The Top 101 Songs From 1983 (With Spotify Playlist)

Looking for the top 101 songs from 1983?

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It’s hard to believe that 1983 was actually 40 years ago this 2023.

Time flies, right?

When it comes to music, 1983 was part of the the decade that saw the rise of new wave, dance-pop, and electronic dance music.

It was also the year that Michael Jackson changed the landscape of music as we know it!

But more than his legendary music, 1983 also offered a number of great tunes from other amazing artists that sound spectacular even now.

Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Donna Summer, and David Bowie, all icons in their own right, have also produced the most awesome songs from 1983!

In this article, we’ll be listing the Top 101 Songs from 1983, mostly based on Billboard’s Top Hits of the year.

And to help you remember and appreciate these tunes even more, we’ve compiled a Spotify playlist of them all for you!

Awesome Songs from 1983

So, are you ready to rediscover the best songs from 1983? Let’s get to it!

1. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

1983 was definitely a different era, as nowadays the meaning of the best song from this year can be interpreted in a different light.

Doesn’t make “Every Breath You Take” any less of a catchy tune, however – something that even young ones today know about!

2. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” definitely helped make 1983 a memorable year for music.

Decades later, it’s still considered one of the best songs from the legend himself!

3. “Flashdance… What A Feeling” by Irene Cara

“Flashdance” was a romantic drama dance movie that became super popular in 1983 and beyond, and its popularity naturally carried over to its soundtrack.

“Flashdance… What a Feeling” is a phenomenal song that invites you to dance for your life – just as the characters did in the movie!

4. “Down Under” by Men at Work

If you’re looking for a song that perfectly blends a dash of humor with ’80s beats, you’ll get Men At Work’s “Down Under.”

Once it starts playing, it can be difficult to get it out of your head!

5. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson

We’re convinced that there’s not a person in the world who can listen to this song and not bust a move or two.

Michael Jackson was just that powerful and influential in 1983!

6. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

One of the best songs from 1983 is undoubtedly Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

The magic that this song holds is still incredible up to now!

7. “Maneater” by Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates’ “Maneater” has all the makings of a classic 1983 song – great tune, amazing lyrics, and a beat that’s difficult to get out of your head.

Listen to this song and see for yourself what we mean!

8. “Baby, Come to Me” by Patti Austin and James Ingram

Is there anything better than this soothing duet between Patti Austin and James Ingram?

It’s a fantastic love song all in all!

9. “Maniac” by Michael Sembello

Another fiery and energetic song from the movie “Flashdance” is Michael Sembello’s “Maniac.”

Its fast disco beat is sure to get everyone dancing!

10. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics

Made even more memorable and powerful with Annie Lennox’s vocals, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is an addictive song that you can’t help but play on repeat.

It’s a synth-pop masterpiece that can easily be appreciated by anyone who hears it!

11. “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” by Culture Club

Culture Club’s songs can be considered in a league of their own thanks to Boy George’s gorgeous vocals and the group’s amazing performances.

“Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” is just one of their phenomenal songs!

12. “You and I” by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle

“You and I” is a fantastic song that sounds oh-so-lovely.

Undoubtedly, many couples have chosen this as “their song” for its very meaningful lyrics!

13. “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners

Whoever Eileen is, she can thank Dexys Midnight Runners for making her famous worldwide.

This song is an upbeat, catchy tune that’s so easy to get lost in!

14. “Shame on the Moon” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s “Shame on the Moon” is a great break from the awesome dance beats of 1983.

It’s an easygoing, lovely song that is great to listen to.

15. “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer

This song from the Queen of Disco herself describes the common struggles of women in 1983 – some of which still ring true today!

Worth listening to for its great message and fantastic beat.

16. “Never Gonna Let You Go” by Sergio Mendes

Hands down, “Never Gonna Let You Go” is one of Sergio Mendes’ greatest hits.

This song talks about second chances with someone you love, and is probably the go-to anthem of those who want to make up with their ex!

17. “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran

If there’s any earworm-worthy song from 1983, it’s got to be Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf.”

It’s got a fantastic beat to it!

18. “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie

If it’s by David Bowie, you know you’re in for an amazing song.

“Let’s Dance” is elevated by Bowie’s phenomenal performance!

19. “Twilight Zone” by Golden Earring

“Twilight Zone” is such an influential show from the 1960s that a fantastic song was even written about it!

This tune from Golden Earring was a massive, long-running hit in 1983, and it isn’t hard to fathom why.

20. “I Know There’s Something Going On” by Frida

“I Know There’s Something Going On” is a great song to send to someone you think might be cheating on you.

Definitely quite a cheeky song released in the early 1980s!

21. “Jeopardy” by The Greg Kihn Band

For a song about their love being in jeopardy, Greg Kihn chose to sing about it in a very catchy way!

22. “She Blinded Me With Science” by Thomas Dolby

Who knew a song about science could have such a fantastic beat to it?

This song definitely caused people to randomly blurt out “Science!” every chance they can get.

23. “Africa” by Toto

Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs ever, Toto’s “Africa” is undoubtedly a phenomenal hit, and one of the songs from 1983 that stood the test of time.

You can thank this song if you ever thought about blessing the rains down in Africa!

24. “Little Red Corvette” by Prince

A racy rock song given life by Prince’s amazing vocals, the upbeat nature of “Little Red Corvette” makes it easy to forget that it’s actually talking about casual hookups!

25. “Back On The Chain Gang” by the Pretenders

This song may be a bit deceptive!

It has a lively, cheerful energy to it, yet “Back on The Chain Gang” talks about quite a sad subject – the death of a dear friend.

26. “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes

“Up Where We Belong” is a phenomenal song from the romantic drama movie “An Officer and A Gentleman” starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger.

40 years later, and this love song remains one of the best there is!

27. “Mr. Roboto” by Styx

Have you ever listened to a song and thought it sounded futuristic?

That’s definitely the impression of the synth-pop song “Mr. Roboto” for most folks back then!

It’s one of the most unique songs from 1983, that’s for sure.

28. “You Are” by Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie had a string of hits in the 1980s, with “You Are” being one of them.

For a romantic song, it has a beautiful, cheery spirit that’s hard to resist!

29. “Der Kommissar” by After the Fire

“Der Kommissar” is an amazing song that many considered their favorite.

Decades later, its melody can evoke a lot of nostalgia for those who listen to it!

30. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Taco

Taco’s take on “Puttin’ on the Ritz” is a modernized version of this song that was written way back in 1927.

It just has that timeless, fun feel to it!

31. “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye

“Sexual Healing” is considered by Rolling Stone as one of the Greatest Songs of All Time.

This song is 100% about sex, and its sultry, sexy beat reflects that!

32. “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” by The Human League

The Human League had a hand in making the 1980s extremely memorable to those who grew up during the decade.

“(Keep Feeling) Fascination” is one of their best songs, and it exemplifies why they’re so great!

33. “Time (Clock of the Heart)” by Culture Club

If it’s a song by Culture Club, you can’t expect to get anything other than an amazing time when listening to it.

It may not sound like it at first, but “Time (Clock of the Heart)” is actually a great ode to a lost love!

34. “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats

“The Safety Dance” is a song that you’ll automatically associate with the ’80s.

It has a great beat that you can’t help but dance to when you hear it playing!

35. “Mickey” by Toni Basil

Oh Mickey you’re so fine you’re so fine you blow my mind – there isn’t a person alive in the 1980s and even in the 1990s that doesn’t know this song.

It’s absolutely one of the best songs of 1983 – and the 1980s in general!

36. “You Can’t Hurry Love” by Phil Collins

Have you ever listened to a song that makes you happy every time you hear it?

That’s Phil Collins’ “You Can’t Hurry Love.”

It also has an important life lesson embedded in the song that everyone just has to hear and apply!

37. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by Journey

Journey has produced a lot of amazing songs since they began.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is just one of them!

This song will definitely give you the chills when you hear it.

38. “One on One” by Hall & Oates

This song is one of those tunes that you love to hear when you’re in the mood to take things easy and slow.

It has this vibe that makes it appealing to listeners young and old – even today!

39. “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton

Love songs from the early ’80s hit differently.

Like Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton’s song “We’ve Got Tonight.”

It’s full of sincere emotions that make it so romantic!

40. “1999” by Prince

People in 1983 really thought the world was going to end in the year 2000!

That’s what Prince’s song “1999” is all about.

Dancing to a very upbeat song about judgment day might actually be a good way to go about it!

41. “Stray Cat Strut” by Stray Cats

A song from 1983 about the hard life of a feral cat? We’re in!

“Stray Cat Strut” has quite a soulful vibe that makes listening to a cat’s tale very much worth it.

42. “Allentown” by Billy Joel

1983 is a great year to release meaningful songs that echo the plight of the every-day man.

Billy Joel’s “Allentown” is one such tune.

It imparts a hopeful message about the lives of unemployed steel workers – that even if things are rough, they should still try to get a better life!

43. “Stand Back” by Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks’ “Stand Back” is already an iconic song.

But it’s made even more fabulous by the fact that Prince himself played synthesizers on it in an uncredited role!

44. “Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” is a song that sounds older than it is!

It definitely has that urban rock and roll rhythm and style that Billy Joel is famous for.

45. “Always Something There to Remind Me” by Naked Eyes

If you ask a millennial to write down famous songs from the 1980s, Naked Eyes’ “Always Something There to Remind Me” has a high chance of getting included on that list.

It’s just that iconic and memorable, even if the song itself is about a sad incident – a man losing the woman he loves.

46. “Truly” by Lionel Richie

A great love song doesn’t have to sound so complicated to be so amazing!

Lionel Richie’s fantastic vocals make this song even more moving and heartfelt.

47. “Dirty Laundry” by Don Henley

A fantastic song about the ruthlessness of the media? Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry” made it possible.

There’s no truer lyrics than: “People love it when you lose, they love dirty laundry!”

48. “The Girl Is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

Imagine two legends fighting over the love of one woman!

That’s what Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s “The Girl Is Mine” is all about.

Many women back then must have spent a lot of time imagining that the song was about them!

49. “Too Shy” by Kajagoogoo

Kajagoogoo’s song “Too Shy” has a fantastic beat that makes you want to dance!

Definitely an amazing song from 1983.

50. “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant

Adam Ant’s “Goody Two Shoes” is one of those songs from the early ’80s that, when you catch it playing on the radio or on MTV, you can’t help but dance along to it like a maniac!

It definitely made the ’80s even more fun and memorable to look back on.

51. “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash

For a song about the ban of Western Rock Music by a Middle Eastern King and the people’s defiance to obey his orders, “Rock the Casbah” has such an upbeat tone to it!

It definitely makes for a fantastic mood lifter whenever you’re in dire need of one.

52. “Our House” by Madness

“Our House” by Madness is a great song to play on loop!

It captures the great spirit and vibe of the decade that makes it one of the best there is.

53. “Overkill” by Men At Work

People who have anxiety or those who have the tendency to overthink things will find a lyric or two that will deeply resonate with them in Men At Work’s “Overkill.”

It’s as if their very feelings and thought processes are translated into a high-quality song!

54. “Is There Something I Should Know” by Duran Duran

Duran Duran had an active hand in making the 1980s sound so incredible.

Their song “Is There Something I Should Know” has a timeless sound to it that anyone will enjoy listening to!

55. “Gloria” by Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan’s cover of “Gloria” remains one of her best songs.

It sounds phenomenal in every way!

56. “Affair Of the Heart” by Rick Springfield

“Affair of the Heart” is an understated yet awesome rock song from Rick Springfield.

Listening to it again may make people remember how fantastic the ’80s were!

57. “She’s A Beauty” by The Tubes

1983 was a wild year for music!

“She’s a Beauty” is a song unlike any other, in that it’s about you paying to get a girl’s undivided attention.

Definitely one of the most unusual topics for a hit song!

58. “Solitaire” by Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan is definitely one of the most talented queens in 1983!

“Solitaire” perfectly captures her gorgeous vocals and indisputable talent.

59. “Don’t Let It End” by Styx

Styx struck it gold with their song “Don’t Let It End.”

This is one of the songs that has a timeless charm to it.

You’ll want to sing along every time it plays!

60. “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Laura Branigan

If you want to soak in all the sad feels, all you need to do is play “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You.”

Laura Branigan perfectly captures the pain and loneliness one will feel if their lover leaves them.

61. “China Girl” by David Bowie

David Bowie’s textured voice really does make “China Girl” a fantastic song to listen to.

You might even say he’s got his own unique genre!

62. “Come Dancing” by The Kinks

This song is actually about a brother acting as a witness to his older sister’s life – from her fun-loving days until it was her turn to wait for her daughters, the way her own mom did before.

The Kinks somehow made this subject into quite a lovely song!

63. “Promises, Promises” by Naked Eyes

Naked Eyes continues their rule of 1983 with “Promises, Promises.”

This hit remains a great example of a perfect New Wave song!

64. “The Other Guy” by Little River Band

“The Other Guy” by Little River Band sounds as fresh as it did in 1983!

It has a great rhythm and beat that makes it so enjoyable to listen to.

65. “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” by Air Supply

A classic Air Supply hit that has stood the test of time – that’s “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.”

This is one of the songs from 1983 that you will want to belt out as loud as you can!

66. “Family Man” by Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates’ cover of the song “Family Man” injects the song with a lot of flavor that the duo is well-known for.

It’s a phenomenal song through and through!

67. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” by Michael Jackson

If it’s a song by MJ himself, then you know it’s an absolute smash hit!

More than its amazing arrangement, Michael Jackson’s vocals in this song are incredible. He’s the King of Pop for a reason!

68. “I Won’t Hold You Back” by Toto

One of Toto’s best songs, “I Won’t Hold You Back” is a very sad ode to a love that’s been lost.

It’s great to listen to when you’re feeling melancholic – or even when you’re not!

69. “All Right” by Christopher Cross

Christopher Cross has his fair share of hits, one of them being “All Right.”

It’s a fantastic song that carries Cross’ signature vocals that can make any song sound good!

70. “Straight From the Heart” by Bryan Adams

Ballads from Bryan Adams are so soulful!

His powerful vocals make this song something you can listen to anytime, anywhere.

71. “Heart to Heart” by Kenny Loggins

Kenny Loggins’ “Heart to Heart” is a fantastic song with amazing rhythm.

You can listen to it again and again without getting tired!

72. “My Love” by Lionel Richie

If it’s a love song by Lionel Richie, then you’ll know it’s smooth and fine.

“My Love” manages to hit all the right spots!

73. “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John

Sir Elton John’s influence on pop music can’t be denied!

His song “I’m Still Standing” is a great testament to his resilience as an artist.

74. “Hot Girls in Love” by Loverboy

Is there anything better than singing a song about hot girls in love?

Hearing this song on the radio can put you in a good mood in an instant!

75. “It’s A Mistake” by Men At Work

An anti-war song in the ’80s? Why not? “It’s a Mistake” is a song from Men At Work that is exactly that.

It has a light, upbeat feel to it that belies its serious subject matter.

76. “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” by Culture Club

Culture Club’s “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” is a delight for your ears!

This song has the distinct sound that made Culture Club a unique powerhouse in the ’80s!

77. “All This Love” by DeBarge

If you’re in the mood for smooth rhythms and easy-to-listen-to-beats, then DeBarge’s “All This Love” may be right up your alley.

It’s fantastic to listen to again and again!

78. “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” by Sammy Hagar

Most people have this song by Sammy Hagar, “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy”, as their favorite of his.

It’s an amazing song that can easily bring back fond memories from the early ’80s!

79. “Heartbreaker” by Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick’s voice is unparalleled!

All you need to do is listen to her song “Heartbreaker” and you’ll see for yourself!

80. “Faithfully” by Journey

While Journey has had a lot of great hits, perhaps none of them is as easily recognizable as their hit in 1983 – “Faithfully.”

It was even described in an article as the greatest power ballad ever recorded!

81. “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson

’80s songs have the power to easily transport you to another time and place – and Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out” is no exception!

Many listeners will also wish they could step out of their current time and go back to the earlier days.

82. “Take Me to Heart” by Quarterflash

Great rhythm, fantastic vocals – Quarterflash definitely had a hit on their hands with “Take Me to Heart”!

It carries the undeniable charm and magic of the ’80s that makes it so beloved.

83. “(She’s) Sexy + 17” by Stray Cats

Stray Cats has a way of making blowing off school sound so fun and exciting!

It probably became the anthem of many students back then who wished they could do the same – and not get in trouble for it!

84. “Try Again” by Champaign

A solid ballad from Champaign, “Try Again” is about a man asking for second chances from his lover.

This song is something a lot of us can probably relate to!

85. “Dead Giveaway” by Shalamar

If you’re on the hunt for classic ’80s song, you’ll easily find it in Shalamar’s “Dead Giveaway.”

Their music never gets old, even 4 decades later!

86. “Lawyers In Love” by Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne is one of the artists who soared in the ’80s, especially with hits like “Lawyers in Love” under his belt.

“Lawyers in Love” might seem like a generic title, but this song’s lyrics are something else!

87. “What About Me” by Moving Pictures

“What About Me” by Moving Pictures is a very heartfelt, touching song that can move anyone who hears it.

Most of us have probably wished that we could get our fair share of blessings like everyone else seems to!

88. “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson takes things slow with “Human Nature.”

It has a wonderful flavor that may lack the upbeat, cheerful vibes of his other songs, but is no less powerful than any of them!

89. “Photograph” by Def Leppard

The songs from 1983 are truly something else, and Def Leppard’s “Photograph” is a great reminder of how amazing this year for music is.

Its awesome beats and gorgeous rhythm makes it ideal to rock to!

90. “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth

When it comes to talent, the youth from 1983 can’t be beat!

That’s why “Pass the Dutchie” was such a hit. It’s a sample of how great the younger generation were back then!

91. “True” by Spandau Ballet

“True” by Spandau Ballet is one of the songs closely associated with the ’80s.

Who can resist listening to this gorgeous song even now?

92. “Far from Over” Frank Stallone

Need a song to hype you up like no other?

“Far from Over” by Frank Stallone will do the job extremely well!

It’s one song that can make you feel like you can accomplish anything!

93. “I’ve Got a Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart” by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton’s smooth vocals make this song all-around fantastic to listen to.

Who doesn’t have a Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart if he makes it sound this good?

94. “It Might Be You” by Stephen Bishop

“It Might Be You” remains one of the best love songs there is.

There’s something sweet about someone thinking that you might be the one they’ve been waiting for all of their life!

95. “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack

We just love duets, as they imbue so much feeling and emotions into a love song.

“Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” hits all the right spots in our heart!

96. “You Got Lucky” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“You Got Lucky” is one amazing song from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Definitely one of the songs from 1983 that made the year special!

97. “Don’t Cry” by Asia

Asia’s “Don’t Cry” is phenomenal.

Its tempo, power hits, and vocals are truly something special!

98. “Breaking Us in Two” by Joe Jackson

“Breaking Us in Two” is one of Joe Jackson’s most memorable hits!

It still rocks to this day.

99. “Fall in Love with Me” by Earth, Wind & Fire

You can trust Earth, Wind & Fire to always give you a fantastic musical experience – just like with their song “Fall in Love with Me”!

100. “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club

When you hear this song, you know you’re listening to a bop from 1983.

There’s just something so magical about “Karma Chameleon” that makes it fantastic regardless of what year you listen to it!

101. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper’s amazing musical career spanning 40 years started with this iconic song!

It’s a girl-power anthem that still rings true to this day.

After all, girls do want to have fun!

Fantastic Songs from 1983, All For Your Listening Pleasure

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best songs from 1983!

Looking back at the greatest hits from this year can make you realize just how much music has evolved since then.

Time can’t erase the good memories associated with these songs, however – especially for those who grew up listening to these powerful hits!