Our Favorite 1980s Pop Songs – by Vocal Type
Looking for new material to expand your vocal chops with? Or does your casting call specifically request non-musical theatre pop songs? With more pop musicals entering the scene, it’s becoming increasingly common to keep a prepared pop song in your back pocket. And because of that, we’ve put together a list of amazing 1980s pop songs, broken down by vocal type.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the following links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. See our disclosure for more info.
Altos
“All Through the Night” – Cyndi Lauper
“It’s Raining Men” – The Weather Girls
“Love Will Lead You Back” – Taylor Dayne
“Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper
Baritones / Basses
“Africa” – Toto
“And So It Goes” – Billy Joel
“Hello” – Lionel Richie
“Nikita” – Elton John
Contras
“Broken Wings” – Mr. Mister
“Forever” – Kenny Loggins
“I Want to Break Free” – Queen
“The Search is Over” – Survivor
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Mezzo-Sopranos / Sopranos
“Gloria” – Laura Branigan
“Greatest Love of All” – Whitney Houston
“Like a Prayer” – Madonna
“Listen to Your Heart” – Roxette
Tenors
“Heaven” – Bryan Adams
“Here I Am” – Air Supply
“Lost in Love” – Air Supply
“Purple Rain” – Prince
Related Posts:
• Pop Songs for Mezzo-Sopranos
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Which of these 1980s pop songs is your favorite?
And what are you working on at the moment? We would love to hear all about it in the comments below! In the meantime, you can check out our database of best audition songs for specific musicals.
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.