4 Songs From 1986 Every 80s Kid Heard While Riding the Bus to School Each Morning

Most 80s kids had to run to the school bus on weekday mornings to head to class. And many a young audiophile in 1986 threw on their headphones the second they sat down. If you were one such 80s kid, I bet you jammed out to at least one of the following hit 1986 songs on the way to school.

“Kiss” by Prince and The Revolution from ‘Parade’

Prince had a super-danceable hit on his hands with “Kiss” in 1986. Riding on the coattails of the enormously successful Purple Rain and other releases, Prince dropped this minimalist funk-pop jam, and it was a fast hit on the charts. “Kiss” peaked at No. 1 around the world. It stayed at the top spot in the US for two weeks.

“Everybody Have Fun Tonight” by Wang Chung from ‘Mosaic’

Remember this dance-rock delight from Wang Chung? “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” was popular among adults and youths alike. Naturally, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. If you danced to this celebration of the self alone in your bedroom after school, you’re probably not alone there.

“Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles from ‘Different Light’

The lyrics of this novelty new wave hit haven’t aged super well, but it was a virtually inescapable song back in 1986. “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles was one of the most popular pop-rock songs of the year, and its music video was also a smash hit on MTV. It’s no surprise that “Walk Like An Egyptian” peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and numerous other mainstream charts worldwide.

“Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi from ‘Slippery When Wet’

Well, I couldn’t forget this one. This is easily one of the most memorable hit songs of 1986, and I bet plenty of kids listened to it on the way to school. This might have been the song that turned many a young, impressionable mind into a diehard glam metal fan. “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi remains the band’s signature song. And back in 1986, it peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.

(Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)