The 1980s was a decade full of fantastic dance 80s songs. Whether planning your wedding or throwing a dance party, let these hits 80s songs create an electric atmosphere that will have everyone on the dance floor all night.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics that defined the '80s cultural phenomenon.
Best Dance 80s Songs
From high-energy classics to chart-topping hits, these top dance 80s songs guarantee a fantastic party that captures the vibrant spirit of the 80s.
Here are the best dance 80s songs:
- “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
- “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
- "Rhythm Of The Night" by DeBarge
- “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John
- "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner
- "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle
- "Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
- “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
- “Africa” by Toto
- “The Final Countdown” by Europe
- “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield
- “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
- “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
- “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
- “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
- “One More Night” by Phil Collins
- "She Blinded Me with Science" by Thomas Dolby
- “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor
- "The Politics of Dancing" by Re-Flex
- "Pump Up the Volume" by M/A/R/R/S
- "Fame" by Irene Cara
- "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton
- "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals
- "Private Dancer" by Tina Turner
80s Wedding Songs For Your First Dance
80s era offers a treasure trove of enchanting wedding songs that will transport you and your partner to a bygone era of love and nostalgia. Whether envisioning a romantic walk down the aisle or seeking the perfect 80s first dance wedding songs, we have put together fantastic choices for your big day.
- "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
- “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
- "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" by Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
- “Keep On Loving You” by R.E.O Speedwagon
- “Never Knew to Love Like This Before” by Stephanie Mills
- "You & I" by Eddie Rabbit & Crystal Gayle
- “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
- “You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago
- “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” by New Kids On The Block
- “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
- “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross
- "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg
- “Crazy For You” by Madonna
- “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston
- “Is This Love” by White Snake
- "Lovesong" by The Cure
- “Heaven” by Bryan Adams
- "Lady" by Kenny Rogers
- “Drive” by The Cars
- “Stuck On You” by Lionel Richie
- "The Search Is Over" by Survivor
- “Say You, Say Me” by Lionel Richie
- “Lost In Your Eyes” by Debbie Gibson
- “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles
- "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis
- “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by R.E.O Speedwagon
- “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
- “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen
- “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers & Sheena Easton
- “Stuck With You” by Huey Lewis and the News
- “True” by Spandau Ballet
- “A Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins
- “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” by Air Supply
- “Fishin’ In The Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Best Parent Wedding Songs
Creating heartwarming moments during a wedding reception involves selecting the best songs for your parents' entrance and for the father-daughter and mother-son dances. From sentimental 80s slow dance songs to lively melodies, check out this list that will leave a lasting impression on this joyous occasion.
- "Mother" by Danzig
- "I Love Rock 'N Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
- “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
- “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince & The Revolution
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones
- “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince & The Revolution
- “Your Mama Don’t Dance” by Poison
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
- “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
- "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
- “Somewhere Out There” by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram
- “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
- “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
Fun 80s Songs
From infectious beats to catchy hooks, these retro gems will ignite the party and have guests of all ages busting out their best moves all night long. Here are some fun 80s songs to dance to:
- “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
- “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
- “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls
- “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters
- “Love Shack” by B-52’s
- “Material Girl” by Madonna
- “Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths
- “It’s Tricky” by Run-DMC
- “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
- “Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol
- “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
- "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel
- “Addicted To Love” by Robert Palmer
- “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil
- “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles
- "867-5309 / Jenny" by Tommy Tutone
- "Centerfold" by J. Geils Band
- “Hey Ladies” by Beastie Boys
- “We Got The Beat” by The Go-Go’s
- “We Built This City” by Starship
- “Freeze Frame” by The J Geils Band
- “Dancing On The Ceiling” by Lionel Richie
- “La Bamba” by Los Lobos
- “You Dropped A Bomb On Me” by Gap Band
- “Super Freak” by Rick James
- "Red Red Wine" by UB40
- "The White Horse" by Laid Back
- “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
- "Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Hip Hop & Rap 80s Songs For Your Dance Party
These iconic hip-hop 80s songs, filled with infectious beats and clever rhymes, will transport you back to when the genre was just beginning to make its mark and revolutionize the music industry. Get ready to groove and nod your head to the rhythm of these timeless classics.
- “Bust A Move” by Young M.C
- “Push It” by Salt N’ Pepa
- “It’s Tricky” by Run D.M.C.
- "Wild Thing" by Tone-Loc
- “Apache (Jump On It)” by The Sugarhill Gang
- “Poison” by Bel Biv Devoe
- "Rebel Without A Pause" by Public Enemy
- “Funky Cold Medina” by Tone Loc
- “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
- “Wild Thing” by Tone Loc
- “Follow The Leader” by Eric B & Rakim
- “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” by Public Enemy
- "I Ain't No Joke" by Eric B. & Rakim
- “Just A Friend” by Biz Markie
- "The Show" by Doug E Fresh
- “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang
- "La-Di-Da-Di" by Doug E. Fresh
- “Walk This Way” by Run D.M.C. (ft. Aerosmith)
- “Going Back To Cali” by LL Cool J
- “I’m Bad” by LL COOL J
- “Me, Myself, & I” by De La Soul
- "Wild Wild West" by Kool Moe Dee
- “Pump Up The Jam” by Technotronic
- “Word Up” by Cameo
- "Paul Revere" by Beastie Boys
- "Microphone Fiend" by Eric B. & Rakim
- "Hazy Shade Of Criminal" by Public Enemy
- “Supersonic” by J.J. Fad
- “Rock The Bells” by L.L Cool J
- "6 N The Morning" by Ice T
- “Going Way Back” by Just-Ice
- “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick
- “PSK, What Does It Mean?” by Schoolly D
- “Rapture” by Blondie
- “South Bronx” by Boogie Down Productions
- “The Message” by Grandmaster
- "Sucker MCs" by RUN D.M.C
- "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow
- “Brass Monkey” by Beastie Boys
- “Ego Trippin’” by Ultramagnetic MCs
- “Peter Piper” by RUN D.M.C
- “That’s The Joint” by Funky 4 Plus 1
- "Cha Cha Cha" by M.C Lyte
- "Body Rock" by The Treacherous Three
- "Just A Friend" by Biz Markie
Top R&B 80s Songs for Your Wedding Day
Prepare to be captivated by the velvety voices and irresistible melodies of these timeless R&B 80s songs.
- “Purple Rain” by Prince
- “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
- “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston
- "The Sweetest Taboo" by Sade
- “1999” by Prince
- “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker
- “Sign Your Name” by Terence Trent D’Arby
- "Rhythm Nation" by Janet Jackson
- "Fire and Desire" by Rick James & Teena Marie
- "Mr. Telephone Man" by New Edition
- "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson
- “Don’t Be Cruel” by Bobby Brown
- Tell It to My Heart by Taylor Dayne
- "Smooth Operator" by Sade
- “The Bird” by Morris Day & The Time
- “Upside Down” by Diana Ross
- “Kiss” by Prince
- "Caught in the Rapture" by Anita Baker
- “Forget Me Nots” by Patrice Rushen
- "Nite and Day" by Al B. Sure!
- "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan
- "After the Love Has Gone" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Every Little Step" by Bobby Brown
- “Maneater” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
- “That’s the Way Love Is” by Ten City
- “Stomp!” by The Brothers Johnson
- “Mercedes Boy” by Pebbles
- "Working My Way Back To You" by The Spinners
- “Jump for My Love” by The Pointer Sisters
- "What Have You Done for Me Lately" by Janet Jackson
- "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
- "Get Down On It" by Kool & The Gang
- "Part-Time Lover" by Stevie Wonder
- "Computer Love" by Zapp & Roger
- “Let’s Wait Awhile” by Janet Jackson
- "You And Me" by Rockie Robbins
- "You Are My Lovely One" by Michael Jackson
- "Can You Stand the Rain" by New Edition
- "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown
- "Cool It Now" by New Edition
- "If You Were Here Tonight" by Alexander O'Neal
- "In My House" by Mary Jane Girls
- "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross
- "When She Was My Girl" by The Four Tops
- “Miss You Much” by Janet Jackson
- “Don’t Stop the Music” by Yarbrough & Peoples
Best 80s Rock Songs
Prepare to rock out to the best 80s rock songs that capture the essence of love or the timeless classics that defined the era.
- “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- “With Or Without You” by U2
- “Jump” by Van Halen
- "The Lady In Red" by Chris De Burgh
- “I’ll Be There For You” by Bon Jovi
- “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol
- “These Dreams” by Heart
- "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen
- "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
- “Back In Black” by AC/DC
- “Nothin’ But A Good Time” by Poison
- “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
- “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash
- "Any Way You Want It" by Journey
- “You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi
- “White Wedding” by Billy Idol
- “I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones
- “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake
- “Epic” by Faith No More
- "Your Love" by Outfield
- “Working For The Weekend” by Loverboy
- “Love Bites” by Def Leppard
- “Blister In The Sun” by Violent Femmes
- “Mony Mony” by Billy Idol
- "Need You Tonight" by INXS
- "The Power Of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News
- “I Remember You” by Skid Row
- “Highway To Hell” by AC/DC
- “Dr. Feelgood” by Mötley Crüe
- "Take Me Home Tonight" by Eddie Money
- “Animal” by Def Leppard
- "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant
- "You Can Call Me Al" by Paul Simon
- “Fight For Your Right (To Party)” by Beastie Boys
- "Rock This Town" by Stray Cats
- “Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne
- “No Sleep Til’ Brooklyn” by Beastie Boys
- “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
- “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran
- “Simply Irresistible” by Robert Plamer
- "Copperhead Road" by Steve Earle
- "One Thing Leads To Another" by The Fixx
- "Listen To Your Heart" by Roxette
Pop Dance 80s Songs
From chart-topping hits to iconic anthems, these tracks defined the decade and continue to be beloved by fans worldwide, serving as a testament to the lasting impact of 80s pop music. Get ready to sing along and relive the era of neon colors, big hair, and unforgettable pop sensations.
Here are the best pop 80s songs for your party playlist:
- “Rhythm of the Night” by DeBarge
- "Drive" by The Cars
- "Gloria" by Laura Branigan
- “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” by Billy Ocean
- “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins
- “Borderline” by Madonna
- “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany
- "Funkytown" by Lipps Inc.
- “99 Red Balloons” by Nena
- "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie
- "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes
- “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” by Deniece Williams
- “Flashdance (What A Feeling)” by Irene Cara
- “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama
- "The Glamorous Life" by Sheila E
- "Situation" by Yazoo
- “We Don’t Need Another Hero” by Tina Turner
- “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin‘” by The Righteous Brothers
- “Jungle Love” by Morris Day & The Time
- “Don’t You Want Me” by Human League
- “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie
- “Like A Prayer” by Madonna
- "Lucky Star" Madonna
- “Venus” by Bananarama
- “Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
- “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
- “The Promise” by When In Rome
- “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant
- "Call Me" by Blondie
- “Conga” by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine
- “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
- “Lay All Your Love On Me”—ABBA
- "Fresh" by Kool & The Gang
- "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits
- "I Feel For You" by Chika Khan
- "Who Can It Be Now?" by Men At Work
- "Maniac" by Michael Sembello
- “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
- "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics
- “This Time I Know It’s for Real” by Donna Summer
- “Mercedes Boy” by Pebbles
- "Modern Love" by David Bowie
- "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" by Wang Chung
- "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club
- "Whip It" by Devo
- "Our Lips Are Sealed" by Go-Gos
- "Down Under" by Men At Work
- “What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner
- "You Spin Me 'Round (Like a Record)" by Dead Or Alive
- "Raspberry Beret" by Prince & The Revolution
- "I Want to Break" Free by Queen
- "Private Eyes" by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Disco 80s Music Playlist For Party
From iconic hits to hidden gems, these disco 80s songs will transport you back to a time of glittering disco balls and non-stop dancing. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to strut your stuff to these timeless disco classics.
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
- “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” by Michael Jackson
- “You’re My Heart; You’re My Soul” by Modern Talking
- “Get Down On It” by Kool & The Gang
- “Tarzan Boy” by Baltimora
- “This Time I Know It’s for Real” by Donna Summer
- “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel
- "Give Me The Night" by George Benson
- “Mercedes Boy” by Pebbles
- “Papa Don’t Preach” by Madonna
- “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” by Indeep
- “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson
- “Let the Music Play” by Shannon
- "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean
- "Vamos A La Playa" by Righeira
- "Sadie" by Joe Bataan
- "Shake It Up" by The Dazz Band
- "And The Beat Goes On" by The Whispers
- “You’re the One for Me” by D Train
- "Moody" by ESG
- "Give It to Me Baby" by Rick James
- "Holiday" by Madonna
- "Genius Of Love" by Tom Tom Club
Best Dance Moves Of The 80s
From the electric slide and the moonwalk to the robot and the cabbage patch, these retro dance moves of the 80s will add an extra dose of nostalgia and entertainment to your celebration, ensuring that everyone hits the dance floor with style and flair.
- The Moonwalk: Popularized by Michael Jackson, the Moonwalk became a signature move of the decade. It involves a dancer appearing to glide backward while still moving forward.
- The Electric Slide: This line dance gained popularity in the ’80s and is still enjoyed at weddings and parties today. The simple and repetitive steps make it accessible to dancers of all skill levels.
- The Robocop: This dance movement that emerged in the 1980s, inspired by the robotic movements of the fictional character RoboCop from the sci-fi action film franchise.
- The Roger Rabbit: This dance move is named after the animated character Roger Rabbit from the film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit. During this dance, the dancer skips backward and has their arms flapping back on at their sides.
- The Snake: Also Known as “The Axl Rose,” refers to a dance move associated with Axl Rose, the lead vocalist of the rock band Guns N’ Roses.
- The Running Man: This dance move involves a combination of running in place with exaggerated arm movements. It gained popularity through various music videos and dance routines.
- The Cabbage Patch: This dance involves moving your arms in a circular motion while bouncing your body from side to side. It gained popularity after being featured in the song “Cabbage Patch” by The World Class Wreckin’ Cru.
- The Sprinkler: This is a fun and playful dance move that imitates the spinning motion of a sprinkler head. The dancer places one hand on the back of their neck and waves the other hand right in front of them while spinning in a circular motion.
- The Hammer Dance: This dance move was popularized by MC Hammer in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It became synonymous with his hit song “U Can’t Touch This.
- The Lambada: Known as the “forbidden dance,” the Lambada became a hit in the late of this decade. It involves fast and sensual movements, often performed with a partner.
Check out these amazing videos with more ’80s dance moves:
FAQ
What is the biggest hit of the 80s?
The number 1 song from the 1980s is "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John. Released in 1981, It spent ten consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it one of the most successful songs of the decade.
What are the most commonly requested 80s songs at weddings in the United States?
These songs have remained popular for wedding receptions due to their catchy melodies, timeless appeal, and ability to get people on the dance floor.
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
- "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins
What Were The Biggest Hit Songs Of The 80s?
Here is a list of some of the biggest hits songs of the 80s, organized by year:
1980:
- "Call Me" by Blondie
- "Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)" by Pink Floyd
- "Funkytown" by Lipps Inc.
- "Magic" by Olivia Newton-John
- "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
1981:
- "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John
- "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes
- "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
- “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield
- "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang
1982:
- "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
- "I Love Rock 'n Roll" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
- "Jack & Diane" by John Cougar
- "Hurts So Good" by John Cougar
- "Ebony and Ivory" by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
1983:
- "Flashdance... What a Feeling" by Irene Cara
- "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
- "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics
- "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
- "Beat It" by Michael Jackson
1984:
- "When Doves Cry" by Prince
- "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins
- "Hello" by Lionel Richie
- "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!
- "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.
1985:
- "Careless Whisper" by George Michael
- "Take on Me" by A-ha
- “We Are the World” by the U.S.A. for Africa
- "Like A Virgin" by Madonna
- "Crazy for You" by Madonna
1986:
- "Walk Like an Egyptian" by The Bangles
- “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick and Friends
- "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston
- "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie
- "The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby and The Range
1987:
- "With or Without You" by U2
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
- "La Bamba" by Los Lobos
- “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
1988:
- "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns N' Roses
- "Roll with It" by Steve Winwood
- “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
- "Faith" by George Michael
- "Need You Tonight" by INXS
1989:
- "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison
- "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown
- "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul
- "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
- "Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley" by Will to Power
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