Audition-Friendly 1980s Pop Songs – By Vocal Type
Last Updated: May 18, 2025
This list includes a curated selection of non-musical theatre 1980s pop songs, organized by vocal type. Songs are drawn from a range of pop repertoire. Additional song lists are available on the non-musical theatre repertoire page.
Altos
“All Through the Night” – Cyndi Lauper
“Eternal Flame” – The Bangles
“Gloria” – Laura Branigan
“Listen to Your Heart” – Roxette
Baritones / Basses
“Blue Eyes” – Elton John
“And So It Goes” – Billy Joel
“Nikita” – Elton John
“The Way It Is” – Bruce Hornsby
Contras
“I Want to Break Free” – Queen
“Love Will Lead You Back” – Taylor Dayne
“Solitaire” – Laura Branigan
“Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper
Mezzos/Sopranos
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
“Greatest Love of All” – Whitney Houston
“Like a Prayer” – Madonna
“This Woman’s Work” – Kate Bush
Tenors
“Hello” – Lionel Richie
“Here I Am” – Air Supply
“Purple Rain” – Prince
“Two Less Lonely People in the World” – Air Supply
Related: How to find out your vocal type
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List➝, and the creator of The Cast Album List➝. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
