27 Best Songs From 1981

21. “Ceremony” by New Order

The lead singer of the post-punk band Joy Division, Ian Curtis, wrote “Ceremony” shortly before committing suicide.

This poignant love song touches on themes of vulnerability and loss, and many speculate that the “ceremony” in reference is a funeral.

New Order picked up the song as a homage to Curtis. It catapulted this new wave band into timeless fame and recognition.

22. “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash and the Wheels of Steel” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Hip-hop legend and disc jockey Grandmaster Flash released this groundbreaking hit in late 1981. It represents one of the earliest examples of soon-to-be-popular live DJ mixes.

This song includes snippets from The Official Adventure of Flash Gordon and sounds from songs by Blondie, the Sugarhill Gang, Queen, Chic, and more. It introduces the members of the Furious Five, interweaving references to partying with personal struggles.

Today, the song—and Grandmaster Flash—represent the collaborative creativity of Black musicians in the 1980s.

Legendary hip-hop artist Dr. Dre credits this song—and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five—as inspiration for his later work.

23. “Don’t You Want Me” by the Human League

British synth-pop trio, The Human League, released “Don’t You Want Me” in 1981.

It was the 23rd most successful single in British music history and topped the charts for nearly three weeks.

Songwriter Philip Oakey was allegedly inspired by the famous movie A Star is Born. Much like the movie, countless producers have since picked it up, hoping to capitalize on its initial acclaim.

24. “Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon

Widely considered one of the most romantic songs in music history, “Keep On Loving You” is a heartbreaking ballad about a man who is determined to remain faithful to his wife despite her infidelities.

REO Speedwagon lead singer Kevin Cronin wrote the song about actual events in his marriage. Although he promised to go on loving her, the two divorced several years after the single’s release.

25. “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA

The Swedish pop quartet reached the apex of their fame in the 1980s when their use of moody synth sounds shaped an entire movement.

“The Winner Takes It All” is one of the most heartbreaking breakup songs. The song supposedly concerns a divorce between two band members, though speculations remain unconfirmed.

ABBA is a figurehead of the 1980s, and their music lives on in the musical Mamma Mia, performed on Broadway to this day.

26. “Being With You” by Smokey Robinson

“Being With You” is the original rebellious love anthem—and has inspired countless other songs since its release in 1981.

The song is about a forbidden relationship with a woman who has a reputation for breaking hearts. Although the narrator brazenly dismisses the judgments of others, the woman appears not to care enough to stay. Robinson earned a Gold certification on his album by the same name.

27. “Believe It or Not” by Joey Scarbury

“Believe It or Not” was the theme song to the hit comedy-drama series The Greatest American Hero, a show about aliens granting superpowers to an ordinary school teacher.

Mike Post initially wrote only one minute of this song, but the show’s growing popularity led him to complete the piece and re-release it as a single. Scarbury’s single topped the charts in 1981.

The song has since appeared in countless commercials, shows, and movies—including Seinfeld.

28. “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by The Police

The Police’s -album, Ghost in the Machine, came out in November of 1981 and immediately received rave reviews. “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” was its hit single, and uniquely features a piano and elements of reggae, pop, punk, and new wave.

The lyrics focus on a tragic instance of unrequited love. It reached number three in the US and topped the charts in countries worldwide, proving that the Police were here to stay.

29. “Sat In Your Lap” by Kate Bush

Kate Bush is the epitome of the 1980s. Though “Sat In Your Lap” didn’t top any charts, it merits mention as one of Bush’s early singles.

The song touches on the timeless theme of finding happiness and fulfillment in one’s life. Bush wonders whether she can learn from the mistakes of others or if she must forge her path. This single marked Bush’s iconic entry into the experimental music scene for its depth and experimental sound.

The song appeared on an album that received some critical ambivalence, but it has since earned a place among the best albums in history, ranked by NPR, The Slant Magazine, and The Word.

Renowned musicians Bjork and Big Boi credit this album for significant inspiration.

Top Songs From 1981, Final Thoughts

Although music has changed since the early 1980s, one can trace many modern trends back to this era. This list of the best songs from 1981 represents some of the most influential music of the decade. Many of these songs revolutionized musical history and shaped the work of countless renowned artists since the 20th Century.

They live on in the hearts and minds of millions—and will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.