1981 was a landmark year in the world of music, marking the beginning of a new era of sound and style. From pop to rock to R&B, the year produced some of the greatest songs of all time, each one leaving a lasting impression on the music industry and the world at large. With the advent of new technologies and a growing cultural awareness, artists pushed the boundaries of what was possible with their music, creating timeless classics that have stood the test of time. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the 20 greatest songs of 1981, exploring the stories behind each track, the artists who made them, and the impact they had on the world of music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the 80s or simply looking for a blast from the past, this article is the perfect guide to the best music of 1981.
1. “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield is the number one song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. It was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. The song is a power pop rock anthem that tells the story of unrequited love, as the singer longs for his best friend’s girlfriend, Jessie. The song’s catchy chorus, upbeat guitar riff, and Springfield’s powerful vocals made it an instant classic, and it remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s to this day. “Jessie’s Girl” is a timeless classic that continues to be a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite among fans of the genre.
2. “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes
“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes is the second song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the charts in the United States and several other countries. “Bette Davis Eyes” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that pays homage to the legendary actress, Bette Davis. The song’s captivating melody, haunting synths, and Carnes’ powerful vocals combine to create a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and is widely considered one of the greatest songs of the 80s. Whether you’re a fan of 80s music or just looking for a classic love song, “Bette Davis Eyes” is a must-listen.
3. “You Drive Me Crazy” by Shakin’ Stevens
“You Drive Me Crazy” by Shakin’ Stevens is the third song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This upbeat rock and roll song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and several other countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Stevens’ distinctive rock and roll vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic rock. “You Drive Me Crazy” is a fun, energetic song that still gets audiences dancing and singing along to this day. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s music. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “You Drive Me Crazy” is a must-listen.
4. “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” by Sheena Easton
“Morning Train (Nine to Five)” by Sheena Easton is the fourth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This upbeat pop song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Easton’s distinctive vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of 80s pop. “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” is a fun, energetic song that celebrates the daily grind and the simple pleasures of life. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s music. Whether you’re a fan of pop or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” is a must-listen.
5. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts is the fifth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic rock anthem was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat guitar riff and Joan Jett’s powerful vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic rock. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” is a celebration of the power and energy of rock and roll music, and a timeless classic that continues to be a staple of classic rock radio to this day. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s music. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” is a must-listen.
6. “Ghost Town” by Specials
“Ghost Town” by The Specials is the sixth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic ska-punk song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and several other countries. The song features a unique blend of ska, punk, and reggae, and is driven by a driving bassline and powerful horns. “Ghost Town” is a powerful commentary on the state of inner cities in the United Kingdom, and is widely regarded as one of the most important political songs of the 80s. The song’s unique sound and powerful message make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of ska, punk, and reggae music. Whether you’re a fan of these genres or just looking for a powerful, thought-provoking song, “Ghost Town” is a must-listen.
7. “Woman” by John Lennon
“Woman” by John Lennon is the seventh song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic ballad was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song is a heartfelt tribute to women and a celebration of the strength and beauty of the feminine spirit. “Woman” features Lennon’s distinctive vocals and a simple, yet powerful melody, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. The song’s tender lyrics and moving melody make it a standout track from Lennon’s solo catalog and a must-listen for fans of classic ballads. Whether you’re a fan of Lennon’s solo work or just looking for a classic love song, “Woman” is a must-listen.
8. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie is the eighth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic ballad was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song is a tender duet between Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs of all time. “Endless Love” features a beautiful melody and powerful vocals from both Ross and Richie, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. The song’s romantic lyrics and moving melody make it a standout track from both artists’ catalogs and a must-listen for fans of classic ballads. Whether you’re a fan of 80s music or just looking for a classic love song, “Endless Love” is a must-listen.
9. “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John is the ninth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This upbeat pop song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Newton-John’s distinctive vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of 80s pop. “Physical” is a celebration of fitness and the joys of physical activity, and its upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s music. Whether you’re a fan of pop or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Physical” is a must-listen.
10. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell is the tenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic synthpop song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a haunting, electronic melody and powerful vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of 80s synthpop. “Tainted Love” is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today, and its haunting melody and powerful vocals make it a standout track from Soft Cell’s catalog. Whether you’re a fan of 80s synthpop or just looking for a classic love song with a modern twist, “Tainted Love” is a must-listen.
11. “Being with You” by Smokey Robinson
“Being with You” by Smokey Robinson is the eleventh song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic R&B ballad was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Smokey Robinson’s smooth, soulful vocals and a beautiful, romantic melody, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. “Being with You” is a celebration of the joys of love and the beauty of being together, and its tender lyrics and moving melody make it a standout track from Robinson’s solo catalog. Whether you’re a fan of classic R&B or just looking for a classic love song, “Being with You” is a must-listen.
12. “The Best of Times” by Styx
“The Best of Times” by Styx is the twelfth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic rock ballad was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a beautiful, emotional melody and powerful vocals, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. “The Best of Times” is a celebration of the power of love and the beauty of memories, and its tender lyrics and moving melody make it a standout track from Styx’s catalog. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or just looking for a classic love song, “The Best of Times” is a must-listen.
13. “Elvira” by The Oak Ridge Boys
“Elvira” by The Oak Ridge Boys is the thirteenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic country song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and the distinctive harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic country. “Elvira” is a fun, energetic song that still gets audiences singing along to this day, and its upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s country music. Whether you’re a fan of classic country or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Elvira” is a must-listen.
14. “Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band
“Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band is the fourteenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic rock song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and driving guitar riffs, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic rock. “Centerfold” is a fun, energetic song that still gets audiences dancing and singing along to this day, and its upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s rock music. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Centerfold” is a must-listen.
15. “Don’t You Want Me?” by Human League
“Don’t You Want Me?” by The Human League is the fifteenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic synthpop song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a haunting, electronic melody and powerful vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of 80s synthpop. “Don’t You Want Me?” is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today, and its haunting melody and powerful vocals make it a standout track from The Human League’s catalog. Whether you’re a fan of 80s synthpop or just looking for a classic love song with a modern twist, “Don’t You Want Me?” is a must-listen.
16. “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)” by Raydio
“A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)” by Raydio is the sixteenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic R&B song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and smooth, soulful vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic R&B. “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)” is a fun, energetic song that celebrates the joys of love and the importance of treating women with respect and kindness. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s R&B music. Whether you’re a fan of classic R&B or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)” is a must-listen.
17. “Who’s Crying Now” by Journey
“Who’s Crying Now” by Journey is the seventeenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic rock ballad was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a beautiful, emotional melody and powerful vocals, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. “Who’s Crying Now” is a celebration of the power of love and the importance of letting go of past hurt and pain, and its tender lyrics and moving melody make it a standout track from Journey’s catalog. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or just looking for a classic love song, “Who’s Crying Now” is a must-listen.
18. “Queen of Hearts” by Juice Newton
“Queen of Hearts” by Juice Newton is the eighteenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic country-pop song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Juice Newton’s distinctive vocals, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic country-pop. “Queen of Hearts” is a fun, energetic song that still gets audiences singing along to this day, and its upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s country-pop music. Whether you’re a fan of classic country-pop or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Queen of Hearts” is a must-listen.
19. “Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s
“Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s is the nineteenth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic new wave song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and the distinctive harmonies of The Go-Go’s, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic new wave. “Our Lips Are Sealed” is a fun, energetic song that still gets audiences dancing and singing along to this day, and its upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s new wave music. Whether you’re a fan of classic new wave or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Our Lips Are Sealed” is a must-listen.
20. “Slow Hand” by The Pointer Sisters
“Slow Hand” by The Pointer Sisters is the twentieth song on the list of “Top 20 of the Greatest Songs From 1981”. This classic R&B song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and the powerful vocals of The Pointer Sisters, making it a perfect anthem for fans of classic R&B. “Slow Hand” is a fun, energetic song that celebrates the joys of love and the importance of taking things slow and savoring the moment. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable chorus make it a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s R&B music. Whether you’re a fan of classic R&B or just looking for a fun, upbeat tune, “Slow Hand” is a must-listen.
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