4 Overplayed ’80s Pop Songs We Couldn’t Stand Then — But Secretly Love Now

There’s a reason people say, “time heals all wounds.” With enough distance, even the most overplayed songs can find their way back into listeners’ good graces. The same applies to the pop hits of the 1980s—tracks that once made people reach for the dial but now sound charmingly nostalgic. A touch of irony might help, but sometimes time alone is enough to make these songs enjoyable again.

“Sister Christian” – Night Ranger
Many people first rediscovered “Sister Christian” through the Boogie Nights soundtrack, though those who grew up in the 1980s remember hearing it constantly on rock radio. Drummer Kelly Keagy wrote Night Ranger’s biggest hit about how quickly his younger sister was growing up. Singing from behind the drum kit, Keagy delivers the song’s emotional core. In the music video, he steals the spotlight with a powerful drum fill before turning toward the camera to sing the final verse—a moment that perfectly captures the song’s mix of tenderness and drama.

“Sunglasses at Night” – Corey Hart
Whether Corey Hart wears sunglasses to hide from a cheating lover or to gain some mysterious insight into her betrayal remains unclear. Either way, the image of him prowling through the night to a haunting synth riff is unforgettable—especially since his dark glasses make him impossible to miss. Despite its absurd premise, the song’s hook remains irresistible, particularly when Hart belts out: “Don’t switch the blade / On the guy in shades, oh no.”

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler’s dramatic seven-minute ballad has gained new appreciation in recent years. Musician Brandi Carlile performed it at her Girls Just Wanna Weekend festival in Mexico, delivering a powerhouse rendition alongside her band and guest vocalists. The performance gave many fans a renewed respect for the song’s sweeping emotional scope and timeless melody. Once dismissed as overly earnest, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” now stands as one of the defining power ballads of the 1980s.

“In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins
Few songs build anticipation like “In the Air Tonight.” The track stretches nearly a full pop song’s length before Phil Collins unleashes his legendary drum fill—an explosion that still defines the term “air drumming.” As a child, many listeners might have switched stations when it began, unaware of the musical payoff waiting at the end. Produced with Hugh Padgham, the song introduced the iconic gated reverb drum sound that would shape pop and rock production for decades. Even Peter Gabriel’s eerie “Intruder”—also featuring Collins on drums—owes its haunting atmosphere to that same sound.