Back in Time Today
The year 1987 was a remarkable one in music history, marked by an eclectic mix of pop, rock, and R&B hits that resonated with audiences worldwide.
From dance anthems to powerful ballads, these songs defined the era and left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Join us as we explore the 20 biggest hits of 1987 that ruled the airwaves and continue to be celebrated for their impact and enduring appeal.
20. “Walk Like an Egyptian” – The Bangles
The quirky and upbeat “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles dominated the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987, becoming an iconic cultural phenomenon. Its catchy rhythm and playful lyrics made it an irresistible hit that captured the spirit of the era.
The song’s unique concept, inspired by the hieroglyphic-like dance moves, added to its charm and widespread appeal. It became a staple at parties and gatherings, with people mimicking the distinctive dance.
The Bangles, known for their harmonious vocals and catchy tunes, solidified their place in music history with this unforgettable track.
19. “Alone” – Heart
Heart’s “Alone” is a dramatic power ballad that captivated listeners with its emotional intensity and unforgettable vocal performance. Ann Wilson’s soaring voice delivered the song’s heartfelt lyrics with passion, making it a signature track for the band.
The song became a chart-topping hit, resonating with fans through its themes of longing and desire. “Alone” showcased Heart’s ability to blend rock elements with emotive storytelling, creating a timeless classic.
Its success cemented Heart’s reputation as one of the top rock bands of the ’80s, with “Alone” remaining a beloved anthem.
18. “With or Without You” – U2
U2’s “With or Without You” is a haunting, emotional song that became the band’s first No. 1 hit in the U.S. The track’s ethereal soundscape, built on The Edge’s distinctive guitar riff, captivated audiences worldwide.
Bono’s evocative vocals and poignant lyrics expressed themes of love and longing, resonating deeply with listeners. The song’s powerful crescendo and heartfelt delivery made it an enduring favorite.
“With or Without You” solidified U2’s place in rock history, showcasing their ability to craft songs with emotional depth and universal appeal.
17. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is one of her biggest hits, blending pop and dance into a high-energy classic. The song’s infectious beat and Whitney’s powerful vocals created an instant favorite that topped the charts worldwide.
Its joyous theme of longing for companionship on the dance floor resonated with fans, making it a staple at parties and celebrations.
The track showcased Whitney’s remarkable vocal range and ability to deliver captivating performances, further establishing her as a pop icon of the ’80s.
16. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – Starship
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship is a romantic, soaring anthem from the Mannequin movie soundtrack that reached No. 1 on the charts. The powerful duet between Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas delivered a message of unwavering love and determination.
The song’s infectious melody and uplifting lyrics made it a favorite among fans, capturing the optimistic spirit of the ’80s.
Starship’s dynamic performance and the track’s association with a popular film further propelled its success, ensuring its place as one of the era’s defining love songs.
15. “C’est La Vie” – Robbie Nevil
Robbie Nevil’s “C’est La Vie” is a funky, danceable track that became one of the year’s biggest pop hits. With its catchy chorus and infectious groove, the song encouraged listeners to embrace life’s unpredictability with a carefree attitude.
Nevil’s smooth vocals and the track’s upbeat tempo made it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations alike. “C’est La Vie” captured the essence of the ’80s pop scene, with its lively energy and positive message, earning Nevil a place among the memorable artists of the decade.
14. “La Bamba” – Los Lobos
Los Lobos’ “La Bamba” is a lively rock version of the Ritchie Valens classic, propelled by the hit La Bamba biopic. The band’s energetic rendition brought a fresh, vibrant sound to the beloved song, captivating audiences with its infectious rhythm.
“La Bamba” became a massive success, blending rock and traditional Mexican music to create an unforgettable hit. The track’s lively tempo and spirited performance resonated with fans worldwide, cementing Los Lobos’ place in music history and honoring the legacy of Ritchie Valens.
13. “Shakedown” – Bob Seger
Bob Seger’s “Shakedown” is a track from the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack that gave Seger his only No. 1 pop hit. The song’s catchy beat and energetic tempo made it a favorite among fans, perfectly complementing the film’s action-packed scenes.
Seger’s gritty vocals and the track’s driving rhythm created an exhilarating listening experience, solidifying its place as a standout hit of the year.
“Shakedown” highlighted Seger’s ability to blend rock and pop elements, making it a memorable addition to his illustrious career.
12. “The Way It Is” – Bruce Hornsby & The Range
Bruce Hornsby & The Range’s “The Way It Is” is a thought-provoking song with brilliant piano work that captivated listeners in 1987. The track’s socially conscious lyrics addressed themes of inequality and change, resonating with audiences seeking meaningful messages in music.
Hornsby’s masterful piano playing and the song’s melodic structure created a unique and memorable sound. “The Way It Is” became a chart-topping hit, later sampled by 2Pac in “Changes,” further cementing its impact on music history.
The song remains a powerful and relevant piece, reflecting Hornsby’s artistry.
11. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi is an anthem of the decade that remains one of the band’s biggest and most recognizable hits. The song’s powerful lyrics and catchy chorus tell the story of perseverance and hope, resonating with fans worldwide.
Jon Bon Jovi’s dynamic vocals and the band’s energetic performance made it an instant classic. “Livin’ on a Prayer” became a staple at concerts and events, embodying the spirit of the ’80s rock scene. Its enduring popularity showcases Bon Jovi’s ability to craft timeless anthems.
10. “At This Moment” – Billy Vera & The Beaters
“At This Moment” by Billy Vera & The Beaters is a slow-burning love ballad that became a hit after being featured on the TV show Family Ties. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody captivated audiences, resonating with listeners experiencing love and longing.
Billy Vera’s emotive vocal delivery and the band’s soft accompaniment created a touching and memorable performance. “At This Moment” climbed the charts, becoming a defining hit of the year and showcasing the band’s ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
9. “Mony Mony” – Billy Idol
Billy Idol’s “Mony Mony” is a party classic, with Idol’s energetic cover of Tommy James & The Shondells’ song becoming a massive success. The track’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus made it a favorite at clubs and events, with fans singing along to its lively beat.
Idol’s charismatic performance and punk rock flair added a unique twist to the classic tune, resonating with audiences across generations. “Mony Mony” showcased Idol’s ability to reinvent songs and make them his own, contributing to his status as an ’80s music icon.
8. “Shake You Down” – Gregory Abbott
Gregory Abbott’s “Shake You Down” is a smooth, soulful R&B hit that dominated airwaves with its sensual groove. The song’s romantic lyrics and Abbott’s velvety vocals created a captivating listening experience, resonating with fans seeking love and connection.
“Shake You Down” became a chart-topping success, showcasing Abbott’s talent for crafting memorable love songs. The track’s smooth melody and intimate feel made it a favorite among audiences, solidifying its place as one of the defining R&B hits of the ’80s.
Abbott’s charming performance further enhanced its appeal.
7. “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” – Aretha Franklin & George Michael
“I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” is a powerhouse duet by Aretha Franklin and George Michael that reached No. 1, marking a massive comeback for Franklin. The song’s catchy melody and uplifting lyrics celebrated themes of anticipation and fulfillment, resonating with fans worldwide.
Both artists delivered outstanding vocal performances, blending their unique styles to create a dynamic and memorable track. The song’s success highlighted the incredible chemistry between Franklin and Michael, cementing its place as one of the standout hits of 1987.
6. “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake
“Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake is one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time, famous for its soaring vocals and legendary guitar riffs. The song’s themes of resilience and starting anew resonated with fans, making it a beloved classic.
David Coverdale’s powerful voice and the band’s dynamic performance brought the track to life, reaching audiences worldwide. “Here I Go Again” became a defining hit of the ’80s rock scene, showcasing Whitesnake’s talent for crafting memorable songs with broad appeal.
5. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” – Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” is a synth-pop remake of The Supremes’ classic, turning it into a No. 1 hit. The song’s modern arrangement and Wilde’s commanding vocals brought a fresh, energetic sound to the beloved tune, captivating audiences anew.
Its catchy beat and relatable lyrics resonated with fans, making it a favorite on dance floors. Wilde’s performance and the track’s upbeat tempo highlighted her talent for reinterpreting classics, ensuring its success as a standout hit of the year.
4. “Causing a Commotion” – Madonna
Madonna’s “Causing a Commotion” is a dance-pop anthem from the Who’s That Girl soundtrack, continuing her dominance in the ’80s. The song’s infectious beat and catchy chorus made it a hit on the charts, with fans drawn to its energetic vibe.
Madonna’s charismatic performance and the track’s lively tempo created a memorable listening experience, reinforcing her status as a pop icon.
“Causing a Commotion” celebrated themes of rebellion and self-expression, resonating with audiences and adding to Madonna’s impressive repertoire of hits.
3. “Don’t Mean Nothing” – Richard Marx
“Don’t Mean Nothing” is Richard Marx’s debut single that launched his career, blending rock and pop elements with a memorable chorus. The song’s catchy melody and reflective lyrics resonated with listeners, addressing themes of disillusionment and perseverance.
Marx’s distinctive voice and the track’s dynamic arrangement made it a standout hit, capturing the attention of music fans. “Don’t Mean Nothing” showcased Marx’s songwriting talent and ability to craft engaging tunes, establishing him as a prominent artist in the late ’80s music scene.
2. “I Want Your Sex” – George Michael
George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” was a bold and controversial hit that became a massive success despite radio restrictions. Its provocative lyrics and catchy beat challenged societal norms, sparking conversations about sexuality and expression.
Michael’s charismatic performance and the song’s energetic tempo resonated with audiences, making it a favorite despite its contentious nature.
“I Want Your Sex” highlighted Michael’s ability to push boundaries with his music, further cementing his place as a trailblazing artist of the ’80s.
1. “Control” – Janet Jackson
“Control” is a defining track from Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking Control album, showcasing her independence and strength. The song’s upbeat tempo and assertive lyrics celebrated themes of self-empowerment and autonomy, resonating with listeners worldwide.
Jackson’s dynamic performance and the track’s innovative production made it a standout hit, establishing her as a formidable force in the music industry. “Control” marked a turning point in Jackson’s career, highlighting her ability to create music with a powerful message and broad appeal.