← Timeline
1981 saw synthesizers and drum machines become the sound of pop radio while punk's raw energy evolved into post-punk's darker, more atmospheric territories. The year captured a turning point where new wave moved from underground curiosity to mainstream dominance, reflecting a culture increasingly captivated by technology and artifice.
4:12
Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
3:56
Let's Groove
Earth, Wind & Fire
3:34
Bette Davis Eyes
Kim Carnes
4:43
In The Air Tonight
Phil Collins
4:14
Under Pressure
Queen & David Bowie
3:28
Who Can It Be Now?
Men At Work
3:27
Don't You Want Me
The Human League
4:37
Get Down On It
Kool & The Gang
3:23
Super Freak
Rick James
4:30
Young Turks
Rod Stewart
3:54
Angel Of The Morning
Juice Newton
3:51
Never Too Much
Luther Vandross
4:14
I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)
Daryl Hall & John Oates
3:23
Queen Of Hearts
Juice Newton
3:39
Just Can't Get Enough
Depeche Mode
4:34
Tom Sawyer
Rush
4:24
Endless Love
Lionel Richie
3:28
Start Me Up
The Rolling Stones
3:51
Arthur's Theme
Christopher Cross
3:16
Jessie's Girl
Rick Springfield
4:08
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around
Stevie Nicks
3:01
Tainted Love
Soft Cell
4:21
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
The Police
3:59
Just the Two of Us
Grover Washington Jr.
4:25
Waiting On A Friend
The Rolling Stones
4:02
Give It to Me Baby
Rick James
3:56
Cambodia
Kim Wilde
5:01
Double Dutch Bus
Frankie Smith
2:45
Our Lips Are Sealed
The Go-Go's
3:44
Physical
Olivia Newton-John