Top 25 Classic Rock Songs from 1981 on Radio X
Reliving the sounds of the 1980s music scene can transport us back to a time when big tunes by iconic bands and musicians filled the airwaves. The Police, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, Foreigner, Queen, and David Bowie were some of the top artists making waves in the music world during this era.
One such standout track was the debut single from the Genesis drummer/frontman, Phil Collins. This song reached great heights, peaking at Number 2 in Britain and making its mark on the American charts as well. Featuring Collins’ iconic drum break, this track set the tone for the sound of the 1980s.
Another hit from this time period was from the band Rainbow, who took a song originally written by Russ Ballard for a different band and made it their own. The glam rock legends also enjoyed a revival in the early 1980s, winning over metal fans and securing a Top 10 hit with “We’ll Bring The House Down.”
Blondie, the New York new wave band, switched up their sound for a single from their Autoamerican album, introducing listeners to the genre of rap with “Rapture.” Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music paid tribute to the late John Lennon with a cover of one of Lennon’s tracks, earning Roxy Music their first Number 1 hit in the UK.
Collaborations were also a big part of the music scene during this time, with Lemmy from Motörhead teaming up with the all-female metal band Girlschool for a hit single. The band Headgirl, as they were known, took their cover song to Number 5 in the UK, proving that collaboration can lead to chart-topping success.
The Who continued their success with the opening track of their album Face Dances, reaching the Top 10 for one of the last times in their career. Other notable hits from this era included tracks by David Coverdale, George Harrison, and Electric Light Orchestra, each leaving their mark on the charts with memorable songs.
The Rolling Stones, well-known for their timeless classics, released “Start Me Up” from their album Tattoo You, which became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Queen and David Bowie’s collaboration on “Under Pressure” became an instant classic and remains a favorite among fans of both artists.
As we look back on the music of the 1980s, we are reminded of the timeless tunes and iconic collaborations that defined the era and continue to inspire music lovers today. The impact of these songs and artists remains strong, serving as a lasting legacy of the vibrant and innovative music scene of the 1980s.