If you’re aged 30 or older, there’s a good chance that at some point in your life, you were heavily influenced by music from the 1980s. Whether it was the decade’s biggest pop stars or underground legends, there’s no doubt that this era had a big impact on popular culture.
In this blog post, we’re going to look at some of the best music from the 1980s and how it has continued to influence modern music. We’ll discuss how some of the biggest names in pop and rock started during this era, and we’ll highlight some of the most iconic songs from the decade. So whether you’re a fan of 80s nostalgia or you want to learn more about some of the best music ever made, read on!
Overview of 80s Music
While the 70s carried on the sentiment of the 60s, with a strong rock ‘n’ roll sound and blues-y guitar work, there were already some bands that were starting to experiment with new sounds. Fleetwood Mac in their critically acclaimed album “Rumours” managed to create experimental sounds and high-quality production. And that’s not even mentioning the brilliant lyricism by their vocalist Stevie Nicks, as seen in their US No 1 song “Dreams”. Despite severe internal turmoil in the band, they managed to create an incredible album with several unforgettable songs that are played and enjoyed until today. As Stevie Nicks herself said, we guess thunder only happens when it’s raining.
Then there was Led Zeppelin, who also saw many of their most acclaimed albums in the 70s. They maintained the blues/hard rock mix that we have learnt to associate with that era. Pink Floyd also emerged as a leading band with their experimental, politically charged concept albums that explored themes of existentialism, isolation, capitalism and war. It was truly a tumultuous decade in terms of the music that came out at the time.
The 1980s were a time of great musical change. Rock music was becoming more electronic and synthesized, while alternative rock was starting to emerge. Rap and hip-hop were starting to become popular, and the decade saw the release of some of the most popular albums ever made. Here are five of the best music from the ’80s:
- The Police: “Reggatta de Blanc” (1981)
- Michael Jackson: “Thriller” (1982)
- Lionel Richie: “Dancing on the Ceiling” (1983)
- Donna Summer: “I Feel Love” (1977)
- Phil Collins: “In The Air Tonight” (1983)
80’s Rock
The ’60s were a time of rebellion, and rock music reflected that. Rock music was loud, angry, and full of energy. The best music from the ’60s is full of catchy tunes and unforgettable lyrics. Here are 3 of the best rock songs from the decade.
“Hey Jude” by The Beatles
This song is one of the most popular rock songs ever written. It was recorded in 1968 and became a hit the following year. The song is about a man trying to find his love interest and help her recover from a sickness. It’s an upbeat tune with catchy lyrics that will make you want to dance!
“Help!” by The Beatles
This song was also recorded in 1968 and became another hit for The Beatles. This time, it’s about a man who needs help getting out of trouble. The song has a strong beat and memorable lyrics that will keep you listening for hours.
“1969” by Led Zeppelin
Released in 1969, this song is about the turmoil happening in society at the time. It has an epic sound and features some powerful guitar work from Jimmy Page. The lyrics are also highly atmospheric, making it one of the most unique rock songs ever written.
80’s Pop
Pop music is often associated with catchy melodies and fun lyrics, but there’s a lot of great music out there that isn’t typically considered pop. Here are nine underrated pop songs that are worth your time.
- “Till the End of Time” by Taylor Swift
- “Boys” by Charli XCX
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
- “Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine
- .”Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake
- “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran
- ” Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
- “Heartbeats” by Hailee Steinfeld ft. Grey
- ” Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves
80’s Hip Hop
Hip Hop has always been a popular genre of music, with its roots dating back to the 1970s. There are many different types of hip-hop, and it can be difficult to pick the best music. However, if you’re looking for some fantastic hip-hop music, you should check out some of the following albums.
Some of the most iconic hip hop albums from the ‘s include Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP2, and Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3. All three of these albums are full of fantastic beats and rhymes, sure to get your adrenaline pumping. If you’re more interested in soulful hip-hop tracks, you should also check out Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill or Common’s Finding Forever. Both of these albums are truly unique and deserve a place in your music collection.
If you’re looking for something a little more up-tempo, you should try out Fugees’ The Score or Beastie Boys’ Check Your Head. These albums are filled with catchy hooks and energetic beats, making them perfect for any party playlist! In addition to classic hip-hop albums, plenty of great new releases deserve your attention this year. Try out Childish Gambino’s Awaken My Love!, and Chance The Rapper’s Coloring
Alternative
Alternative music is often seen as a genre that is less commercially viable than mainstream music. But there are many great alternative artists out there who are creating some of the best music of the past decade. Here are 10 of the best alternative albums from the past ten years.
New Wave
In the ’60s and ’70s, a new wave of rock music emerged. This music was different from the old rock music because it was more experimental and electronic. This new wave of rock music is still popular today and has influenced many other genres of music. Here are some of the best examples of this new wave of rock music:
The Beatles
The Beatles were pioneers of the new wave of rock music. They were famous for their innovative songwriting and their powerful vocals. Their songs range from classic tracks like “Blackbird” to more experimental songs like “Revolution 9.”
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones were also pioneers of the new wave of rock music. They were famous for their energetic live performances and their catchy songwriting. Their hits include “Satisfaction,” “Paint It, Black,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
David Bowie
David Bowie is perhaps the most well-known artist associated with the new wave of rock music. He was known for his eccentric visual style and innovative musical compositions. His hits include “Ziggy Stardust,” “Panic in Detroit,” and “Let’s Dance.”
It’s hard to pick just one decade as the best time for music, but if we had to narrow it down, the 1980s would be a great choice. From rock ‘n’ roll to hip-hop and everything in between, there was something for everyone during this era of musical evolution. Whether you grew up listening to classic artists like Michael Jackson or modern-day superstars like Drake, there is no doubt that the 1980s were some of the greatest years for music ever. So whether you’re looking to reminisce about your childhood or get pumped up for your next workout, our top picks for the best music of the 1980s will have you humming along in no time!