The top 100 songs of 1985 reflect a dynamic era when pop music reached new heights, rock anthems ruled the airwaves, and groundbreaking artists emerged. MTV was in full swing, and the music video era was transforming the way fans consumed music. From pop sensations like Madonna and Whitney Houston to rock legends like Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits, 1985 produced a wealth of unforgettable hits. Let’s explore the top songs that defined this iconic year.

Top 100 Songs of 1985

1. Wham! – “Careless Whisper”
2. Madonna – “Like a Virgin”
3. Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
4. Phil Collins – “Sussudio”
5. Foreigner – “I Want to Know What Love Is”
6. Huey Lewis and the News – “The Power of Love”
7. Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing”
8. Simple Minds – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
9. A-Ha – “Take on Me”
10. Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the U.S.A.”
11. Whitney Houston – “Saving All My Love for You”
12. Bryan Adams – “Heaven”
13. Madonna – “Material Girl”
14. Paul Young – “Every Time You Go Away”
15. The Pointer Sisters – “Neutron Dance”
16. USA for Africa – “We Are the World”
17. David Bowie & Mick Jagger – “Dancing in the Street”
18. Billy Ocean – “Loverboy”
19. Tina Turner – “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”
20. Glenn Frey – “The Heat Is On”
21. Phil Collins – “One More Night”
22. Bryan Adams – “Summer of ’69”
23. John Parr – “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)”
24. Pat Benatar – “We Belong”
25. Sting – “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free”
26. Kool & the Gang – “Cherish”
27. Duran Duran – “A View to a Kill”
28. Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know”
29. The Cars – “Drive”
30. Tears for Fears – “Shout”
31. Aretha Franklin – “Freeway of Love”
32. Prince and the Revolution – “Raspberry Beret”
33. Ready for the World – “Oh Sheila”
34. Eurythmics – “Would I Lie to You?”
35. Don Henley – “The Boys of Summer”
36. Sheena Easton – “Sugar Walls”
37. Bryan Ferry – “Slave to Love”
38. Lionel Richie – “Say You, Say Me”
39. Cyndi Lauper – “Money Changes Everything”
40. Rick Springfield – “Celebrate Youth”
41. Tina Turner – “Private Dancer”
42. Dead or Alive – “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”
43. The Power Station – “Some Like It Hot”
44. Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin – “Separate Lives”
45. Daryl Hall & John Oates – “Out of Touch”
46. DeBarge – “Rhythm of the Night”
47. Murray Head – “One Night in Bangkok”
48. Madonna – “Angel”
49. Night Ranger – “Sentimental Street”
50. The Motels – “Shame”
51. Howard Jones – “Things Can Only Get Better”
52. Simple Minds – “Alive and Kicking”
53. Julian Lennon – “Too Late for Goodbyes”
54. Tears for Fears – “Head over Heels”
55. Billy Ocean – “Suddenly”
56. Paul McCartney – “Spies Like Us”
57. Bruce Springsteen – “Glory Days”
58. Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited”
59. Thompson Twins – “Lay Your Hands on Me”
60. Phil Collins – “Don’t Lose My Number”
61. Sheila E. – “A Love Bizarre”
62. Cyndi Lauper – “All Through the Night”
63. Chaka Khan – “I Feel for You”
64. Dan Hartman – “I Can Dream About You”
65. Mötley Crüe – “Home Sweet Home”
66. Sade – “Smooth Operator”
67. Bruce Springsteen – “I’m on Fire”
68. Stevie Wonder – “Part-Time Lover”
69. REO Speedwagon – “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
70. Madonna – “Crazy for You”
71. Cameo – “She’s Strange”
72. John Fogerty – “The Old Man Down the Road”
73. Sting – “Fortress Around Your Heart”
74. Bonnie Tyler – “Holding Out for a Hero”
75. Jermaine Jackson – “Dynamite”
76. Paul Hardcastle – “19”
77. Glenn Frey – “Smuggler’s Blues”
78. Baltimora – “Tarzan Boy”
79. New Edition – “Cool It Now”
80. Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora – “When the Rain Begins to Fall”
81. Aerosmith – “Let the Music Do the Talking”
82. Alison Moyet – “Invisible”
83. Katrina and the Waves – “Walking on Sunshine”
84. The Hooters – “And We Danced”
85. Shannon – “Do You Wanna Get Away”
86. Wham! – “Everything She Wants”
87. Heart – “What About Love?”
88. Kool & the Gang – “Fresh”
89. The Cure – “In Between Days”
90. The Firm – “Radioactive”
91. Tina Turner – “Better Be Good to Me”
92. Power Station – “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”
93. Animotion – “Obsession”
94. Jefferson Starship – “We Built This City”
95. Prince – “Pop Life”
96. Dire Straits – “Walk of Life”
97. Survivor – “The Search Is Over”
98. Diana Ross – “Missing You”
99. Ratt – “Round and Round”
100. Sheena Easton – “Strut”

The top 100 songs of 1985 showcase a year filled with pop brilliance, rock power, and the emergence of legendary artists. From Prince’s iconic releases to Madonna’s rise to superstardom, 1985 remains one of the most influential years in music history. These tracks not only defined the decade but also continue to resonate with listeners today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the top artists of 1985?
A: Prince, Madonna, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, and Bruce Springsteen dominated the charts in 1985.

Q: What genres were most popular in 1985?
A: Pop, rock, new wave, and R&B were the leading genres.

Q: Why is 1985 significant in music history?
A: 1985 marked the peak of the MTV era, with music videos becoming critical for success, and saw the rise of global charity singles like “We Are the World.”