American Songwriter has published a light retrospective feature revisiting four rock songs from 1985 that it argues remain instantly recognisable to those who grew up in the 1980s. The piece is part of an ongoing series of nostalgia-driven music lists from the outlet, celebrating tracks from the era that have endured in popular memory decades on.

The songs featured are Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire" from Born In The U.S.A., Simple Minds' only US number one "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from The Breakfast Club soundtrack, Night Ranger's Top 10 hit "Sentimental Street", and Survivor's "Burning Heart" from the Rocky IV soundtrack, which was the band's final Top 5 single. Each entry includes lyric excerpts, songwriting credits and brief background details, such as Springsteen's acting debut in the "I'm On Fire" video and "Don't You (Forget About Me)" spending three weeks atop the charts.