Overview
The year 1987 marked a pivotal moment in popular music, blending vibrant pop, rock, R&B, and emerging electronic influences. It was a year of chart-topping anthems, enduring anthems, and memorable MTV moments that helped shape the soundscape of the late 198s. From soaring ballads to dance-floor staples, 1987 delivered a diverse mix that still resonates with listeners today.
Top Hits of 1987
- Michael Jackson — The Way You Make Me Feel
- U2 — I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
- Whitney Houston — I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)
- Bon Jovi — Livin’ on a Prayer
- George Michael — Faith
- Prince — Raspberry Beret
- Madonna — Who’s That Girl
- Peter Gabriel — Sledgehammer
- Janet Jackson — Control
- Duran Duran — Notorious
- Whitney Houston — Slave to Love
- Prince — Sign o’ the Times
- a-ha — Take On Me
- Bryan Adams — Heat of the Summer
- Bruce Hornsby and the Range — The Way It Is
Iconic Artists of 1987
- Michael Jackson — Continued global stardom with infectious pop productions.
- Whitney Houston — Established herself as a powerhouse vocalist with crossover appeal.
- U2 — Cemented their status with grand, anthemic rock.
- Prince — Blended funk, rock, and pop with bold creativity.
- Madonna — Expanded her pop iconography and reinvention.
- George Michael — Demonstrated mature, refined pop storytelling.
Notable Trends
- The rise of polished power ballads and upbeat dance-pop crossover tracks.
- MTV-driven visuals helping to propel artists to international fame.
- Fusion of rock, pop, and R&B textures creating broad radio appeal.
- The enduring influence of synthesizers and electronic rhythm sections in mainstream hits.
Quick-Listen Playlists
- Pop Essentials: The Way You Make Me Feel, I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), Faith, Notorious
- Rock Anthems: Livin’ on a Prayer, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Sledgehammer
- R&B & Dancefloor: Control, Raspberry Beret, Who’s That Girl
Notable Picks for Replay
- Track that defined 1987 radio airwaves
- Groundbreaking music video moments worth revisiting
- A couple of timeless ballads to pair with a relaxed evening