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
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also 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.
