Iconic Songs Turning 40 in 2025: Hits That Still Rock

Get ready for a musical time warp! We’re celebrating songs turning 40 in 2025—tracks released in 1985 that continue to make waves today. From epic pop ballads to iconic rock anthems, these songs have earned their place in music history and remain beloved across generations. 

Celebrate the Songs Turning 40 in 2025 

Yes, it’s been four decades since these legendary songs first hit the airwaves in 1985. Whether you were living through it or hearing them on your parents’ playlist, these hits are instantly recognizable and still sound fresh. Let’s rewind the tape and give these 1985 classics their due. 

1. “Take on Me” – A-ha

A-ha’s synth-pop smash paired a killer falsetto with one of the most innovative music videos ever made. “Take on Me” became an instant MTV classic and still makes every retro playlist. 

2. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” – Kate Bush 

Thanks to Stranger Things, Kate Bush’s haunting masterpiece made a chart comeback nearly 40 years later. Originally released in 1985, it’s still a spine-tingler. 

3. “Money for Nothing” – Dire Straits 

That iconic guitar riff? Timeless. This rock hit poked fun at MTV even as it dominated the network’s rotation. It’s a bold slice of ‘80s commentary and pure sound. 

4. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears 

This polished pop track is packed with layered vocals and political edge. A staple on every ‘80s hits list and still in rotation everywhere from supermarkets to movie soundtracks. 

5. “We Built This City” – Starship

An arena-sized anthem with a chorus everyone knows—even if they pretend they don’t. “We Built This City” defined mid-’80s pop rock excess. 

6. “The Power of Love” – Huey Lewis and the News

Forever tied to Back to the Future, this upbeat rock hit delivers a perfect mix of feel-good energy and nostalgic vibes. Marty McFly would definitely approve. 

7. “Crazy for You” – Madonna

Showing off her softer side, Madonna’s ballad "Crazy for You" gave fans a taste of her emotional depth. It was a slow-dance essential in the mid-’80s. 

8. “Material Girl” – Madonna

Another Madonna milestone, “Material Girl” wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural moment. It defined her image and the era, and it still gets quoted today. 

9. “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves 

You’ve heard it in commercials, movies, and parades. “Walking on Sunshine” is pure serotonin in song form—and yes, it turns 40 in 2025! 

10. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” – Dead or Alive 

The ultimate dancefloor jam, this high-energy synth-pop track is unforgettable. That beat? Unstoppable. That chorus? Irresistible. 

11. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds 

If one song defined the ‘80s teen movie, it’s this one. Immortalized in The Breakfast Club, it’s moody, iconic, and totally timeless. 

12. “Shout” – Tears for Fears 

Another entry from the British duo, this cathartic anthem had global appeal and emotional weight. Forty years later, people still scream the chorus. 

13. “Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams 

A nostalgic ode to young love and guitars, “Summer of ’69” became Bryan Adams’ signature song. It’s a stadium sing-along even now. 

14. “We Are the World” – USA for Africa 

One of the most powerful charity singles ever recorded, this star-studded anthem featured everyone from Michael Jackson to Bruce Springsteen. Still a blueprint for global musical collaboration. 

From TikTok resurgences to commercial placements, these 1985 songs haven’t aged a day. Whether they make you dance, cry, or belt out lyrics in the car, they remain unforgettable 40 years later. As we hit 2025, these songs turning 40 remind us that great music never fades—it just finds new fans. Whether you were born in the ‘80s or discovered these tracks later, they continue to inspire, entertain, and connect us. Here’s to another 40 years of timeless tunes from 1985!