The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of numerous genres and the ascent of legendary musicians whose songs are still beloved by listeners today. These were pivotal years in the history of music. These decades created timeless hits that have come to symbolize the age they represent, ranging from rock ballads to disco choruses. The 12 most popular songs of the 70s and 80s that shaped a generation and will always be remembered in music history are listed in full below.
Each of these 12 songs adds to the rich tapestry of genres, styles, and cultural influences that characterized the 1970s and 1980s as the height of musical achievement. These timeless classics, which range from pop choruses to rock epics, never fail to captivate audiences and motivate new generations of music fans everywhere.
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12. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (1971)
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is an epic rock song that has cemented its status as one of the best songs in rock music history. The song, which can be found on their untitled fourth studio album (often referred to as Led Zeppelin IV), is distinguished by its complex guitar work, ethereal lyrics, and dramatic tempo and mood changes.
Jimmy Page’s famous guitar solo and Robert Plant’s composition “Stairway to Heaven” start the song with a calm acoustic guitar introduction until it explodes into a forceful crescendo as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . The song’s mysterious lyrics have inspired many different interpretations, from philosophical thought to spiritual travels. “Stairway to Heaven” is still regarded as a cultural icon because of its rich emotional content and intricate music.
11. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)
A tribute to Queen’s inventiveness, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is an operatic rock masterpiece that defies classification. The song, which was written by Freddie Mercury for their album “A Night at the Opera,” is a story that explores love, betrayal, and redemption along with elaborate vocal harmonies and abrupt stylistic changes.
With its unique arrangement that combined elements of rock, opera, and balladry into a seamless whole, “Bohemian Rhapsody” enthralled listeners. Brian May’s soaring guitar solo during the song’s famous “Galileo” part continues to be one of the most identifiable moments in rock history and undeniably one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . “Bohemian Rhapsody” became Queen’s hallmark song and topped charts all over the world upon its debut, cementing their artistic legacy and inspiring a new generation of musicians.
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10. “Hotel California” by Eagles (1976)
Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a hauntingly evocative rock ballad that delves into themes of fame’s appeal, excess, and disillusionment. The song, which was co-written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, depicts a vivid picture of life in 1970s Southern California with its evocative melody and cryptic lyrics. The song’s everlasting appeal is enhanced by Joe Walsh’s famous guitar solo and Henley and Frey’s harmonized vocals.
“Hotel California” rose to prominence as the Eagles’ most well-known song, topping international charts and taking home the 1978 Grammy for Record of the Year, cementing it as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . Listeners are still intrigued by its cryptic lyrics, which encourage conjecture and differing interpretations of its meaning. The song “Hotel California” is still regarded as a great anthem because of its intricate musical arrangements and compelling storyline.
9. “Imagine” by John Lennon (1971)
John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a mournful and utopian anthem for peace whose straightforward but profound message never fails to inspire listeners. The song, which is the title track of his second solo album, expresses John Lennon’s ideal of a future free of division, violence, and borders. “Imagine” became an international phenomenon, connecting with audiences who embraced its message of hope and unity through its poignant lyrics and soft piano music.
The song has emotional resonance due to Lennon’s soulful voice and heartfelt delivery, which further solidifies its place as a timeless classic and one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . One of the most well-known and enduring songs in popular music, “Imagine” is praised for its idealism and timeless appeal. Its inspirational message of peace has endured, making it a potent hymn for many generations.
8. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
Swedish musical group ABBA’s joyful disco hit “Dancing Queen” perfectly captures the joy and carefree attitude of the 1970s dance music scene. The song, which was written by Stig Anderson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Benny Andersson, is distinguished by its upbeat chorus, infectious tempo, and enthusiastic vocals.
The song “Dancing Queen” perfectly conveys the exhilaration of a night spent dancing and celebrating freedom, love, and youth as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . The song’s lively orchestration, which featured ABBA’s well-known piano riff by Andersson, sent it to the top of charts across the globe and cemented their reputation as international superstars. Loved for its timeless appeal and irresistible energy, “Dancing Queen” is still one of ABBA’s most beloved songs. It is an enduring favorite at parties and festivities due to its effect on disco music and pop culture.
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7. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Guns N’ Roses’ rock ballad “Sweet Child o’ Mine” demonstrates the band’s unadulterated intensity and technical mastery. The song, which was co-written by Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, and Duff McKagan, has a catchy guitar riff by Slash and sentimental lyrics that were motivated by Rose’s current relationship with his girlfriend.
The song “Sweet Child o’ Mine” shot the band to international stardom and became their first and only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . The song’s reflective verses develop into a stirring chorus that perfectly captures the ecstasy and fragility of love. Rock shows and playlists often feature it because of its recognizable guitar solo. A beloved song by Guns N’ Roses for its emotional resonance and anthemic appeal, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” continues to be one of their greatest hits.
6. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1982)
Michael Jackson’s iconic pop hit “Billie Jean” transformed music videos and established new benchmarks for creative expression in the music business. Jackson wrote and created the song, which captured the attention of listeners all around the world with its catchy beat, slick production, and mysterious lyrics. The story of “Billie Jean” delves into themes of fame, identity, and obsession via the tale of a woman who believes Michael Jackson is the father of her child.
The song’s unique bassline, Michael Jackson’s captivating vocals, and its well-known dance motions came to represent the MTV era. “Billie Jean” cemented Michael Jackson’s place as the King of Pop, topping charts around the world and taking home two Grammy Awards as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . “Billie Jean” is a classic in pop music history because of its cultural effect and inventive music video, which continue to inspire new generations of musicians and artists.
5. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna (1989)
Madonna’s daring pop hit “Like a Prayer” caused a stir when it was released because it defied social norms. The song, which was written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, tackles themes of faith, desire, and salvation by fusing pop, rock, and gospel influences into one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . “Like a Prayer” showcases a stirring arrangement and a dramatic vocal performance by Madonna, backed by a gospel choir.
The music video sparked discussions about censorship and artistic freedom by fusing provocative scenes with religious themes. In spite of the controversy, “Like a Prayer” rose to the top of charts and won praise for its audacious inventiveness. It also became a commercial and critical triumph. Madonna’s artistic development and her investigation of forbidden topics cemented “Like a Prayer”‘s status as a pop culture landmark and one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s.
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4. “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” by Pink Floyd (1979)
Pink Floyd’s rebellious rock anthem “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” became a global sensation and a symbol of resistance against totalitarianism. The song, written by Roger Waters, has a powerful chorus and moving lyrics that critique the strict and authoritarian nature of educational institutions. The children’s chorus adds to the song’s eerie tune, which heightens its emotional effect and appeals to all listeners.
One of Pink Floyd’s most well-known songs, “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” reached the top of charts all over the world and demonstrated the band’s ability to fuse avant-garde musical production with social commentary in one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . Its message of independence and defiance still has resonance with listeners, which makes it a classic protest song that has stood the test of time.
3. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (1992)
Whitney Houston’s beautiful song “I Will Always Love You” exemplifies her unmatched vocal range and emotional depth. Dolly Parton wrote and recorded the original song, but Houston’s version went viral all over the world and became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. Houston’s incredible vocals are featured on the David Foster-produced tune, which also has a beautiful arrangement and poignant lyrics.
“I Will Always Love You” was a global chart-topper for weeks and was recognized with other accolades, including two Grammy Awards, cementing it as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . Its legendary performance in the movie “The Bodyguard” cemented its reputation as a timeless love ballad and served as a showcase for Whitney Houston’s amazing skill. The timeless masterpiece “I Will Always Love You” never fails to enthrall audiences with its emotional resonance and beauty.
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2. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi (1986)
The energetic rock song “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi honors tenacity, willpower, and pursuing one’s aspirations. The song, which was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, depicts the tale of a working-class couple who overcome hardship with faith and tenacity.
With its catchy chorus, powerful guitar riffs, and inspirational lyrics, “Livin’ on a Prayer” shot to the top of the charts and became Bon Jovi’s hallmark song and one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . The song became a timeless anthem for overcoming challenges and pursuing goals because of its universal themes of struggle and triumph, which connected with listeners all around the world as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . Because of its upbeat message and contagious energy, “Livin’ on a Prayer” is still a mainstay of rock music playlists and a concert favorite.
1. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1982) – Most Popular Songs of the 70s and 80s
Michael Jackson’s revolutionary pop hit “Thriller” revolutionized music videos and became a global sensation. With its catchy beat, dramatic production, and well-known dance steps, the song—written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones—captivated listeners all over the world. The spooky suspenseful tale of “Thriller” is told through a spoken word segment by Vincent Price and Michael Jackson’s distinctive singing style.
The John Landis-directed music video for the song transformed the medium with its intricate choreography, visual effects, and narrative storytelling in one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s . “Thriller” shot to the top of the charts worldwide, breaking records as the best-selling album ever and taking home several Grammy Awards. Michael Jackson’s status as a cultural icon and “Thriller” as a timeless classic are cemented by its enduring influence on pop culture, fashion, and entertainment as one of the most popular songs of the 70s and 80s.
