1980’s Music

The music industry in the 1980s was driven mostly by the success of a wildly popular new music cable channel called MTV.

For the first time in history, image was just as important as the music. A good music video could instantly catapult a new act to stardom. Cyndi Lauper was almost an overnight sensation due to her quirky looks as much as her quirky tunes.

The eighties also witnessed the infancy and eventual growth of hip hop. While not too many acts from the 80s stand up well against today’s artists, they laid the groundwork for what would later be achieved by thousands of modern hip hop artists in the future.

I’m Alright – Kenny Loggins

80's Music

“I’m Alright” is a song written and performed by American pop singer Kenny Loggins. It was used as the theme music for the 1980 comedy film Caddyshack.

Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen

80's Music

“Born in the U.S.A.” is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen, and released in 1984 on the album of the same name.

80s Music Quiz

80's Music

Test your knowledge of 1980’s Music with your friends and family.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

80's Music

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is a song written and first recorded in 1979 by American musician Robert Hazard. It is better known as a single by American singer Cyndi Lauper, whose version was released in 1983.

So In Love – Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

80's Music

“So in Love” is a song by the band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released in 1985 as the first single from the album Crush. The artwork, designed by XL Design, and the promo video were both influenced by the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

How Will I Know – Whitney Houston

80's Music

“How Will I Know” is a song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for her eponymous debut album released on November 22, 1985 by Arista Records as the album’s third single.

Purple Rain – Prince

80's Music

“Purple Rain” is a song by American musician Prince and his backing band the Revolution. It is the title track from the 1984 album of the same name, which in turn is the soundtrack album for the 1984 film of the same name starring Prince.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison

80's Music

“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a power ballad by American glam metal band Poison. It was released in October 1988 as the third single from Poison’s second album Open Up and Say… Ahh!.

Jump Around – House of Pain

80's Music

“Jump Around” is a song by the American hip hop group House of Pain, produced by DJ Muggs of the hip hop group Cypress Hill, who has also covered the song.

Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl 1981

80's Music

“Jessie’s Girl” is a song written and performed by Australian singer Rick Springfield. It was released on the album Working Class Dog, which was released in February 1981.

It’s My Life – Talk Talk

80's Music

“It’s My Life” is a song by the English new wave band Talk Talk. Written by Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene, it was the title track on the band’s second album and released as its first single in January 1984.