The best rock hits of the 80s performed by women

A lot of listeners rock is associated with something rough, growling, defiant... Those who are only superficially familiar with this genre assume that it is rebellious and energetic, winding up. And they will obviously be surprised to learn that rock music can also be snooty, tender, heartfelt, danceable and even light (it turns out!). And it doesn't necessarily have to be performed only by men - there is room here for ladies…

In today's article, we decided to remember the names of singers who own some of the loudest and to this day ageless 80s hits! You've probably heard all these songs - maybe some of them are even your personal favourites. So we are sure that for many of our readers this will be a pleasant nostalgic journey through the pages of musical history....

Joan Jett - I Love Rock 'n' Roll (1982)

And we decided to start the selection with perhaps the most famous hit performed by women not only in the 80s, but also in the history of rock in general! For the first time Joan Jett performed her future hit "I Love Rock and Roll" in 1979, but in 1982 she recorded the song with her band Blackhearts and this version became a smash hit and topped many charts!

Today. "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" played by rebellious Jett is so popular that many people don't even know it's a... cover. Yes, yes! The original version of this rock 'n' roll anthem came out in the mid-70s, and it belonged to the band The Arrows. Alas, this song attracted almost no attention at the time - from the general public and radio stations, that's for sure! But other performers, on the contrary, immediately took notice of this "thing". And soon the track got a lot of cover versions. Even in our days, the pop princess herself presented her interpretation of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" Britney Spears!

But, of course, the coolest variation belongs to Joan and her band. And, as we personally think, it will be very difficult - if not impossible - to surpass this level.

Lita Ford - Kiss Me Deadly (1988)

One of the most gorgeous rock tracks performed by a woman! By the way, another ex-participant The Runaways on our list. Like Jett, after going solo. Lita Ford has managed to build a successful career and make a big name for herself, as well as prove to the world that women can play rock - and how!

Regarding "Kiss Me Deadly"This song became Lita's calling card and the basis of her repertoire, as well as one of the biggest rock hits of the 80s. And the New York Times magazine included its music video in its list of favourite songs of the '80s "major hair metal music videos.". With mellow synths, cool guitar riffs and Ford's husky vocals, this is a timeless classic that never seems to lose its relevance. In 2019, this masterpiece has found a second life after being played in a superhero film "Captain Marvel.". We think this is far from the last time "Kiss Me Deadly" will make its way from the big screen....

Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983)

Now, a lot of people might be surprised and even outraged: "What does Bonnie Tyler have to do with Bonnie Tyler, she's a pop singer?". Yes and no. If we listen carefully (and look on the internet), we'll realise that the cult hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart." in the genre pop-rock - like most of Tyler's repertoire.

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" is already a masterpiece, a classic of its time and genre! The composition is endowed with a gloomy sound and mysterious fantasy lyrics inspired by the 1922 vampire film "Nosferatu, Symphony of Terror." The song tells a sad and powerful story of a breakup that leaves a woman lonely and heartbroken. Despite such a sad undertone, the track became a big hit and can be heard on the radio even today. Tyler herself admitted that she wasn't singing about human love: she was singing about a vampire love story.

Heart - Alone (1987)

And this song is incredibly beautiful... It's just an amazing composition. Very lyrical, sometimes tender - sometimes growling, moderately dynamic, moderately romantic... Simply put - it's a beautiful song. perfect balance. Yeah, the band Heart has done her best! Although, as with Jett and her love of rock 'n' roll, this is a cover…

This song was originally written Billy Steinberg and Tom Kellyand recorded for their album under the pseudonym i-Ten. It happened in 1983. Then, a year later, the creators of the sitcom "Dreams" turned their eyes to this track - then this song was performed by actors Valerie Stevenson and John Stamos. And then the song caught the eye of the band Heart, who made it their calling card.

Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen (1981).

Usually when it comes to female artists in the rock genre, Stevie Nicks is often overlooked. And as it seems to us - this is an absolute injustice! After all, just listen to how powerful and soulful her voice is... She performed the composition especially well "Edge of Seventeen" 1981, which we decided to include in our selection.

Nicks' solo debut just after her departure from Fleetwood Mac, the album "Bella Donna." came from special places of inspiration. For example, the title of the song under discussion ("The 17-year mark.") was taken from her conversation with Tom Petty's wife when she misheard "seventeen years" due to Jane's strong southern accent. As for the lyrical content, according to Stevie - it was partly inspired by with the death of John Lennon…

"So I started looking for an answer:
Climbing up, going down,
But not for the sake of an answer,
It's for the sake of hearing,
Like the singing of a night bird
It's silent."

Blondie - Call Me (1980)

And lastly, we thought we'd reminisce about this one - quite. controversial a song:

The thing is, from the very beginning of his journey. Blondie positioned themselves as representatives punk scenes. However, when they introduced the world to their hit "Call Me."Many people started to accuse the band of going "to the side of pop and disco". Anyway, we think that this song deserves a place in this selection! What do you think? What other songs would you add here? Share your opinion in the comments - we'd love to read it!