MTV, power ballads, and the soundtrack singles that became cultural events. Ranked by cumulative Billboard Hot 100 performance, these are the songs that defined the American charts in the 1980s.
The full ranking
MTV, power ballads, and the soundtrack singles that became cultural events. Ranked by cumulative Billboard Hot 100 performance, these are the songs that defined the American charts in the 1980s.
Physical (Olivia Newton-John)
It spent 10 weeks at No. 1, the longest Hot 100 reign of the 1980s, and was named Billboard's No. 1 song of the entire decade.
Bette Davis Eyes (Kim Carnes)
A nine-week No. 1 that won the Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
The decade's defining duet spent nine weeks at No. 1.
Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)
The Rocky III theme spent six weeks at No. 1 and won a Grammy.
Every Breath You Take (The Police)
It spent eight weeks at No. 1, was Billboard's No. 1 song of 1983, and won Record and Song of the Year honors.
Flashdance... What a Feeling (Irene Cara)
A six-week No. 1 that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)
Queen's biggest American hit spent three weeks at No. 1.
Say Say Say (Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson)
A six-week No. 1 pairing two of pop's biggest stars.
Call Me (Blondie)
The American Gigolo theme spent six weeks at No. 1 and was Billboard's No. 1 single of 1980.
Lady (Kenny Rogers)
Written by Lionel Richie, it spent six weeks at No. 1, a rare country-pop crossover chart-topper.
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