The 1980s knew how to party. The music was loud, the fashion was louder. There’s a reason why the Beastie Boys reminded everyone that they had a right to party, and if anyone was ever trying to take that right away, people should fight to keep it! The 1980s were flashy and everything, from a new car to a new job, deserved a shindig.
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For evidence of this, look no further than the classic rock songs from the decade. In fact, that’s exactly what we wanted to dive into here today. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs from the 1980s that are perfect for parties. Three tracks that just make us feel good.
“Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses from ‘Appetite For Destruction’ (1987)
Welcome to the jungle, indeed! The lush song that introduced many to the rock band Guns N’ Roses, this tune was the first on the band’s 1987 debut LP, Appetite For Destruction. And it brings you into the party. Into the fray. Into the fun. Lead singer Axl Rose belts out the song lyrics as if he is deep in the Amazon and he’s trying to be heard by the rest of the world. And the band backs him up with force, power, and the kind of music that feels like a welcome shock to your system.
“Kiss” by Prince from ‘Parade’ (1986)
Prince could be a lot to take for a lot of people. But sometimes the star songwriter and performer could be generous and caring. Sometimes he wrote a song that reminded you that you were enough. You don’t have to be rich or traditionally beautiful to be loved by Prince. That’s the message of this funky, guitar-driven rock tune from 1986. It’s a great party track, and it’s a great one to remember that the great artists of our time wanted to know you for you. We’re all special!
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey from ‘Escape’ (1981)
A track that seemed as if it was handed down by God so that we could all have something to sing at the top of our lungs at the local bar. It’s the Platonic Ideal of crowd-pleasing rock music. So, yes, of course, it puts a smile on our faces when it comes on! And that smile lasts as long as the music before the lyrics come in. Because by then, we’re singing as loudly as possible, “Just a small town girl / Livin’ in a lonely world / She took the midnight train going anywhere!“
Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images
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