The Music of the 1980s
The 1980's was one of the most popular music decades with hundreds of hit songs and albums from talented artists covering all music genres. These unforgettable singers reached out to fans all across the nation with their fun and upbeat music. For most people, music was an escape in their lives, and it gave them happiness and the feeling of freedom.
Pop Music:
Pop music was one of the most popular music genres, along with rock and new wave music, during the 1980's. Some artists and songs are listed below.
- Madonna (Borderline, Material Girl, Lucky Star, Dress You Up, etc.)
- Michael Jackson (Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It, etc.)
- Bangles ( Walk Like an Egyptian, Manic Monday, Eternal Flame, etc.)
- The Go-Go's ( Our Lips are Sealed, We Got the Beat, Vacation, etc.)
- Prince (Kiss, Raspberry Beret, 1999, etc.)
- Cyndi Lauper (Time After Time, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, etc.)
- Queen (Another One Bites the Dust, I Want to Break Free, etc.)
- Blondie (Call Me, The Tide is High, Rapture, etc.)
Rock Music:
Rock music was one of the other most popular music genres during the 1980's as well as the pop genre. Some popular artists and their songs are listed below.
- Journey (Don't Stop Believin', Separate Ways, Open Arms, etc.)
- The Police (Every Breath You Take, etc.)
- Bon Jovi (You Give Love a Bad Name, Livin' On a Prayer, etc.)
- Bruce Springsteen (I'm On Fire, Born in the USA, Glory Days, etc.)
- Twisted Sister (We're Not Gonna Take It, I Wanna Rock, etc.)
- Van Halen (Jump, When It's Love, Panama, Dreams, etc.)
New Wave Music:
The New Wave music genre was very common, being a mixture between pop and rock music since some songs had both of the characteristics of pop and rock music. Below are some examples of New Wave artists and songs.
- Duran Duran (Hungry Like the Wolf, Like a Prayer, Rio, etc.)
- U2 (I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, etc.)
- Boy George and Culture Club (Karma Chameleon, Miss Me Blind, etc.)
Rap Music:
Rap music was not one of the most popular genres during the 1980's, but some of the hit singles made the genre well-known. Some songs are listed below.
- Beastie Boys (Fight for Your Right, Brass Monkey, etc.)
- Young MC (Bust a Move, etc.)
- Tone Loc (Wild Thing, On Fire, etc.)
Heavy Metal:
Heavy Metal music was not the most common genres, but several artists held their music title and produced some of the most popular songs. Listed below are some of the most common artists and their hit songs.
- Metallica (One, Master of Puppets, Fade to Black, etc.)
- AC/DC (Back in Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, etc.)
- Iron Maiden (Run to the Hills, The Trooper, Aces High, etc.)
Country Music:
Country music was not particularly popular during the 1980's, yet some of the artists and their songs became very famous over the years and even up to this day. A few of the popular country songs are listed below.
- Garth Brooks (If Tomorrow Never Comes, The Dance, etc.)
- Kieth Whitley (When You Say Nothing at All, I'm Over You, etc.)
- George Strait (All My Ex's Live in Texas, The Chair, etc.)