Top 10 Music Hits of 1987: The Biggest Songs That Defined an Unforgettable Year

The year 1987 was a seismic landmark in modern music history. Pop music was bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than ever, powered by the global dominance of MTV, the rise of arena rock, polished synth-pop productions, and soulful R&B anthems.

From stadium-sized rock riffs to irresistibly danceable pop grooves, 1987 produced chart-topping masterpieces that still resonate across generations today. Artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, U2, and George Michael weren’t just releasing albums—they were defining global culture.

Here is a deep dive into the Top 10 Music Hits of 1987, exploring the stories, production secrets, and enduring legacy behind the tracks that made 1987 an unforgettable year in music.

1. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi

Few songs capture the working-class spirit and hair-metal euphoria of the late 1980s quite like “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Released as the second single from Bon Jovi’s blockbuster album Slippery When Wet, the track shot straight to #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, remaining there for four consecutive weeks.

Why It Defined 1987

The narrative of Tommy and Gina—working-class sweethearts trying to get by amidst economic uncertainty—struck a chord with millions of listeners. Musically, Richie Sambora’s iconic use of the talk box effect created a signature riff that became instantly recognizable. Coupled with Jon Bon Jovi’s soaring vocals and an unforgettable key change during the final chorus, “Livin’ on a Prayer” became the definitive arena rock anthem of the decade.

• Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Metal
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: Certified Diamond by the RIAA; remains one of the most played classic rock songs in history.

2. “With or Without You” – U2

Irish rock outfit U2 transitioned from critically acclaimed alternative rockers to global superstars with their 1987 masterpiece album, The Joshua Tree. The lead single, “With or Without You,” provided the band with their very first #1 single in the United States.

The Sound & Soul

Built around a hypnotic four-chord bassline by Adam Clayton and subtle drum patterns from Larry Mullen Jr., the track features the revolutionary “Infinite Guitar” effect developed by Michael Brook and played by The Edge. This created a lush, atmospheric soundscape over which Bono delivered one of his most passionate, vulnerable vocal performances, wrestling with the tensions between his artist lifestyle and personal devotion.

• Genre: Alternative Rock / Post-Punk
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: Named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

3. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston

In 1987, Whitney Houston was an unstoppable force in pop music. Coming off her record-breaking debut album, her sophomore release Whitney spawned four consecutive #1 singles, kicked off by the radiant “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).”

An Energy That Never Fades

Written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam (of Boy Meets Girl) and produced by Narada Michael Walden, the track is a masterclass in 80s dance-pop production. Bright synthesizer horns, driving percussion, and Houston’s vocal acrobatics turn a song about loneliness into an uplifting celebration of hope and romantic yearning.

• Genre: Dance-Pop / R&B
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: Won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1988 and earned multi-platinum status worldwide.

4. “Faith” – George Michael

After departing the pop duo Wham!, George Michael launched a solo career that redefined pop stardom with his debut album Faith. The title track, “Faith,” became the biggest-selling single of 1988 in the US after dominating radio waves late in 1987.

Rockabilly Meets Pop Brilliance

“Faith” uniquely combined 1950s rockabilly guitar rhythms with contemporary 80s pop production. Featuring an intro played on a church organ—a subtle nod to Wham!’s “Freedom”—the song shifts into a catchy acoustic strumming pattern inspired by Bo Diddley. Accompanied by an iconic music video featuring leather jacket, aviator sunglasses, and a jukebox, George Michael cemented his place as an icon.

• Genre: Pop / Rockabilly
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1 (Billboard Year-End #1 of 1988)
• Cultural Impact: Established George Michael as a mature, multi-talented songwriter and producer.

5. “Bad” – Michael Jackson

Following up Thriller (1982)—the best-selling album of all time—was an almost impossible task, but Michael Jackson delivered with 1987’s Bad. The title track showcased a grittier, streetwise sound that proved Jackson was constantly evolving.

Production Excellence

Produced alongside Quincy Jones, “Bad” relied heavily on innovative synthesizer basslines (notably the Synclavier) and sharp horn arrangements. The accompanying 18-minute short film, directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on prime-time television and further elevated Jackson’s legendary music video videography.

• Genre: Pop / Funk / R&B
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: One of five #1 singles from the Bad album, setting a record at the time for the most #1 hits from a single record.

6. “Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley

In the summer of 1987, a 21-year-old British singer named Rick Astley shocked the music world with his deep, soulful baritone voice on “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

From Chart-Topper to Internet Phenomenon

Produced by the famous hitmaking trio Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), the song features high-energy Hi-NRG synth instrumentation and an irresistible melody. It became a global smash, reaching #1 in 25 countries. Decades later, the song found a second life as the basis for the “Rickrolling” internet meme, ensuring its place in digital pop culture forever.

• Genre: Dance-Pop / Hi-NRG
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: Garnered over 1.5 billion views on YouTube and remains one of pop music’s most enduring viral hits.

7. “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake

Glam metal and hard rock achieved peak mainstream radio presence in 1987, and Whitesnake’s re-recorded version of “Here I Go Again” was a prime driver of that movement.

The Power Ballad Formula

Originally recorded in 1982, the 1987 power-ballad mix stripped away the bluesy folk elements in favor of polished synth pads, booming drums, and razor-sharp guitar solos. Vocalist David Coverdale’s emotive delivery and the music video featuring actress Tawny Kitaen made it a constant staple on MTV rotation.

• Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Metal
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: The definitive 1980s hair metal power ballad.

8. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses

Although “Sweet Child o’ Mine” peaked at #1 on the charts in mid-1988, it was unleashed upon the world in July 1987 on Guns N’ Roses’ revolutionary debut album, Appetite for Destruction.

Raw Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival

In an era dominated by polished pop and glam metal, Guns N’ Roses brought raw, gritty rock ‘n’ roll back into the mainstream. Slash’s legendary opening guitar arpeggio—originally composed as a warm-up exercise—paired with Axl Rose’s soaring vocals created an timeless classic that bridged hard rock and mainstream pop radio.

• Genre: Hard Rock
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: Credited with revitalizing hard rock music in the late 1980s.

9. “Alone” – Heart

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart dominated the charts in the mid-1980s with their polished arena-rock sound. Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, “Alone” became the group’s biggest hit single.

Vocal Mastery

The song starts softly with an acoustic piano and Nancy Wilson’s subtle rhythm guitar before exploding into a thunderous chorus led by Ann Wilson’s astonishing vocal power. Her ability to sustain high notes with raw passion made “Alone” one of the most powerful ballads ever recorded.

• Genre: Power Ballad / Arena Rock
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1 (3 weeks)
• Cultural Impact: Spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a benchmark for vocal performances in rock.

10. “La Bamba” – Los Lobos

In 1987, East Los Angeles rock band Los Lobos recorded a cover of the traditional Mexican folk song “La Bamba” for the biographical film of the same name, which chronicled the life of 1950s rock pioneer Ritchie Valens.

Breaking Cultural Boundaries

Sung entirely in Spanish, Los Lobos infused the song with vibrant rockabilly guitar riffs and infectious Latin percussion. It made history by becoming only the second non-English song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that great music transcends language barriers.

• Genre: Latin Rock / Rockabilly
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1
• Cultural Impact: A landmark achievement for Latino artists in American popular music.

Quick Comparison: 1987 Top Music Hits

Why 1987 Was a Defining Year for Pop Culture

Looking back, 1987 was a golden bridge between eras. It saw the traditional rock format seamlessly blend with digital production techniques, digital synths (like the Yamaha DX7 and Roland D-50), and cinematic music videos.

MTV reached its peak cultural authority in 1987, where a song’s visual aesthetic was just as crucial as its melody. Simultaneously, compact discs (CDs) began taking over vinyl records and cassettes, allowing listeners to experience high-fidelity digital sound in their homes for the first time.

Whether you were listening on a Sony Walkman, blasting a boombox on the street, or tuning into top 40 radio stations, 1987 delivered a timeless soundtrack that continues to inspire artists today.

Penulis: W.S