đ” 1980s Rock Wedding Songs
Capture the energy of '80s rock while emphasizing the wedding theme.
The 1980s were a time of bold fashion, unforgettable pop culture, and, of course, iconic music. As you plan the perfect soundtrack for your wedding, consider diving into the decade's vast catalog of rock songs.
From slow dances to high-energy anthems, 80s rock hits bring a timeless charm and excitement to any celebration. Whether youâre after a mellow vibe for the background or an upbeat track to get the party started, these songs are sure to enhance every moment of your wedding day.
Of course, songs can fit into many different categories. Be sure to check out my other 80s wedding playlists!
Table of Contents
Background songs
Slow dance songs
Party songs
Last dance songs
Spotify Playlist - 70 songs!
One condition to this list. Every song must have been released in the 1980s. Nothing from the 1970s and 1990s!
1980s Rock Wedding Songs
Background songs
Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
1981 - The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. However, it was first recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1974. The single won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
Biggest Part of Me - Ambrosia
1980 - Considered one of the great yacht rock songs with its smooth melodies, jazzy chords, and soft rock vibes. âBiggest Part of Meâ became Ambrosiaâs biggest hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Backing vocals were provided by Bill Champlin, a member of Chicago.
Donât Dream Itâs Over â Crowded House
1986 - The song became Crowded Houseâs biggest hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band hails from actually from New Zealand and Australia. Artists like Sixpence None the Richer, Lauren Daigle, and Miley Cyrus with Ariana Grande have recorded versions.
Fast Car - Tracy Chapman
1988 - âFast Carâ introduced Chapman to the mainstream and the song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The songâs signature riff is played on an acoustic guitar and remains one of the most recognizable intros in music history. The song had a resurgence in 2023 with Luke Combsâ cover topping many charts.
Higher Love - Steve Winwood
1986 - âHigher Loveâ became Steve Winwoodâs first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The legendary Chaka Khan provided the powerhouse backing vocals! A remix featuring Whitney Houstonâs unreleased 1990 cover was released by Kygo in 2019 and became a global dance hit.
Jack & Diane - John Cougar
1982 - Jack & Diane became John Mellencampâs only #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been referenced in pop culture numerous times, from TV shows (The Office, Family Guy) to commercials. The track was sampled on Jake Owenâs 2019 country hit âI Was Jack (You Were Diane)â.
Kokomo - The Beach Boys
1988 - Sorry to say that Kokomo is not a real place. The song was created for the 1988 film Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise. It became The Beach Boys' first #1 hit in 22 years, topping the Billboard Hot 100 since âGood Vibrationsâ in 1966.
Red Red Wine - UB40
1983 - Did you realize that âRed Red Wineâ was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967? UB40âs version hit #1 in the UK in 1983, but it didnât become a #1 hit in the U.S. until 1988 after the band performed it at a 70th birthday tribute for Nelson Mandela. Radio DJs played it again, and the song shot up the charts!
Steal Away - Robbie Dupree
1980 - âSteal Awayâ is considered a prime example of yacht rock. The song became Robbie Dupreeâs biggest hit, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie
1981 - The song contains one of the most recognizable basslines in rock history. It was sampled in the 1990 hit âIce Ice Babyâ by Vanilla Ice. The track reached #1 in the UK and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart.
Slow dance songs
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
1984 - The song is the group's second and last #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 - after "Keep on Loving You". The lyrics tell the story of someone who has fallen in love with a longtime friend. It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Rock of Ages, Not Another Teen Movie, and Glee.
Faithfully â Journey
1983 - The song is about the struggles of maintaining a relationship while being on the road as a musician. It peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a popular power ballad for slow dances.
Heaven â Bryan Adams
1985 - The song was first released on the soundtrack of the 1983 film A Night in Heaven. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track has been covered and remixed multiple times, including a 2002 dance version by DJ Sammy.
I Love You - Climax Blues Band
1981 - The song reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The theme of the song is a real-life love story about devotion and unconditional love.
I Want to Know What Love Is â Foreigner
1984 - The song became the bandâs first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been covered by many artists, including Tina Arena, Wynonna Judd, and Mariah Carey. The track has been featured in Rock of Ages, Miami Vice, and Stranger Things.
Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
1984 - The Honeydrippers was formed by Robert Plant, former lead singer of Led Zeppelin. The song was originally written and recorded by Phil Phillips in 1959 and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The cover version reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.
The Lady in Red - Chris de Burgh
1986 - The song was de Burghâs biggest hit and reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over 8 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful ballads of the 1980s.
The Search Is Over - Survivor
1985 - The song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart. It was a popular first dance song! The lyrics tell the story of someone realizing that their true love has been right in front of them all along.
You're the Inspiration - Chicago
1984 - "You're the Inspiration" reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a huge hit on the Adult Contemporary charts, where it hit #1.
Party songs
867-5309/Jenny - Tommy Tutone
1981 - The song became a major hit, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Itâs often considered a quintessential one-hit wonder. The song made its way into various pop culture moments, including appearances in movies like The Wedding Singer and TV shows like Parks and Recreation.
Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer
1986 - The song was a major commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for "Addicted to Love" is just as famous as the song itself. It features Palmer performing the song surrounded by a group of model-like women in black dresses and heavy makeup, playing instruments.
Call Me â Blondie
1980 - One of Blondie's biggest hits, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for 6 consecutive weeks. The song was written for the soundtrack of the movie American Gigolo, starring Richard Gere.
Centerfold - The J. Geils Band
1981 - The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is about a man who discovers that his high school crush is now a centerfold model in a magazine. The song features a memorable, infectious chorus and catchy keyboard riff.
Cum on Feel the Noize - Quiet Riot
1983 - "Cum On Feel the Noize" was originally written and recorded by the British band Slade in 1973. It reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was the song that propelled their album Metal Health to become the first metal album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200, a huge milestone in rock music.
Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
1984 - The song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel the album âBorn In The U.S.A.â to commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. The music video is famous for featuring Bruce Springsteen pulling Courteney Cox onto the stage.
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
1981 - "Don't Stop Believin'" became one of Journeyâs most iconic songs and remains a timeless anthem. The song experienced a massive resurgence in popularity in the 2000s, especially after being featured in the finale of The Sopranos (2007) and the TV show Glee (2009).
(Warning! Below is special music inspiration for paid members only.)