The 1980s music scene brought a wave of artistic experimentation. MTV put music in the pop culture spotlight as not only a listening experience but an opportunity to tell powerful visual stories. Artists explored the potential of synthesizers and played around with sound, instrumentation, genres, and lyrics. The result? Pop artists drew from a variety of influences and invented new ones, giving birth to some of the most catchy and innovative pop songs in history. The ‘80s might be long gone, but these eight songs remind us why it truly was a golden age for pop music.
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1. “Take on Me” by a-ha
“Take on Me” catapulted the Norwegian band a-ha to international stardom with its groundbreaking music video and infectious synth-pop sound. Released in 1984, the song is about being ready for love and longing for the right person to share this experience.
What added to the song’s allure is the video’s innovative blend of live-action and animation. MTV had just launched in 1981, and the music video format was new. Few artists had fully explored its potential, so a-ha’s music video, directed by Steve Barron, was a technological marvel of its time. “Take on Me” remains an iconic ’80s pop anthem, celebrated for its catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and timeless appeal.
2. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
The King of Pop delivered one of the defining moments of the 1980s with “Beat It.” Released in 1983 as part of his Thriller album, this song departed from his disco-pop and funk roots and showcased Jackson‘s ability to seamlessly fuse pop and rock.
Inspired by Jackson’s thoughts on gang violence, “Beat It” is about being courageous enough to reject macho brutality and walk away from fighting. A major highlight of the track is Edward Van Halen’s guitar solo, which added a fiery edge to Jackson’s intense and electrifying performance. The video is equally iconic for its signature dance battle, which has been parodied in pop culture for decades.
3. “I Want to Break Free” by Queen
The title says it all. The 1984 hit “I Want to Break Free” is an anthem of liberation and freedom of expression. The song reflected bassist John Deacon’s take on the evolving landscape of the women’s liberation movement. The track stands as a testament to Queen‘s ability to create memorable, genre-blurring pop songs.
As always, Freddie Mercury’s powerfully emotive voice steals the show, carrying listeners along with the rhythmic strumming and subtle buildup of Brian May’s lead guitar. Due to the video being banned in the United States, it was less commercially successful than Queen’s preceding single, “Radio Ga Ga.” However, few today would deny the track’s musical brilliance, and the controversial video featuring the bandmates in drag remains an iconic moment in music history.
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4. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics
The heart-pumping opening notes of the 1983 hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” are impossible to ignore. The song’s hypnotic synthesizers and Annie Lennox’s haunting vocals created an otherworldly soundscape, exemplifying the experimental spirit of the 1980s.
Lennox and bandmate Dave Stewart wrote the song after their previous band broke up. The lyrics represent the conflicting feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness they felt at the time. Eurythmics crafted the addictive melody while testing out new synthesizers, enjoying the interplay of electronic sounds. Lennox’s androgynous appearance in the video also inspired female pop artists to defy convention and express themselves in new ways.
5. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
In 1989, “Like a Prayer” solidified Madonna’s status as an enduring pop entertainer, unafraid to push boundaries and spark debate. Yet again, the Queen of Pop used religious analogies to discuss mature themes, a provocative choice that made the song both beloved and controversial.
“Like a Prayer” offers broad appeal across audiences with its blend of gospel, pop, and rock, along with a catchy chorus that comes to mind again and again. Beneath the controversy, however, lies a beautifully written song that simultaneously talks about speaking to God and finding connection through physical intimacy.
6. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s 1987 hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is a joyful celebration of letting loose on the dance floor and finding love that lasts. The track and its accompanying video are the embodiment of ‘80s dance pop, with a bubbly melody, high-energy beat, and vibrant aesthetic.
Houston took the pop world by storm with crystal-clear vocals that seemed to have no limits. Her soulful vocal flourishes capture both the hopefulness and longing of searching for a soulmate. Decades later, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” still shines as a vibrant party anthem that gets people in the mood to show off their best dance moves.
7. “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen‘s 1984 hit “Dancing in the Dark” is a raw and honest reflection on the complexities of life and love. The song’s frenetic pace and tone expertly capture the feeling of being restless, and hoping for change and connection without being sure of how to make a breakthrough.
Springsteen’s storytelling prowess and introspective lyrics showcase the emotional depth of 1980s pop and rock. His signature gravelly vocals drive the rhythm and bring just the right amount of rock influence to the power-pop melody. Plus, the music video features a young Courteney Cox dancing with Springsteen, which only enhances its nostalgic charm.
8. “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
Rick Astley’s awkwardly endearing dance moves are just one of the reasons this 1987 release is a staple on throwback playlists. “Never Gonna Give You Up” is upbeat ’80s pop perfection, with its feel-good melody, squeaky-clean lyrics, and distinctive baritone vocals.
The song’s playful chorus and danceable beat made it an instant hit. Years later, music listeners can still sit back and enjoy the song’s cheerful romantic sentiments about being loyal, kind, and loving to a significant other. And thanks to the internet making the song a meme, Astley’s dance moves will live on forever as a cultural reference, bringing smiles to music lovers worldwide.
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