29 Best Songs From 1982

11. “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force innovated both the electro and hip-hop genres with “Planet Rock.” The sparse production took inspiration from Kraftwerk and brought electronic music into the ears of many new listeners.

The rap also proved to be a game changer, as the group rapped off time with the music. This distinct rapping led to a shift in what people thought they could do with the genre.

12. “Temptation” by New Order

New Order formed out of the ashes of Joy Division and the band members explored new sounds and genres together. “Temptation” was the band’s attempt to make a dance song with synthpop influences.

The lyrics tell the story of a person longing for a past lover. It has been too long to spark the romance, so now they just remain a distant and bittersweet memory.

13. “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls

While it may be easy to think of “It’s Raining Men” as a novelty song, it was a big hit in 1982. The Weather Girls blended disco, soul, synthpop, and R&B to create something incredibly unique and memorable.

The Weather Girls sing about all the various men they enjoy being around, and the song stands out as a great anthem of women’s jubilation.

14. “Vacation” by The Go-Gos

“Vacation” is an anthem for many when they decide to take a trip. The Go-Gos perfectly capture the excitement of heading out on the road with this upbeat, new-wave tune. The lyrics describe the euphoria of going on an excursion.

Since its release, “Vacation” has been used as a needle drop in many television shows and films. Children growing up in the 1990s might remember the song from Rugrats, while new generations heard “Vacation” in Spider-Man: Far From Home.

15. “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton

“Atomic Dog” will never stand as George Clinton’s most commercially successful song, but it has grown in stature over the years critically. The song did not even break onto the charts back in 1982, but its reputation and legend remain thanks to consistent sampling from later artists.

Clinton did not put too much stock into the lyrics, and he said he ad-libbed most of them while in the studio. The funky production with a dash of electronic influence carries this track and makes it a standout of 1982.

16. “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls

1982 was a year full of excellent offerings from new wave bands. One of those new wave bands was A Flock of Seagulls, who achieved nearly instant fame with “I Ran (So Far Away).” The popularity of the song and especially the music video made A Flock of Seagulls major players in the so-called Second British Invasion.

The lyrics are bizarre and evoke science fiction. A poster the band saw of a couple running away from a UFO inspired the lyrics.

17. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

In 1982, Michael Jackson wore the crown of the king of pop. Jackson had a string of incredibly successful and acclaimed hits, and none was bigger than “Billie Jean.”

“Billie Jean,” tells the story of a man that a woman accuses of having sired a baby he does not believe is his. The track contains a toe-tapping beat that makes you want to dance from producer Quincy Jones and spirited vocals from Jackson. “Billie Jean” is one of many chart-topping singles from Jackson’s seminal album, Thriller.

18. “I Melt With You” by Modern English

Modern English drew from both new wave and punk music to craft “I Melt With You.” The song has a distinctive instrumental song that showcases the direction modern alternative rock would go. “I Melt With You” was the biggest hit for Modern English and is in numerous films.

The lyrics are a macabre affair. The band’s frontman Robbie Grey said he was in a bad place at the time, worried about nuclear war and economic troubles. So he wrote this song about a couple being intimate as a nuclear war breaks out.

19. “Jack and Diane” by John Cougar

John “Cougar” Mellencamp had the biggest hit of his career in 1982 with “Jack and Diane.” The story of the lyrics is a simple tale about two young lovers from middle America who go through the trials and tribulations of youth.

The instrumentation for this song is unique with a stop-and-start nature. Mellencamp said he had difficulties making the arrangement sound good with a whole band in tow.

20. “Africa” by Toto

Toto released one of the most enduring songs of the 1980s with “Africa” in 1982. The synth line drives the song as the lyrics describe the world on the continent. The music video is cheesy, showing the band in a library searching for information on Africa.

This earworm had plenty of staying power on the charts, eventually peaking in the next year at number one. It survives as a classic of the decade.