10 Awful ’80s Songs That Somehow Hit No. 1

The 1980s gave the world some unforgettable music — but they also produced a few chart-topping disasters. For every timeless hit, there was a tune that somehow climbed to number one even though it probably shouldn’t have. While the decade was packed with creativity, its pop charts were often filled with cheesy production, recycled beats, and songs that aged about as well as a VHS tape in the sun.

According to music lovers and critics alike, the ’80s might hold the record for the most questionable number-one hits. Rock had gone corporate, radio was repetitive, and the rise of synths made it easier than ever to churn out lifeless, factory-made pop. No wonder hip-hop, punk, and grunge took over soon after. So, let’s dive in — here are ten of the worst songs that somehow topped the charts during that flashy, big-hair decade.

“Hangin’ Tough” – New Kids on the Block (1989)
Boy bands have always had their moment, and New Kids on the Block owned the late ’80s. But this song’s attempt to sound “tough” is hilariously unconvincing. Between the random police whistle and Donnie Wahlberg barking orders to “get on the floor,” it’s more awkward pep rally than pop anthem.

“Truly” – Lionel Richie (1982)
Lionel Richie is a legend, but this syrupy ballad is so overproduced that it drowns his natural charm. It feels like he’s just going through the motions, belting out big notes without real emotion. Compared to his funkier work with the Commodores, this one’s a snooze.

“When I’m With You” – Sheriff (1989)
This forgotten Canadian power ballad somehow became a hit years after the band broke up. The mystery isn’t why it charted—it’s how anyone remembered it long enough to buy the single. Bland lyrics, generic melody, zero personality. Even AI could write something more memorable.

“Magic” – Olivia Newton-John (1980)
Olivia Newton-John had her share of hits, but “Magic” isn’t one of them. The melody barely registers, and her normally bright voice sounds subdued. Written for the movie Xanadu (which flopped hard), the song feels as confused as the film itself.

“Do That to Me One More Time” – Captain & Tennille (1980)
This slow, sultry tune tries to be sexy but lands somewhere between sleepy and awkward. Tennille’s whispery vocals sound half-asleep, and the weird Lyricon (a kind of electronic flute) solo doesn’t help. It’s less “romantic mood music” and more “lullaby for adults.”

“Lean on Me” – Club Nouveau (1987)
Covering Bill Withers’ soulful 1972 classic was a bold move—and not in a good way. Club Nouveau replaced the original’s warmth with drum machines and synthetic bass lines. What was once heartfelt and human became robotic and hollow. It even won a Grammy, proving the Grammys don’t always get it right.

“Together Forever” – Rick Astley (1988)
If “Never Gonna Give You Up” had a twin brother with zero charm, this would be it. Same writers, same production team, nearly the same song—just worse. The catchy novelty of Astley’s first hit was gone, leaving behind a plastic imitation.

“Rock On” – Michael Damien (1989)
David Essex’s 1973 original was cool and haunting. Michael Damien’s cover stripped away all the grit and soul, replacing it with glossy, lifeless pop. It’s like someone decided to make “rock” sound as safe and bland as possible—and somehow succeeded.

“Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley” – Will to Power (1988)
Two classic rock songs mashed together into one forgettable dance-club track. The Miami group behind it apparently didn’t listen to either original while recording—and it shows. What could have been creative just feels empty and over-processed.

“Stars on 45” – Stars on 45 (1981)
And the crown goes to this bizarre disco medley of random hit snippets—Beatles tunes, “Funky Town,” “Sugar Sugar,” and more—all sung by imitators over the same relentless beat. It’s like a bad radio commercial that never ends. Somehow, this Frankenstein’s monster of pop clichés hit number one.

Even though the ’80s gave us plenty of great songs, it also proved that chart success doesn’t always mean quality. From cheesy covers to soulless synths, these ten tracks remind us that sometimes, even the biggest hits can totally miss the mark.