In 1984, I was in the twelfth grade (Senior High School) and graduated in June of that year. I was accepted into the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for the Fall semester. During this time, Prince had released his Purple Rain album and soundtrack. It was a good time to be in Minneapolis.
This year kicked off the mini hair band era with Ratt emerging first. Big hair, make-up, and glitz. After this mini season, the grunge era will enter abhorring anything and everything about the glitzy 1980’s.
The following is a list of my favorite songs from 1984. I will only list my favorite song from each album, despite liking several. (The list contains affiliate links that if you click, I may earn a commission if purchased within a limited time.)
- Downbound Train – Bruce Springsteen. This song is from his Born in the USA album that was released in June of 1984. Other hit songs on this album are Born in the USA, Darlington County, My Hometown, and I’m on Fire. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- When Doves Cry – Prince. This song is from his Purple Rain album, which is the soundtrack to the film, Purple Rain, released in June of 1984. Other hits on this album include Purple Rain, Let’s Go Crazy, and I Would Die For You. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Runaway – Bon Jovi. This song is from their first album, Bon Jovi, released in January of 1984. Other hits on this album include Shot Through the Heart, She Don’t Know Me,and Get Ready. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Run to You – Bryan Adams. This song is from his Reckless album released in November of 1984. Other hits on this album include Summer of 69, Somebody, It’s Only Love, One Night Love Affair, and Heaven. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- The Unforgettable Fire – U2. This song is from their The Unforgettable Fire album released in October of 1984. Other hits on the album include Bad and Pride (In the Name of Love). Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Never Be You – Maria Mckee. This song is from the Streets of Fire Soundtrack released in June of 1984. Other songs on this album include Sorcerer (Marilyn Martin), I Can Dream About You (Dan Hartman), and Deeper and Deeper (The Fixx). Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- If I’d Been the One – 38 Special. This is from their Tour de Force album released in February of 1984. Other songs on this album include Undercover Lover and Back Where You Belong. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Dress You Up – Madonna. This is from her Like a Virgin album released in November of 1984. Other songs on this album include Material Girl, Like a Virgin, and Angel. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- The Ghost in You – The Psychedelic Furs. This is from their Mirror Moves album released in August of 1984. Other songs from this album are Heaven and Here Comes Cowboys. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- The Boys of Summer – Don Henley. This is from his Building the Perfect Beast album released in November of 1984. Other hits on this album are Sunset Grill and All She Wants to Do is Dance. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Painted Desert – Pat Benatar. This song is from her Tropico album released in November of 1984. We Belong and Ooh Ooh Song is also on this album. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- How Soon Is Now? – The Smiths. This song is from their Hatful of Hollow album released in November of 1984. Other songs from this album include Hand in Glove and This Charming Man. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Still Loving You – Scorpions. This song is from their Love at First Sting released in March of 1984. Other hits on this album include Rock You Like a Hurricane and Big City Nights. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry. This song is from his Street Talk album released in April of 1984. Other hits on this album include Foolish Heart and You Should Be Happy. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Jump – Van Halen. This song is from their 1984 album released in January 1984. Other hits on this album include Hot For Teacher and Panama. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Missing You – John Waite. This song is from his No Brakes album released in June of 1984. Other songs on this album include Restless Heart and Tears. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Sunglasses at Night – Corey Hart. This song is from his First Offense album released in January of 1984. Peruvian Lady is also on this album. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Careless Whisper – Wham. This song is from their Make it Big album released in October of 1984. Other hits on this album include Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Everything She Wants. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Drive – Cars. This song is from their Heartbeat City album released in March of 1984. Other hits on this album include You Might Think and Magic. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
- Round and Round – Ratt. This song is from their Out of the Cellar album released in March of 1984. Ratt kicked off the mini hair band era with other bands like Poison and Guns and Roses emerging soon after. Other available versions include vinyl and a download of this album.
I created a playlist on my Youtube Channnel – Musical Pier entitled “Favorite Songs of 1984” so you can listen to these songs performed by the artists listed. Check it out! Thanks for reading!