Discover the top songs of 1988, a year filled with iconic hits that defined the late ’80s music scene. From chart-topping pop anthems to unforgettable rock ballads, this list features the best tracks that shaped the sound of a generation. Explore fan favorites from legendary artists like Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Bon Jovi, along with links to listen and sing along with karaoke versions. Dive into the music that made 1988 unforgettable!
| Song Title | Author | Released in | YT Standard | YT Karaoke |
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| Kokomo | The Beach Boys | 1988 |  |
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| Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car | Billy Ocean | 1988 | |
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| Don’t Worry, Be Happy | Bobby McFerrin | 1988 | |
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| Fast Car | Tracy Chapman | 1988 | |
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| Man in the Mirror | Michael Jackson | 1988 | |
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| Every Rose Has Its Thorn | Poison | 1988 | |
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| Don’t You (Forget About Me) | Simple Minds | 1988 | |
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| Heaven Is a Place on Earth | Belinda Carlisle | 1988 | |
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| Bad Medicine | Bon Jovi | 1988 | |
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| The Flame | Cheap Trick | 1988 | |
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| Look Away | Chicago | 1988 | |
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| Strokin’ | Clarence Carter | 1986 | |
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| Foolish Beat | Debbie Gibson | 1987 | |
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| Love Bites | Def Leppard | 1987 | |
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| Seasons Change | Exposé | 1987 | |
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| Got My Mind Set on You | George Harrison | 1987 | |
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| Father Figure | George Michael | 1987 | |
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| One More Try | George Michael | 1988 | |
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| Monkey | George Michael | 1988 | |
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| Anything for You | Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine | 1988 | |
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| Sweet Child o’ Mine | Guns N’ Roses | 1988 | |
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| Dr. Stein | Helloween | 1988 | |
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| I Want Out | Helloween | 1988 | |
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| Need You Tonight | INXS | 1987 | |
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| The Way You Make Me Feel | Michael Jackson | 1987 | |
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| Dirty Diana | Michael Jackson | 1988 | |
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| A Groovy Kind of Love | Phil Collins | 1988 | |
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| Nothin’ But A Good Time | Poison | 1988 | |
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| Hold On to the Nights | Richard Marx | 1988 | |
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| Never Gonna Give You Up | Rick Astley | 1987 | |
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| Together Forever | Rick Astley | 1988 | |
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| It Takes Two | Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock | 1988 | |
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| Forever Young | Rod Stewart | 1988 | |
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| Copperhead Road | Steve Earle | 1988 | |
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| Roll with It | Steve Winwood | 1988 | |
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| Wishing Well | Terence Trent D’Arby | 1987 | |
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| Wild, Wild West | The Escape Club | 1988 | |
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| Could’ve Been | Tiffany | 1987 | |
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| Wild Thing | Tone Loc | 1988 | |
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| Red Red Wine | UB40 | 1983 / 1988 (re-released) | |
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| So Emotional | Whitney Houston | 1987 | |
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| Where Do Broken Hearts Go | Whitney Houston | 1988 | |
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| Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird Medley (Free Baby) | Will to Power | 1988 | |
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