Some of the most influential songs in music history are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Despite the passage of time, these tracks continue to captivate listeners, including younger audiences who are discovering them anew.
One of the standout songs is “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. It became the band’s first song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and their second consecutive No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2013, the song was certified triple platinum for surpassing three million digital downloads. Since then, it has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, securing its place as one of the best-selling songs of all time.
Another track marking its 40th anniversary is “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” by British band Cutting Crew. Upon release, the song received mixed reviews—praised by some for its melody and production, while others criticized it as unoriginal. Despite this, it achieved massive commercial success and ultimately earned Cutting Crew the reputation of being a one-hit wonder.
Madonna’s hit “Papa Don’t Preach”, from her third studio album True Blue, is also on the list. At the time, critics especially praised Madonna’s vocal performance. The music video, directed by James Foley, showcased a more mature image of the singer, portraying a young woman in conflict with her controlling father.
The band Europe released “The Final Countdown” in 1986. Written by lead singer Joey Tempest and inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” the song was initially intended only as a concert opener. However, it was later chosen as the title track of the album of the same name—and went on to make music history.
Berlin’s legendary song “Take My Breath Away” was also released in 1986. Written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock for the soundtrack of the film Top Gun, the song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 59th Academy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Another Bon Jovi classic, “You Give Love a Bad Name,” also earned its place on the list. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 29, 1986, and re-entered the chart in 2007 at No. 29 after being performed by Blake Lewis on American Idol.
Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” was originally written for Janet Jackson, who declined the song. It went on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1986 and became Whitney Houston’s first song to top Canada’s RPM Top 100 chart.
Today, many of these classic songs are enjoying a new life, as social media—especially TikTok—continues to rediscover and reintroduce them, transforming timeless hits into viral favorites among younger generations.
