What were the biggest hit songs of the 1980s? The decade was dominated by dance songs, traditional ballads and pure rock hits. Tour our gallery below as we reveal the top 12 singles according to our sister PMC company Billboard.
Disco still reigned as the decade began, with KC and the Sunshine Band on top with “Please Don’t Go.” Phil Collins completed the decade with the final #1 hit song, “Another Day in Paradise.” Some of the longest-lasting hit tunes were from Olivia Newton-John, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Blondie and Paul McCartney (with two different duet partners).
The artists with the most #1 singles were Michael Jackson (9), Madonna (7), Whitney Houston (7), Phil Collins (7), George Michael (5), Lionel Richie (5), Hall and Oates (5), Stevie Wonder (4), Bon Jovi (4) and Prince (4).
Which of those artists were the best of the decade for weeks in the #1 position? Enjoy going back 30 to 40 years in our photo gallery below.
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“Physical”
Image Credit: Courtesy of EMI and MCA Performed by Olivia Newton-John
10 weeks at #1 during 1981 -
“Bette Davis Eyes”
Image Credit: Courtesy of EMI America Performed by Kim Carnes
9 weeks at #1 during 1981 -
“Endless Love”
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Performed by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
9 weeks at #1 during 1981 -
“Every Breath You Take”
Image Credit: Courtesy of A&M Performed by The Police
8 weeks at #1 during 1983 -
“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”
Image Credit: Courtesy of RAK Performed by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
7 weeks at #1 during 1982 -
“Ebony and Ivory”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Columbia Performed by Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder
7 weeks at #1 during 1982 -
“Billie Jean”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Epic Performed by Michael Jackson
7 weeks at #1 during 1983 -
“Call Me”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Polydor, Chrysalis and Salsoul Performed by Blondie
6 weeks at #1 during 1980 -
“Lady”
Image Credit: Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr. Performed by Kenny Rogers
6 weeks at #1 during 1980 -
“Centerfold”
Image Credit: Courtesy of EMI America Performed by The J. Geils Band
6 weeks at #1 during 1982 -
“Eye of the Tiger”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Scotti Bros. Performed by Survivor
6 weeks at #1 during 1982 -
“Flashdance… What a Feeling”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures Performed by Irene Cara
6 weeks at #1 during 1983 -
“Say, Say, Say”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Columbia Performed by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
6 weeks at #1 during 1983 -
“Like a Virgin”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Performed by Madonna
6 weeks at #1 during 1984
