1. “Voices Carry” – ‘Til Tuesday
This haunting 1985 hit from ‘Til Tuesday’s debut album captured the intense emotions of a turbulent relationship. The song’s haunting melody and the distinct voice of Aimee Mann made it unforgettable, yet it’s often overlooked when we talk about ’80s classics. “Voices Carry” was a top 10 hit on the Billboard charts, but its dark, introspective lyrics and minimalist sound might be why it never quite gained the nostalgic status of other tracks from the era. It’s a perfect example of an ’80s gem that blends synth-driven sound with emotional depth.
Despite its chart success, it’s seldom played at retro parties or featured in ’80s compilations. The somber vibe of “Voices Carry” doesn’t scream party anthem like some of its counterparts, but that’s what made it stand out at the time. While the track remains a favorite among fans of ’80s alternative rock, it’s unfortunate that its legacy is overshadowed by the era’s flashier hits. In an age of big hair and neon, this quiet, melancholic song often gets lost in the shuffle.
2. “Never Surrender” – Corey Hart
Corey Hart’s 1985 track “Never Surrender” was a motivational anthem for anyone facing challenges, with a catchy chorus that still echoes in the hearts of fans. Despite its strong chart performance, peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100, this track often fades into the background when we think of ’80s music. The song’s message about standing strong in adversity resonated with a generation of listeners, but it hasn’t maintained its place in the broader pop culture conversation.
Unlike other ’80s tracks that became party staples, “Never Surrender” was more reflective and motivational, which may explain why it’s not revisited as often. Still, Corey Hart remains a one-hit-wonder in most casual discussions, despite the enduring power of this song. If you’re looking for a hidden gem that embodies the resilience of the ’80s, this track is it, even if it’s now largely forgotten.
3. “I Can’t Tell You Why” – Eagles
The Eagles’ 1980 track “I Can’t Tell You Why” was a departure from their usual sound, offering a softer, more soulful feel. It hit the top 10 and showed the band’s versatility in the later part of their career. Despite being one of their biggest hits in the ’80s, it doesn’t get as much attention as classics like “Hotel California.” The smooth, almost jazzy vibes of this track offer a glimpse into the softer side of rock at the time, but it often gets overshadowed by the era’s bigger, bolder tracks.
It’s a timeless song that still resonates with listeners who appreciate the softer side of ’80s rock, but it doesn’t receive the same reverence as other Eagles hits. Its placement within the band’s catalog makes it easy to forget, even though it stands as one of their most polished songs. “I Can’t Tell You Why” is proof that sometimes the most beautiful songs are the ones that quietly linger in the background.
4. “Bizarre Love Triangle” – New Order
New Order’s 1986 hit “Bizarre Love Triangle” is a quintessential track of ’80s alternative dance music. Its mix of post-punk elements and electronic beats was ahead of its time and helped define the genre, but it never became as universally recognized as other ’80s anthems. The song’s infectious beat and emotionally complex lyrics captured the complexities of relationships, yet it often gets lost in the shuffle of other new wave hits.
“Bizarre Love Triangle” is beloved by fans of the genre and a staple in alternative music circles, yet it has yet to gain the mainstream recognition it deserves. Despite being a dancefloor favorite, it’s rarely heard on ’80s throwback playlists today. Perhaps its status as a deeper cut has kept it out of the limelight, but it’s undeniably one of the era’s most interesting tracks.
5. “She Drives Me Crazy” – Fine Young Cannibals
Fine Young Cannibals’ 1988 hit “She Drives Me Crazy” was an irresistible blend of pop and soul, with an undeniably catchy hook that made it a global hit. The song’s funky, upbeat tempo and distinct vocals from Roland Gift made it an instant favorite, but it seems to have slipped under the radar in recent years. Despite being a chart-topping single, it hasn’t maintained its place in the wider conversation about ’80s music.
It’s the kind of track that blends pop, soul, and dance music in a way that was ahead of its time. “She Drives Me Crazy” still holds up today, but it’s often overshadowed by the more iconic ’80s tunes. Fine Young Cannibals remain a one-hit-wonder in the pop culture landscape, and this track, though undeniably catchy, is often forgotten in favor of the bigger pop hits from the era.
6. “The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats
The 1982 hit “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats is another one of those ’80s songs that seems almost too bizarre to be real. Its catchy melody and quirky lyrics made it a cult classic, but it hasn’t retained the same level of recognition as other one-hit wonders. The song’s whimsical tone and underlying message of nonconformity were a perfect reflection of ’80s alternative culture, but it tends to get lost in the noise of more mainstream hits.
Despite its initial success, the song is more of a quirky memory than a major anthem of the ’80s. However, it still pops up every now and then in ’80s retrospectives, reminding us of how strange and wonderful that decade could be. It may not be the first track that comes to mind when thinking of ’80s music, but it still has a unique charm that endures.
7. “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell
Soft Cell’s 1981 hit “Tainted Love” is one of the most iconic songs of the ’80s, blending dark, moody synthpop with hauntingly emotional lyrics. The song’s infectious beat and repetitive chorus made it a huge club hit and a mainstay on the charts. Despite its widespread popularity at the time, “Tainted Love” often gets overshadowed by other synth-heavy hits from the era, especially those from larger bands like Depeche Mode or New Order. The haunting melody and the raw emotion behind the lyrics made it a standout in the post-punk and new wave scenes.
The track remains a favorite among fans of ’80s synthpop but is often sidelined when discussions of the era’s most influential songs arise. The unique blend of electronic music and a vulnerable narrative about love and heartbreak was innovative at the time, yet it doesn’t receive the same level of attention in retro playlists as more mainstream tracks. “Tainted Love” is a song that truly encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of the early ’80s, but its cultural footprint has faded despite its historical importance in the evolution of pop music.
8. “Obsession” – Animotion
Animotion’s 1984 hit “Obsession” is a dance-pop classic that never quite earned the same lasting respect as some of its contemporaries. With its pulsating beat and catchy lyrics, it was a perfect fit for the ’80s dance scene, but it’s often forgotten when we talk about the era’s great anthems. “Obsession” blends new wave sensibilities with an infectious hook, but it’s more of a forgotten gem in today’s pop culture landscape.
Despite being a major hit in the ’80s, the track has faded into obscurity over the years. “Obsession” had all the elements of a memorable ’80s anthem—catchy, danceable, and emotionally charged—yet it hasn’t stayed in the spotlight like some of its peers. It’s a song that still has the power to get stuck in your head, yet it’s oddly absent from most ’80s playlists.
9. “Kyrie” – Mr. Mister
Mr. Mister’s 1985 hit “Kyrie” was a massive success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s combination of uplifting melodies and complex lyrical themes made it stand out in a sea of pop hits. “Kyrie” still holds a powerful message of spirituality and hope, but it doesn’t often get the recognition it deserves when people talk about ’80s pop rock.
Though it was a chart-topper and one of the most memorable songs of its time, “Kyrie” is often overshadowed by other songs that have become staples of the decade. The song’s mix of spiritual imagery and catchy pop sensibilities made it an anthem of sorts for those looking for something deeper. Still, it never really maintained the same place in the ’80s pop conversation.
10. “Dancing in the Sheets” – Shalamar
Shalamar’s 1984 track “Dancing in the Sheets” is a forgotten gem that deserves more love. With its infectious groove and danceable rhythm, it was an ideal ’80s club anthem, yet it often gets pushed aside when we talk about the iconic songs from the era. The song’s upbeat, funky energy is still a crowd-pleaser, but it seems to have been forgotten in favor of more mainstream hits.
Although it didn’t gain the same lasting recognition as other songs in the funk and R&B genres, “Dancing in the Sheets” is a track that still holds up. It’s a perfect example of how the ’80s era had a rich variety of sounds, some of which have been sadly overlooked in popular culture today. Even now, it’s a track that’s waiting to be rediscovered.
11. “Don’t You Want Me” – The Human League
The Human League’s 1981 smash “Don’t You Want Me” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs of the ’80s, but it’s often overshadowed by newer synthpop classics that followed in the wake of the era’s explosion of electronic music. This track, with its catchy hook and memorable lyrics, was a major hit, but it’s not always as prevalent in modern throwback playlists. Its infectious melody and lyrics about a turbulent relationship helped define the era, but it never fully cemented its place in the long-term memory of pop music fans.
Despite its chart-topping success, it remains largely absent from contemporary retrospectives. The synth-heavy, catchy sound of the track was typical of ’80s synthpop, yet the song remains one of those songs that needs a little more love in modern-day conversations. Still, it remains a quintessential example of the genre’s best, even if it’s often overlooked now.
12. “All Out of Love” – Air Supply
While Air Supply’s 1980 hit “All Out of Love” may have been everywhere back in the day, it hasn’t remained as iconic as other power ballads of the time. The soft, emotional track with its aching lyrics still strikes a chord with listeners, but it doesn’t pop up on ’80s playlists the way other classics do. The song, which became one of the group’s biggest hits, represents the era’s love for heart-tugging ballads.
Even though Air Supply’s popularity dwindled after the ’80s, “All Out of Love” remains a touchstone of that era’s romantic mood. It’s a track that fits perfectly into the larger landscape of ’80s soft rock but seems to be often bypassed when we talk about the more celebrated ballads of the decade. Nonetheless, its gentle heartache still resonates with listeners today.
13. “Working for the Weekend” – Loverboy
Loverboy’s 1981 anthem “Working for the Weekend” became a favorite for anyone dreaming of a break from their day-to-day grind. The song’s upbeat, high-energy vibe made it the perfect soundtrack for carefree moments. However, despite its initial success, it hasn’t maintained its place as a major ’80s anthem, even though it continues to appear in sporting events and retro playlists.
Its “working man” spirit and catchy chorus made it relatable to anyone in need of a break from the daily grind, but the song’s legacy is a little more obscure than other songs that came out around the same time. “Working for the Weekend” still carries the power to energize a crowd, but its prominence in ’80s pop culture has faded with the years.
14. “Electric Avenue” – Eddy Grant
Eddy Grant’s 1983 hit “Electric Avenue” brought a unique blend of reggae and new wave to mainstream audiences. Its infectious beat and politically charged lyrics made it an important song during a time of social and economic tension. Yet, for all its success—peaking at number two on the Billboard charts—it doesn’t always show up in modern retrospectives of the ’80s. The song’s vibrant rhythms and powerful message made it a favorite, but its presence in contemporary culture has been limited.
Despite its massive success, “Electric Avenue” seems to be one of those tracks that gets overshadowed by the flashier hits of the ’80s. Its upbeat sound and socially aware lyrics made it unique for its time, but its cultural significance often gets forgotten. Still, this track is one of the ’80s most dynamic tunes, with the ability to make listeners think while they dance.
