The 20 Most Under Rated Songs of The 1980s

 

The 20 Most Under Rated Songs of The 1980s

By Long Live The 1980s

The 1980s gave us some of the most iconic music in history. From Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to Madonna's "Like a Virgin," many tracks defined a generation. But while the spotlight often shines on the chart-toppers, there’s an entire universe of underrated gems that deserve just as much love. Here at Long Live The 1980s, we’ve dusted off our cassette tapes, combed through vinyl bins, and put together a list of 20 criminally underrated songs from the decade of excess.

So grab your Walkman, slap on some neon, and let’s journey through these overlooked masterpieces.

1. "Life in a Northern Town" - The Dream Academy (1985) With its pastoral lyrics and orchestral-pop vibe, this tribute to Nick Drake is hauntingly beautiful. It charted well, but it’s often forgotten in conversations about '80s classics.

2. "Obsession" - Animotion (1984) This synth-heavy anthem had MTV appeal, but never quite got the lasting recognition it deserved. Catchy, quirky, and very of-the-moment.

3. "Love My Way" - The Psychedelic Furs (1982) Despite being featured in movies like Call Me By Your Name, this song is still overlooked in favor of other new wave staples.

4. "The Politics of Dancing" - Re-Flex (1983) This one-hit wonder packs a serious punch. It's danceable, smart, and a perfect reflection of early '80s optimism.

5. "Under the Milky Way" - The Church (1988) Atmospheric and moody, this track showcases the best of dream pop and alternative rock before it became mainstream.

6. "Voices Carry" - 'Til Tuesday (1985) Aimee Mann's voice, the emotionally raw lyrics, and a stunning music video made this a standout, yet it remains underrated today.

7. "Major Tom (Coming Home)" - Peter Schilling (1983) A sequel to David Bowie’s Space Oddity, this synthpop gem brought a new perspective to a familiar tale.

8. "One Thing Leads to Another" - The Fixx (1983) Catchy, political, and layered. The Fixx had a string of hits, but this track deserves more respect.

9. "Tenderness" - General Public (1984) A soulful ska-pop hybrid that never fully escaped the shadow of The English Beat, despite its infectious charm.

10. "Breakout" - Swing Out Sister (1986) Sophisti-pop at its finest. With lush production and Corinne Drewery’s distinct vocals, this tune is criminally underappreciated.

11. "Space Age Love Song" - A Flock Of Seagulls (1982) Often overshadowed by their hit "I Ran," this track is a dreamy, shimmering piece of synthpop that captures the romantic optimism of the early '80s. It’s heartfelt, anthemic, and every bit as brilliant as their better-known work.

12. "Wouldn't It Be Good" - Nik Kershaw (1984) Deep, introspective lyrics wrapped in a bright synth wrapper. Often lost behind bigger British Invasion acts.

13. "Love Plus One" - Haircut 100 (1982) Jangly guitars, peppy horns, and infectious energy. It’s the kind of song that puts a smile on your face.

14. "Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)" - The Icicle Works (1983) Anthemic and emotionally charged, this track didn’t get the airplay it deserved in the U.S.

15. "Der Kommissar" - After the Fire (1982) A bilingual mix of rock and new wave that was far more daring than most realize.

16. "Let’s Go All the Way" - Sly Fox (1985) Part pop, part funk, part electro—this track defies categorization and still sounds fresh.

17. "Imagination" - Belouis Some (1986) Sexy, mysterious, and wrapped in slick production. The video was even banned by some networks, adding to its cult status.

18. "Dancing With Myself" - Generation X/Billy Idol (1981) Often credited to Idol’s solo career, this post-punk anthem started with Generation X and never got full recognition.

19. "I Can't Wait" - Nu Shooz (1986) Funky, electronic, and filled with hooks. It’s a shame this isn’t mentioned more often in ‘80s retrospectives.

20. "Talking in Your Sleep" - The Romantics (1983) Often reduced to a footnote, this dreamy track blends power pop with new wave in all the right ways.

The 1980s were more than shoulder pads and synthesizers—they were a golden era of musical experimentation and evolution. These songs might not top the typical '80s playlists, but each is a testament to the creativity and depth that defined the decade.

Did we miss one of your underrated favorites? Did one of these tracks trigger a flood of nostalgic memories? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going.

Long Live The 1980s!

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