Originally recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967, UB40's 1983 cover became a worldwide hit, topping the charts in both the UK and the US
Phil Collins' 1989 ballad, sung from a third-person perspective, highlights the issue of homelessness,
Boy George's 1983 hit was the UK's biggest selling single of 1984, addressing themes of alienation and being true
This 1987 dance-pop classic became Rick Astley’s signature song, thanks to the internet "Rickroll" phenomenon,
This 1986 hit addresses social issues like racial segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, featuring a famous piano melody
Written about eccentric gay icon Quentin Crisp, Sting's 1987 song combines a drum breakdown and saxophone solo,
With one of the most iconic riffs of the 1980s, this 1987 INXS hit emerged from a spontaneous moment when guitarist Andrew Farriss recorded the riff
This 1983 song, written by Gary Kemp, became Spandau Ballet's biggest hit and an iconic love ballad inspired by Marvin Gaye and Motown.
Van Halen's most successful single from 1984 is known for its synth-driven sound, with lyrics inspired by David Lee Roth's contemplation of a TV report
Originally written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, Heart’s 1987 cover of this power ballad became a US chart-topping hit, with Kelly providing the high