No. 2: "Don't You Forget About Me" - Simple Minds
From The Breakfast Club, 1985
From maybe the most nostalgia-driven of all teen eighties movies comes maybe the most nostalgia-driven song from an eighties soundtrack.
Was there ever a song that fit so lyrically with a movie, especially the end of that movie, than "Don't You Forget About Me"? It hardly seems possible.
It was a perfect combination of a film that connected with its audience in a way few films have, and the perfect song that solidified that connection. Regardless of your age, the movie is relevant to teenagers of every generation because in one way or another, it checks all the boxes of the angst teenagers feel.
The song was the icing on the cake. This Simple Minds hit made it all the way to number one. Both the song and film are iconic to the decade, and there is enough realism there is carry over to other decades as well. It is a timeless classic with a song to match.
No. 1: "Purple Rain" - Prince
From Purple Rain, 1984
There have been bigger songs from bigger soundtracks in the eighties. There have been songs that have been much bigger hits. There have been songs more decorated. Heck, the title track isn't even the highest charting song on the soundtrack, and it's for sure not Prince's biggest hit.
Yet, "Purple Rain" endures. It is a powerful guitar-driven ballad of epic proportions. From the aching cry in Prince's voice to the soulful riffs that fill the song, to the heartfelt, gut-wrenching lyrics, this song offers something for everyone.
Unbelievably, this song never hit number one; it peaked at two. "When Doves Cry," on the other hand, sat at number one for five weeks. It is also an incredibly powerful song that very easily could have made this list. Over time, however, "Purple Rain" is the song people remember most. There is just something about it. It was very underappreciated at the time.
Speaking of underappreciated, Prince probably doesn't get the kudos he deserves for how incredible he is with a guitar. If you want some evidence of this statement, what Prince absolutely nails another iconic song, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
Prince is just incredible on guitar during "Purple Rain." There are hardly words to define the performance. It is the combination of all the aspects of this song, from the semi-autobiographical nature of the movie to the lyrics and performance of this classic song. It has stood the test of time and is the most iconic song from an eighties soundtrack.