The 80s top songs and whether they had to do with cultural, societal or major events that happened

Some say cultural or societal events affect music, so we will go through the years and see what is going on, the music that was popular and see what you think regarding this.

The 1980s were a dynamic decade characterized by significant cultural, societal, and major events. Here are some notable highlights:

Cultural Events

Music and Entertainment:

The rise of MTV in 1981 revolutionized music consumption and popularized music videos.

The 1980s saw the peak of various music genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, and new wave, with iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston.

The emergence of hip-hop as a major cultural force, with artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy gaining prominence.

Film and Television:

Blockbuster films such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982), “Back to the Future” (1985), and the “Star Wars” sequels became cultural phenomena.

TV shows like “The Cosby Show,” “Miami Vice,” “Cheers,” and “The Simpsons” (which debuted in 1989) had significant cultural impacts.

The advent of home video and VCRs changed how people consumed movies and TV shows.

Fashion:

Fashion in the 1980s was characterized by bold colors, big hair, shoulder pads, and the rise of designer labels.

Popular trends included leg warmers, acid-wash jeans, and neon colors.

Societal Changes

Technology and Computing:

The personal computer revolution took off, with companies like Apple and IBM introducing early personal computers.

The video game industry grew rapidly, with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985 and the popularity of arcade games like Pac-Man.

Social Movements:

The LGBTQ+ rights movement gained momentum, particularly after the discovery of HIV/AIDS, which brought both challenges and activism.

The anti-apartheid movement gained international support, leading to increased pressure on South Africa to end its system of racial segregation.

Economic Changes:

The 1980s saw significant economic policies and shifts, such as the rise of neoliberalism, deregulation, and the Reaganomics policies in the United States.

The decade experienced economic booms in some regions but also issues like the stock market crash of 1987.

Major Events

Political Events:

The election of Ronald Reagan as U.S. President in 1980 and his conservative policies had a lasting impact on American politics.

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

International Conflicts:

The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) had significant geopolitical implications in the Middle East.

The Falklands War in 1982 between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

Disasters and Crises:

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 in the Soviet Union was one of the worst nuclear accidents in history.

The Challenger Space Shuttle disaster in 1986, where the shuttle broke apart shortly after launch, killing all seven crew members.

These events and trends from the 1980s have left a lasting impact on culture, society, and global history.

TOP 40 SONGS OF THE 80S

The 1980s produced an array of unforgettable music that continues to influence artists and captivate audiences today. Here are 40 of the top songs from that decade, known for their popularity and cultural impact:

1. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
2. Prince – “When Doves Cry”
3. Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
4. Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
5. Toto – “Africa”
6. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer”
7. Cyndi Lauper – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”
8. Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust”
9. A-Ha – “Take On Me”
10. The Police – “Every Breath You Take”
11. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin'”
12. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
13. U2 – “With or Without You”
14. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
15. Rick Astley – “Never Gonna Give You Up”
16. George Michael – “Careless Whisper”
17. Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
18. Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing”
19. Billy Joel – “Uptown Girl”
20. Duran Duran – “Hungry Like the Wolf”
21. Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
22. Cyndi Lauper – “Time After Time”
23. Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know”
24. Phil Collins – “In the Air Tonight”
25. Blondie – “Call Me”
26. Pat Benatar – “Love Is a Battlefield”
27. Madonna – “Like a Virgin”
28. Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the U.S.A.”
29. Simple Minds – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
30. Van Halen – “Jump”
31. Lionel Richie – “All Night Long (All Night)”
32. Paul Simon – “You Can Call Me Al”
33. Kenny Loggins – “Footloose”
34. Def Leppard – “Pour Some Sugar on Me”
35. Cyndi Lauper – “True Colors”
36. Roxette – “It Must Have Been Love”
37. The Bangles – “Walk Like an Egyptian”
38. a-ha – “Take On Me”
39. Michael Jackson – “Beat It”
40. Billy Idol – “Rebel Yell”

These songs are representative of the diverse musical landscape of the 1980s, spanning genres such as pop, rock, new wave, and R&B, and they remain popular to this day.

TOP ALTERNATIVE AIRPLAY SONGS OF THE 80s

The 1980s were a significant decade for alternative music, seeing the rise of post-punk, new wave, and college rock, which laid the groundwork for the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s. Here are some of the top alternative airplay songs from the 1980s:

1. R.E.M. – “Radio Free Europe”
2. The Smiths – “This Charming Man”
3. The Cure – “Just Like Heaven”
4. Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”
5. New Order – “Blue Monday”
6. Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
7. U2 – “Pride (In the Name of Love)”
8. The Pixies – “Where Is My Mind?”
9. The Clash – “London Calling”
10. The Police – “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”
11. The B-52’s – “Rock Lobster”
12. Siouxsie and the Banshees – “Cities in Dust”
13. Joy Division – “Love Will Tear Us Apart”
14. Echo & the Bunnymen – “The Killing Moon”
15. The Jesus and Mary Chain – “Just Like Honey”
16. XTC – “Senses Working Overtime”
17. Love and Rockets – “So Alive”
18. Bauhaus – “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”
19. Violent Femmes – “Blister in the Sun”
20. The Replacements – “Bastards of Young”
21. The Smiths – “How Soon Is Now?”
22. The Cure – “Boys Don’t Cry”
23. Depeche Mode – “Strangelove”
24. The Psychedelic Furs – “Love My Way”
25. The Church – “Under the Milky Way”
26. R.E.M. – “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
27. Talking Heads – “Burning Down the House”
28. Peter Gabriel – “Solsbury Hill”
29. The Go-Go’s – “Our Lips Are Sealed”
30. Tears for Fears – “Mad World”
31. Sinead O’Connor – “Mandinka”
32. Cocteau Twins – “Heaven or Las Vegas”
33. The Cure – “In Between Days”
34. Depeche Mode – “People Are People”
35. R.E.M. – “The One I Love”
36. The Smiths – “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”
37. The B-52’s – “Private Idaho”
38. New Order – “Bizarre Love Triangle”
39. The Jesus and Mary Chain – “April Skies”
40. Echo & the Bunnymen – “Lips Like Sugar”

These songs represent the eclectic and innovative spirit of alternative music in the 1980s, blending elements of punk, electronic, and indie rock, and they continue to influence artists and genres today.

SOME COMMON THEMES IN SONGS OF THE 80s BILLBOARD HOT 100

Songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1980s often featured a variety of themes, reflecting the cultural and social landscape of the decade. Some common themes included:

Love and Relationships

Romantic Love:

Many songs focused on the joys and challenges of romantic relationships. Hits like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” exemplified this theme.

Heartbreak:

Songs about the pain of lost love and broken relationships were prevalent. Examples include Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love.”

Unrequited Love:

Songs exploring the longing and frustration of unreciprocated love, such as “Every Breath You Take” by The Police.

Empowerment and Independence

Self-Empowerment:

Many artists released songs that encouraged self-confidence and independence, like Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Overcoming Adversity:

Themes of resilience and triumph over challenges were popular, as seen in Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” and Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.”

Social and Political Issues

Social Commentary:

Some songs addressed societal issues, such as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” which critiqued the treatment of Vietnam veterans.

Environmental Concerns:

A few songs touched on environmental issues, like Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).”

Fun and Celebration

Party and Dance:

Many hit songs were upbeat and focused on partying and having a good time, including Prince’s “1999” and Madonna’s “Holiday.”

Celebration:

Songs that celebrated life and good times, like Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration.”

Nostalgia and Reflection

Looking Back:

Some songs reflected on the past with a sense of nostalgia, such as Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time.”

Introspection:

Songs that dealt with self-reflection and personal growth, like John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

Escapism and Fantasy

Escapism:

Many songs provided an escape from reality, often through their upbeat music and lyrics, like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Fantasy:

Themes of fantasy and adventure, as seen in David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).”

These themes, often interwoven with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, contributed to the lasting popularity and cultural impact of 1980s music.

TOP ROCK AND ROLL SONGS OF THE 80s

The 1980s were a vibrant decade for rock and roll, with a diverse range of styles emerging and many bands achieving iconic status. Here are some of the top rock and roll songs from the 1980s:

1. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
2. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer”
3. AC/DC – “Back in Black”
4. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin'”
5. Def Leppard – “Pour Some Sugar on Me”
6. Van Halen – “Jump”
7. U2 – “With or Without You”
8. Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the U.S.A.”
9. Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust”
10. The Police – “Every Breath You Take”
11. Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing”
12. Aerosmith – “Janie’s Got a Gun”
13. Toto – “Africa”
14. Billy Idol – “Rebel Yell”
15. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”
16. REO Speedwagon – “Keep on Loving You”
17. The Rolling Stones – “Start Me Up”
18. Scorpions – “Rock You Like a Hurricane”
19. Boston – “Amanda”
20. Pat Benatar – “Love Is a Battlefield”
21. Metallica – “Master of Puppets”
22. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “Free Fallin'”
23. R.E.M. – “The One I Love”
24. Loverboy – “Working for the Weekend”
25. Motley Crue – “Dr. Feelgood”
26. Foreigner – “I Want to Know What Love Is”
27. ZZ Top – “Sharp Dressed Man”
28. The Clash – “Rock the Casbah”
29. Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Train”
30. Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”
31. Bon Jovi – “You Give Love a Bad Name”
32. Kiss – “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”
33. Van Halen – “Panama”
34. Whitesnake – “Here I Go Again”
35. Survivor – “Eye of the Tiger”
36. U2 – “Pride (In the Name of Love)”
37. Billy Joel – “We Didn’t Start the Fire”
38. The Cars – “Drive”
39. Heart – “Alone”
40. Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”

These songs exemplify the energy, creativity, and diversity of 1980s rock music, and they continue to be celebrated for their impact on the genre.

The 1980s were a significant decade for Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), with many artists and bands gaining popularity and producing impactful songs. Here are some of the top Christian songs from that decade:

1. Amy Grant – “El Shaddai”
2. Michael W. Smith – “Friends”
3. Sandi Patty – “We Shall Behold Him”
4. Petra – “This Means War!”
5. Twila Paris – “He Is Exalted”
6. Keith Green – “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful”
7. Steven Curtis Chapman – “His Eyes”
8. Rich Mullins – “Awesome God”
9. Phil Keaggy – “True Believers”
10. Carman – “The Champion”
11. Dallas Holm – “Rise Again”
12. Michael Card – “El Shaddai” (also performed by Amy Grant)
13. Whiteheart – “Fly Eagle Fly”
14. Benny Hester – “When God Ran”
15. Evie – “Mirror”
16. The Imperials – “Praise the Lord”
17. Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – “Crucify Him”
18. Russ Taff – “We Will Stand”
19. First Call – “The Reason We Sing”
20. Leon Patillo – “Flesh of My Flesh”
21. DeGarmo & Key – “Rock Solid”
22. The Winans – “Tomorrow”
23. Imperials – “Sail On”
24. Amy Grant – “Thy Word”
25. Petra – “More Power to Ya”
26. Steve Taylor – “Meltdown (at Madame Tussaud’s)”
27. Keith Green – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”
28. Whiteheart – “We Are His Hands”
29. Leslie Phillips – “Strength of My Life”
30. The Archers – “Stand Up!”
31. Michael W. Smith – “Place in This World”
32. Glad – “Be Ye Glad”
33. Phil Driscoll – “I Exalt Thee”
34. Sweet Comfort Band – “Breaking the Ice”
35. Second Chapter of Acts – “Easter Song”
36. Andrus, Blackwood & Co. – “Jesus, You’re So Wonderful”
37. Bryan Duncan – “Love You With My Life”
38. Rick Cua – “Wear Your Colors”
39. David Meece – “We Are the Reason”
40. Amy Grant – “Angels”

These songs helped shape the Christian music scene in the 1980s and continue to be loved and sung in many churches and gatherings today.

TOP COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 80s

The 1980s were a rich period for country music, with many artists producing timeless hits that still resonate today. Here are some of the top country songs from that decade:

1. Alabama – “Mountain Music”
2. George Strait – “Amarillo by Morning”
3. Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”
4. Randy Travis – “Forever and Ever, Amen”
5. Kenny Rogers – “Lady”
6. Reba McEntire – “How Blue”
7. Hank Williams Jr. – “A Country Boy Can Survive”
8. Willie Nelson – “Always on My Mind”
9. The Judds – “Mama He’s Crazy”
10. Johnny Lee – “Lookin’ for Love”
11. Oak Ridge Boys – “Elvira”
12. Rosanne Cash – “Seven Year Ache”
13. Merle Haggard – “Big City”
14. Barbara Mandrell – “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”
15. Eddie Rabbitt – “Driving My Life Away”
16. Ronnie Milsap – “Stranger in My House”
17. Tanya Tucker – “Delta Dawn”
18. George Jones – “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
19. John Anderson – “Swingin'”
20. Ricky Skaggs – “Country Boy”
21. Dwight Yoakam – “Honky Tonk Man”
22. Steve Wariner – “Some Fools Never Learn”
23. Emmylou Harris – “If I Could Only Win Your Love”
24. Anne Murray – “Could I Have This Dance”
25. Michael Martin Murphey – “What’s Forever For”
26. Vern Gosdin – “Chiseled in Stone”
27. T. Graham Brown – “I Tell It Like It Used to Be”
28. Patty Loveless – “Timber, I’m Falling in Love”
29. Lorrie Morgan – “Five Minutes”
30. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – “Fishin’ in the Dark”
31. Dan Seals – “Bop”
32. Charlie Daniels Band – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
33. Bellamy Brothers – “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me”
34. Restless Heart – “I’ll Still Be Loving You”
35. Juice Newton – “Queen of Hearts”
36. Billy Joe Royal – “Tell It Like It Is”
37. Janie Fricke – “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy”
38. Gene Watson – “Fourteen Carat Mind”
39. Crystal Gayle – “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”
40. Holly Dunn – “Daddy’s Hands”

These songs not only topped the charts but also left a lasting impact on the country music genre, influencing future generations of artists and continuing to be beloved by fans.

The 1980s saw significant shifts in musical genres, with some styles emerging as dominant forces while others evolved or faded. Here is a breakdown of the key genres and their changes in popularity during the decade:

Pop

Rise of Synthpop and New Wave: Bands like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and The Human League popularized the use of synthesizers, creating a new, futuristic sound.

Michael Jackson and Madonna: As central figures in pop, Michael Jackson with “Thriller” and Madonna with “Like a Virgin” defined the era with their innovative music and iconic personas.

Rock

Classic Rock: Bands like AC/DC, Queen, and Aerosmith continued to enjoy success with powerful anthems and stadium rock.

Hard Rock and Glam Metal: Bands such as Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leppard dominated with their flashy, high-energy performances and power ballads.

Alternative Rock: R.E.M. and The Cure emerged, paving the way for the alternative rock movement that would flourish in the 1990s.

Hip-Hop and Rap

Early Hip-Hop: The genre gained mainstream attention with artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. The genre began to evolve from party music to a powerful vehicle for social commentary.

R&B and Soul

Contemporary R&B: Artists like Prince and Whitney Houston blended traditional soul with pop, rock, and dance elements, creating a crossover appeal.

Quiet Storm and Smooth Soul: Acts like Anita Baker and Sade defined the smooth, sensual sound that became popular in the mid to late 80s.

Electronic and Dance Music

House Music: Originating in Chicago, house music began to spread globally, influencing the dance scenes in cities around the world.

Techno and Electro: Detroit techno and New York electro paved the way for future electronic genres, with artists like Juan Atkins and Afrika Bambaataa leading the way.

Country

Neo-Traditionalist Movement: Artists like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Reba McEntire brought country back to its roots with a sound reminiscent of classic country music.

Crossover Success: Songs by artists like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers enjoyed significant crossover success, blending country with pop elements.

Metal

Heavy Metal: The genre saw a surge with bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath pushing the boundaries with faster tempos and more complex structures.

Glam Metal: Bands such as Motley Crue and Poison emphasized theatricality and fashion, contributing to the genre’s mainstream appeal.

Punk and Hardcore

Punk Rock: The genre evolved from its 70s roots, with bands like The Clash and Dead Kennedys continuing to make impactful music.

Hardcore Punk: Bands such as Black Flag and Minor Threat developed a faster, more aggressive style that influenced the punk scene.

Reggae

Mainstream Influence: Bob Marley’s legacy continued to influence the genre, while artists like UB40 and Eddy Grant brought reggae and reggae-infused pop to a broader audience.

Jazz and Fusion

Smooth Jazz: Artists like Kenny G brought a more accessible, radio-friendly form of jazz to the forefront.

Jazz Fusion: The genre continued to innovate with artists like Pat Metheny blending jazz with rock and electronic elements.

Classical and New Age

New Age: Artists like Enya and Yanni gained popularity with their soothing, ethereal music that became a new genre in its own right.

Latin Music

Tejano and Latin Pop: Artists like Selena and Gloria Estefan brought Latin sounds to mainstream audiences, influencing the broader pop music scene.

The 1980s were marked by a diverse array of musical genres, each contributing to the decade’s rich and dynamic musical landscape. The innovations and trends of this period laid the groundwork for many of the genres and styles that would dominate in the 1990s and beyond.

To learn more about the music of the 1980s, you can explore a variety of resources, including books, documentaries, websites, and music streaming services. Here are some recommendations:

Books

1. “I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution” by Rob Tannenbaum and Craig Marks: This book offers an in-depth look at the rise of MTV and its impact on the music industry.
2. “The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll”: This comprehensive reference book covers artists, albums, and trends from the 1980s.
3. “Retro Pop Culture A to Z: From Atari 2600 to Zombie Films” by Brett Weiss: This book provides a fun overview of 80s pop culture, including music.

Documentaries and TV Series

1. “The Eighties” (CNN series): This documentary series covers various aspects of the 1980s, including a specific episode on music.
2. “Behind the Music” (VH1 series): Many episodes focus on 1980s artists and bands, offering insights into their careers and the music industry of the time.
3. “Classic Albums” series: This documentary series explores the making of iconic albums, many of which are from the 1980s.

Websites and Online Resources

1. AllMusic: This website offers comprehensive information on artists, albums, and songs from the 1980s.
2. Rolling Stone: This magazine’s website features articles, reviews, and interviews with 1980s musicians.
3. Billboard: Explore their archives for charts and articles on top songs and albums from the 1980s.
4. MTV’s Website: Check out their archives and features on 80s music videos and artists.

Music Streaming Services

1. Spotify: Search for 1980s playlists and albums. Many users and curators have created comprehensive playlists that capture the decade’s music.
2. Apple Music: Like Spotify, you can find curated playlists and radio stations focused on 1980s music.
3. YouTube: Watch music videos, documentaries, and interviews from the 1980s. Channels like Vevo often have high-quality versions of classic videos.

Radio and Podcasts

1. SiriusXM 80s on 8: This radio station plays hits from the 1980s and often features interviews and special programming related to the decade.
2. “What Difference Does It Make?” Podcast: Focuses on 80s music and culture with interviews and discussions about the era.
3. “Stuck in the ’80s” Podcast: Discusses various aspects of 80s pop culture, including music.

Social Media and Online Communities

1. Reddit: Subreddits like r/80sMusic and r/ObscureMedia often feature discussions, recommendations, and content related to 1980s music.
2. Facebook Groups: Join groups dedicated to 1980s music and culture where members share memories, music, and information.

These resources should provide a well-rounded understanding of the music from the 1980s and its cultural impact.

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