Top 1983 Songs

Although the Broadway run of musical 'Annie' came to a close in 1982, Americans were by no means spared the endless choruses of plenty of other songs played in heavy rotation on the radio. From Cyndi Lauper to Billy Idol, the post-disco era was in full swing in 1983 as pop music entered an exciting new frontier, embracing punk and new wave in FM-friendly packages. Below are the Top 1983 Songs, as rated by AOL listeners.

'Owner Of A Lonely Heart'

Yes

The 1983 song is featured on Flash FM, a radio station that appears in video game 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.'

iTunes | Lyrics

'True'

Spandau Ballet

The song is meant to honor soul singer Marvin Gaye and the type of music he popularized under Motown.

Lyrics

'White Wedding'

Billy Idol

Idol disputes the claim by some that he wrote the song as a seething tirade against his sister's fiance.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Love Is A Battlefield'

Pat Benatar

Queen Latifah performed a rap version of this 1983 classic (over Benatar's original vocals) for the 1998 film, 'Small Soldiers.'

iTunes | Lyrics

'Beat It'

Michael Jackson

CBS refused to finance the music video, forcing Jackson to use $150,000 of his own riches.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Sweet Dreams'

Eurythmics

The 1983 song re-charted in the UK in 1991 after it was remixed as a dance track.

iTunes | Lyrics

Eurythmics Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

'Every Breath You Take'

The Police

Sting wrote the song in half an hour, and describes it as "very, very sinister" and "ugly."

iTunes | Lyrics

'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'

Cyndi Lauper

This music video cost under $35,000 to produce, considering most of the equipment was on loan and the cast was comprised of volunteers (including Lauper's manager, mother and brother).

iTunes | Lyrics

Cyndi Lauper Girls Just Want To Have Fun

'Billie Jean'

Michael Jackson

This 1983 hit -- the second single off 'Thriller' -- was mixed 91 times before the final version was selected.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Faithfully'

Journey

The keynotes of this 1983 song are featured in the Elecman level on the Nintendo game 'Mega Man.'

iTunes | Lyrics

What 1983 Songs Are You Faithful To?

Be sure to tell us what your favorite songs from the year 1983 are in the comments section below. Also check out our list of the Top 1982 Songs and Top 1984 Songs.

Listen to Awesome 80's Radio

Filed under: Best Songs, Top 10 Lists

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. Cyndi Lauper s a good reference from the '80. Let's not forget Michael!

See you!

Posted at 2:20PM on Oct 10th 2009 by Flavio SSz

2. The 80's -Great Music, Great Times!

Posted at 8:50PM on Apr 13th 2010 by Jean

3. The 80's great music, great times!

Posted at 8:53PM on Apr 13th 2010 by Jean

4. loved the 80's,
reminds me of how the world should have stayed.

Posted at 10:14PM on Apr 27th 2010 by parkermo8787

5. Didn't Madonna come out with "Borderline" that year? Anybody remember? I listened to Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" in '83. I think these three were out in '83 too..."Total Eclipse of the Heart" Bonnie Tyler, "Little Red Corvette" by Prince (is that his name again?), and "Candy Girl" by The New Edition

Posted at 5:10PM on Jun 28th 2010 by Frances Bleuet

6. Oh yeah and "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves

Posted at 5:13PM on Jun 28th 2010 by Frances Bleuet

7. Your telling me not one ZZ TOP like sharp dressed man is a top 10. Wow dont know what planet you we're on but i know it wasn't here

Posted at 2:57PM on Aug 22nd 2010 by Donny

8. Incredible, when you are living during that time and this is what people remember the most during that year. What happened to;Marvin Gaye,Men at Work,Eddy Grant,Quiet Riot,Def Leppard,Duran Duran,Donna Summer,Prince,Music Youth,Stray Cats,Irena Cara,Culture Club,Metallica,U2,Billy Joel,Lionel Richie,The Gap Band,Herbie Hancock,Run DMC,Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five,New Order,The Cars,The Fixx,Modern English...PS, Cyndi Lauper's hit " Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was a hit in 1984 not 1983!

Posted at 11:42AM on Aug 29th 2010 by Rob

9.
I completely agree FAITHFULLY is one of the best songs EVER!! In fact, all JOURNEY songs are great, the best choice, congratulations!!

Posted at 6:02PM on Aug 29th 2010 by jimena morales

10. Um, I know Toto was big at this time. Rosanna, Africa, and I Won't Hold You Back were all big in '83. Same with Culture Club and Prince. At least The Police, Cyndi, Journey, Spandau Ballet, MJ, Yes, Billy, and Yes were picked.

Posted at 4:29PM on Mar 29th 2011 by A.J.

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Top 1983 Songs

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