Big Hair, Big Sound, and 3 Big Songs That Defined the Glamor of the 80s

In the history of pop culture, there is truly no other decade like the 80s. Now, the 2020s are giving the 10 years a run for their money, but for the time being, the 80s still rule as the most decadent, ornate, and verbosely glamorous decade in pop culture history. And of course, one facet that helped craft that perception was the music of the time.

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The 80s hosted a lot of different sounds, but the songs that were always topping the charts are the ones that were in your face and over the top. That being so, the 80s were all about big hair, big sounds, and these three big songs helped define the glamor of the decade.

“Material Girl” by Madonna

In the 80s, Madonna was by no means a minimalistic artist. Her outfits were colorful, sounds demanding, and personality animated; she was one of the premier artists in defining the pop culture aesthetic and attitude of the 80s. One song that helped her accomplish just that was her 1984 smash hit, “Material Girl”.

Following the release of the quintessential 80s hit, Madonna’s single debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100. Weeks later, it peaked at No. 2 on the chart and remained in second position for two weeks.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

If not for Journey and Steve Perry’s bellowing crescendos, pop melodies, and catchy arrangements, 80s rock ‘n’ roll would have likely looked a lot different. Particularly, the band helped define the genre of the decade with their timeless 1981 classic, “Don’t Stop Believin”.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” is what put Journey on top, and one of the singles that crafted the pop-rock sound of the decadent decade. Upon its release, Journey’s anthem peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though, throughout the years, it has become one of the songs most often associated with the general vibe of the 80s.

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was likely the most popular musician of the 80s. He was the trend setter to influence all of the other trend setters. In other words, his contributions to the music and pop culture of the decade were invaluable. Other than being the “King of Pop,” one might also say that Michael Jackson was the “King of the 80s.”

During the period, Jackson had numerous songs that helped support that very unofficial title, but his biggest 80s hit was, unsurprisingly, “Billie Jean”. Released in 1983, Jackson’s classic hit peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for a total of seven weeks.

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