21 most iconic rock music from the 80s

The 80s are best known for punk rock, preppies, funk, New Wave, and voluminous hair. Fashion was outrageous like the music people made. It gave birth to the rap and breakdance that many Millennials now consider old school.

However, the 1980s also marked some of the most iconic events in the realm of music. rock and roll masterpieces. Here are 21 of the most iconic rock music from the 80s worth listening to.

1. Purple rain by Prince

Prince surprised the Music industry in 1984 with this powerful ballad that infused elements of orchestral and gospel music with classic R&B and rock. He defined the art of Prince and set the tone for rock music of the eighties.

2. Like paradise by the priest

This song is colorful, whimsical and fluttery, with romantic and thoughtful numbers. He mixes the softly chirping melody of Smith with the strong and determined percussion of Williams. Just Like Heaven is a love song with a hard rock vibe.

3. Welcome to the jungle by Guns N ‘Roses

One of the most famous rock bands of all time, Guns N ‘Roses wrote this song after Axl Rose met a homeless man in New York City. With the phenomenal riffs of Slash, the band finished the track in a record time of just three hours. The rest is history.

4. Back in black by AC / DC

Who can forget the opening riff of this song? If you’ve seen Spider-Man: Far from Home, you know that iconic song when Peter confused this AC / DC song with Led Zeppelin’s. Looks like Mysterio really hit Peter’s spider sense.

5. Born in the United States by Bruce Springsteen

A favorite of pubs and concert halls, this 1980s song is the epitome of American rock. The chorus is as positive and patriotic as any national anthem, despite the lyrics portraying a grim picture of the horrors of war.

6. Under pressure by Queen & David Bowie

The collaboration between rock mastodons David Bowie and Freddie Mercury has given the world one of the most iconic tracks of the century. The pulsating rhythm of Deacon’s catchy bassline has become the model for other great songs.

7. Every Breath You Take by the police

Billboard’s Best Song for 1983 has continued to enjoy substantial playing time on contemporary radio waves. This song written by Sting is the most played song in radio history, garnering over 15 million radio plays and winning numerous accolades.

8. Sweet Child O Mine by Guns N ‘Roses

Slash’s mastery of the guitar is at the center of this 1988 piece. After all, this song has the most recognizable riff of all time. Budding rock artists continue to draw inspiration from this masterpiece.

9. You give love a bad name by Bon Jovi

A lot of people confuse this song with Shot Through the Heart, one of Bon Jovi’s songs on their debut album two years ago. It has an electrifying vibe that makes you want to jump out of your seat.

ten. Don’t stop believing per trip

Most rock songs have mind-blowing guitar riffs. This 1981 rock track leans on its keyboard to deliver a riff as timeless as Slash’s masterpiece Sweet Child o ‘Mine. It is also the anthem of the Detroit Red Wings.

11. Summer 69 by Bryan Adams

One of Bryan Adams’ most successful songs, Summer of ’69 is about the dilemma between becoming a rock star and settling down. Almost anyone can understand the message.

12. Money for nothing by Dire Straits

A pop-rock song, Money for Nothing gave the world a very different kind of guitar riff to get hooked on. The verses played permutations of the riff, creating a characteristic rhythm that anyone can hum.

13. Another one who bites the dust by the queen

One of Billboard’s greatest songs of all time, this 1980 funk-rock shows how a catchy bass can be the heart and backbone of a song while also winning awards. With limited lyrics drowned out by Deacon’s signature bassline, it’s an ’80s song worth listening to.

14. Live on a prayer by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi’s flagship song Livin ‘on a Prayer has over 775 million views on YouTube. Major music organizations recognize this masterpiece from 1986 as one of the greatest rock songs of all time in the realm of music.

15. Africa by Toto

This 1981 song is famous for its explosive choruses, a surprising departure from several lines of mellow verses. It has a catchy melody which has prompted many media to include it in their projects.

16. Photograph by Def Leppard

Topping the Billboard when it was released, this 1982 creation by Def Leppard is one of the most iconic rock music of the ’80s. The song combines elements of power pop, hard rock and glam metal to create a song that transcends generations. .

17. Tom sawyer by Rush

This hard rock classic is the Canadian rock band’s most significant contribution to the ’80s rock scene. Canada Hall of Fame member Tom Sawyer continues to rock the music world through digital downloads and music. streaming platforms.

18. The eye of the tiger by Survivor

Rocky Balboa fans know this song by heart. After all, Eye of the Tiger provided the background music for Sylvester Stallone’s character as he prepares to fight Mr. T’s Clubber Lang.

19. With or without you by U2

The lyrics may sound cheesy, but there’s no denying Bono’s phenomenal vocals and Edge’s sustained guitar playing. When you add Clayton’s signature bassline, you have a song that lives on thanks to its message and catchy hook.

20. Total eclipse of the heart by Bonnie Tyler

Who said the rock scene was for egos filled with testosterone and armed with guitars? Bonnie Tyles flourished in an era when men dominated the concert scene and the airwaves, bringing pop-rock music like no other for audiophiles.

21. The final Countdown by Europe

A favorite of middle and high school music groups and gyms, Europe’s masterpiece is one of the most enduring songs ever written. come out of the 80s. What is more astonishing is that the group never intended to make the song beyond a first gig.

Conclusion

These 21 most iconic rock tunes from the ’80s defined a time when shock bar abuse, pinch harmonics, and heavy distortion were the norm. From shred guitar to thrash metal, glam metal and soft rock, the music of the 80s is as colorful as the people of the day.

This article is written by Charles Vallena, editor @ Guitar addict.