Top 1980 Songs

The songs in 1980 were surrounded by many beginnings (Pac-Man, Post-It Notes, CNN) along with a few ends (John Bonham, John Lennon, small pox), all while keeping us on the edge of our seats wondering who shot J.R. in the hit show 'Dallas.' The television was good, but the music was arguably better, with releases from AC/DC, Blondie and Queen -- all topping the charts throughout the year. Read our list of the 10 Best Songs of 1980, and hear them all on our Awesome '80s radio station.

'Call Me'

Blondie

The theme song for film 'American Gigolo', Blondie's 'Call Me' was originally called 'Man Machine' when it was first presented without lyrics.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Games Without Frontiers'

Peter Gabriel

This 1980 song's title comes from a European game show called 'Jeux Sans Frontieres', which featured teams dressed in weird costumes competing for prizes. Strangely, the song's lyrics are a critique of nationalism and war.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Crazy Train'

Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne's most well-known hit has been covered by everyone from Pat Boone to the Blue Man Group, but it's also a favorite of sports stars -- many use this 1980 song when they hit the field.

iTunes | Lyrics

'I Will Follow'

A lesser known U2 track, 'I Will Follow' is actually a fan favorite and often requested at live shows. Bono says he was inspired to write the song for his mother, who died when he was 14-years old.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Love Will Tear Us Apart'

Joy Division

After committing suicide in 1980, lead singer Ian Curtis had the phrase 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' inscribed on his tombstone. The song was written by Curtis to describe the problems in his marriage to Deborah.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Any Way You Want It'

Journey

If this song sounds familiar, that's because you've probably heard it in a plethora of commercials -- ranging from Heinz Beans in the 1990s to AT&T Samsung in 2009. You can also hear (and play) the song on the videogame Guitar Hero.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Keep On Loving You'

REO Speedwagon

This song from 1980 had a music video that was the 17th played on the first day of MTV's broadcast in 1991, and featured a scene where a woman answers a phone connected to the guitar of REO's Gary Richrath.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Another One Bites the Dust'

Queen

The iconic bass line was inspired by disco group Chic's 'Good Times' -- after Queen's bass player spent time hanging out in the studio with the band. Another strange fact? A rumor said that the chorus, when played in reverse, says "It's fun to smoke marijuana," which Queen disputes completely.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Sailing'

Christopher Cross

90s babies might know this song because it was covered by boy band 'N Sync, but Christopher Cross also won three Grammys for the song in 1980, including Song of the Year, Arrangement of the Year and Best New Artist.

iTunes | Lyrics

'You Shook Me All Night Long'

AC/DC

This song from 1980 remains Australian rockers AC/DC's most popular hit, hitting #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart and becoming a staple of their live show. A song so influential comes with a plethora of covers, including Celine Dion, Tori Amos, Melissa Etheridge, and yes, even Kenny Chesney

Lyrics

What 1980 Songs Shook You the Best?

Be sure to tell us what your favorite songs from the year 1980 are in the comments section below. Also be sure to skip ahead in time and check out our list of the Top 1981 Songs and Top 1982 Songs.

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Filed under: Best Songs, Top 10 Lists, Pop

Top 1980 Songs

What 1980 Songs Shook You the Best?

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