The year 1980 marked the start of a new decade, blending the last echoes of disco with the rise of pop, rock, and new wave. It was a time of musical transition, with artists experimenting across genres and a surge in crossovers between pop, R&B, and rock. Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 was at the forefront, chronicling the biggest hits of the year. From power ballads to dance anthems, 1980’s top songs represent a dynamic blend of styles and enduring classics. Below is the definitive list of the 40 biggest songs of 1980, based on the popular countdown that captivated radio listeners across the nation.
Top 40 Songs of 1980
- “Call Me” – Blondie
- “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” – Pink Floyd
- “Magic” – Olivia Newton-John
- “Rock with You” – Michael Jackson
- “Do That to Me One More Time” – Captain & Tennille
- “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen
- “Coming Up (Live Version)” – Paul McCartney & Wings
- “Funkytown” – Lipps Inc.
- “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” – Billy Joel
- “The Rose” – Bette Midler
- “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” – Rupert Holmes
- “Cars” – Gary Numan
- “Cruisin’” – Smokey Robinson
- “Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl” – The Spinners
- “Lost in Love” – Air Supply
- “Little Jeannie” – Elton John
- “Ride Like the Wind” – Christopher Cross
- “Upside Down” – Diana Ross
- “Please Don’t Go” – KC and the Sunshine Band
- “Babe” – Styx
- “With You I’m Born Again” – Billy Preston & Syreeta
- “Shining Star” – The Manhattans
- “Still” – Commodores
- “Yes, I’m Ready” – Teri DeSario with KC
- “Sexy Eyes” – Dr. Hook
- “Steal Away” – Robbie Dupree
- “Biggest Part of Me” – Ambrosia
- “This Is It” – Kenny Loggins
- “Coward of the County” – Kenny Rogers
- “Sailing” – Christopher Cross
- “Longer” – Dan Fogelberg
- “Cupid/I’ve Loved You for a Long Time” – The Spinners
- “Let My Love Open the Door” – Pete Townshend
- “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” – S.O.S. Band
- “Heartache Tonight” – Eagles
- “Stomp!” – The Brothers Johnson
- “Tired of Toein’ the Line” – Rocky Burnette
- “Emotional Rescue” – The Rolling Stones
- “All Out of Love” – Air Supply
- “I’m Alright” – Kenny Loggins
This list reflects the diverse and iconic music of 1980, a year that set the stage for future musical trends while celebrating the successes of seasoned artists. From Blondie’s new wave dominance to Michael Jackson’s enduring pop influence, these tracks defined the radio waves and still resonate with fans today.
