27 Best Songs From 1984

21. “Hello” by Lionel Richie

Song Year: 1984

Lionel Richie made a name for himself writing heartfelt ballads that bordered on corniness or cheesiness but never quite crossed the line. “Hello” may be the best example, as evidenced by its status as a global number-one hit.

The video featured Richie as a teacher in love with his student, which was apparently okay in the 80s.

22. “Can't Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon

Song Year: 1984

“Can’t Fight This Feeling” might not be the best power ballad ever written, but if it isn’t, it’s close. It’s got a lovely melody (which isn’t always present in a power ballad) and enough rock music instrumentation to still be a rock song. And a giant guitar sound. That helps.

23. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” by Elton John

Song Year: 1984

As the lead-off single from Breaking Hearts, “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” was yet another Elton John / Bernie Taupin gem that rose high on the charts (number five) and stayed there awhile. Though it came out in 1984, Sir Elton still plays it live, so it’s a song with staying power.

Songwriting purists take issue with the fact that the song’s lyrics are sad but the music is decidedly not. But it’s insanely catchy and makes people feel good.

24. “We Belong” by Pat Benetar

Song Year: 1984

For years Pat Benetar and husband/producer/guitarist Neil Giraldo made rock anthems that moved the world. Between her powerful vocals and his monster guitar riffs and overall technically adroit work on the instrument, a Pat Benetar song was usually a big hunk of rock ‘n’ roll.

“We Belong” relied on synths, a children’s choir, and lush harmonies behind Benetar’s distinctive voice. It’s easily one of the catchiest Pat Benetar songs, and that’s saying something.

25. “To All the Girls I've Loved Before” by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson

Song Year: 1984

File this one under “Weird Pairings for Pop Duets.” Outlaw country god Will Nelson paired with world-renowned crooner Julio Iglesias (and a steel guitar) to create an international smash hit. It’s one of those songs that everyone loves, whether they admit it in public or not.

Continuing the weirdness, “To All the Girls I've Loved Before” won Iglesias awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

26. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins

Song Year: 1984

Phil Collins scored the first of his seven number-one hits as a solo artist with “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” the theme song from Against All Odds, a rather forgettable film starring Jeff Bridges and James Woods. The only recognition the film received during awards season was for its musical elements.

It spent some time at the top of the charts, and Collins won a Grammy for it.

27. “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson

Song Year: 1984

The soundtrack for “Footloose” had more to it than the Kenny Loggins joy-fest. Subtitled “Love theme from Footloose,” “Almost Paradise” was written by Eric Carmen, and while it didn’t win any awards, it was a top-five hit.

Mike Reno from Loverboy and Ann Wilson from Heart were both extremely hot properties in the 1980s, so a duet from the pair seemed like a sure thing. And it was.

Top Songs From 1984, Final Thoughts

A fantastic year for pop music, 1984 gave us pieces from The Big Three: Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. That trio alone would make any year a great one, but we also had Duran Duran, the “Footloose” crew, and Sir Elton John. What’s not to love?

Let us know your best songs from 1984 below.