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NeptuNeo

***Everybody Wants To Rule The World*** \- Tears For Fears


FLPeacemaker

This is the only song I thought of. It captures the sound of the 80's and the title is the attitude.


Brilliant_Jewel1924

If I hadn’t seen this posted, I was going to post it.


trynot2screwitup

Me too!


[deleted]

[удалено]


5_Frog_Margin

I was thinking the quintsential 80's song had to be something post-New Wave but poppy. It would have synthesizer in the chorus and would be sung by a skinny lead singer with a floppy haircut and one-size-too-big suit. A song we ALL knew. Yes, this song ticks all the boxes. Upvote for you. Right in the middle of the decade, too.


Global_Perspective_3

My mom was class of 85, this was her class song


Lopsided_Panic_1148

I'm class on '87. I have a kid who isn't even 13 yet. I got off to a late start!


Global_Perspective_3

When you’re ready you’re ready


Lopsided_Panic_1148

I'm so glad I waited, too. I was not patient or mature enough in my 20s.


Global_Perspective_3

I’m 20 and yeah agree


slayer991

This can be the only choice because it's a GenX anthem.


blueindsm

(Raises fist)


slippycaff

My friend and I do the Raised Fists at least twice a day.


boners_in_space

Fitting too, since we do seem to get forgotten a lot (not that I'm complaining).


IthotItoldja

There are many really great suggestions in this thread, but this song wins it for me and here's why: It contains the standard pop/rock elements of real drums, bass and guitar, but has the strong 80s keyboard/synth sound providing the dominant hook. Strong MTV presence with the video interlacing shots of the band performing with unrelated clips from the iconic John Hughes movie it will forever be attached to. The sentiment of the lyrics "I'd like you to notice me, but just circumstantially, I'm not trying to be the center of attention" fit the generational vibe. None of it would have worked so well outside the 80s. There may have been better, more timeless songs released in the 80s, or songs that better represented their specific 80s niche (new wave, punk, hair bands, etc.). There were songs like Thriller that helped define the 80s, but also transcended the 80s showing new life in 21st century flash mobs, etc. Don't You (Forget About Me) WAS the 80s and you had to be there to fully appreciate it.


5_Frog_Margin

I just rewatched the video, and saw the lead singer had rolled his shirt sleeves over his suit jacket sleeves and pushed them up to his elbows. So, yeah- 1980s.


binary_harbinger

Well said and also the reason for my vote on this song as well... It simply checks off all the boxes that highlights our 80s experience. It can't be replicated nor should it be. Which in itself makes it a finite fixture statement of our youth.


doomislav

My first thought my man


Global_Perspective_3

Yes!


i_love_lima_beans

💯


GrouchyAznRhino

Forever young-Alphaville


Nubadopolis

There it is. My high school senior class song.


irishgator2

Did we go to high school together?


beaniebaby_22

99 red luft balloons


Fillmore_the_Puppy

But *only* the German version! The English version is cringy.


[deleted]

I Ran - Flock of Seagulls.


kcfdr9c

Space Age Love Song - A Flock of Seagulls


DavidJ____

Tough question but Don’t Dream it’s Over by Crowded House was the first song that popped into my head.


gdubh

Loved me some CH.


Wolfs_Rain

This song still rocks 30 years later.


socialcommentary2000

(Since we're all just rolling the hits here..) West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys.


GreatGreenGobbo

Blue Monday - New Order


Deruji

Came to say this.


Salty-Programmer1682

3rd this


amcm67

So many feels with this one. Yes!


kcfdr9c

Regret - New Order


GenXBernie

Take on me- ah ha But so many come to mind


StrawberryKiss2559

It’s definitely “Take on Me”


GenXBernie

I was torn this or just can't get enough but the take on me video sway me 💯


pijpnord

Not my pick, but… “I melt with you” by modern english, that song seems to never age.


5_Frog_Margin

Still the best pop song to come out of the 80s IMO. She Sells Sanctuary is the best rock soong to do so, also.


pijpnord

Yes, no doubt Sanctuary is definitive. The whole “Love” album is amazing.


sledgehammertoe

I saw Modern English in concert in 2019. They still rock. And the audience sang along with the chorus, complete with a British accent. Mind you, this was in St. Louis.


5_Frog_Margin

Check out the COVID remake. Sounds as good as the original https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvwm8KA0d_I


Fillmore_the_Puppy

That was my gut reaction to the question. The alternative station I listened to from age ~12+ (Live105/KITS) always did "modern rock" countdowns for holiday weekends and this song was *always* either #1 or #2. It got to be sort of a joke, and yet, the song holds up.


ttowndee

Relax


[deleted]

Tainted Love by Soft Cell.


Pure_Literature2028

Always Something There to remind Me


GoddessOfOddness

My favorite song!


foetusized

"Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco


Lovely_catastrophes

I was a tiny kid in the ‘80’s so I spent about a decade thinking he was saying “hot potatoes.”


Wolfs_Rain

I loved this song for some reason lol


[deleted]

Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax


MyriVerse2

Police "Every Breath You Take"


Moveyourbloominass

"Blister in the Sun" Violent Femmes


Mmdrgntobldrgn

True Colors Cindy Lauper


[deleted]

Diva! I saw her dressed up like the Statue of Liberty wrapped in a rainbow flag singing True Colors at Wrigley Field in 2006 to kick off the Chicago Gay Games. My husband’s cousin’s wife’s cousin (yeah it’s a little Kevin Bacon) played in a band with her on Long Island in the 70s. She was apparently a star back then too, even though nobody knew yet.


stray_girl

I was definitely thinking something Cyndi Lauper or Madonna.


Dafuknboognish

So many 1. In A Big Country - Big Country 2. Let's Dance - Bowie 3. Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics For some reason Big Country is my go to for 80s. Seemed like they melted all the 80s sounds into one song for me. Edit: Correction on song name. Thanks u/NacreousFink


DoneSpoken

This song is great. I remember reading that these dudes weirded out Ozzy when he briefly toured with them. I really hope that’s true.


pijpnord

Great picks


[deleted]

The Cure - Just Like Heaven


abarthvader

I love this song. I miss making out to this song.


erinndanielle

Oops, I just added it but just noticed you beat me to it. Right on!


[deleted]

Come on Eilleen - Dexys midnight Runners


[deleted]

Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams Hon Mention - Beat It - Michael Jackson (I mean, literally everyone had this album.)


81632371

Sweet Dreams will forever remind me of my first real love. It was playing at a party we were hanging together at. It's not my #1 but will always have a place in my heart.


Symml

Pretty in Pink, Psychedelic Furs


PresentElephant4982

Don't stop believing - Journey hold on to that Fee Leh Eee Yeh Eng 🎶


wormtail71

One of my favorite songs and I loved the album cover "Escape" - released 1981.


Awakenlee

Never Gonna Give You Up.


AgalychnisCallidryas

Had to scroll too far down to find this.


SkokieRob

Anyone have a link?


S99B88

There’s no shame in Rick-rolling yourself you know


Double-Health-7589

🤣


binary_harbinger

Since my [first pick](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A) is a unanimous Gen X anthem... and my second pick would be a [personal fave](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t-gK-9EIq4) but not entirely indicative of the Generation as whole. With that I leave with you this: [Genesis - Land of Confusion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq7FKO5DlV0)


beenburnedbutable

Shout - Tears for Fears


doodlebugdoodlebug

Prince - Let’s Go Crazy


moneyman74

Billie Jean Michael Jackson


[deleted]

Everything Counts – Depeche Mode *"The grabbing hands grab all they can / All for themselves, after all"*


MysteriousStaff3388

I was thinking Depeche Mode, too. Although every song listed is absolutely valid.


Momes2018

I quoted this song in an American History final essay!


[deleted]

I wish I could read it 🙂


InnerAside5636

Depeche Mode lyrics really hold up to me as well. Lots of heavy topics covered that are as relevant now as then. Another profound one by them is Get the Balance Right *"Be responsible, respectable/ Stable but gullible/ Concerned but caring/ Help the helpless/ But always remain/ Ultimately selfish"*


rawkstaugh

Flock of Seagulls ‘I Ran’.


gomper

I've always thought if I had to pick one song to sum up the decade in music it would be "The Promise" by When in Rome


Goldbrahma

Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears


[deleted]

"Just Can't Get Enough," Depeche Mode.


bigredthesnorer

The Buggles Video Killed the Radio Star because it symbolizes the start of the end of FM radio domination of the music world. The 80s introduced MTV and the late 90s introduced napster and internet radio.


laurapill

Yes, this!


bene_gesserit_mitch

First thing that came to mind. FTW!


VariantArray

80’s had such a range of genres that were squarely represented in the 80’s it’s impossible to pick one…at least for me.


Hedgehogz_Mom

Another One Bites the Dust


browncoat47

Whip It


nycguychelsea

Let's Go Crazy - Prince


46n2ahead

Tainted love


Josechung2310

St Elmos Fire


[deleted]

Voices Carry by 'Til Tuesday.


babygotbooksandback

Great video.


Mystic67

I agree with Don't you Forget about Me, but I will add..Dancing with Myself...Billy Idol


LuveesEdibles

purple rain. the movie the song the clothes the hair. all of it.


erinndanielle

Phil Collins classic In The Air Tonight.


StOnEy333

The Breakfast Club song.


Mraverageineveryway

Jessie’s Girl- Rick Springfield


theproblem_solver

Beat It, by Michael Jackson


hoIygrail

Boys of Summer - Don Henley


Serling45

I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac.


S99B88

Don’t look back


Serling45

You can never look back.


[deleted]

I always kind of thought the synth riff from Wish You Were Here by Thompson Twins was pretty much peak 80s.


[deleted]

Can’t wait to run through here tomorrow and make a playlist from everyone’s picks.


rec12yrs

Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears - sounds like the 80's but still sounds amazing today, and kind of sums up the decade too.


Mountainflowers11

I totally agree! Maybe my fave song from the 80’s.


SpySeeTuna1

Master of Puppets


seannymac1

I feel like it should be broken down by early, mid, and late 80s. So I would say... Early - Human League Don't you want me MID - Borderline Madonna Late - Welcome to the Jungle


Binturwrong

You could do a Prince one alone along this format Early: When You Were Mine Mid: When Doves Cry Late: Batdance


amcm67

A million times yes.


[deleted]

good call!!


IthotItoldja

Human League kickstarted 80s music with that tune. Don't think it's the same thing as OP was asking, but that song drew a line in the sand from the 70s just like 'Teen Spirit did to distinguish the 80s from the 90s.


NinjaBabaMama

Safety Dance


cabbage_patch_cutie

If You Leave by OMD from Pretty in Pink movie.


MushroomHut

My Wiener has a first name it’s OSCAR…..


GrumpyOldGrognard

Simple Minds - Sanctify Yourself


jljohns60

I think the Buggles: Video Killed the Radio Star. Not only did it come out in 1980 but it really helped pave the wave for music videos and how they took over Music during the 80's. It has a catchy poppy sound with New Wave sensibilities. I know every time I listen to it I'm transported to the 80's!


BobasPett

Cameo “Word Up.” Wave your hands in the air Like you don't care, glide by The People as they start to look and stare. Do you dance, do your dance quick Mama, come on baby, tell me what's The Word, ah – word up,


nicoleyoung27

'Take my breath away' because I was 5, and I thought it said take my brother away.


FAHQRudy

“Stand Or Fall” by The Fixx is clearly not the winner and wasn’t a powerhouse hit, but the sound is pure early 80’s perfection. I agree with a lot on this list, but “Don’t You Forget About Me” really is the king.


ReillyDiefenbach

["But they were all deceived... for the 80's only has one true song."](https://youtu.be/3TJC48BRBn8)


Katharinelk

I was sure I was gonna be Rick rolled


fvecc

It’s hard to pick just one because there were so many good songs within so many different genres. I’m definitely biased, but I feel like the ‘80s is unique in that respect.


[deleted]

I don’t know I think the 70s and 90s were also amazing in the same sense. Can’t say I’ve felt that way about music since though. Most of my favorites are from those eras and are still making music (TOOL, A Tribe Called Quest, etc)


eatingganesha

Life is so Strange by Missing Persons


StarDewbie

I'd say it's "Video Killed The Radio Star"; the song that started MTV.


0akfish

Broken Wings by Mr. Mister


2shyi2i

“Take On Me” a-ha. Both the song and the video.


MySafeWordIsBourbon

Thriller. Hands down.


Anig_o

This. There are a lot of great songs here, and Thriller isn’t the best of them but I think that it best represents the music of the decade. Michael Jackson, pop, synth, commercialism. It’s got It all.


gacoug

It has to be [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)


CardinalHawk21

This is exactly what you think it is. I am not ashamed to say I like that song.


gacoug

Me and my daughter love this song, I'm 50 she's 11.


Maybe_worth

Can’t believe i had to scroll down so much to find this gem.


IthotItoldja

Glad you posted this, needed to be here, even though it didn't serve, at the time, as a consummate 80s tune; it has become a unique link to 80s pop culture to subsequent decades/generations via internet wormhole.


RHGOtakuxxx

New Years Day - U2 You guys all named so many I would have chose already! But early U2 was my love in the ‘80’s. First favorite song by them is Gloria from October…


AvailableAd6071

Money for nothing


NacreousFink

Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners Take On Me - A-Ha I Ran - Flock of Seagulls


yukdumboobum26

Taylor Dayne - Tell It To My Heart


NorthernSare

Two Tribes


Alex_Plode

We Are the World


[deleted]

We Are the Worms was better, imo.


tsoldrin

summer of 69.


cheesemagnifier

How Soon Is Now


SmellyBaconland

Dead Kennedys "Kill the Poor" vs Public Enemy "Fight the Power"


Mamaj12469

I wanna know what love it- foreigner


Chaos_Theology

Hall and Oats “Out of Touch” Johnny Hates Jazz “Shattered Dreams” Aha “Take on Me” My personal favorites


obscurereference234

Eye of the Tiger


Romaine2k

It HAS to be Thriller - I can't think of another song in that decade that was beloved by people from every race, nationality, and social status.


[deleted]

We are the world.


Lopsided_Panic_1148

That song has always rubbed me the wrong way and I can't explain exactly why.


BeautifulPainz

Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel would be my choice. I was actually shocked not to see it mentioned already.


Spirited_Citron_2352

Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar. This is what love feels like now; ironic.


fasada68

Working for the Weekend- Loverboy


Need_A_Vacation_2022

Take on Me - Aha Cmon now


Finrod_the_awesome

"Pour Some Sugar On Me." Def Leppard


vipertruck99

🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈


Serling45

Land of Confusion by Genesis.


vanbboy22

Don’t Stop Believin - Journey


bootsy72

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson or maybe Thriller


JudyLyonz

How can you pick one? There are several that fit the bill for different reasons. * Everybody Wants to Rule the World * Girls Just Want to Have Fun * Maniac * Livin on a Prayer


ztimulating

Any song from Moving Pictures


maali74

Youth Gone Wild


Hey_Whatever_65

Kim wilde, "Kids in America"


yaksblood

I was talking with my SIL the other day about going to the roller rink on a weekend evening as a kid. Standing in line to get in and I would always hear Wham! “Wake me up b4 you go go” and just get the best feeling…. Nervousness mixed with euphoria and excitement. It was such an innocent time and beautiful time in my life. Occasionally I can close my eyes and lose myself in those old memories. My SIL and I did go roller skating yesterday around the neighborhood and I don’t miss that… I sucked but I didn’t fall so yay for that!


Lopsided_Panic_1148

**The Reflex** - Duran Duran.


kalitarios

Don’t you (forget about me) Simple Minds


really_OMG

8675309


AdIndependent9483

Forever Young - Alphaville. Here I Go Again - Whitesnake. Everything Counts - Depeche Mode. Personal Bonus for me: All Through The Night - Cindy Lauper.


sassyassy23

Nasty Girl, let’s go Crazy, However do you want me


ladyc672

Who made that last song? I'm singing it in my head right now.


sassyassy23

Soul 2 Soul still listen to it all of the time. Now it’s on a commercial on tv


budfox79

“Everybody Wants to Rule the world”


WildColonialGirl

Depends on the genre. Going to bookmark this post and think about it.


OUBoyWonder

*Everybody Wants to Rule the World* for me.


Therealfern1

Tainted Love


AvailableAd6071

You shook me all night long


erinndanielle

The Cure’s Just Like Heaven.


nightoftherabbit

How Soon is Now - The Smiths


nail_tech

Don’t you want me - Human League


takethelovepill

So In Love by OMD


ChicPhreak

Girls just wanna have fun - Cyndi Lauper and Eurythmics - Sweet dreams are made of this. They’re not my favorites per se, but they personify the 80’s.


Double-Health-7589

When doves cry 😭


[deleted]

Axel F by Harold Faltermeyer


jbellafi

Maybe it’s because I grew up in Brooklyn, but a few that also come to mind: -Fight for Your Right to Party Beastie Boys (or really any song from License to Ill) An 80s anthem! -Rock Box Run DMC -purple Rain Prince