The 1980s—when hairstyles defied gravity and synthesizers ruled. Those iconic tunes didn’t just dominate airwaves; they colonized them completely. You probably still get misty-eyed over those high-energy anthems, but let’s face it—even the greatest hits can transform from earworms into irritants after the 500th listen. This article isn’t here to bury these classics, but rather to throw you a musical life preserver when you’re drowning in overplayed hits.
6. Starship – We Built This City
Starship’s “We Built This City” somehow reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100—proof that sometimes America makes questionable collective decisions. Despite its commercial success, music critics have awarded it the dubious honor of “Worst Song Ever Recorded.” Its omnipresence has tragically overshadowed other Starship hits that might actually deserve your attention.
5. Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me
Ever feel like this song is stalking you? Following you from gym speakers to grocery store aisles? Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and turned their album ‘Hysteria’ into a financial fortress. While undeniably catchy, this sonic sugar rush has been pumped into sporting events and commercials with such relentless enthusiasm that many fans insist it overshadows far superior tracks from the same album.
4. John Mellencamp – Jack and Diane
John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane” became America’s unofficial small-town anthem, with the line “life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone” serving as the graduation quote for half of all 80s high schoolers. The song captured small-town Americana perfectly, but radio stations have played it with such religious devotion that its emotional punch now lands with minimal impact.
3. George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Bad to the Bone
Roughly 70% of humans first encounter this blues-rock monster through movies or TV rather than radio—specifically during scenes where someone either breaks pool cues or revs engines menacingly. George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” has achieved such familiarity that babies probably recognize it before their parents’ voices. Hollywood has relied on these guitar riffs to signal “danger with attitude” so consistently that it’s become the sonic equivalent of a cartoon villain twirling their mustache.
2. Katrina & The Waves – Walking on Sunshine
Ever been assaulted by musical positivity so aggressive it borders on a threat? Katrina & The Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine” doesn’t just burst with energy—it detonates with cheerful force. The band expressed genuine shock at its American success. While undeniably vibrant, its unrelenting cheerfulness has made it the go-to soundtrack for weddings and commercials, pushing many listeners to the brink of sunshine-induced madness.
1. Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” hit number one in 1987 after being re-released. The power ballad catapulted Whitesnake to international fame, aided by an iconic music video featuring Tawny Kitaen performing automotive gymnastics. Radio stations have played it with such dedication that it’s become the musical equivalent of that friend who tells the same story at every gathering.
