What are the greatest rock songs of the 1980s? It was a decade that noticed fairly a bit of change as acts moved past the catchy guitar riffs of the ’70s to point out extra technical prowess and a broader vary of instrumentation whereas increasing the definitions of what rock might be and sound like.

Heavy rock really flourished with acts corresponding to Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses and Def Leppard dominating the decade, particularly in its latter phases. But you additionally had the punk affect of Joan Jett and Billy Idol, the funk-infused brilliance of Prince and the loud-quiet dynamic of Pixies portending an alt-rock and grunge growth in the coming decade.

READ MORE: The Best New Rock + Metal Act of Each Year of the 1980s

Admittedly, limiting a decade so wealthy in musical excellence to 25 entries is a reasonably troublesome feat, however this assortment of songs outlined rock radio, popular culture and the distinctive tendencies that made the 1980s particular.

So be part of us as we check out the 25 Best Rock Songs of the 1980s under.

Top 80 Hard Rock + Metal Albums of the 1980s