The summer time of 1984 delivered one thing for everyone, as an array of timeless tracks stuffed the airwaves.

Glam steel’s invasion was in full swing at the time, serving to acts like Ratt, Night Ranger and Twister Sister rating their breakthrough hits. Of course, the greatest band on the planet at the time was Van Halen, and the group continued its dominance by releasing one of their hottest singles in the summer time of ‘84.

Also ruling over pop-culture at the time was Prince. The Purple One was everywhere thanks to his masterpiece album (and accompanying film) Purple Rain. Prince’s affect was even felt past his personal work, as he helped collaborator Sheila E. rating the greatest hit of her profession.

READ MORE: Top 50 Albums of 1984

Advancements in digital music gave rock its latest sound, and the summer time of 1984 noticed a lot of artists embracing the fashion. Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and Corey Hart had been amongst the acts who achieved chart success with synth-heavy tunes.

Of course, the previous guard of rock stars weren’t omitted in the darkish. Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Steve Perry all loved continued success – and the summer time of ‘84 even delivered one of the greatest comebacks in rock history.

Check out our roundup of 25 Scorching Rock Hits From the Summer of 1984 below.

Van Halen, “Panama”
No self-respecting 1984 backyard barbecue would have been complete without Van Halen blasting through the speakers. The band – which, coincidentally, got its start playing backyard barbecues – released their sixth studio album, 1984, in January. While many listeners were surprised by the group’s infusion of synthesizers, the LP spawned a number of high 20 hits. Among them, “Panama,” their third single, which was launched in June of ‘84 and peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Duran Duran, “The Reflex”
The stars of ‘80s new wave, Duran Duran released their third studio album, Seven and the Ragged Tiger, in ‘83, but it wouldn’t be till late April of ‘84 that “The Reflex” was released as a single. This version was heavily remixed from the album cut and steadily climbed up the Billboard chart. It eventually reached No. 1 on June 23 and remained there for two weeks.

Ratt, “Round and Round”
Glam metal was enjoying its peak mainstream appeal in ‘84, with Hollywood’s Sunset Strip serving as floor zero for the motion. One of the many bands to emerge at the time was Ratt, nevertheless it took a minute for the group to catch on. Debut album Out of the Cellar was launched in February and slowly started producing consideration. Single “Round and Round” adopted related go well with – it took 4 months for the music to debut on the Billboard Hot 100, and it will definitely peaked at No. 12 in August.

Scorpions, “Rock You Like a Hurricane”
Loud, audacious, brimming with sexual innuendo – “Rock You Like a Hurricane” actually was the quintessential ‘80s rock hit. Released as the lead single from Scorpions’ ninth studio album, Love at First Sting, the emphatic track became the German group’s first music to crack the Top 40. It spent a complete of 16 weeks on the chart, peaking on Memorial Day weekend.

Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
As the summer time of 1984 dawned, Twisted Sister unleashed their defiant anthem “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” The rousing battle cry in opposition to authority struck a chord with younger folks throughout America. The music climbed to No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Twisted Sister’s solely Top 40 single.

Bruce Springsteen, “Dancing in the Dark”
The Boss was already a rock icon earlier than the ‘80s even started, still it was 1984 that delivered the summer of Springsteen. Thanks to his hugely successful LP Born in the U.S.A. (which arrived in June), Springsteen was at the commercial zenith of his career. Lead single “Dancing in the Dark” was released ahead of the album and proceeded to becoming the biggest hit of the Boss’ profession. The tune echoed by boomboxes all through the summer time and spent 4 weeks at No. 2 starting June 30, 1984 (two different songs on our listing saved it from ever reaching No. 1).

Prince, “When Doves Cry”
One of the songs that saved “Dancing in the Dark” out of the high spot was “When Doves Cry,” the transcendent lead single from Prince’s masterpiece LP Purple Rain. Prince’s affect on the summer time of ‘84 cannot be overstated. Thanks to Purple Rain, the singer was ubiquitous – at the movies, on the radio, on MTV, there really was no escaping him. Not that music fans wanted to. As the biggest name in pop culture at the time, Prince was on top of the world, and “When Doves Cry” helped lead the charge.

Prince, “Let’s Go Crazy”
Well, we informed you he was all over the place. While different artists would sometimes sit again and let their first single run its course earlier than placing up a second, Prince shortly adopted “When Doves Cry” with “Let’s Go Crazy,” which was launched as Purple Rain’s second single on July 18. Like its predecessor, the music surged up the charts, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Elton John, “Sad Songs (Say So Much)”
Compared to the lofty standards he set in the ‘70s, the early ‘80s were something of a down period for Elton John. Sure, he still scored a couple of platinum albums, but generally his LPs featured one or two hits, surrounded by mostly forgettable album cuts. Case in point, 1984’s Breaking Hearts. The album’s buoyant lead single, “Sad Songs (Say So Much),” was a Top 5 hit, however only one other tune, “Who Wears These Shoes,” managed to crack the Top 20.

The Cars, “Drive”
Released on July 23, 1984, “Drive” was the third single from the Cars’ Heartbeat City album. The heartfelt ballad, constructed upon a lush digital basis, entranced listeners round the globe. The monitor grew to become the Cars’ greatest business hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spurring Heartbeat City to multi-platinum gross sales.

Steve Perry, “Oh, Sherrie”
While Journey was a short break, frontman Steve Perry determined to file his debut solo album. Street Talk arrived in April of 1984 and it’s lead single, “Oh, Sherrie” started a gradual climb up the charts. The romantic tune, penned as an ode to Perry’s girlfriend at the time, Sherrie Swafford, resonated with listeners. It ultimately peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June.

U2, “Pride (In the Name of Love)”
1984 discovered U2 in a transitional stage. The band had grow to be an enormous sensation of their native Ireland, however breakthrough success in America nonetheless eluded them. Released in early September, “Pride (In the Name of Love)” would grow to be their first single to cack the U.S. Top 40. The lead single from The Unforgettable Fire – which might arrive in October – related with audiences due to its dramatic material and hovering refrain.

Dio, “The Last in Line”
Following stints in Rainbow and Black Sabbath (where he replaced Ozzy Osbourne), Ronnie James Dio had ascended to become one of the biggest names in metal. In ‘82 he formed his own namesake group and almost immediately struck gold with the album Holy Diver and its powerful title track. Dio returned for an encore in the summer of ‘84 with The Last in Line, and once again the album’s title track led the way. The powerful track – which starts slow before unleashing an onslaught of guitars and operatic vocals – eventually became the highest charting single in Dio’s catalog, peaking at No. 10 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

Depeche Mode, “People Are People”
Despite scoring a bevy of U.K. hits early in their career, Depeche Mode still hadn’t reached the U.S. Top 40 by 1984. That changed with “People Are People,” the lead single from their fourth studio album, Some Great Reward. Released in July of ‘84, the song eventually peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and officially marked the band’s breakthrough in America. Still, Depeche Mode was conflicted over the track, often remarking that it was too commercial for their liking.

Depeche Mode, “Master and Servant”
Perhaps in response to the overly-commercial nature of “People Are People,” Depeche Mode chose a controversial track for their second single from Some Great Reward. The BDSM-themed “Master and Servant” certainly turned a lot of heads, as conservative onlookers decried the track’s explicit nature. Despite being banned by many radio station in the U.S., the song still cracked the Hot 100. It’s since remained one of the most popular tunes among Depeche Mode fans.

Billy Idol, “Eyes Without a Face”
We’d forgive you for believing the biggest hit from Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell album was the memorable title track. But the truth is “Eyes Without a Face” far exceeded “Rebel Yell,” or any other single at that point in Idol’s career. The soft ballad peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July while its music video was in heavy rotation on MTV. The single’s popularity helped Idol reach new audiences and set him up for further success throughout the decade.

Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”
Night Ranger began turning heads in 1982 with their debut album Dawn Patrol. The band’s success subsequently reached another level with sophomore LP Midnight Madness and its standout single, “Sister Christian.” Inspired by the younger sister of drummer Kelly Keagy – who, it should be noted, was named Christy not Christian – the coming-of-age tune clicked with listeners thanks to its soaring power ballad chorus. “Sister Christian” surged up the charts in the summer of ‘84 and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Tina Turner, “What’s Love Got to Do With It”
It’s perhaps the greatest second act in the history of music: Tina Turner, the captivating singer who found success in the ‘60s and early ‘70s alongside husband Ike Turner, had seemingly seen her time in the sun fade away. Yet after ditching her abusive husband, and reportedly with almost no money to her name, Tina delivered her comeback album, 1984’s Private Dancer. The album’s second single, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” spent three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 that summer time and went on to win three Grammys. With its success, the Queen of Rock formally reclaimed her throne.

Corey Hart, “Sunglasses at Night”
Music followers usually inaccurately label Corey Hart one of the ‘80s biggest one-hit wonders. The Canadian singer actually scored eight Top 40 hits during the era, however all of his other tunes have always been overshadowed by his first hit, “Sunglasses at Night.” Released as the lead singer from his debut album First Offense, the tune took a while to catch on in the U.S. Still, powered by a distinctive synth backbone, the earworm track proved too powerful to resist. “Sunglasses at Night” eventually peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Sept. 1, 1984 and remains one of the era’s defining songs.

Scandal, “The Warrior”
New York rock band Scandal was based in 1981, however struggles with their file firm delayed a debut album for a number of years. By the time it was prepared to come back out, onlookers had already declared Scandal’s frontwoman, Patty Smyth, their breakout star. As such, single “The Warrior” was formally credited to Scandal “featuring” Patty Smyth in an effort to get the singer’s identify to the public sooner. Released in June of (*25*)s solely Top 40 hit, as Smyth quickly launched into a solo profession.

Sheila E, “The Glamorous Life”
Unlike different Prince proteges, percussionist Sheila E. had already carved out a pleasant profession for herself earlier than collaborating with the Purple One. She ultimately contributed to Purple Rain and launched her debut album, The Glamorous Life, in June of 1984. The album’s title monitor was full collaboration between E. and Prince, as each musicians wrote, sang and carried out on the tune. “The Glamorous Life” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Sheila E. a pair of Grammy nominations.

Wham, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”
Despite large success in the U.Okay. with their 1983 debut album, Wham discovered it troublesome to interrupt into America. The English duo – made up of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley – ultimately discovered the proper formulation with “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” the lead single from their 1984 sophomore LP. The bubbly tune grew to become a world smash, reaching No. 1 in 9 totally different nations, together with the U.S.A.

Sade, “Smooth Operator”
The summer time of 1984 boasted a large mixing of genres, with burgeoning sub-genres like digital and hip-hop influencing extra established types like rock and funk. Still, few might have anticipated a smooth jazz ensemble to ship one of the yr’s greatest hits. Sade, led by Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu, launched their debut album Diamond Life in July of ‘84. Its breakout single was “Smooth Operator,” a soulful tune that eventually peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

John Waite, “Missing You”
After the Babys disbanded in 1980, singer John Waite forged a solo career. His debut effort, 1982’s Ignition, garnered solely delicate consideration, however 1984’s No Brakes fared higher due to breakout hit “Missing You.” The single – through which Waite tries unsuccessfully to persuade himself that he doesn’t miss his lover – was launched in June of ‘84 and have become a chart-topping success. It spent per week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel No Brakes to gold gross sales.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood, “Two Tribes”
After telling listeners to “Relax” in 1983, Frankie Goes to Hollywood returned with a way more highly effective message in ‘84. Released in June, their single “Two Tribes” was a vehement anti-war assertion, hid by a driving bass line and catchy refrain. The monitor was an enormous hit in the U.Okay., the place it spent 9 weeks at No. 1, the longest streak of any music in the ‘80s. American audiences had been barely much less enthusiastic. “Two Tribes” hovered on the outskirts of the Top 40, by no means matching the reputation of “Relax.”