Top 25 Songs of The 80's

At the end of the day (decade), the 1980's were an incredibly odd time period. The fashion styles and attitudes of the time have dated, but the popular music and film of the time have sated even more strangely. It ideally would have served as the transition from 70's culture to 90's sub-culture, but when viewed in retrospect, the decade retains its very own flavor and rhythm (even if the distinction is unflattering). It is not quite as good as either of the decades which surrounded it, artistically, but nevertheless some great music was made (mostly out of the mainstream) by bands that were on the very left end of the cutting edge. This list takes into account mostly their impact and the base quality of each recording - you might disagree with the list on a personal level (I cringe whenever I read a 'Best of the 80s' list personally), but I state with confidence that each of these songs, regardless of genre or industry status, are among the best songs of the decade in structure, hook quality, and thematic clarity. Most of them have also dated quite admirably. Now, without further ado, here is my list. Enjoy.

25. X - 'Los Angeles'
24. REM - 'Its The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)'
23. Slayer - 'Raining Blood'
22. Black Flag - 'Six Pack'
21. Eric B. and Rakhim -'I Know You Got Soul'
20. The Cure - 'Lovesong'
19. Iron Maiden - 'Run To The Hills'
18. Metallica - 'Creeping Death'
17. Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine'
16. EPMD - 'Strictly Business'
15. Prince - 'When Doves Cry'
14. Dead Kennedys - 'California Uber Alles'
13. Sonic Youth - 'Teenage Riot'
12. Richard And Linda Thompson - 'Dont Renege On Our Love'
11. The Jesus & Mary Chain - 'Just Like Honey'
10. Joy Division - 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'
9. The Pixies - 'Monkey Gone To Heaven'
8. The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'
7. Public Enemy - 'Fight The Power'
6. U2 - 'With Or Without You'
5. The Replacements - 'Bastards Of Young'
4. Husker Du - 'Celebrated Summer'
3. Bruce Springsteen - 'Atlantic City'
2. Neil Young - 'Rockin' In The Free World'
1. Jane's Addiction - 'Ted, Just Admit It'