Forgotten Songs of the 80s

Time narrows how much we recall.There were countless hits in the 80s, and when competing against blockbuster albums like Thriller, Purple Rain, and True Blue, it’s understandable that piles of songs get erased from our memories. Also, pop culture tends to move at warp speed, so when the 90s began, the new decade made what came before it feel irrelevant. Perhaps you haven’t forgotten these songs. But many have either overlooked or missed them entirely. Each track here was popular and had varying degrees of success in multiple countries. Let’s see if you remember these forgotten songs from the 80.

Running in the Night (FM)

FM, a supergroup featuring Steve Hackett (Genesis) and John Wetton (King Crimson), released “Running in the Night” in 1983. this track blended progressive rock elements with a catchy pop sensibility. It reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100, but has largely faded from mainstream memory. The song’s atmospheric synths and Wetton’s powerful vocals create a unique soundscape.

Der Kommissar (After the Fire)

Originally a German new wave song by Falco, “Der Kommissar” gained international recognition through after the fire’s English cover in 1982. It peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s driving beat and catchy chorus made it a dance-floor favorite,but it’s often overshadowed by othre hits of the era.

Too Shy (Kajagoogoo)

Kajagoogoo burst onto the scene in 1983 with “Too Shy.” The song’s distinctive synth intro and Limahl’s vocals propelled it to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite initial success, the band struggled to maintain momentum, and “Too Shy” remains their most recognizable track, frequently enough forgotten amidst the decade’s bigger hits.

Voices Carry (‘Til Tuesday)

‘Til Tuesday,fronted by Aimee Mann,released “Voices Carry” in 1985. The song’s introspective lyrics and Mann’s emotive vocals resonated with audiences, reaching #25 on the Billboard Hot 100. It gained renewed attention after being featured in the film Say Anything…, but still remains relatively unknown to many.

Head over Heels (Tears for Fears)

While Tears for Fears is well-known for songs like “Everybody Wants to rule the World” and “Shout,” “Head Over Heels” (1985) often gets overlooked.It reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is a classic example of the band’s complex pop sound. The song’s complex arrangement and emotional depth make it a standout track.

key Takeaways

• The 1980s produced a wealth of music, and many great songs were overshadowed by larger hits.
• Songs like “Running in the Night,” “Der Kommissar,” and “Too Shy” achieved chart success but have faded from popular memory.
• Artists like FM, After the Fire, Kajagoogoo, ‘Til Tuesday, and Tears for fears contributed significantly to the 80s music scene.
• Rediscovering these forgotten hits offers a fresh gratitude for the decade’s musical diversity.

These songs represent just a small fraction of the 80s music that deserves a second listen. As music streaming continues to evolve, it’s likely that more forgotten gems will be rediscovered and appreciated by new generations. The 80s were a pivotal decade for music, and its legacy continues to influence artists today.

Publication Date: 2025/09/21 18:57:39