Top 20 Best Songs of the ’80s

The absolute crown jewel of '80s pop. From Louis Johnson's indestructible, driving bassline and the icy drum groove to Jackson's vocal hiccups and his historic moonwalk debut during a TV performance of the song, it set the gold standard for all the pop that followed.

Roger Taylor's nostalgic ode to the radio era, driven by rolling synthesizers. At Live Aid in 1985, Freddie Mercury turned it into one of the most legendary live moments ever, with a stadium clapping in sync.

Celebrated for its peerless animated rotoscope video and Morten Harket's dizzying vocal range. That sparkling synth hook is one of the most recognizable melodies on the planet.

A technical masterpiece by top-caliber session musicians. The layered kalimba-like synths, complex percussion and lush vocal harmonies made it a generation-spanning worldwide hit.

Pure, uncomplicated pop joy. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley conquered the world with infectious handclaps, energetic horns and a chorus that nests in your head immediately.

A monumental rock and gospel drama in which gospel, pop and virtuosity merge. Prince delivers one of the most emotional vocals and guitar solos in music history in a nearly nine-minute apotheosis.

One of the most tender and vulnerable ballads of the decade. Lauper's warm, fragile delivery and subtle guitar touches sing of an unconditional bond that survives every storm and distance.

The best-selling 12-inch single of all time. With the pounding drum machine, Peter Hook's melodic bass and cold synth lines, New Order defined the birth of modern electronic club music.

Springsteen's biggest commercial hit, in which he masterfully injected his classic working-class rock with catchy synth riffs. A rousing anthem about frustration, creative block and the urge to break free.

A breathtaking anti-war monument. Mark Knopfler's weeping Les Paul and whispered delivery paint the futility of conflict against a backdrop of approaching thunder and cinematic synthesizers.

A boundary-pushing fusion of pop, funk and gospel. Backed by Andraé Crouch's choir and steamy basslines, Madonna delivered one of the most iconic and controversial pop moments of the decade.

The sweeping centerpiece of The Joshua Tree. The Edge's floating 'Infinite Guitar', Adam Clayton's hypnotic bass run and Bono's emotional crescendo gave the Irish band their first American number-one hit.

A masterpiece of early British synth-pop. Annie Lennox's androgynous image and soulful vocals clash fascinatingly with Dave Stewart's repetitive, analog synth pulse in a cynical analysis of human ambition.

That indestructible, melancholy saxophone riff is one of the most recognizable intros of all time. George Michael sings in a velvety voice about the bitter guilt of infidelity over a smooth, timeless ballad production.

The ultimate hard-rock crossover of the decade. Slash's legendary circling opening riff and Axl Rose's raw, screaming declaration of love combined melodic pop sensitivity with unfiltered rock 'n' roll attitude.

Andy Summers' hypnotic, tight guitar arpeggio and Sting's watchful vocals made this the biggest American hit of 1983. Beneath the seemingly romantic melody lies an oppressive story of obsessive control.

The definition of '80s stadium rock. Richie Sambora's talk-box riff and Jon Bon Jovi's defiant chorus about working-class couple Tommy and Gina leave millions of people hoarse every time.

A historic meeting of two absolute titans. John Deacon's immortal bass riff forms the foundation for a sweeping vocal duet between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie about social pressure and the saving power of love.

The ultimate synth-pop party anthem. Driven by sparkling synthesizers, funky basslines and Whitney's unmatched vocal acrobatics and soaring final key change, it celebrates the longing for real romance on the dance floor.

Marked by the most iconic drum break in pop history. The brooding atmosphere, ghostly vocals and minimalist drum machine explode after more than three minutes into pure sonic release.