1987 was a defining year for music, bringing iconic hits across pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, and dance.

From Michael Jackson’s smooth moves and Whitney Houston’s powerhouse vocals to U2’s stadium anthems and Madonna’s electrifying presence, every genre thrived.

This was a year of musical creativity, shaping chart-toppers and timeless classics that continue to inspire artists and connect generations.

Top Songs of 1987

Here are some of the most memorable songs from 1987 that capture the essence of an iconic year in music.

1. Walk Like An Egyptian

This fun and silly song is about people moving and dancing funnily, like the ancient Egyptians. It has a cool beat and a catchy tune.

Many people loved it for how different and playful it sounded. It became one of the band’s biggest hits.

2. Alone

This song is about missing someone and feeling lonely. The music is powerful, and the singing is full of strong emotions. It talks about wanting to be close to someone but not knowing how.

Many people relate to the feelings in this touching love song.

3. Shake You Down

This smooth love song is about showing love and affection. It has a soft and sweet sound. Gregory Abbott sings it calmly and charmingly.

The song is easy to listen to and makes people feel relaxed and romantic.

4. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)

This happy and lively song is about wanting to dance and feel loved. Whitney Houston’s strong voice makes it fun and exciting.

It’s a song that makes people want to get up and move. It became one of her most famous and loved hits.

5. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now

This song is about love that can’t be stopped. It talks about staying strong together, no matter what happens.

The music is big and powerful, and the words are full of hope. It became very popular as a strong love anthem.

6. C’est La Vie

This catchy song talks about how life doesn’t always go your way, but you have to keep going. “C’est La Vie” means “That’s life.”

It has a funky beat and fun energy. People liked it because of its cool message and style.

7. Here I Go Again

This rock song is about going through tough times and starting fresh. It talks about being alone but strong. The music is powerful and full of emotion.

Many people loved it for its message of strength and its big, unforgettable chorus.

8. The Way It Is

This thoughtful song talks about real issues in the world, like unfair treatment and change.

It has strong piano music and meaningful words, and Bruce Hornsby’s voice and message make this song stand out. It became a powerful song that still feels important today.

9. Shakedown

This song is fast and full of energy. It’s about chasing someone who’s done wrong and making things right. It was part of a movie soundtrack and became a big hit.

The beat makes you want to move, and Bob Seger’s voice gives it power.

10. Livin’ on a Prayer

This rock song tells the story of a struggling couple who still hold on to hope. It’s full of strong music, big vocals, and heart.

The message is about fighting for your dreams. It became one of Bon Jovi’s most famous and loved songs.

11. La Bamba

This fun and lively song is a new version of a classic Mexican folk tune. Los Lobos gave it a modern sound with rock and roll.

It became very popular and made people dance. The lyrics are in Spanish, and the energy is full of joy.

12. Everybody Have Fun Tonight

This song is all about having a good time. It’s fun, loud, and made for parties. The lyrics are simple, and the beat is great for dancing.

It became an anthem for fun in the 80s and is still remembered for its catchy sound.

13. Don’t Dream It’s Over

This song is calm and emotional. It talks about not giving up, even when life gets hard. The tune is soft and peaceful, and the words give hope.

Many people listen to it when they need comfort or strength.

14. Always

This romantic song is about love that lasts forever. It’s soft, sweet, and full of warm feelings. Because of its lovely message, many couples used it at weddings.

The gentle music and heartfelt singing made it a big hit.

15. With or Without You

This emotional song is about love that’s both strong and painful. It’s slow and powerful, with deep feelings in the music and voice.

The sound is unique and haunting. It became one of U2’s biggest songs and is loved for its passion.

16. Looking for a New Love

This upbeat song is about moving on after heartbreak. It’s bold and confident, with strong words and fun beats.

Jody Watley’s voice is full of attitude, making it a strong anthem for anyone starting over. It was a big solo hit for her.

17. Head to Toe

This song is about loving someone completely. It’s full of energy, fun to dance to, and has a playful sound.

Lisa Lisa’s voice is strong and sweet. It became a number-one hit and made people dance from start to finish.

18. I Think We’re Alone Now

This pop song is about two young people in love who are trying to find privacy from the world. Tiffany’s version made the song fresh and fun for the 1980s.

With a danceable beat and sweet lyrics, it became a huge hit, especially among teenagers.

19. Mony Mony

This high-energy rock song is full of wild fun. Billy Idol’s version of the old hit made it even more exciting.

The crowd loves it, and it has become a party favorite. It’s loud and fast, perfect for singing along at concerts or dances.

20. At This Moment

This heartfelt ballad is about love, heartbreak, and deep emotions. It became popular after being featured on a TV show.

Billy Vera’s voice is full of pain and longing, perfect for moments of reflection. Its raw honesty touched many people.

21. The Lady in Red

This soft and romantic song is about a man who is amazed by how beautiful his partner looks in red. It captures a loving moment that feels magical.

The gentle music and sweet lyrics made it one of the most loved love songs of the 80s.

22. Didn’t We Almost Have It All

This powerful love ballad is about a relationship that almost worked. It speaks of love, memories, and what could have been.

Whitney Houston’s emotional voice brings the lyrics to life, making this song deeply touching and unforgettable.

23. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

This song is about searching for meaning, love, and faith. It mixes rock and gospel styles, and Bono’s voice carries deep emotion.

The song speaks to anyone who feels like they’re on a personal journey or looking for something more in life.

24. Notorious

This funky pop song has a cool groove and a sharp beat. It talks about fame, rumors, and standing strong.

With its bold rhythm and catchy chorus, “Notorious” showed Duran Duran’s stylish and edgy side, helping them stay big in the late ’80s.

25. Only in My Dreams

This upbeat pop song is about dreaming of love and wishing it were real. Debbie Gibson wrote and sang it when she was still a teenager.

The music is light, fun, and full of a young heart, and it became a big hit in the late ’80s.

26. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life

This famous duet is about a once-in-a-lifetime moment of love and happiness. It was featured in the movie Dirty Dancing and became a classic.

The song builds from slow and soft to powerful and joyful, making it perfect for big romantic moments.

27. The Next Time I Fall

This sweet duet is about finding love again after heartbreak. It’s hopeful, soft, and full of emotion.

Peter Cetera and Amy Grant’s voices blend beautifully, and the song became a soft rock favorite about new beginnings and trust in love.

28. Lean on Me

This version of the classic song brings a fresh, upbeat style with a message of support and friendship. Club Nouveau’s version added a funky beat, but the heart of the song, being there for others, remains strong.

It’s about standing together in hard times.

29. Open Your Heart

This pop hit is about wanting someone to give love a chance. Madonna sings with passion and confidence, asking someone to open their heart to her.

It’s catchy, bold, and full of 80s style. The music video also helped make it a big success.

30. Lost in Emotion

This song is about feeling confused and unsure in love. The beat is smooth and danceable, with a soft R&B style.

Lisa’s voice expresses how love can be exciting but also uncertain. It was a number-one hit that people loved for its vibe.

31. (I Just) Died In Your Arms

This emotional rock song is about a love so strong and painful that it feels overwhelming.

The music is dramatic, and the lyrics are full of heartbreak and regret. It became a huge hit with its catchy chorus and powerful delivery, touching listeners around the world.

32. Heart and Soul

This song blends pop and rock with emotional lyrics about love and desire. The lead singer’s voice switches between soft and strong, showing both vulnerability and power.

The music has a cool, stylish ’80s sound that made it stand out and become a global hit.

This energetic song is about wanting to break free from a relationship that’s no longer working. Kim Wilde’s version has a bold and upbeat sound, turning the original 60s Motown hit into a strong 80s dance anthem.

It’s all about independence and moving on.

34. Keep Your Hands to Yourself

This fun and rowdy rock song has a Southern feel. It tells the story of a man in love with a woman who wants to wait until marriage.

The lyrics are playful, and the music is full of guitar energy, making it a classic rock favorite.

35. I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)

This uplifting duet is about two people finding each other after a long wait. Aretha and George’s voices blend with power and soul.

The song is full of hope, strength, and celebration. It became a major hit and showed the beauty of their musical partnership.

List of Remaining Top Songs of 1987

36. Control
37. U Got the Look
38. Somewhere Out There
39. Land of Confusion
40. Jacob’s Ladder
41. Who’s That Girl
42. You Got It All
43. Touch Me (I Want Your Body)
44. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
45. Causing a Commotion
46. In Too Deep
47. Let’s Wait Awhile
48. Hip to Be Square
49. Will You Still Love Me
50. Little Lies
51. Luka
52. I Heard A Rumour
53. Don’t Mean Nothing
54. Songbird
55. Carrie
56. Don’t Disturb This Groove
57. La Isla Bonita
58. Bad
59. Sign o’ the Times
60. Change of Heart
61. Come Go with Me
62. Can’t We Try
63. To Be a Lover
64. Mandolin Rain
65. Breakout
66. Stand by Me
67. Tonight, Tonight, Tonight
68. Someday
69. When Smokey Sings
70. Casanova
71. Rhythm Is Gonna Get You
72. Rock Steady
73. Wanted Dead or Alive
74. Big Time
75. The Finer Things
76. Let Me Be the One
77. Is This Love?
78. Diamonds
79. Point of No Return
80. Big Love
81. Midnight Blue
82. Something So Strong
83. Heat of the Night
84. Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You
85. Brilliant Disguise
86. Just to See Her
87. Who Will You Run To?
88. Respect Yourself
89. Cross My Broken Heart
90. Victory
91. Don’t Get Me Wrong
92. Doing It All for My Baby
93. Right on Track
94. Ballerina Girl
95. Meet Me Half Way
96. I’ve Been in Love Before
97. (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)
98. Funkytown
99. Love You Down
100. The Way You Make Me Feel
101. I Want to Know What Love Is
102. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)
103. Dancing on the Ceiling
104. True Colors
105. The Final Countdown
106. Sledgehammer
107. I Can’t Tell You Why
108. Don’t Leave Me This Way
109. Love Will Tear Us Apart
110. Kiss
111. Take My Breath Away
112. Sweet Freedom
113. Shake It Up
114. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
115. Dancing in the Dark
116. What Have I Done to Deserve This?
117. Somebody’s Watching Me
118. Call Me
119. We Don’t Talk Anymore
120. Time After Time
121. You Make My Dreams
122. Every Breath You Take
123. Waiting for a Girl Like You
124. Take On Me
125. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
126. Jump
127. Eye of the Tiger
128. Africa
129. Like a Prayer
130. In Your Eyes
131. Smooth Criminal
132. Crazy for You
133. All Out of Love
134. Islands in the Stream
135. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
136. Boys of Summer
137. Here I Go Again
138. Summer of ’69
139. Faith
140. You Give Love a Bad Name
141. Livin’ la Vida Loca
142. Back for Good
143. Shout
144. We Are the World
145. Another Day in Paradise
146. Under Pressure
147. With Every Heartbeat
148. My Heart Will Go On
149. Chasing Cars
150. I Want Your Sex

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Artist had the Most Number-One Hits in 1987?

Madonna had four songs on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, making her the most successful artist of 1987 with consistent chart-topping hits.

What Genres Dominated the Charts in 1987?

The 1987 charts featured pop, rock, R&B, freestyle, and glam metal, showcasing diverse musical tastes and iconic hits from artists like Whitney Houston and Bon Jovi.

What Role did MTV Play in Popularizing Music in 1987?

MTV played a crucial role by showcasing visually appealing music videos, helping artists like Madonna and Def Leppard reach wider audiences and boost record sales.