The rise of MTV and music videos was a true game-changer. Alongside a wide variety of musical genres, a wave of creativity and diversity emerged, making the ’80s truly unforgettable. Let’s go back in time and discover how the 1980s made an indelible impression on pop culture and the music world. Of course, not without music! We’ve curated some delightful playlists featuring iconic tunes from the 80s.
The Iconic 80s Sounds of Synth-Pop
Futuristic sounds and electronic melodies. Synthesizers and drum machines sparked a musical revolution with their innovative tunes. It marked the beginning of a whole new musical movement. Fresh and distinctive sounds with catchy melodies and infectious tunes. But this synth-pop, apart from being innovative, was incredibly accessible. Artists and bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and A-Ha quickly captured the hearts of listeners with their experimental approach to music. Visually striking, exuberant, and artistic. This was particularly evident in their music videos, where art and fashion played a significant role. Artists like David Bowie and Kraftwerk created a visual world that ran in harmony with their music.
Of course, we kick off this ‘ultimate guide’ with a playlist full of synth-pop classics. Pioneers like New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Yazoo, and legendary tracks such as “Sweet Dreams,” “Running Up That Hill,” and “Big in Japan” are, of course, included.
This playlist takes you on a nostalgic journey back to the heydays of futuristic synthesizer sounds and mesmerizing synthpop rhythms.
Rock ‘n Roll All Night in the 80s
Forget about synth-pop for a moment. Because many timeless tunes from the ’80s were born from the strumming of guitars. The rock scene was vibrant and incredibly diverse, with various sub-genres and styles flourishing. Take, for example, ‘hair metal,’ also known as glam metal. A striking style of musicians, complete with long hair, flamboyant attire, and extravagant makeup. Hair metal combines elements of hard rock and heavy metal with catchy melodies. Often, the songs revolve around partying, love, and the good things in life. Famous hair metal bands include Mötley Crüe, Poison, Bon Jovi, and Guns N’ Roses. This was also the era of guitar virtuosos. Many hair metal guitarists, like Eddie Van Halen and Slash, were admired for their virtuoso playing style and iconic riffs.
Listen to the most iconic rock anthems of the ’80s in this playlist.
Tear Jerking Power Ballads
Songs about love or heartbreak. Sometimes, it’s a real tearjerker with emotional power ballads from the ’80s. Many hair metal bands had one of these emotional stunners. You wouldn’t really expect the word ‘metal’ to be associated with this music. But these power ballads had the hearts of many a teenager melting or shedding tears.
Screaming guitar solos and emotional outbursts. Think of songs like ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ by Foreigner, ‘Keep On Loving You’ by REO Speedwagon, and maybe everything by Bon Jovi?
But there are so many more iconic power ballads. What about ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You’ by Michael Bolton? And let’s not forget ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler. Or ‘I (Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight’ by Cutting Crew. This playlist of emotional ’80s power ballads invites you to explore the depths of your feelings. 😉 But, most importantly, enjoy the power of this music. Music that touches the heart and soul.
Dancing to Disco, the Soundtrack of the ’80s
We thought we’d covered the most significant music of the ’80s. But, do you have a minute? We’re far from done. Because what is ’80s music without the disco of The Jackson 5, Madonna, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor or Chic?
’80s music wouldn’t be complete without the legacy of disco music. This phenomenon called disco had a lasting impact on dance music, both then and now. Disco originated in the ’70s, with its roots in the nightclubs of New York, like the renowned Studio 54.
A funny anecdote: when Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, of the disco/funk band Chic, were denied entry despite an invitation from Grace Jones, they were inspired to write the song “Le Freak.”
Disco was a response to the increasing popularity of funk, soul, and rhythm-and-blues.
Disco is fire, funk, and grooves! Burn, baby, burn. But above all, disco is about dancing! It borrowed the best elements of funk and soul, resulting in those signature funky basslines, infectious horn sections, and delightful grooves. Disco laid a solid foundation for today’s electronic dance music. House, techno, and dance wouldn’t have been the same without disco.
Queen of disco Donna Summer
“I Feel Love” is not just a monumental disco track but also a turning point in the history of popular music. It paved the way for the electronic revolution and the evolution of dance music, remaining a timeless favorite for dance and electronic music enthusiasts worldwide.
Do you want to dance to irresistible disco tracks from the ’80s (and maybe a bit from the ’70s, secretly)? Let your disco ball spin and groove to the greatest hits from this timeless musical movement that continues to inspire even today.
80s music greatest hits and biggest stars
A Sparkling and Eclectic Era. The ’80s are responsible for some of the most iconic pop music legends the world has ever seen.
These legends crafted their own unique styles and produced timeless global hits. It’s safe to say they had a boundary-pushing influence on pop music.
It’s no coincidence that the “King of Pop” and the “Queen of Pop” both emerged from the ’80s.
The King of Pop experimented extensively with sound and technology, creating innovative sounds and production techniques in his music. But he was also a trailblazer in music videos and dance moves.
And what about David Bowie? He brought a fusion of rock, pop, and dance with his album ‘Let’s Dance,’ defining the sounds of the ’80s and influencing countless artists.
Are you ready to meet the musical titans who defined ’80s music? Like Madonna, David Bowie, Prince, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson?
Groove hard with R&B and soul classics
Now, as we’re deep into crafting this ‘ultimate guide’ about ’80s music, we realize the possibilities are endless. But let’s not forget to add a playlist full of R&B and soul classics. There’s nothing better than getting lost in these emotional grooves.
The ’80s might have been one of the most emotional eras. Because, in addition to the extremely emotional power ballads, R&B was also packed with emotional depth. Powerful, sultry vocals and rich arrangements defined ’80s R&B.
But the lively rhythms, danceable grooves, and funky basslines from funk and disco also had a significant influence.
Many R&B and soul artists from the ’80s released songs that transcended genre boundaries, making R&B popular among a much broader audience.
There were, of course, various influential R&B artists during those years, but one of the most influential was undoubtedly Whitney Houston. Her extraordinary vocal talent and the success of her debut album, “Whitney Houston,” in 1985 made her an icon.
Let yourself be carried away by Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Anita Baker, and enjoy timeless hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Never Too Much,” and “Sweet Love.”