The year 1987 stands as a monumental landmark in the history of modern pop culture. It was a time defined by big hair, neon fashion, the booming era of MTV, and above all, an incredible evolution in popular music. As drum machines, synthesizers, and soaring guitar solos dominated the airwaves, the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987 reflected a vibrant mix of synth-pop, rock anthems, soulful ballads, and groundbreaking R&B.
Looking back at the 1987 Top 10 Billboard hits, we aren’t just examining numbers and chart placements; we are revisiting the soundtrack of a generation. These songs didn’t just define the year they were released—they became timeless classics that continue to influence pop music, movies, and playlists today.
Let’s take a deep dive into the top 10 iconic songs that dominated the Billboard charts in 1987 and explore what made them so legendary.
The Cultural Landscape of Music in 1987
Before diving into the top 10 list, it’s essential to understand why 1987 was such a unique year for music. MTV was at the absolute peak of its influence. A song’s success was no longer driven solely by radio airplay; high-concept music videos were vital to pushing a track to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Moreover, 1987 was a transition year. The polished production of mid-80s synth-pop began merging with raw rock elements and smoother, urban R&B sounds. Major artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, George Michael, and Whitney Houston were releasing career-defining albums, making chart competition fiercer than ever.
1987 Top 10 Billboard Year-End Hits
According to the official Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1987, these ten tracks achieved the ultimate commercial success, dominating radio stations and record sales throughout the year.
1. “Walk Like an Egyptian” – The Bangles
- Release Date: September 1986
- Genre: Pop Rock / New Wave
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 4 weeks)
Taking the ultimate crown as the No. 1 Billboard song of 1987 was “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the all-female rock group The Bangles. Written by Liam Sternberg, the novelty song featured a danceable beat, catchy guitar riffs, and whistling interludes that made it instantly recognizable.
The accompanying music video, featuring people in street clips and famous figures seemingly doing the “Egyptian pose,” became a massive MTV staple. The track showcased the vocal versatility of the band members—Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, and Michael Steele—and cemented The Bangles’ status as 80s pop-rock royalty.
2. “Alone” – Heart
- Release Date: May 1987
- Genre: Power Ballad / Glam Metal
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 3 weeks)
Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart delivered one of the greatest power ballads of all time with “Alone.” Originally recorded by i-Ten in 1983, Heart’s 1987 rendition turned the track into an unstoppable monster hit.
Ann Wilson’s soaring, emotionally charged vocals during the climax of the song remain legendary. Coupled with Nancy’s memorable piano intro and dramatic guitar solos, “Alone” spent three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and became Heart’s signature song of the decade.
3. “Shake You Down” – Gregory Abbott
- Release Date: August 1986
- Genre: R&B / Quiet Storm
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 1 week)
In an era dominated by loud synth-pop and stadium rock, Gregory Abbott brought a smooth, soulful romanticism to the charts with “Shake You Down.” As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Abbott crafted a track that resonated deeply with fans of R&B and crossover pop.
With its lush vocal arrangements and hypnotic groove, “Shake You Down” achieved massive success, topping both the R&B charts and the Billboard Hot 100. It stands as a classic example of the “Quiet Storm” genre that defined late-80s R&B.
4. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
- Release Date: May 1987
- Genre: Dance-Pop / R&B
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
Few artists defined the late 80s like Whitney Houston. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” the lead single from her multi-platinum album Whitney, became an instant global anthem.
Featuring exuberant synth arrangements, powerhouse vocals, and an irresistible beat, the song earned Houston a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Decades later, its joyous energy remains a dance-floor staple at weddings, parties, and clubs worldwide.
5. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – Starship
- Release Date: January 1987
- Genre: Pop Rock
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
Serving as the theme song for the romantic comedy film Mannequin, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship captured the triumphant, larger-than-life energy of 80s cinema soundtrack singles.
Co-written by legendary songwriters Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, the duet between Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas featured uplifting harmonies and driving synthesizer beats. The track made Grace Slick, at age 47, the oldest female artist to achieve a US No. 1 single at the time.
6. “C’est La Vie” – Robbie Nevil
- Release Date: October 1986
- Genre: Synth-Pop / Funk
- Peak Position: No. 2
Robbie Nevil broke into the mainstream with “C’est La Vie,” an infectious dance-pop track with a distinct funk guitar groove. The phrase C’est la vie (French for “That’s life”) served as a catchy hook that reassured listeners through life’s everyday struggles.
Though it just missed the top spot on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 2, its steady radio airplay throughout late 1986 and early 1987 earned it the No. 6 position on the year-end charts.
7. “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake
- Release Date: October 1987 (1987 Version)
- Genre: Glam Metal / Hard Rock
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 1 week)
Hard rock made a massive statement on pop radio in 1987, led by Whitesnake’s reworked version of “Here I Go Again.” Originally recorded in 1982 with a bluesier feel, the 1987 re-recording gave the song a slicker, radio-friendly glam metal polish.
David Coverdale’s commanding vocals and the iconic music video—featuring actress Tawny Kitaen dancing across two Jaguar cars—propelled the track to the top of the charts. It remains one of the ultimate arena rock anthems in history.
8. “The Way It Is” – Bruce Hornsby and the Range
- Release Date: September 1986
- Genre: Roots Rock / Pop
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 1 week)
In stark contrast to the heavily synthesized sounds of the year, “The Way It Is” stood out due to its prominent acoustic piano riffs and thoughtful lyrical themes. The song directly addressed social issues, racial discrimination, and economic struggles in America.
Bruce Hornsby’s signature piano melodies gave the song an timeless, organic feel. Decades later, the song’s famous piano loop gained new life when hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur sampled it for his posthumous classic anthem, “Changes.”
9. “Shakedown” – Bob Seger
- Release Date: May 1987
- Genre: Pop Rock / Funk Rock
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 1 week)
Featured on the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie Beverly Hills Cop II, “Shakedown” gave heartland rock icon Bob Seger his very first (and only) No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song combined Seger’s gritty, soulful vocals with driving bass lines and electronic synth brass, fitting perfectly into the high-octane atmosphere of Eddie Murphy’s action-comedy franchise.
10. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
- Release Date: October 1986
- Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Metal
- Peak Position: No. 1 (for 4 weeks)
Closing out the top 10 is arguably one of the most famous rock songs ever recorded. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi became a working-class anthem, telling the story of Tommy and Gina trying to make ends meet.
From Richie Sambora’s iconic talk-box guitar intro to Jon Bon Jovi’s high-octane chorus (and that famous key change near the end), the song topped the Billboard charts for four consecutive weeks in early 1987. It transformed Bon Jovi from popular rock acts into international superstars.
Summary Table: 1987 Top 10 Billboard Hits
| Rank | Song Title | Artist | Peak Position | Genre |
| 1 | “Walk Like an Egyptian” | The Bangles | No. 1 | Pop Rock |
| 2 | “Alone” | Heart | No. 1 | Power Ballad |
| 3 | “Shake You Down” | Gregory Abbott | No. 1 | R&B |
| 4 | “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” | Whitney Houston | No. 1 | Dance-Pop |
| 5 | “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” | Starship | No. 1 | Pop Rock |
| 6 | “C’est La Vie” | Robbie Nevil | No. 2 | Synth-Pop |
| 7 | “Here I Go Again” | Whitesnake | No. 1 | Glam Metal |
| 8 | “The Way It Is” | Bruce Hornsby & the Range | No. 1 | Roots Rock |
| 9 | “Shakedown” | Bob Seger | No. 1 | Rock |
| 10 | “Livin’ on a Prayer” | Bon Jovi | No. 1 | Hard Rock |
The Legacy of 1987 in Music History
The songs that dominated the 1987 Billboard Hot 100 reflect a gold standard in pop music production and songwriting. What makes this particular year so remarkable is the diversity of genres that managed to cross over into mainstream pop radio. On any given afternoon in 1987, a radio listener could hear a hair-metal anthem, followed by a soft R&B ballad, a synth-driven movie soundtrack, and an all-female rock hit.
“The music of 1987 didn’t just top the charts—it created cultural moments that defined the visual and sonic identity of the late 1980s.”
These tracks continue to enjoy massive streaming numbers, radio play, and features in modern films, television series, and video games. Whether you experienced 1987 firsthand or discovered these tracks through modern pop culture, there is no denying that the 1987 Top 10 Billboard hits represent one of the absolute peaks of popular music history.
Penulis: W.S
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