3 Nostalgic Songs You’ll Remember if You Were a Kid in 1980

If you were a kid in the year 1980, you got to experience a very unique era of music. The sound of the 70s was fading away, and rock music was about to enter a radically new era in the 80s. A lot of great music came out that year, and I happen to think that the following nostalgic songs from the year 1980 are a bit on the underrated side. Let’s take a look! You might just remember these solid rock tunes.

Videos by American Songwriter

“Twist And Crawl” by The English Beat

Who could forget that super-slinky bassline? “Twist And Crawl” comes from The English Beat (also known as simply The Beat) album I Just Can’t Stop It from 1980. Honestly, this song really embodies a glorious era for ska music, especially in England. This multiracial group was known for its label, Go Feet, which had a strong stance against misogyny. They really embodied a welcoming atmosphere for the genre, and “Twist And Crawl” is one of their finest releases.

“Mr. Crowley” by Ozzy Osbourne

Let’s get into heavy metal, shall we? The year 1980 was a fine one for Ozzy Osbourne, who was entering into what would be a legendary solo career following his departure from Black Sabbath. Tons of songs from Blizzard Of Oz are worthy of this list of nostalgic songs from 1980. However, “Mr. Crowley” is a personal favorite that I just had to include. 

This song features excellent keyboard work from Don Airey, and Ozzy’s vocals are at their best. “Mr. Crowley” also features a guitar solo from Randy Rhoads, which has since become one of the most recognizable solos in heavy metal music.

“When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What’s Still Around” by The Police

This song’s title might be a mouthful, but that doesn’t take away from the sheer quality of this new wave hit from The Police. “When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What’s Still Around” is one of the most nostalgic songs to come out of 1980, and it’s also one of the band’s finest releases. Honestly, the entirety of Zenyatta Mondatta might just transport you back to your childhood. And that remixed version from 2000 is nothing to sneeze at, either.

Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images