Ten fantastically great songs turning 40 in 2025

1985 marked a significant era in music, particularly within the realms of rock and pop. Notable acts like Tears for Fears, Dire Straits, and Motley Crue ruled the airwaves with chart-topping tunes.

In terms of going it alone, Madonna, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston stood out prominently among female artists who were making a significant impact within the music scene.

By the year 2025, these tunes maintain a timeless charm, consistently appearing on popular ’80s playlists and regularly played on music radio stations worldwide.

Top songs that are turning 40 years old in 2025

No. 10- “Centerfield” by John Fogerty

Approximately a decade following his departure from Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty made a significant comeback with the release of the hit song “Centerfield” from its eponymous album. After an extended break of nine years, Fogerty’s rhythm was as steady as ever, delivering another chart-topping hit reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 70s hits. Together with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” it has become a regular at sports stadiums worldwide and stands as an authentic summer classic.

No. 9- “How Will I Know?” By Whitney Houston

1985 marked my discovery of the incredible talent that was Whitney Houston, as she burst onto the scene with her self-titled debut album. She made history by becoming the first solo female artist to score three number-one hits in the US – “Saving All My Love for You,” “Greatest Love Of All,” and a personal favorite of mine, “How Will I Know.” This last track was actually intended for Janet Jackson, but fate had other plans. Known as a synth-funk and dance-pop anthem that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the ’80s, “How Will I Know” remains a timeless classic in my gaming room playlists.

Among the standout moments in her distinguished career, this tune ranks equally with her performances of “I Will Always Love You” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

No. 8-“Take on Me”- A-ha

Originally launched in 1984, “Take on Me” didn’t gain traction as anticipated, neither making it onto any charts nor leaving an impact on the music industry. However, a year later, the song was distributed globally and eventually found success, peaking at the top of the Billboard charts in the U.S. and reaching number two in the UK.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the massive impact that one video had on the success of the song. That’s right, the live-action animated music video for “Take On Me” was a constant on MTV, boosting its popularity significantly. Although “Take On Me” became A-ha’s one and only major hit in the U.S., it certainly left an indelible mark on the annals of music history, helping to establish their enduring legacy.

No. 7-“We Are the World”- USA For Africa

In 1985, the popular hit song “We Are the World” was penned by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie as a charity single to aid those affected by famine in Ethiopia. This iconic track showcases some of the biggest names in music, such as Jackson, Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Tina Turner.

Forty years back, I found myself deeply moved by the six-minute-long hit “We Are the World.” The promotional blitz for this song was immense – a music video, VHS tapes, magazine features, and posters were everywhere. Today’s music scene is brimming with amazing talent, but it’s challenging to match the raw power and enchantment that came from this extraordinary gathering of artists back then. It still leaves an indelible mark on me!

No. 6-“We Don’t Need Another Hero”- Tina Turner

Tina Turner’s extraordinary career in music is a topic that invites extensive discussion. Starting from her early days with her partner Ike Turner, she subsequently forged a highly successful solo path, significantly impacting the music industry. The song “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” which she recorded for the soundtrack of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, is a testament to her remarkable vocal prowess, particularly in the chorus where her distinct voice truly stands out.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel proud when I reflect on how my favorite artist’s song skyrocketed to fame. This massive success not only solidified her position but also underscored her immense impact and power within the realm of rock ‘n’ roll.

No. 5-“Don’t You (Forget About Me)”- Simple Minds

1985 saw Simple Minds achieving a massive breakthrough with the debut of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”. Interestingly, this release almost didn’t happen because the band initially turned down the opportunity to record it. However, after several other artists declined the song, they eventually agreed and made a wise choice indeed. The song has since garnered enduring popularity over the past four decades, being featured in “The Breakfast Club” and regularly included in their live performances.

No. 4-“Into the Groove”- Madonna

In the ’80s, Whitney Houston and Tina Turner garnered significant fame, but it was Madonna who revolutionized the music industry, making an impact not just on stage, but off it as well. Pioneering in her music and her audacious actions, she became a global cultural symbol. The song “Into the Groove” is a timeless dance-pop hit characterized by synthesizers, drum machines, and double-tracked vocals from the “Pop Queen.

Although “Like a Virgin” achieved great success for Madonna, it wasn’t formally released on any studio albums; instead, it was added to an international re-release of the album Like A Virgin, as well as several compilation collections. This suggests that the song had a profound impact and lasting legacy despite its limited marketing efforts.

No. 3-“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”- Tears for Fears

A standout tune from the ’80s new wave genre, “Everybody Wants to Rule The World,” delves into the timeless themes of human craving for power and control. This theme continues to resonate strongly, particularly in spheres like politics and business. The song masterfully combines classic rock and roll guitar tones with contemporary synth-pop elements, resulting in a tune that’s both infectious and divisive, yet enduringly popular.

No. 2-“Home Sweet Home”- Motley Crue

As a dedicated gamer of the glam metal scene, I’m renowned for the relentless, high-octane tunes I blast. But when it comes to “Home Sweet Home,” from their Theatre of Pain album, Motley Crue took a more contemplative approach. This power ballad served as a blueprint for the epic hair metal ballads that dominated the late 80s.

This song starts off with a mellow rock piano melody that eventually transitions into an harmonious verse and chorus featuring impressive guitar work by Mick Mars. The camaraderie among Vince Neil and the rest of the group shines through in this track, making it one of their iconic pieces, despite its departure from their usual style.

No. 1- “Money for Nothing”- Dire Straits

In a remarkable twist, even a tune about setting up microwaves can be transformed into an enduring masterpiece, as Dire Straits skillfully demonstrated with “Money for Nothing.” The song bursts open with a stunning introduction, where Sting’s falsetto vocals and Mark Knopfler’s powerful guitar riffs create a lasting impact. The track is filled with hard rock beats that echo the style of ZZ Top, instantly captivating listeners from the very first note.

The song likewise showcases a pioneering music video that uses 3D computer animations to visualize the lyrics, marking it as the first track to debut on MTV Europe when it started broadcasting in 1987. In essence, the powerful hard rock stadium sound of “Money for Nothing” along with its iconic music video makes it the standout song that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025.

2025-02-17 20:00