Cruisin` Classics of the 80s

Ultimate Cruisin' Classics Playlist: 80s Rock Anthems for the Open Road

Rev up your 80s memories with ultimate Cruisin' Classics! This decade delivered driving rock and pop anthems perfect for the highway, blending iconic guitar riffs with memorable synth lines and soaring vocals. These songs capture the energy, style, and spirit of adventure that defined 80s driving music.

This essential 80s Cruisin' Classics playlist hits high gear with Bob Seger's reflective journeys ("Against The Wind," "Roll Me Away") and Journey's ultimate optimistic anthem "Don't Stop Believin'." Feel the rebellious speed of Sammy Hagar's "I Can't Drive 55" and Van Halen's "Panama." Cruise with Tom Petty "Runnin' Down A Dream," ZZ Top's stylish "Sharp Dressed Man," CSN's nautical "Southern Cross," and Dire Straits' atmospheric "Tunnel Of Love." These tracks define the sound of hitting the road during the eighties decade.

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s Playlist (line 914)

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (A)

Against The Wind: This title track from Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's 1980 album perfectly exemplifies their signature blend of heartland rock and soft rock sensibilities.Bob Seger

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (D)

Don't Stop Believin': This standout track from Journey's massively successful 1981 album "Escape" perfectly encapsulates the band's blend of arena rock energy and pop rock sensibilities.Journey

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (I)

I Can't Drive 55: Released in 1984 on Sammy Hagar's successful solo album VOA, "I Can't Drive 55" became his signature solo anthem. It's a straightforward Hard Rock track fueled by energetic guitars, a driving rhythm section, and Hagar's powerful vocals.Sammy Hagar

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (P)

Panama: Released on Van Halen’s landmark 1984 album, "Panama" perfectly encapsulates the band's unique blend of Hard Rock power and Glam Metal flair during the classic David Lee Roth era.Van Halen

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (R)

Roll Me Away: Released as a hit single in 1983 from the album The Distance, "Roll Me Away" is quintessential Bob Seger. It perfectly embodies the Heartland Rock genre with its narrative storytelling about restlessness and renewal, straightforward rock arrangement, and Seger's soulful, instantly recognizable voice.Bob Seger

Runnin' Down A Dream: Released in 1989 on Tom Petty's chart-topping solo album Full Moon Fever (though featuring key Heartbreakers members), "Runnin' Down A Dream" became an instant rock staple.Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (S)

Sharp Dressed Man: Released on the multi-platinum Eliminator album in 1983, "Sharp Dressed Man" perfectly exemplifies ZZ Top's successful fusion of styles. Billy Gibbons’ unmistakable blues rock guitar riff provides the foundation, layered with prominent synthesizers, a driving electronic rock beat, and synth-pop textures characteristic of the era.ZZ Top

Southern Cross: Released in 1982 on the album Daylight Again, "Southern Cross" is a signature song for Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN), distinct from their work with Neil Young.Crosby Stills Nash & Young

Cruisin' Classics of the 80s (T)

Tunnel Of Love: Opening Dire Straits' acclaimed 1980 album Making Movies and released as a single in 1981, "Tunnel Of Love" showcases Mark Knopfler's cinematic songwriting.Dire Straits