The 40 Biggest Songs of 1980

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

1. “Call Me” – Blondie
2. “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” – Pink Floyd
3. “Magic” – Olivia Newton-John
4. “Rock with You” – Michael Jackson
5. “Do That to Me One More Time” – Captain & Tennille
6. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen
7. “Coming Up (Live Version)” – Paul McCartney & Wings
8. “Funkytown” – Lipps Inc.
9. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” – Billy Joel
10. “The Rose” – Bette Midler
11. “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” – Rupert Holmes
12. “Cars” – Gary Numan
13. “Cruisin’” – Smokey Robinson
14. “Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl” – The Spinners
15. “Lost in Love” – Air Supply
16. “Little Jeannie” – Elton John
17. “Ride Like the Wind” – Christopher Cross
18. “Upside Down” – Diana Ross
19. “Please Don’t Go” – KC and the Sunshine Band
20. “Babe” – Styx
21. “With You I’m Born Again” – Billy Preston & Syreeta
22. “Shining Star” – The Manhattans
23. “Still” – Commodores
24. “Yes, I’m Ready” – Teri DeSario with KC
25. “Sexy Eyes” – Dr. Hook
26. “Steal Away” – Robbie Dupree
27. “Biggest Part of Me” – Ambrosia
28. “This Is It” – Kenny Loggins
29. “Coward of the County” – Kenny Rogers
30. “Sailing” – Christopher Cross
31. “Longer” – Dan Fogelberg
32. “Cupid/I’ve Loved You for a Long Time” – The Spinners
33. “Let My Love Open the Door” – Pete Townshend
34. “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” – S.O.S. Band
35. “Heartache Tonight” – Eagles
36. “Stomp!” – The Brothers Johnson
37. “Tired of Toein’ the Line” – Rocky Burnette
38. “Emotional Rescue” – The Rolling Stones
39. “All Out of Love” – Air Supply
40. “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.