4 Hit Rock Songs From the 1980s That We’ll Never Stop Singing Along With

The 1980s gave us some of the best rock songs in history. While most of the fashion and other fads from the decade have been out of style or forgotten for decades, the music will live forever. Some of the biggest hits of the era haven’t just remained popular with longtime fans. They’re legendary releases that nearly everyone can sing along with.

Videos by American Songwriter

The now-classic rock songs in the list below were all hits for the artists. More importantly, they’re still great songs four decades later. Crank up the volume and prepare to sing along.

1. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses

When it comes to hard rock in the 1980s, few bands were bigger than Guns ‘N’ Roses. Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, was one of the best-selling debut albums in history. Singles like “It’s So Easy” and “Welcome to the Jungle” helped bolster the LP’s sales. This track went to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

You might not know every word to this song, but you probably know at least a few lines by heart. The iconic opening line, the stuttered “knees” in chorus, and the bridge are all ingrained in the memories of nearly anyone who has heard this song more than once.

2. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen

Rock royalty, Queen, kicked off the 1980s with a massive hit song. “Another One Bites the Dust” from The Game was an international hit for the band and stayed atop the Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. More than that, it’s one of their most memorable tunes.

“Another One Bites the Dust” sits alongside classic songs like “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “We Are the Champions” in the pantheon of Queen songs that almost everybody knows. There’s a good chance that reading the song’s title caused its iconic bassline to play in your mind.

3. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twister Sister

This song proved that Twisted Sister probably had more fun than any other rock band from the 1980s. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is almost synonymous with the era. It’s pure rock and roll rebellion, and the video was like watching the band become a group of cartoon characters. It doesn’t get much more fun than that.

You may not know all the words to this Twisted Sister classic. However, you and everyone else can sing along to the defiant chorus with no problem.

4. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Originally recorded by the British rock band Arrows in 1975, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts made “I Love Rock N’ Roll” a major hit in the 1980s. It went to No. 1 on the Hot 100 and became Jett’s highest-charting single. It’s also one of the most memorable tracks from her catalog.

The 1980s saw the release of several songs celebrating the love of rock and roll and the lifestyle surrounding it. However, none were as popular or as memorable. Fortunately, you don’t need to drop dimes in a jukebox to hear this classic on repeat. Just click play.

Featured Image by Gunter W Kienitz/Shutterstock

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