Were you alive in 1989? If you were, or you came to be a few years later, you grew up listening to these classic songs.
Here is some of the best songs from 1989!
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Song Year: 1989
Who doesn’t remember this classic by Madonna? This 1989 hit caused quite a controversy in the Catholic church due to the explicit and suggestive use of religious symbols in the music video. Despite all that, it’s still a highly enjoyed song all these years later.
“If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher
1989
This apologetic 1989 anthem from Cher is one everyone in relationships can relate to; sometimes things go the wrong way, and you wish you could take them back. Cher’s pleas in her music video make us all root for her and for her lover to take her back.
“Love Shack” by B-52’s
Song Year: 1989
Everyone knows “Love Shack!” Even just by reading the title of this 1989 classic, you can hear it in your head. And the music video makes it even more fun. You just want to be part of the fun going on at the Love Shack, but at least you still have the tune to help you.
“Angel Eyes” by the Jeff Healey Band
Song Year: 1989
“Angel Eyes” is a cute 1989 love song where the singer can hardly believe he’s gotten the girl of his dreams on his arm. He asks the stars and everyone else how the relationship came to be; no one knows how or why. So he sings in the video, happy about his good fortune.
“Stand” by R.E.M.
Song Year: 1989
“Stand” is another classic 80’s gem. Released near the end of 1989, this fun tune talks about making decisions in life and how one has to make them instead of just standing there and letting them pass by. Don’t just stand there; dance to this catchy tune.
“Paradise City” by Guns N Roses
Song Year: 1989
Released in January 1989, “Paradise City” by Guns N Roses seemed to rush in promises of a better life, of an Eden in what they call “Paradise City.” If your paradise features palm trees or beautiful women, or whatever makes you happy, this song is for you.
Check out this song to relive the wistfulness of what it would be like to visit your very own “Paradise City.”
“Poison” by Alice Cooper
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 hit by Alice Cooper was the first glimpse of singing about toxic relationships and how tricky they can be. We’ve all had feelings or a relationship unhealthy for us; “Poison” addresses it head-on and talks about how difficult it can be to move on.
Check out this electrifying song to get pumped up for your day.
“The End of Innocence” by Don Henley
Song Year: 1989
Don Henley’s “The End of Innocence” is a fantastic song with a bittersweet message; all good things must end someday. No matter how much we try or want to stay in a happy place, that’s just not the reality of the world.
The music video helps hammer that long, wistful feeling in black and white, reminding us that the end of innocence happens at any time and to everyone.
“Here Comes Your Man” by the Pixies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPgf_btTFlc
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 hymn by the Pixies has been in its fair share in the background of movies and tv shows, with good reason. It’s catchy and easy to dance to. See for yourself by checking out the music video.
“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty
Song Year: 1989
“Free Fallin’” is a classic Tom Petty song. Even if you don’t listen to Tom Petty, you’ve still heard this iconic tune as part of Petty’s first solo released album. The emotions are poignant, which makes it such a memorable song.
“Through the Storm” by Aretha Franklin
Song Year: 1989
Aretha Franklin’s 1989 hit “Through the Storm” reminds us about the work it takes to be in a relationship. It’s not all love and games; there are fights and problems that you have to work through to keep the relationship. It’s emotional, but the love is always worth it.
The song was featured in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness.
“Pictures of You” by the Cure
Song Year: 1989
The Cure created several love songs, and 1989’s “Pictures of You” is especially sweet. Well, it is until you remember it’s a breakup song. It’s a good tune to help you heal, especially if you’re going through a breakup or something a little more difficult, like a divorce.
“Blew” by Nirvana
Song Year: 1989
Everyone knows that Nirvana changed the world; after the first album, “Bleach,” released in 1989, with “Blew” as one of the singles, a mixture of rock and grunge was born.
Sink into the memories of that world-altering album with this live performance video of “Blew.” Bang your head, guys!
“After All” by Cher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq9UmS7Wt-w
Song Year: 1989
Cher and Peter Cetera teamed up to sing this 1989 hit about a couple that got together, strayed apart, and ultimately found themselves back together. “After All” and after everything they’d been through, they recognize that they belong together.
This song is a happy, positive one that gives hope to those experiencing trouble in their relationships. At the end of the day, everything will be okay. Sinking into the music video might leave you feeling inspired and romantic; that is the point, after all!
“Revival” by the Eurythmics
Song Year: 1989
“Revival” was written by singers Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, with additional influence from Pat Seymour and vocalist Charlie Wilson. It’s a hopeful 1989 hit about restarting and how everyone could use a ‘revival’ to escape those nasty bits and pieces of life.
It seeks and encourages listeners to remember that everyone has their battles, but we can make the best of things by starting anew.
“Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson
Song Year: 1989
Janet Jackson, the youngest member of the Jackson family, had already defined her strong career by the time 1989 “Rhythm Nation” off of her fourth studio album of the same name arrived.
While her beats were catchy, as always, this album tackled issues of poverty, racism, and drug abuse. “Rhythm Nation” calls on society to stand together in the face of injustice, and that together, they can call for action to make things more hospitable.
Get your groove on!
“Miss You Much” by Janet Jackson
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 love song reminds listeners of how powerful the feelings of love can be. When you miss that special person, you don’t want to hold back any longer. It’s a fantastic comforting song for those who may be in long-distance relationships.
Try to keep your feet from dancing when you play this bumping tune.
“Woman in Chains” by Tears for Fears
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 hit might not be appropriate for kids; if you were a kid when it was released, you probably had no idea what it was saying.
There are a couple of different connotations; the chains could be a symbol of something being sexually charged, or it could just literally be that; women are stuck under the chains of society. No matter your interpretation, it’s worth revisiting, especially years later.
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JRgHol94Xc
Song Year: 1989
This Pat Benatar classic, released in 1989, was a helpful anthem for those getting through breakups. How could you not feel comforted and reenergized under the confident serenade of Pat Benatar?
It’s the perfect pick-me-up song for those reeling from a failed relationship. Check out the video here to pick yourself up in style.
“Do You Remember” by Phil Collins
Song Year: 1989
Phil Collins’s 1989 “Do You Remember” is another testament to a partner whose luck has fallen out. There’s been an argument or a betrayal of some proportion, and the couple is contemplating calling it quits.
Well, half of them are. The other, the singer, pleads with them to stay, reminding them of the love they share. No matter the hiccups, they’ll save that love, which is why they are desperate and beg them to please stay, to work things out. Relive that music video here.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1989
Everyone knows this 1989 song by Billy Joel! “We didn’t start the fire” is responsible for introducing listeners to the name of many celebrities, as well as the assassination of US president JFK.
It’s catchy, as always, and a great headbanger to remind listeners of the chaos that happens around us every single day. Catch the video here.
“Rise to It” by Kiss
Song Year: 1989
If you were a kid in 1989, you probably rocked out to this song without really knowing the implications of its lyrics. Whether you finally figured it out or still listen with blissful ignorance, “Rise to IIt” is a memorable staple in Kiss history.
The video romanticizes the group explicitly in a way you might not remember. Dive back in to take a stroll down memory lane.
“All My Life” by Linda Ronstadt
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 love song is no doubt a wedding song for many couples. “All My Life” features Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville singing their hearts out about how much their lovers mean and how glad they are to have the opportunity to spend their lives with the person they love most.
It makes you feel hopeful and uplifts you even if you haven’t found that special someone because it reminds you that they’re still out there.
“Crossroads” by Tracy Chapman
Song Year: 1989
“Crossroads” by Tracy Chapman has a haunting meaning that some might still think about. She sings about the devil and the sacrifices people make that tarnish and damage their souls.
She sings about how she’s desperate to protect all that makes her whole, and that she won’t let the devil in to complicate that. It’s a good song to dance to and reminds people of what matters.
“Look Me in the Heart” by Tina Turner
Song Year: 1989
A list of songs from 1989 would never be complete without this hit from Tina Turner. It’s another love song where a couple is struggling to come together. The problems they’re having are getting in the way; they can’t trust each other at all.
So Turner pleads for her lover to look in her heart and see the love that lingers there. She wants nothing more than for their troubles to be resolved, and with this hopeful anthem, you’ll be feeling hopeful too.
“Losing My Mind” by Liza Minnelli
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 hit is a relatable song for everyone who’s ever had a crush on someone. Or for someone who’s been in love and suffered a breakup.
“Losing My Mind” pays homage to those feelings we have, where the object of our affection is stuck in our minds, and we wonder if they feel the same way.
The lyrics could apply to two situations; one where we’re unsure of their feelings, and another where we feel the love and affection we had together was faked or made up because of how it ended.
Either way, you won’t regret revisiting this emotional song
“Dr. Feelgood” by Motley Crue
Song Year: 1989
“Dr. Feelgood” is a 1989 hit focusing on that very concept: feeling good. With the help of your drug dealer, of course. The album that the fictional Dr. Feelgood belongs to is considered Motley Crue’s best studio album.
Kids back then didn’t understand the true meaning of the lyrics, but that beat and music do make you ‘feel good,’ no? Relive the good feelings with this catchy tune.
“Mixed Emotions” by the Rolling Stones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loNey3n6uuE
Song Year: 1989
Relive one of Rolling Stone’s greatest hits with this music video for “Mixed Emotions”. This 1989 hit reassures listeners that everyone is out trying their best and that everyone feels a little crazy sometimes.
It’s a great song with good lyrics, and it makes you dance every time, even if you do feel like you’re going insane. Also, misery loves company, so you’ll feel better knowing someone else somewhere is having off days too.
“Looking for Freedom” by David Hasselhoff
Song Year: 1989
“Looking for Freedom” is a 1989 hit that reminds listeners that money isn’t everything. Hasselhoff sings about how his wealthy childhood left him eager for freedom and that he’s been trying to track it down ever since.
It’s a fascinating song reminding people that problems can’t get solved with the money you can make. You can try your hardest, but as the tune reminds you, you’ll never be satisfied as long as money controls your desires.
“Don’t Wanna Lose You” by Gloria Estefan
Song Year: 1989
This emotional love song talks about those powerful feelings of love and how vulnerable and painful it can be when we worry about our relationships.
This song encourages listeners to open up to the ones they love, preserve the relationship, and love openly. Check out this delightful 1989 hit.
“Bust a Move” by Young MC
Song Year: 1989
The title of this song couldn’t be more fitting; listening to it leaves you with one instinct for what you should do. What should you do? Bust a move!
This 1989 hit by Young MC has been covered in the TV show “Glee,” and is sure to put you in a good mood whenever you feel down. Watch the video to see for yourself.
“Real Love” by Jody Watley
Song Year: 1989
This 1989 song by Jody Watley is reenergizing and reinvigorating; if you’ve ever had an ex try to come back into your life, you’ll relate to this song.
You’re left wondering what you’re supposed to do; while part of you wants to forgive them and forget everything, the stronger part of you knows what you deserve, and so you fight for a ‘real love’ which is what Watley sings about in the song.
“Hangin’ Tough” by New Kids on the Block
Song Year: 1989
Before boy bands of the 2000s were the rage, New Kids on the Block overtook audiences in the 80s. “Hanging’ Tough” got kids and adults alike to stand and dance to the awesome tune.
This song spoke about standing up and dancing, proving yourself to others around you. Doesn’t ring a bell? Revisit this classic ‘80s hit.
Top Songs From 1989, Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to dive deep into the musical past, this list of the best songs from 1989 hits is perfect! It’ll bring you back to whatever you were doing, whatever you were up to all those years ago, and remind you that while some things have changed, this music and what it means never will.
We may get older, but those lessons we learned will always remain the same. Happy listening!