Stevie Wonder "Go Home"

Speaking of Stevie Wonder, he managed to top both the Dance and Adult Contemporary Charts with "Go Home". His mid-tempo synth-laden tune took its sweet time to become a hit. Originally recorded in 1984, Stevie actually performed the song on Saturday Day Night Live a year prior.  It was released in 1985 and turned into a #1 song in 1986.

Annie Lennox "A Whiter Shade of Pale"

Annie Lennox's 1995 version of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" replaced the signature sound of the Hammond Organ made famous in the original version by Procol Harum. While Procol Harum gave the song a somber mood, Lennox's used a whispy-sounding synthesizer beat that, when matched with Lennox's vocals, gave the tune more of a fairy tale feel. 

Chaka Khan & Rufus "Ain't Nobody"

The directive Rufus gave to Warner Brothers was simple: the funky pop-R&B song "Ain't Nobody" must be the lead single on Rufus and Chaka Khan's Stompin' at the Savoy album, or else they would give the song to Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones for inclusion on Michael's Thriller album. Warner Brothers originally balked but ultimately dropped their objections and the song went on to become the band's signature tune.

Company B - "Fascinated"

At first listen, you may credit "Fascinated" to Taylor Dayne.  The female vocals certainly sound like Taylor, but credit the group Company B for the synth and drum machine heavy freestyle song.  The catchy tune found a home at nightclubs and Top 40 radio in 1987.

Steve Winwood - "The Finer Things"

Adult Contemporary radio played Steve Winwood's "The Finer Things" like it was their job (in a way, it was).  The synth-heavy song topped the Adult Contemporary Chart in 1987.

Jim Capaldi - "That's Love"

Steve Winwood's paws are all over Jim Capaldi's "That's Love". This 1983 soft rock ditty featured Winwood playing synthesizer and providing backup vocals (along with his wife, Nicole). Capaldi and Winwood once played together in rock band Traffic. 

Rick Astley - "She Wants to Dance With Me"

Rick Astley's "She Wants to Dance With Me" is an audio time machine that will take you right back to 1988.  The song checks off all the boxes for 1980's music:

1. saxophone solo
2. synthesizer
3. syrupy pop lyrics

They just don't music like this anymore.  Whether that's a good thing or not is up to you to decide...