How do you even choose the best 80s rock songs by females?
It’s time to tease our manes and bring out the electric guitars because we’re going to be travelling through time into the greatest decade of all. Everything from style to movies to television from this time deserves its own list, but we’ll be focusing on music for now, more specifically, rock music. Even more specifically, rock music by talented, iconic ladies who truly made the genre, whether through power ballads, heavy metal anthems, or pop rock tunes. These are the best 80s rock songs by females.
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1. Walk like an Egyptian – the Bangles (1986)
2. Heaven is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle (1987)
Frequently asked questions
Famous female rock artists from the 80s include Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson of Heart, and Debbie Harry of Blondie.
One popular 80s rock song by a female artist is 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' by Pat Benatar.
Rock songs from the 80s by female artists are special because they broke new ground in a male-dominated genre, bringing powerful vocals and unique perspectives to rock music.
Yes, many female rock artists of the 80s received awards for their work, including Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and accolades from various music industry organizations.
Yes, songs like 'Like a Virgin' by Madonna, 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler were particularly influential and are still widely recognized today.
3. Alone – Heart (1987)
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"Alone" by the band Heart is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1980s. Released in 1987, the song was written by the band's lead singer Ann Wilson and guitarist Nancy Wilson. It was the second single from their ninth studio album, Bad Animals.
The song has become a classic rock staple, regularly played on radio stations and in films. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three. It also topped the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and was certified gold by the RIAA in 1989.
The song is a power ballad, characterized by its strong vocals and heartfelt lyrics. It speaks of loneliness and the desire to find someone to love, themes that many people can relate to.
The accompanying music video was directed by Marty Callner and featured the band performing the song in a desert setting. It was nominated for Best Video from a Film at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards.
Heart was one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s, and "Alone" is one of their most beloved songs. It remains an essential part of the 80s rock music canon and is a testament to the power of female rockers in the decade.
4. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler (1983)
5. If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher (1989)
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Cher's powerhouse vocals on If I Could Turn Back Time encapsulate the emotion of regret and the desire for redemption in a relationship that's gone awry. This thundering track, with its blend of hard rock riffs and pop sensibility, became an anthem of the late '80s and solidified Cher’s place in the rock genre. Its memorable music video, featuring Cher on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri, was both iconic and controversial, further cementing the song's place in pop culture history. Cher's ability to convey vulnerability while simultaneously belting out rock and roll strength is a testament to her enduring talent.
6. All We Are – Warlock (1987)
7. Edge of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks (1982)
8. I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1982)
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Iconic, empowering, and with a chorus that's impossible to resist belting out, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' rendition of "I Love Rock 'N Roll" became an anthem of defiance and rock spirit for a generation. Originally by The Arrows, Jett's cover took the song to new heights, becoming a landmark moment in rock history. Her gritty vocals and the song's driving beat made it a jukebox favorite and a staple on rock radio stations. It's a track that not only defined the '80s but also solidified Joan Jett's status as a rock 'n' roll trailblazer.
9. I Hate Myself for Loving You – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1988)
Yes, Joan gets two entries because let’s face it, she rules.
10. Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes (1981)
11. Voices Carry – ‘Til Tuesday – (1985)
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"Voices Carry," a standout hit by the band 'Til Tuesday, showcases the impeccable vocal range of lead singer Aimee Mann. This anthem, with its new wave aesthetic, addresses the desire for emotional expression against the constraints of a relationship where one's feelings are intended to be kept silent. The song's iconic chorus reverberates with a resonance that spoke to many listeners in the 80s and continues to do so today. With its storytelling through both lyrics and the compelling music video, "Voices Carry" remains a poignant reminder of the power of speaking out.
12. 99 Red Balloons – Nena (1984)
13. Love is a Battlefield – Pat Benatar (1983)
14. We Don’t Need Another Hero – Tina Turner (1985)
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This powerful anthem showcases Tina Turner's unmatched vocal prowess and commanding stage presence. "We Don’t Need Another Hero" became a defining song for the mid-80s, not just because it was featured in the Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome movie soundtrack, but also due to its profound message of self-reliance and resilience. The track's haunting melody and Turner's emotionally charged delivery resonate deeply, symbolizing strength amidst chaos. With its dramatic instrumentation and evocative lyrics, it stands as a testament to Turner's ability to convey deep sentiment and energy, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history.
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