Let’s face it. The 80s was the best era for music – although some of you may not agree, it’s certainly my favourite decade. Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Duran Duran. Madonna. Blondie…Need I list more? So what better to listen to this summer than the best tunes of the 80s? Blast out Bananarama around the BBQ. Dance to Dead or Alive by the poolside and get your summer on with these top 10 80s summer tunes!
1. Cruel Summer – Bananarama – 1983
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ePIZugahFc
By far my all-time favourite summer song. This mellow song by the fabulous Bananarama girls is a great way to get the summer going, even if it’s raining outside. Put this on and turn up the volume and it’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a heatwave.
2. Boys of Summer – Don Henley – 1984
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqwDRl2puCM
This song is great for those warm summer nights with your friends. Watching the sunset, enjoying a drink and the great company of your nearest and dearest. It wouldn’t be summer without this Don Henley classic.
3. Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams – 1984
Who doesn’t love Bryan Adams? Still a relevant artist today in 2017, in 1984 he released this slammer. If this isn’t on your summer playlist make a point of putting it on now. It isn’t summer without a Bryan Adams belter.
4. You Spin Me Around – Dead Or Alive – 1984
Although this song lacks the word summer in the name or lyrics, I had to include this 80s tune. It’s upbeat, fun and a classic. What more do you need in a summer song?
5. Push It – Salt-N-Pepa – 1986
There isn’t a person alive today that doesn’t instantly start to move and groove the moment this song comes on. So if you’re looking for a dance favourite to put on this summer, look no further than Salt-N-Pepa’s Push It…Push it reaaaaal gooooood.
6. Let’s Dance – David Bowie – 1983
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4d7Wp9kKjA
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Bowie song. Let’s Dance encapsulates summer for me; the freedom, relaxation and fun of these three liberating months of the year. So let’s dance and honour this beautiful man, myth and legend.
7. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood – 1983
Chill out to this bassy classic this summer; by the pool, on the sofa…anywhere you want. Just lay back, enjoy the summer and remember…Frankie says: Relax.
8. Enola Gay – Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – 1980
This political anti-war song about the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima may not seem like a very upbeat cheery song for your summer playlist, but unlike the lyrics, the melody and the accompany of the synthesisers (so common in 80s songs) makes for an excellent funky arrangement. This song’s message was carefully hidden within the well-written lyrics and to this day is a subtle reminder of the atrocities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It deserves to be listened to again and again.
9. Rio – Duran Duran – 1982
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3W6yf6c-FA
Everyone’s heard this Duran Duran song and it would’ve been an insult if I hadn’t put it on this list. This song epitomises summer for me, so sit back and enjoy, imagining yourself on a tropical beach in Rio.
10. Just Like Heaven – The Cure – 1987
And finally, to round off this list of 80s Summer Songs, it’s The Cure’s Just Like Heaven. Covered several times and although some are great (Katie Melua’s version is worth a listen) they don’t touch the original. Feel that warm summer breeze your hair as you listen to this beautiful song and go about your summer antics.