Cyndi Lauper’s Greatest Songs, Ranked
Cyndi Lauper’s career has been nothing short of iconic. With her signature voice, bold fashion, and fearless approach to pop music, she redefined the 1980s and beyond. From heartfelt ballads to rebellious anthems, her songs remain timeless. Here’s a ranking of her greatest tracks, counting down from 10 to 1.
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10. “Into the Nightlife” (2008)
Album: Bring Ya to the Brink
Release Date: May 2008
Achievements: Hit the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart
Decades into her career, Lauper proved she still owned the dance floor with this high-energy electro-pop track. Inspired by the nightlife scene, it pulsed with club beats and a modern edge, showing her ability to evolve with the times. Listen to the track here.
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9. “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” (1985)
Album: The Goonies: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Release Date: June 6, 1985
Achievements: Peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100
This quirky, high-energy anthem was recorded for The Goonies movie and became a cult favorite. The music video, featuring cameos from the film’s cast, added to its charm. Though Lauper later admitted she wasn’t fond of the song, fans still adore it as a nostalgic gem. Watch the music video:
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8. “Change of Heart” (1986)
Album: True Colors
Release Date: November 11, 1986
Achievements: Peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100
With The Bangles on backing vocals and a driving synth-pop sound, this track perfectly captured the upbeat yet emotionally charged style that Lauper mastered. The song’s pulsating energy and soaring chorus made it a standout hit from her sophomore album. Listen to “Change of Heart.”
7. “I Drove All Night” (1989)
Album: A Night to Remember
Release Date: March 9, 1989
Achievements: No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100; No. 7 in the UK
Originally written for Roy Orbison, Lauper’s version was the first to be released. Her dramatic, almost urgent vocal delivery turned this song into a powerful anthem of longing. Later covered by Orbison himself and Celine Dion, Lauper’s version remains the most electrifying.
6. “Money Changes Everything” (1984)
Album: She’s So Unusual
Release Date: December 1984
Achievements: No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100
Originally a little-known song by The Brains, Lauper transformed it into a raw, emotional new-wave epic. Stripped of its pop sheen, the live version especially showcased her ability to pour her soul into a performance. It’s one of her most underrated classics.
5. “True Colors” (1986)
Album: True Colors
Release Date: August 28, 1986
Achievements: No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; Grammy-nominated
A song of self-acceptance and inner beauty, “True Colors” became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Stripped down compared to her earlier hits, Lauper’s heartfelt delivery made it one of her most enduring and emotional songs.
4. “All Through the Night” (1983)
Album: She’s So Unusual
Release Date: September 2, 1984
Achievements: Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Originally written by Jules Shear, Lauper’s version transformed it into a dreamy, melancholic ballad. Her ethereal vocals elevate the song, making it one of her most underrated yet hauntingly beautiful tracks. It’s also notable for making She’s So Unusual the first album by a female artist to produce four Top 5 hits.
3. “She Bop” (1984)
Album: She’s So Unusual
Release Date: July 2, 1984
Achievements: No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100
On the surface, “She Bop” is a playful, synth-driven bop, but beneath its catchy exterior, it tackled themes of self-empowerment and taboo subjects with humor and confidence. The song even landed on the Parents Music Resource Center’s (PMRC) “Filthy Fifteen” list for its suggestive lyrics—something Lauper took as a badge of honor.
2. “Time After Time” (1983)
Album: She’s So Unusual
Release Date: January 27, 1984
Achievements: No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; Grammy-nominated
A tender ballad about love and regret, “Time After Time” remains one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. Covered by countless artists across genres, the song’s simple yet deeply emotional lyrics, combined with Lauper’s vulnerable delivery, make it timeless.
1. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)
Album: She’s So Unusual
Release Date: September 6, 1983
Achievements: No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100; Grammy-nominated
The song that defined Cyndi Lauper’s career, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was originally written by Robert Hazard, but Lauper transformed it into a feminist anthem of joy and independence. Its colorful music video and infectious energy made it an instant classic, and it remains one of the most recognizable pop songs of all time.
Cyndi Lauper’s impact on music is undeniable. Whether she’s belting out emotional ballads or leading a dance revolution, her songs continue to inspire generations. Which of these is your favorite? Let me know if you want a deeper dive into her albums or underrated tracks!
