1986 was a golden year in music history—an unforgettable mix of synth-pop, power ballads, funky grooves, and rock anthems that topped the charts and defined a generation.

From Whitney Houston’s soaring vocals to Bon Jovi’s arena-shaking hooks, the year gave us hits that still echo through radios, playlists, and dance floors today.

Even if you were dancing to Madonna, rocking out with Genesis, or falling in love with Peter Cetera’s heartfelt tunes, the songs of 1986 had something for everyone.

In this blog, we’re counting down the top number-one songs that ruled the airwaves and left a permanent mark on music lovers everywhere.

1. That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne and Friends

It is a heartfelt ballad celebrating loyalty and unconditional support. This song brought together powerhouse vocals from Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder.

It became an anthem for friendship and empathy. Beyond the charts, it raised significant awareness and funds for AIDS research, making it both musically and socially impactful.

2. Say You Say Me by Lionel Richie

This soothing ballad emphasizes connection and understanding between people. It features Richie’s signature tender vocals and gentle rhythm.

Used as the theme for the film White Nights, the song earned both an Academy Award and a Grammy, adding to its emotional role and global popularity.

3. I Miss You by Klymaxx

This is an emotional and haunting slow jam. I Miss You showcases the depth of heartbreak through its melancholic melody.

Klymaxx’s expressive delivery made this song a timeless anthem for those coping with loss. Its simplicity and raw emotion helped it stand out during a synth-heavy decade.

4. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister

This soft rock hit expresses themes of redemption and new beginnings. The lyrics were inspired by a Kahlil Gibran novel, giving the song poetic weight.

Coupled with a powerful chorus and ambient synth layers, it became one of Mr. Mister’s defining tracks.

5. On My Own by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald

This duet about the pain of separation and the path to self-reliance, On My Own is rich with vocal contrast.

Patti LaBelle’s emotional range blends perfectly with McDonald’s soulful tone. The song relates greatly to listeners, finding love and independence.

6. Burning Heart by Survivor

This intense rock anthem was created for Rocky IV and perfectly show the film’s themes of conflict and inner struggle.

With fiery guitar riffs and bold lyrics, it paints a sonic picture of East vs. West tensions during the Cold War. It’s a motivational classic that energizes with every play.

7. How Will I Know by Whitney Houston

This bubbly blend of 80s synths and powerful vocals, this track captures the confusion and excitement of new love.

Whitney’s vibrant performance brought youthful energy to the charts. It also marked a turning point in her pop crossover success.

8. There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) by Billy Ocean

This tender ballad explains how music can stir up powerful emotions and memories. Billy Ocean’s smooth delivery adds weight to the theme of heartbreak.

It’s a reminder of the intimate connection between sound and sentiment.

9. Venus by Bananarama

It is an electrifying remake of a ’60s tune, Venus, which was transitioned into a dance-floor smash with bold vocals and high-energy production.

The song celebrates female power and sensuality. Its catchy hook made it an international hit and a staple of 80s pop playlists.

10. Kyrie by Mr. Mister

Kyrie combines spiritual connection with rock style, using the Greek phrase ‘Lord, have mercy’ as its haunting chorus.

The song depicts a search for guidance during life’s path. Its atmospheric sound and lyrics make it stand out in the rock landscape of the time.

11. Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston

This soaring ballad encourages self-respect and personal strength. Whitney’s flawless vocal control and emotional delivery made it one of her most popular tracks.

Originally recorded by George Benson, her version became the definitive rendition, touching the hearts of people worldwide.

12. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears

It is a thoughtful and melodic critique of power and control. This song blends dreamy synths with pointed lyrics.

It conveys the political anxiety of the 80s while remaining catchy and accessible. Its guitar riff and tone still relate to today.

13. Secret Lovers by Atlantic Starr

This smooth R&B duet gets into the emotions of forbidden love. With harmonized vocals and a slow groove, the song shows the internal conflict of being with someone you can’t openly love. It’s romantic, bittersweet, and relatable.

14. The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby and the Range

This piano-driven track tackles social inequality and systemic injustice. Hornsby’s storytelling lyrics, paired with a rich melody, turned a heavy topic into a mainstream hit.

Its powerful message remains relevant, and its catchy chorus has made it a sample favorite in hip-hop.

15. Cry by Godley and Creme

It is a raw and synth-heavy ballad. Cry examines the breakdown of a relationship with striking honesty.

The song is also remembered for its groundbreaking video featuring morphing faces. Emotionally intense and artistically bold, it’s a standout in the new wave era.

16. Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel

This funky, horn-driven track, Sledgehammer, is as famous for its surreal stop-motion video as it is for its musical groove.

Gabriel’s soulful vocals and production created a standout pop-rock hit. It’s a playful, artistic expression of sensuality.

17. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco

It is an eccentric tribute to Mozart; this track blends pop, rap, and opera influences. As the first German-language song to hit No. 1 in the U.S., it broke cultural barriers.

Its unusual style and infectious beat made it an unforgettable 80s hit.

18. Papa Don’t Preach by Madonna

Both bold and controversial, this song narrates a young woman’s defiance in the face of unplanned pregnancy.

Madonna infused pop with a mature, socially charged message. Its orchestral touches and emotional delivery helped develop her image.

19. You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi

Fueled by soaring guitar riffs and an unforgettable chorus, this song turned heartbreak into a battle cry.

It helped launch Bon Jovi into global stardom. The anthem became a symbol of 80s rock at its most electrifying.

20. When I Think of You by Janet Jackson

Flirty, funky, and full of energy, this track was Janet’s first number-one hit. With production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it has the magic of youthful love. The song signaled her emergence as a pop icon in her own right.

21. These Dreams by Heart

An ethereal ballad that shows longing and escape through dreams, this track gave Heart their first U.S. chart-topper.

The soft harmonies and poetic lyrics contrast with their usual hard rock image. It’s a delicate, emotional highlight in their catalog.

22. Invisible Touch by Genesis

With infectious synths and driving percussion, this track became Genesis’s biggest U.S. hit. The lyrics speak to the mysterious pull of a woman who seems to have an invisible touch.

It’s pure 80s pop-rock, fueled by Phil Collins’s charismatic vocals.

23. Manic Monday by The Bangles

Written by Prince, this song tells the tale of a working woman dreading the start of a hectic week. Its jangly melody and relatable lyrics made it an instant classic. It helped cement The Bangles’ status in the ’80s pop scene.

24. Kiss by Prince and The Revolution

Stripped-down and funky, Kiss is a masterclass in musical minimalism. With just a beat, a guitar, and Prince’s falsetto, it’s both sexy and playful.

Its unexpected sound earned it chart-topping success and critical acclaim.

25. Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News

This energetic anthem gained popularity due to its association with Back to the Future. The upbeat tune celebrates love as a force of strength and courage.

With electric guitars and a memorable hook, it’s one of Huey’s biggest hits.

26. Higher Love by Steve Winwood

It is an uplifting tune with powerful vocals and percussion. Higher Love urges listeners to look for something greater in life and love.

Chaka Khan’s backing vocals add richness. It’s a feel-good classic with a soulful heart.

27. Stuck with You by Huey Lewis and the News

It is a romantic and easygoing song about enduring relationships. This track showcases Huey Lewis’s charm.

The sunny melody and light humor made it a wedding and radio favorite. It captures the comfort of lasting love.

28. Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone) by Glass Tiger

This synth-pop track features a catchy chorus and guest vocals from Bryan Adams. It’s about longing and separation, delivered with polished production. The song became one of Canada’s biggest exports in 1986.

29. Living in America by James Brown

This funky, patriotic anthem, filled with power and flair, marked James Brown’s triumphant return. Featured in Rocky IV, it mixes soul with national pride. It’s celebratory, brassy, and unforgettable.

30. To Be a Lover by Billy Idol

With a mix of rockabilly rhythm and Idol’s gritty voice, this song reimagines a ’60s soul tune. It oozes urgency and desire. The energetic beat and bold attitude turned it into an 80s staple.

31. Small Town by John Cougar Mellencamp

This down-to-earth song about simple living and American roots, Small Town, shows Mellencamp’s pride in his upbringing.

Its straightforward lyrics and twangy guitars made it a working-class anthem. It’s heartfelt and original.

32. Take My Breath Away by Berlin

Hauntingly romantic and drenched in synth, this love theme from Top Gun defined 80s ballads. The song captures the intensity of passion and longing.

Its high tone helped it win both an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

33. True Colors by Cyndi Lauper

It is a touching ballad about accepting your true self. True Colors became a beacon for self-expression.

Lauper’s emotional delivery and simple arrangement let the message shine. It remains an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

34. Walk This Way by Run-DMC featuring Aerosmith

This genre-defying collaboration, this track fused hip-hop and rock into a cultural milestone. The reimagined Aerosmith hit revived the band’s career and legitimized rap in the mainstream music scene.

35. The Rain by Oran Juice Jones

This R&B hit mixes smooth melodies with a touching spoken outro about betrayal. The song is best remembered for its narrative style and cinematic storytelling.

Its blend of cool vocals and raw emotion made it unique for the time.

Other Top 1986 Artists

36. Party All the Time by Eddie Murphy

37. Go Home by Stevie Wonder

38. Holding Back the Years by Simply Red

39. I Can’t Wait by Nu Shooz

40. Cool It Now by New Edition

41. The Sweetest Taboo by Sade

42. Each Time You Break My Heart by Nick Kamen

43. Love Walks In by Van Halen

44. Typical Male by Tina Turner

45. King for a Day by Thompson Twins

46. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys

47. Words Get in the Way by Miami Sound Machine

48. Digging Your Scene by The Blow Monkeys

49. No One Is to Blame by Howard Jones

50. Human by The Human League

51. We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off by Jermaine Stewart

52. Love Is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar

53. Mad About You by Belinda Carlisle

54. If You Leave by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

55. Why Can’t This Be Love by Van Halen

56. I’m Your Man by Wham!

57. My Hometown by Bruce Springsteen

58. Take on Me by a-ha

59. Alive and Kicking by Simple Minds

60. Harlem Shuffle by The Rolling Stones

61. What Have You Done for Me Lately by Janet Jackson

62. A Different Corner by George Michael

63. Love Will Conquer All by Lionel Richie

64. Heartbeat by Don Johnson

65. All I Need Is a Miracle by Mike and the Mechanics

66. Life in a Northern Town by The Dream Academy

67. Head over Heels by Tears for Fears

68. Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

69. Talk to Me by Chico DeBarge

70. Sanctify Yourself by Simple Minds

71. Sweet Freedom by Michael McDonald

72. Let’s Go All the Way by Sly Fox

73. Invisible Sun by The Police

74. Live to Tell by Madonna

75. Walk of Life by Dire Straits

76. Spies in the Night by The Stylistics

77. Man in Motion (St. Elmo’s Fire) by John Parr

78. What You Need by INXS

79. Conga by Miami Sound Machine

80. Calling America by Electric Light Orchestra

81. Amanda by Boston

82. Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

83. The Next Time I Fall by Peter Cetera and Amy Grant

84. Opportunity Knocks by The Human League

85. Throwing It All Away by Genesis

86. Land of Confusion by Genesis

87. Love Touch by Rod Stewart

88. The Captain of Her Heart by Double

89. You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon

90. No Promise by The Fixx

91. Going Down to Liverpool by The Bangles

92. Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain and Tennille

93. Money for Nothing by Dire Straits

94. We Built This City by Starship

95. Separate Lives by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin

96. Sara by Starship

97. Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung

98. Friends and Lovers by Gloria Loring and Carl Anderson

99. Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean

100. The Final Countdown by Europe

101. I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Songs Spent the Most Weeks at Number One in 1986?

That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne and Friends and Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles each logged four weeks at number one.

Did Any Artist Have More than One Number-One Hit in 1986?

Yes, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Peter Cetera each scored two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.