3 1985 Rock Songs That Can Still Be Hits Today

As new equipment like drum machines, samplers, and synthesizers became commonplace in studios, music was changing in the middle of the 1980s. However, only a small number of songs endure throughout time, and many, even those that are huge hits, eventually fade into obscurity. The way that contemporary musicians are influenced by the past could be the secret to timeless music.

Today’s artists, like Mk.gee and Chappell Roan, combine contemporary sounds with an aesthetic reminiscent of the 1980s. In the meantime, bands like Sam Fender and The War on Drugs draw inspiration from Bruce Springsteen’s heartland music, particularly from the 1980s. “Dancing in the Dark” would still be relevant if it were released today.

These are the ones you never let go of if songs are relationships. Here is a sampling of three classic songs from 1985 that still hook listeners today.

“And She Was” by Talking Heads
Talking Heads’ “And She Was” from Little Creatures shows David Byrne’s singular ability to turn strangeness into musical genius. The song is about a girl who does acid while floating over rusty cars and fast food restaurants close to a Yoo-hoo factory. Byrne encapsulates the moment in a few words with its infectious, sing-song refrain, “The world was moving / She was right there with it / And she was.” Talking Heads’ sound is ageless, ahead of the curve, and ahead of its time, in contrast to many 1980s songs that seem old due to their slick production and thick reverb.

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” from Songs from the Big Chair provides a welcome diversion from the more strident, militant “Shout.” The song has a relaxed, shuffling beat that feels natural, as opposed to the robotic pulse of many drum machines. Hip-hop-like hypnotic patterns and the freewheeling energy of a live band are balanced in this song. The song has a timeless sound since it skillfully combines dance, new wave, and rock components. With its string of catchy hooks that never go away, this song continues to be a standard for contemporary producers even after several decades.

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
The Simple Minds song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from the soundtrack of The Breakfast Club hardly ever occurred. The song was written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff for John Hughes’ classic movie, but the band first declined the invitation to record it. A moment of camaraderie between characters portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall and Judd Nelson served as the inspiration for Forsey. He told The Guardian, “It brought back memories of school, where there was a sense of connection even when the bad guys were tough.” Its catchy opening line still has that enduring appeal and gets right to you with that fist-pumping ecstatic beat.