as the soundtrack for many concerts and a famous TV show. This song has become overused at public events and large venues. Hundreds of people all sing it in unison, but it starts to lose its luster after years of being overplayed. Despite it being a little too popular, Dont Stop Believin carries with it an undeniable nostalgia. We all can slip back into our love for this Journey hit when we want it. The universal story has the potential to touch every listener, even if its not exactly your preferred genre.

Madonna

This pop star has known success since her first years in the business. While she evolved as an artist, her early work can be both fun and somewhat cheesy. Material Girl might not be her highest peak as an artist. The single from 1984s Like a Virgin album is high-fructose and heavily concentrated pop for everybody. Thats exactly what some people want, but its also difficult to take in larger doses. Even the artist herself doesnt love this one that much. Regardless, it definitely became popular for a reason with its hook. This side of her catalog is chock full of entertaining moments that showed the greatness to come.

Night Ranger

Originally released on the 1983 album Midnight Madness, this single rocked the airwaves and became a top-ten song on the Billboard Hot 100. Night Ranger is often best remembered for this unforgettable rock hit. The chorus is the catchiest part, but you probably get sick of it after awhile. Sister Christian relies on that hook as both a crutch and a centerpiece. You could call it cheesy, but you might also want to sing along. The track has a towering sound, dramatic build, and a piano part that almost every power ballad deserves. Singer Kelly Keagy gives a strong performance, making this iconic effort something to remember. You could call it hair metal, obnoxious, or just plain classic.

A-ha

As one of the purest pop statements of the 1980s, the sweetness of Take On Me might be unbearable to some. It sounds like all of the greatest and most controversial elements of the era. First of all, you have a synth line that you can hear for days. You then listen to Morten Harkets vocals and tremendous high notes. The latter is one particular part that almost nobody can imitate, but everybody wants to try and perform. Its also retained a place in pop culture through various movies, media, and the evergreen music video. For better or worse, the Norwegian group havent been able to escape the tune and neither has anyone else.

Wham!

While George Michael went on to make better music, this song still feels part of pop history. The goofy lyrics and bouncy sound might be too much to bear. Its the kind of happy tune that you want sometimes, but not on a regular basis. The track brightens your mood until it becomes a little grating. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go isnt supposed to sound like the best thing ever, but it is a memorable number. Michael and Andrew Ridgeley deliver with a wild production and some hilarious words. Any song with the word yo-yo in it is silly, but this one you have to acknowledge for its catchiness.

Kenny Loggins

If you see Kevin Bacon at a wedding, you really shouldnt play this song. Footloose is a certified banger and it also needs to take a cultural breather. Kenny Loggins is the theme song juggernaut, but even one of the greats doesnt need to be in constant rotation. For this 1980s classic, he brings out a cool guitar riff. Its without a doubt an essential piece of the decades storied history. Loggins knows how to deliver thrills, but with a few whimsical production values. The end result is both iconic and something of a cliche. Fans of the film and the artist might rejoice, but the rest of us want to hear more than this on the dancefloor.

Queen & David Bowie

It might be the ultimate team-up of the 1980s. Queen and David Bowie know how to write stunning music, creating a legendary combo with a message. Under Pressure is full of an improvised spirit and even some scatting. The central hook permeates music and pop culture, living on for decades after its release. Its hard not to love the song even if its become overdone. With the great bassline, this work has also been sampled. The tracks history becomes more complicated when people like Vanilla Ice enter the picture. Through no fault of the original artists, the hit single has been picked apart and covered to death. It speaks to the power of the first version that its still worthy of a listen.

Did we forget another awesome hook that gets on our nerves? Let us know in the comments below.