29 Best Songs From 1988
Contents
“Roll With It” By Steve Winwood
Song Year: 1988
A little bit of “Uptown-Girl”-era Billy Joel and a lot of Motown influence are apparent in this tune, a bluesy, funky offering that incorporates plenty of brass and organ overtop of a basic rock ‘n roll track. This makes a great road trip tune as well as a summer cookout jam.
The Roll With It album won several awards, including Album of the Year, and a handful of Grammy nominations. The comedy film Nuns on the Run used this song a couple of years after its peak.
“Girl You Know It’s True” By Milli Vanilli
Song Year: 1988
The controversy of this duo lip-synching their music has become so integrated into pop culture that the term “Milli Vanilli” is now synonymous with faking or outsourcing a task. They even returned their Best New Artist Grammy after their betrayal was discovered.
Despite this highly-publicized setback, the German performers attempted a comeback album in 1998, and “Girl You Know It’s True” is a poppy, perennial favorite among ‘80s music fans.
“You Got It (The Right Stuff)” By New Kids on the Block
Song Year: 1988
Long before Backstreet Boys or Hanson took over the radio, NKOTB was the “it” boy band group of the 1980s. The catchy combo of R&B, dance, and synth-pop made sure that this earworm wouldn’t be soon forgotten by adolescents and young adults of the era.
The song was a huge international success, ranking top ten on the charts in the US and number one in UK and Australia, respectively. Since its release, it has remained relevant in pop culture, appearing in various movies, video games, and more.
“Listen to Your Heart” By Roxette
Song Year: 1988
Passionate and iconic, “Listen to Your Heart” is an ‘80s staple. The texture is rife with female vocals in a high register and a wailing electric guitar lead.
It’s no wonder Roxette is still a household name. They were impossible to ignore as they reached #2 most-successful-musician status in Sweden after ABBA. Belgian trance group DHT released a remix cover version that also climbed the charts.
“Wild, Wild West” By The Escape Club
Song Year: 1988
The music video shows exactly what you’d expect for a song with this title… sort of. Costuming and old-fashioned revolvers complement the band’s silly demeanor as they play and sing. It’s hard to know whether Escape Club is being tongue-in-cheek or they’re just a goofy symbol of their time.
Interestingly, this UK-based group never charted in their home country, despite their popularity in the US.
“The Flame” By Cheap Trick
Song Year: 1988
This was Cheap Trick’s only #1 hit, even though “I Want You To Want Me” is probably better remembered.
A mandocello, synth orchestra, and dramatic vocals outline a traditional rock band setup to create this power ballad. Critics of the song found it too sentimental, but fans would disagree, as “The Flame” shot to #1 on Billboard in July 1988.
“Dirty Diana” By Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1988
It was a big year for MJ. Rounding out his top-3 singles of 1988 was “Dirty Diana,” another single from Bad. Similar to “Billie Jean,” the message had to do with groupies while Jackson was on tour.
One of his most enduring tunes, this song has been covered by multiple artists and featured in several movies and other pop-culture references.
“Angel” By Aerosmith
Song Year: 1988
The rock world of the 1980s isn’t complete without a nod to Aerosmith. Their hit “Angel” drew comparisons to their previous hits, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “Dream On,” but saw greater success at the time it was released.
Steven Tyler’s soaring voice mixes with power-ballad guitars, broken piano chords, and string backup for the consummate ‘80s-style tune.
“Perfect World” By Huey Lewis and the News
Song Year: 1988
Huey Lewis and the News gave us “Hip to Be a Square” and other ‘80s hits that offered something a bit different. An offbeat rhythm and organ in their song Perfect World create a reggae texture that’s nothing like their fast-paced, rock n’ roll norm.
The message of the song suggests that even though there will never be such a thing, it’s worth continuing to dream so that we can make the world better.
Top Songs From 1988, Final Thoughts
All genres and styles came together in the late ‘80s for an eclectic musical landscape. Top 40 radio offered different songs and lyrics that delved into everything from love to a dream vacation.
Moreover, the rise of digital effects helped propel music into the future, as synthesized sounds could replicate any instrument. So we hope this list has reminded you of or introduced you to some of the top songs from 1988.
