3 Classic Songs From the 1980s That Were Banned in the Moment

The 1980s were an interesting time in America. The era marked both an explosion in creativity, from movies to music. But it also was a return to a more buttoned-up style where corporate interests at times trumped that of the free-spirited vibe of the previous decade or two. Life and culture are cyclical and, as the Bard said, the times they are a-changing.

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What’s great about music, though, is that people are always making it. And each song represents its own little time capsule. Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from the 1980s that ruffled some feathers. These three songs have a legacy now, not just for their melodies and rhythms, but for their impact on society. Indeed, these are three classic songs from the 80s that were banned in the moment.

“This Note’s For You” by Neil Young from ‘This Note’s For You’ (1988)

The music video for this song, whose title is a riff on a Budweiser tagline, caused quite a stir in the late 1980s. At a time when some of the biggest pop stars were partnering with giant corporations, longtime folk-rocker Neil Young wanted to make a statement. In the song, Young sings, “Ain’t singing for Pepsi / Ain’t singin’ for Coke.” And the video for the song, which was banned by MTV (allegedly for using corporate trademarks, though others say Michael Jackson’s attorneys got involved), takes aim at those stars who were, in Young’s eyes, singing for soda companies. Amazingly, MTV later reversed course and even gave the vid an MTV Video Music Award for Best Video of the Year in 1989.

“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood from ‘Welcome To The Pleasuredome’ (1983)

In January of 1984, Radio 1 DJ Mike Read announced that he would not be playing the song on the air because of supposed suggestive lyrics. Around the same time, the BBC also announced it would not be playing the song. Some recoiled at the lyric “Relax, don’t do it / When you want to sock it to it / Relax, don’t do it / When you want to come.” Of course, the public decrying of the tune only fed into its popularity. The track eventually hit no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later in 1984, the BBC rescinded the ban, and all was right in the world.

“Like A Prayer” by Madonna from ‘Like A Prayer’ (1989)

Probably one of the most controversial songs and music videos of the 1980s, this work proved Madonna was both a talented pop star and one who knew how to rattle authority to make an even bigger name for herself. While the song was originally released via a Pepsi ad (enter: Neil Young), it was later released with a proper music video. Around the world, Catholic authorities called for a boycott of the song, which blended religious imagery with sex. Others believe anger met the work because Madonna kissed the feet of a black person in the video. There were also burning crosses and other controversial moments. Even Pope John Paul II called for a boycott. It’s still one of the most legendary banned songs today.

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