Let's be honest. If you grew up in the 80s, or even if you just have a weirdly specific obsession with neon and synthesizers, you’ve definitely seen those massive compilation boxes at the store. Usually, they have names like 100 Hits of the 80s album songs or The Best 80s Album Ever. You know the ones. They’ve got five CDs, a bright pink cover, and enough reverb to drown a small city.
Most people think these are just "Best Of" lists thrown together by a computer. But they're actually a fascinating time capsule. They aren't just about the chart-toppers you hear on the radio every hour. They’re about the weird, the wonderful, and the "oh my god, I haven't heard this in thirty years" moments.
The Reality Behind the Tracklists
It’s easy to look at a compilation like 100 Hits: The Best 80s Album and expect only the giants. You want Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna. And sure, sometimes they’re there—if the label (usually Sony or Universal) has the rights. But the real magic of these collections is the "filler." I use that term lovingly.
Take a track like "My Favourite Waste of Time" by Owen Paul. It reached number 3 in the UK in 1986. Is it on your daily Spotify playlist? Probably not. But when it pops up on Disc 4 of an 80s compilation, it hits different. It reminds you that the 80s weren't just about global superstars. They were about the one-hit wonders who owned the summer and then vanished.
Why Some Songs Always Show Up
You’ve probably noticed certain songs are on every single one of these.
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- Toto - Africa
- Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
- Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- Europe - The Final Countdown
There’s a reason for this. These tracks are the "anchor" songs. Labels know that for a casual listener to drop twenty bucks on a 5-CD set, they need to see at least ten songs they can sing at karaoke. These hits act as the hook. Once you're in, they hit you with the deeper cuts like "Digging Your Scene" by The Blow Monkeys or "Wishing Well" by Sananda Maitreya (formerly Terence Trent D'Arby).
Navigating the Different "100 Hits" Versions
Not all 100-track collections are created equal. You’ve got the official Now 100 Hits series, which is usually high-quality, and then you have the bargain bin versions. Honestly, the bargain ones can be a bit of a gamble. Some of them use "re-recordings."
Pro Tip: Always check the back of the case for the phrase "Original Artist, Original Hit." If it says "re-recorded by one or more members of the original group," run. There is nothing sadder than a 2005 version of a 1982 synth-pop hit recorded in a garage.
The 2018 Sony release of 100 Hits of the 80s album songs is actually one of the better ones. It’s a 5-CD beast that manages to balance the massive pop hits with the "Sophisti-pop" era. You get Five Star’s "Rain or Shine" alongside the stadium rock of Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’." It’s a jarring transition, but that’s exactly what the 80s felt like. One minute you were listening to a drum machine, the next a hair-metal solo.
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The Evolution of the 80s Sound
The early 80s sound was basically the 70s with a hangover. Songs like "Call Me" by Blondie (1980) still had that raw, New York energy. But by the middle of the decade, the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer took over. Everything started sounding... shiny.
Look at the contrast on these albums. You’ll have a post-punk track like "Love My Way" by The Psychedelic Furs sitting right next to "Toy Boy" by Sinitta. It’s chaotic. It shouldn't work. But it does because the 80s was the last era where the "Top 40" was a true melting pot. You could have a heavy metal band like Judas Priest and a dance-pop act like Bananarama on the same chart. These 100 Hits of the 80s album songs collections are the only place where that diversity still exists.
The Rise of the Soundtrack Song
A huge chunk of any 80s compilation is dedicated to the movies. The 80s invented the "Soundtrack Era."
- Kenny Loggins - Footloose (The king of 80s soundtracks)
- Berlin - Take My Breath Away (Top Gun wouldn't be the same without it)
- Irene Cara - Flashdance... What a Feeling
- Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters
When you listen to these back-to-back, you realize how much the film industry drove music sales. These weren't just songs; they were cultural moments.
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What Most People Get Wrong About 80s Music
People think the 80s was just "cheese." They think it’s all big hair and silly lyrics. But if you look at the deeper tracks on a 100-hit set, you find some serious technical skill.
Take "The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby & The Range. That piano work is sophisticated. It’s got jazz influences and a social message that still holds up. Or "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel. The production on that track was years ahead of its time. When you listen to a massive compilation, you see the "cheese," sure, but you also see the innovation.
Actionable Tips for Your 80s Collection
If you're looking to dive into the world of 100 Hits of the 80s album songs, don't just stream them. There is something satisfying about the physical box sets.
- Look for the "100 Hits" Brand: This specific series (often under the Demon Music Group or Sony label) is usually reliable for original recordings.
- Check the Year of Release: The newer 2017-2024 versions often have better mastering. The early 90s compilations can sound a bit thin on modern speakers.
- Don't Skip the B-Sides: Sometimes the song you don't recognize becomes your new favorite. The 80s had a deep bench of talent that didn't always get the radio play they deserved.
- Use Them for Context: If you're a creator or a writer, listen to these to understand the "vibe" of specific years. 1982 sounds very different from 1989. 1982 is minimalist and electronic; 1989 is the start of the "baggy" scene and early house music.
The 80s didn't end on December 31, 1989. The influence of these 100 hits is still all over modern pop. When you hear a synth line in a 2026 chart-topper, there's a good chance it was inspired by a song on Disc 3 of one of these albums. So, next time you see one of these massive collections, give it a chance. It’s more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a masterclass in pop history.
For those ready to start their journey, begin by looking for the 5-CD box sets titled 100 Hits: The Best 80s Album or Now 100 Hits 80s. Check the tracklist for "Holding Out for a Hero" or "Africa"—if those are there, you're usually looking at a solid starting point for a quality collection.