What is THE definitive 80s song?

[IntelligentInputDarling]

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?

Kept off No 1 by What's a matter you

At least Midge took Band Aid

Ian Drury 'Reasons To be cheerful, part 3'

Human league - don't you want me

Don't you want me
Karma Chameleon
Anything that era from Kylie and Madonna
Never gonna give you up

As others have said the Stock Aitken and Waterman back catalogue

Vienna is my vote. As soon as I hear those first notes it’s a Time Machine straight back to the 80s.

New Order- True Faith

Or Band Aid...

Can’t believe I’ve got to the bottom of page 2 without a single mention of “Careless Whisper”.

That is the definitive song of the 80s, nothing else comes close!

Animation - Obsession
Prince - When Doves Cry
Madonna - Material Girl (sums up the 80’s)
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love
Duran Duran - Hungry Like A Wolf

It's down to some kind of dispute between Smith, Greene and the BBC. It appears he didn't sign the release forms and, after he died, Ms Greene insisted that the episodes were not shown. There may be more to it than that, that we mere mortals are unaware of.

Too Shy by Kajagoogoo is a brilliant song they never released anything near as good

So many to choose from

I think this is late 1979.

My ultimate 80s tune is Wham! Young Guns. So 80s, it sounds like every keyboard demo (and is awesome).

Fast Car by Tracey Chapman. Quintessential mid-80s.

Though 'Don't You Forget About Me' is an instant 80s portal.

Just looked it up, you're right! I still associate it with the 80s tho'

All of the above but imo the true and enduring 80s songs are …
Billie Jean by MJ
True by Spandau Ballet
Blue Monday by New order
Like a Virgin by Madonna
Vienna by Ultravox
karma Chameleon by Culture club
Dont you want me baby? By Human League
in the air tonight by Phil Collins

All of the above ……( especially Tainted Love, Rio , True and Come on Eileen )
And also :
Hello - Lionel Ritchie
Up Where we Belong - Jennifer Warnes and Joe Cocker
Prince Charming - Adam and the Ants
Thriller -Michael Jackson
I’m on Fire - Bruce Soringsteen
Crazy for You - Madonna

This was going to be my number one option, but I have to admit that OP might just be right about "Total eclipse..." 🤔

ETA: This was meant in reference to @Chuchoter "Don't You (Forget About Me) By Simple Minds."

Everything she wants - Wham (B side of Last Christmas)

Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks

Woman - John Lennon

Together in Electric Dreams

Every Breath You Take

Also ..When Doves Cry

I know, thats 3..

Oh my... HOW did I forget about Edge of seventeen??? 😱

Just Can't Get Enough- Depeche Mode.

God, where do you start/stop?!

Duran Duran - Save a Prayer
Human League - Don’t you want me?
Alphaville - Big in Japan
Madonna - Crazy for you.
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
Dire Straits - Romeo and Juliet
Level 42 - Leaving me now.
Depeche Mode- Just can’t get enough.
The Cure - Just like Heaven.
U2- New Years Day/Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bon Jovi- Living on a Prayer
Chakka Khan- Ain’t Nobody

sorry, narrowed it down to 12!

A ha and that video ! It was ground breaking ( take on me one)

Beat me to it

I love the Pet Shop Boys and their 80s sound. Also New Order.

It has to be Relax!
I love all of these; what about Alone by Heart does anyone remember that? so many good tunes in the 80s