Spanish 80s music. 250 Spanish songs from the 80s

The Spanish 80s music was memorable, just like the rest we include here (Italian, French, Belgian, Portuguese, Latin American songs, etc.), as new rhythms were initiated during this time, new singers emerged away from the more melodic pop, and various pop bands were set to become legends (like Mecano, for example). All of them had their small opportunity, from those imitating country music (hello, Dinamita pa’ los pollos) to those that were more rock-oriented (Héroes del silencio, for instance).

Furthermore, it’s important not to forget that Spain had already begun the transition; we were in the cultural movement (Madrid’s, Galicia’s, and anywhere else’s), and all of this marked a milestone within the Spanish music from the 80s. There were as many parties as there were concerts, as many famous and recognized figures as there were self-sufficient ones without any fame, all with splendid songs that are still remembered to this day.

There are so many Spanish songs from 1980 to 1989 that we want to highlight, so we’ll start from the year 1980 and include songs in other Latin-origin languages. Because the music world embraced various genres and languages, and here are the standout tracks:

The best Spanish 80s music. 230 popular songs from 1980 to 1989

We start our list of songs from the 80s in Spanish with the first year of the decade (as is logical). Remember that we’re also compiling songs in English, so we recommend visiting the first year of 80s songs that we’ve created. When we complete all the years of the decade, you’ll have a total of 500 songs at your disposal, 250 in Spanish and related languages, and another 250 in English.

That being said, to begin this Spanish 80s songs list, let’s briefly mention the context of the first year of this decade, especially in Spain. It’s here that the Madrid cultural movement (and Galicia’s) practically began after the death of dictator Francisco Franco and the approval of the Constitution. It’s the period when democratic elections were held, and amid all that, which could be summarized as a sense of freedom not felt by the entire population, drugs were widely used as great inhibitors alongside alcohol. This last point can be applied to the rest of the Latin American countries (since we’re discussing music from that region) and the rest of the world, of course. Each country had its own situation, and that was reflected in the music.

With the 80s music in Spanish, protest songs made a revival before fading away completely, precisely due to the sense of freedom. This was the moment when melodic songs lost interest, and when rock and anthems of open-mindedness started appearing more frequently in nightclubs and radio playlists. At the same time, Anglo-Saxon culture entered the market like never before, even though it had already been making a strong impact for years.

Ana Belén – El Hombre Del Piano

“El Hombre Del Piano” was a song performed by the winner of the Latin Grammy Award for Musical Excellence in 2015, Ana Belén. It’s one of the most remembered melodies from the actress-singer, released in 1980 on the album “Con las manos llenas.”

Antonio Flores – No Dudaría

In 1980, the single “No Dudaría” was released by Spanish singer Antonio Flores, brother of the well-known singer Rosario. This song brought success to the composer’s album titled “Antonio,” which continues to be listened to today.

Camilo Sesto – Perdóname

Another one of the best songs from the 80s in Spanish is the well-known “Perdóname” by the excellent singer-songwriter Camilo Sesto, who at some point had the chance to collaborate with another luxury artist, Rocío Dúrcal.

Charol – Sin Dinero

The musical group Charol released the song “Sin Dinero” in the 80s, which spent several weeks at the top of the radio charts. It remains a well-recognized tune due to its rebellious nature for that time.

Joan Baptista Humet – Clara

The song “Clara” was released in 1981, performed by the Navarrese singer Joan Baptista Humet, an excellent composer. It’s a ballad with wonderful whistling that creates a beautiful melody, and it led many to believe it was dedicated to the ravages of drugs in the 80s.

Joan Baptista Humet – Hay Que Vivir

But Humet also took time to create something optimistic in his own way. “Hay Que Vivir” was another very popular song of the decade, motivating people day by day.

Joaquín Sabina – Pongamos Que Hablo De Madrid

The song “Pongamos que hablo de Madrid” was interpreted and created by Joaquín Sabina. It was released in 1980 and was part of the album titled “Malas Compañías,” which was the second in his career.

Orquesta Mondragón – Caperucita Feroz

The band Orquesta Mondragón was formed in the Basque Country in 1976 and had several big hits in the 80s. One of them was “Caperucita Feroz,” which had a line that many still sing without a second thought: “Hola, mi amor, yo soy tu lobo.”

Orquesta Mondragón – Viaje Con Nosotros

But another one of the great songs from the 80s in Spanish, in terms of influence and sales, was “Viaje con nosotros,” both from the album “Bon Voyage.” The personality of the presenter and singer Javier Gurruchaga was impressive and likely irreplaceable in the pop and show business scene.

Los Secretos – Déjame

The Spanish musical group Los Secretos also left more than one musical hit in the 80s, starting with “Déjame.” It’s one of the most remembered within the pop-rock genre that imitated the New Wave of the time. The band was at its best during this period, showcasing the talent of individuals like the now-deceased Enrique Urquijo and José Enrique Cano, Canito (whom no one remembers anymore after the New Wave movement from the Spanish 80s music).

Nacha Pop – La Chica De Ayer

Nacha Pop, the unforgettable musical band formed in 1978, left a part of all of us in their song “La Chica De Ayer.” This track allowed them to be recognized in their early years and will forever remind us of one of their members: Antonio Vega.

Orquesta Platería – Pedro Navaja

The Orquesta Platería was formed in Barcelona in 1974 and was known for popular music. They made their own interpretation of the track “Pedro Navaja,” which gained some traction, although the original, written and first sung by Rubén Blades, remains unmatched. In any case, this version helped introduce the song even more to the dance music scene in Spain.

Paraíso – Para Ti

“Para Ti” is a legendary song performed by the former group of singer-songwriter Fernando Márquez. The band didn’t last long, but their song continues to be listened to and is one of the best of the 80s decade, especially remembered for its chorus.

Radio Futura – Enamorado De La Moda Juvenil

The band Radio Futura is one of the most intelligent of the decade for us. What do we mean by this? We’re not entirely sure, but it’s a hunch we’ve always had. In any case, they left a legacy in Spanish rock from the beginning to the end of the 80s, particularly with their hit “Enamorado de la Moda Juvenil” released in 1980. They had so much talent that when they separated and continued as soloists, they largely maintained their success.

Raphael – Como Yo Te Amo

The singer Raphael, one of the great singers of the 60s, experienced a revival or resurgence of himself with this hit at the beginning of the 1980s. With sideburns that were a sight to behold (not really), he performed “Como Yo Te Amo” in a way that only he could (and perhaps Rocío Jurado too). It’s included in his album “Y sigo mi camino,” one of the best-selling albums by the Spanish artist.

Ricchi & Poveri – Será Porque Te Amo

Another great song from the 80s is “Será Porque Te Amo.” The Italians continued translating their songs into Spanish, and that’s how we got the catchy and hummable melody from the quartet (sometimes trio) Ricchi & Poveri. The ever-catchy and hummed “Será Porque Te Amo” brought the Italian group success and fame through their participation in the San Remo Festival.

Tequila – Dime Que Me Quieres

In the late 70s and early 80s, a band of young Argentinians and Spaniards named Tequila emerged. With well-remembered names like Alejo Stivel and Ariel Rot, they had one of the most lively hits of the decade in the Latin rock-pop genre, titled “Dime Que Me Quieres.” In fact, for many Spanish speakers, this group was a pioneer in making them jump and dance at the same time during concerts.

Triana – Tu Frialdad

The song “Tu Frialdad” once again confirms that Triana is one of the best bands Spain has given to the world. First heard on the radio in 1980, it kept progressive rock alive on the sales charts, maintaining its style that mixed rock with flamenco, influencing many later artists.

Trigo Limpio – Quédate Esta Noche

Here’s an example of the mentioned influence. In 1975, the trio of singers known as Trigo Limpio was formed. While they specialized in Spanish folk and romantic ballads, they sometimes attempted to sound like the previously mentioned artists, with their own uniqueness, of course. Or how to be kitsch while trying to be serious and sending a good song to Eurovision so that nobody remembers you many years later.

Vainica Doble – Alas De Algodón

“El Eslabón Perdido” was the album that turned the female duo Vainica Doble into a cult band, although not the only one. In fact, they had several songs throughout the decade that were played on all radio stations. However, one of the most successful ones might be “Alas de Algodón.”

Zombies – Groenlandia

We conclude the first year’s best of 80s music by talking about the group Zombies, which was formed in the early 80s and practically faded away just as quickly. With fresh and youthful music, they managed to land a single on the top of the radio charts, only to disappear who knows where afterward. In any case, for those interested, this song is included in their album “Extraños Juegos.”