1. “Eye of the Tiger” — Survivor
It’s impossible to separate this song from Rocky III, with its pounding beat and motivational lyrics. The moment you hear that opening riff, you’re ready to jog up a flight of stairs, even if it’s just at home. It’s corny in its determination, but that’s the magic of it.
Decades later, it still gets used in commercials, workouts, and pep talks. Cheesy? Absolutely. But nobody can resist belting it out.
2. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” — Wham!
With its bubbly beat and bright lyrics, this song practically bounces out of the speakers. It’s lighthearted, sugary pop at its finest. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley made carefree sound effortless.
It’s impossible not to smile when it comes on, even if the neon outfits in the video make us chuckle now. The song is pure ’80s joy. Sometimes, cheesy is exactly what we need.
3. “Footloose” — Kenny Loggins
Kenny Loggins practically owned the ’80s soundtrack game, and Footloose is his crown jewel of cheesiness. The lyrics literally tell you to kick off your Sunday shoes—it doesn’t get much more on-the-nose. But that rhythm makes you want to dance whether you admit it or not.
The movie sealed its place in pop culture, turning it into an anthem for rebellion and fun. Sure, it’s campy, but it’s irresistible. Every dance floor still comes alive when it plays.
4. “We Built This City” — Starship
This one tops a lot of “worst song” lists, with critics calling it one of the cheesiest tracks of the decade. The lyrics are clunky, the production is overstuffed, and yet—it’s catchy as can be. Try not to sing along to “We built this city on rock and roll!”
It may be mocked, but it’s also beloved in its own way. The chorus is an earworm for the ages. Sometimes cheesy becomes unforgettable.
5. “Africa” — Toto
Few songs are as dramatically earnest as “Africa.” With sweeping harmonies, exotic imagery, and lyrics about blessing the rains, it oozes ’80s sincerity. Today, it’s more meme than masterpiece, but it still gives us chills.
There’s something so overblown and yet so comforting about it. Younger generations rediscovered it ironically, but the song endures. Cheesy or not, it’s still a classic singalong.
6. “I Think We’re Alone Now” — Tiffany
Tiffany’s mall-tour anthem captured the bubblegum side of the ’80s. Her cover of this 1960s hit was drenched in synths and teen energy. It feels dated today, but in the best possible way.
Hearing it now instantly brings back memories of cassette singles and teased hair. It’s one of those songs that belongs to a specific time. And for those who lived it, it’s a sweet reminder of youth.
7. “Maniac” — Michael Sembello
Thanks to Flashdance, “Maniac” became a gym-class classic. The lyrics about dancing like you’re possessed might be a little much, but that beat is infectious. It’s pure ’80s energy in musical form.
The song is over-the-top in every way, but that’s why it’s so fun. It makes you want to move, even if you’re not in legwarmers. Sometimes, cheesy equals timeless.
8. “Never Gonna Give You Up” — Rick Astley
Rickrolling aside, this song is a perfect example of ’80s cheese. The synth-heavy production, the earnest lyrics, and that baritone voice all combine into something kitschy but lovable. Nobody took it too seriously then—or now.
Ironically, the internet gave it a second life. Today, it’s part joke, part guilty pleasure. Either way, we still sing every word.
9. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” — Cyndi Lauper
This anthem of carefree rebellion is as cheesy as it is empowering. The quirky delivery, bright production, and fun-loving lyrics made it a staple of slumber parties and dance floors. It’s impossible to hear it without moving.
Yes, it’s bubblegum pop, but it’s also iconic. Lauper made cheesy cool, turning it into a cultural touchstone. Few songs capture the spirit of fun so perfectly.
10. “The Final Countdown” — Europe
That opening keyboard riff is pure drama—and pure cheese. With soaring vocals and lyrics about heading into space, it’s a song that takes itself very seriously. But audiences embraced it anyway.
Today, it’s used for sports events, parodies, and motivational memes. It’s over-the-top, but it’s also epic. When it comes on, resistance is futile.
11. “Mickey” — Toni Basil
With its cheerleader chant and sugary hook, “Mickey” was destined to be cheesy. The chorus—“Oh Mickey, you’re so fine”—is simple, repetitive, and unforgettable. It became a pop culture phenomenon overnight.
The video, with Basil in cheerleading gear, sealed its place in history. It may feel silly today, but it’s still fun. Cheesy or not, Mickey never really left our heads.
12. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” — Dead or Alive
This dance hit spins out of control in the best possible way. The pulsing beat, dramatic vocals, and repetitive chorus are peak ’80s excess. It’s the kind of song you can’t help but dance to.
The lyrics might not be profound, but who cares? It’s about movement, energy, and fun. Cheesy is exactly what makes it work.
13. “Come On Eileen” — Dexys Midnight Runners
With its fiddles, tempo changes, and singalong chorus, “Come On Eileen” is as quirky as it is catchy. It doesn’t sound like much else from the ’80s—and that’s part of its charm. But it also lands firmly in cheesy territory today.
Still, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. When the chorus hits, everyone shouts along. That’s the power of a cheesy classic.
14. “Love Shack” — The B-52’s
Quirky, campy, and downright goofy, “Love Shack” became an anthem of the late ’80s. With its shouted lyrics, funky beat, and playful tone, it was unlike anything else on the radio. It was cheesy, but in the most fun way possible.
The song never fails to get people on the dance floor. Even if you roll your eyes, you’ll be singing “Tin roof… rusted!” right on cue. It’s pure party fuel.
15. “Take On Me” — a-ha
This Norwegian band’s breakout hit paired soaring falsetto with one of the most memorable videos of the decade. The song itself is dramatic, almost overly so, with lyrics about longing and escape. It’s undeniably cheesy—but also undeniably irresistible.
The video’s sketch-to-reality animation gave it iconic status. Decades later, it’s still beloved for its mix of camp and creativity. When that opening synth kicks in, you cannot help but turn it up.
