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Original poster

What is THE definitive 80s song?

213 replies

IntelligentInputDarling · 12/02/2025 12:01

Might not be your favourite, but what song encapsulates the 80s for you?

We've been having a debate at work, and the consensus is it's got to be Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'.
It is the 80s right?
There can be no argument, it's got everything - weird music video, Bonnie's hair, makeup and fashion.
And the pure power ballad vocals 👌

Agree?

OP posts:
GreengagePie · 12/02/2025 13:01

"When the going gets tough (the tough get going)" Billy Ocean

Quite appropriate as I was divorcing at the time.

hookiewookie29 · 12/02/2025 13:02

True by Spandeau Ballet

MaggieBsBoat · 12/02/2025 13:03

Billie Jean or Sledgehammer

Those intros…

Worldgonecrazy · 12/02/2025 13:07

It’s to choose from but the one song that seems to be on every 80s compilation is Temptation by Heaven 17.

Crabwoman · 12/02/2025 13:08

Soul 2 Soul - keep on moving

Very late 80's.

It's probably not the most iconic song, but it encapsulated a difficult decade and optimism moving into the 90s.

spiderlight · 12/02/2025 13:09

The Final Countdown, Pour Some Sugar On Me, Livin' on a Prayer. My 80s were all about pretty men with massive hair.

Jacobeen · 12/02/2025 13:12

Party Fears two. The Associates

Gulbekian · 12/02/2025 13:15

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Do they know it's Christmas? by Various
or
Last Christmas by Wham

SchrodingersKitty · 12/02/2025 13:16

Karma Chameleon

shellyleppard · 12/02/2025 13:21

@Printedword 😳😳😳 wow that's some claim to fame ❤️

RedHelenB · 12/02/2025 13:21

KnickerFolder · 12/02/2025 12:08

Tainted Love. The song that got everyone rushing to the dance floor at the school disco.

This.

Doggymummar · 12/02/2025 13:21

Take on me AHA or that bloody robin hood song by Brian adams

Orland0 · 12/02/2025 13:24

For me personally - Take On Me by A-ha

Generally - Do They Know It’s Christmas, Band Aid

hexsnidgett · 12/02/2025 13:24

They are all currently playing in Wimpy! Time has stood still!

Squirrelsnut · 12/02/2025 13:25

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This by The Eurythmics. That video is legend.

EverythingHurtsAndImHungry · 12/02/2025 13:25

Club Tropicana, by Wham! Ultimate 80s cheese

Violinist64 · 12/02/2025 13:28

Rick Astley - Never Going To Give You Up.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 12/02/2025 13:28

The Power of Love by Jennifer Rush.

MaxJLHardy · 12/02/2025 13:28

Lady in Red

Bongosbanjo · 12/02/2025 13:29

99 red baboons by nena. We were all waiting for the bomb to go off. Am a cheery wee soul usually 😂

chattyness · 12/02/2025 13:31

So many songs for me I can't choose just one, it's a hard no on Total Eclipse of the Heart though . Jeezo I can't stand it

marthaisintheway · 12/02/2025 13:31

KnickerFolder · 12/02/2025 12:08

Tainted Love. The song that got everyone rushing to the dance floor at the school disco.

Came on to say this. Loved it at university

LauraNorda · 12/02/2025 13:32

Doggymummar · 12/02/2025 13:21

Take on me AHA or that bloody robin hood song by Brian adams

That bloody Robin Hood song was in the 90s.

DeliciouslyEvil · 12/02/2025 13:32

oh god I still know all the words to all the Duran Duran songs, just listening to Rio (I might have played them continually in my teenage years)😑

Nara2k · 12/02/2025 13:32

Doggymummar · 12/02/2025 13:21

Take on me AHA or that bloody robin hood song by Brian adams

'Take on me' for me too, but surely the other one wasn't 80s