They say everything is cyclical and, when taking stock of the music industry, it’s hard to refute that claim. The ’80s are so back. It’s easy to see. From drum machines to distinctive vocals, artists today are heavily borrowing from the ’80s crowd. But, what songs in particular are people borrowing from? Revisit three innovative songs from the ’80s that were ahead of their time, below.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Running Up That Hill” (Kate Bush)
Despite this song having an unmistakably ’80s feel to it, “Running Up That Hill” proved it had staying power in 2022, thanks to Stranger Things. The Netflix original has no shortage of throwback anthems in its soundtrack, but this Kate Bush classic has proved to be one of the most beloved. Clearly, something about this 1985 release speaks to a modern audience. Is it the haunting melody? The powerhouse vocals? It might be something altogether indescribable. But one thing is for sure, this ’80s song was ahead of its time.
And if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get Him to swap our places
Be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
Be runnin’ up that building
Say, if I only could, oh
“When Doves Cry” (Prince)
Prince was an artist who was always pushing the envelope. Though his music made waves in its era, it stills feels fresh listening to it today. His ’80s catalog was, in the same breath, ahead of its time and powerful current. Take “When Doves Cry” for instance. It’s clear from listening to this hit that Prince was on the edge of something new. From the off-kilter rhythm to the layered harmonies, no one else was creating in quite the same way back in the ’80s.
How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that’s so cold?
Maybe I’m just too demanding
Maybe I’m just like my father, too bold
Maybe you’re just like my mother
She’s never satisfied
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
“This Must Be The Place” (Talking Heads)
One explanation to why the Talking Heads’ music sounds so current is because of their inescapable influence on today’s music scene. It seems almost every corner of the music industry has been touched by their explorative anthem-making. Though their entire ’80s discography has proven to be ahead of its time, “This Must Be The Place” is one song that you can’t ignore when talking about this band’s legacy. There are many rock artists today that would kill to have a song as off-center yet ear-wormy as this song is.
Home is where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me round
I feel numb, born with a weak heart
I guess I must be having fun
The less we say about it the better
Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground, head in the sky
It’s okay, I know nothing’s wrong, nothing
Sunday Mirror /Mirrorpix/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.