80s Music Sitemap - Page 3
Poison Concert Review - Poison Live in Detroit, August 9, 2008
One of the most prominent hair metal acts of the '80s, Poison continues to tour quite consistently, making another trip around the States during the summer of 2008. Here's a look at the group's lively stage show.
Poison Still Working Hard to Stay on the Pop Culture Radar
Poison Still Working Hard to Stay on the Pop Culture Radar
Popularity vs. Quality: U2, the Exception to the Rule
Popularity vs. Quality: U2, the Exception to the Rule
Possible Reunion of the Police Would Be an Event Actually Worthy of Fans' Concert Dollars
Possible Reunion of the Police Would Be an Event Actually Worthy of Fans' Concert Dollars
Post-Punk - Profile of the Vital, Challenging '80s Music Genre of Post-Punk
In simplest terms, post-punk music is rock music of the late '70s and early '80s that put an innovative spin on the often simplistic punk rock that preceded it. However, artists of this movement generally lean far more toward the avant garde than the mainstream pop favored in related genres like new wave and even much college rock.
Power Ballads - Profile of the Power Ballad, an Essential '80s Music Form
One of the most recognizable song forms of the '80s, the bombastic power ballad has built a powerful legacy over the years. Though far less common in pop/rock circles following its peak in the late '80s, the form has never quite faded away, remaining a significant hybrid form combining hard rock, soft rock and various aspects of commercial pop music.
Powerhouse Singer Pat Benatar Continues to Define the '80s Like Few Peers Were Able
Powerhouse Singer Pat Benatar Continues to Define the '80s Like Few Peers Were Able
Prepare Yourself for the Best Band You've Probably Never Heard: All Hail the Kings
Prepare Yourself for the Best Band You've Probably Never Heard: All Hail the Kings
Prepare to Be Aghast - "Owner of a Lonely Heart" Marks Its Silver Anniversary
Prepare to Be Aghast -
Prince
Resources on one of the '80s brightest stars, a versatile, singer, songwriter and accomplished musician who thrived in any style he chose.
Prince, A Rare Artist Deserving of the Royal Treatment
Prince, A Rare Artist Deserving of the Royal Treatment
Promise of New GNR Album Rings Hollow Lacking Original Lineup
Promise of New GNR Album Rings Hollow Lacking Original Lineup
Psychedelic Furs
Despite the name that evokes late-'60s American rock, the Psychedelic Furs emerged as a thoroughly modern British post-punk band and laid a foundation during the '80s for all alternative music to follow. As one of the decade's most consistent artists, the group enjoyed far more impact on the music landscape than mainstream success within it.
Psychedelic Furs - Profile of British Post-Punk Mainstays Psychedelic Furs
Despite the name that evokes late-'60s American rock, the Psychedelic Furs emerged as a thoroughly modern British post-punk band and laid a foundation during the '80s for all alternative music to follow. As one of the decade's most consistent artists, the group enjoyed far more impact on the music landscape than mainstream success within it. But that's one of the ultimate calling cards of a genuine post-punk legend.
Psychedelic Furs Continue to Tour, But with Solid Core Intact
Psychedelic Furs Continue to Tour, But with Solid Core Intact
Psychedelic Furs Responsible for Much of the Style Found in Modern Rock
Psychedelic Furs Responsible for Much of the Style Found in Modern Rock
Psychedelic Furs Songs - Top 9 Psychedelic Furs Songs of the '80s
Aside from having a curious and mysterious band name and settling on an ingenious blend of pop and rock impulses, England's Psychedelic Furs simply had no shortage of great songs. That's what transforms the band's '80s consistency into something far better: a legendary legacy.
Punk Rock & Hardcore Strongly Enriched the '80s; Too Bad I Wasn't Paying Attention
Punk Rock & Hardcore Strongly Enriched the '80s; Too Bad I Wasn't Paying Attention
R.E.M.
Almost singularly responsible for the rise of the college rock scene in the '80s, this band of indie rock heroes from Athens, Georgia took the punk D.I.Y. aesthetic and forged a long, productive career creating a distinctive, jangly folk-rock sound.
R.E.M. - Profile of College Rock & Alternative Pioneers R.E.M.
Almost singularly responsible for the rise of the college rock scene in the '80s, this band of indie rock heroes from Athens, Georgia took the punk D.I.Y. aesthetic and forged a long, productive career creating a distinctive, jangly folk-rock sound. The band took nearly a decade to achieve superstar status, but in that time R.E.M blazed a trail for the explosion of alternative and modern rock that was to take place during the '90s.
REO Speedwagon
Though a hard-working arena rock band throughout the '70s, REO Speedwagon didn't catch fire commercially until frontman Kevin Cronin began to guide the band into a more pop-oriented direction. With the help of one of the biggest-selling albums of the decade, the group became '80s superstars.
REO Speedwagon - Profile of Arena Rock & Power Ballad Masters REO Speedwagon
Though a hard-working arena rock band throughout the '70s, REO Speedwagon didn't catch fire commercially until frontman Kevin Cronin began to guide the band into a more pop-oriented direction. With the help of one of the biggest-selling albums of the decade, the group became '80s superstars across the spectrum of mainstream rock and pop music.
Ready the Exclamation Points: Wham! Reunion Could Be on the Way
Ready the Exclamation Points: Wham! Reunion Could Be on the Way
Reconnecting with an Old Friend
Reconnecting with an Old Friend
Record Labels
Though the commercial side of music can be frustrating for fans and artists alike, there's no denying the power record labels have over what gets heard. The '80s were no exception to this, as several labels rose to prominence in either mainstream or indie circles. Some labels today continue to release music from '80s artists alive and kicking.
Relevance of '80s Winter Songs List Higher for Some Than Others
Relevance of '80s Winter Songs List Higher for Some Than Others
Reviews
To help you add to your '80s music collection, stop by here for reviews and top picks of the best the decade had to offer. Descriptions and analysis of the best and most important albums and songs of the period help separate the wheat from the chaff.
Rick Springfield
Just in time for the '80s, longtime musician Rick Springfield emerged as a matinee idol both on daytime TV and on the pop charts. Following a stint as Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera General Hospital, Aussie Springfield hit it big with his 1981 album, Working Class Dog.
Rick Springfield - Profile of '80s Pop Rocker Rick Springfield
Just in time for the '80s, longtime musician Rick Springfield emerged as a matinee idol both on daytime TV and on the pop charts. Following a stint as Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera [i]General Hospital[/i], Aussie Springfield hit it big with his 1981 album, [i]Working Class Dog[/i], which featured his biggest and most well-known hit, "Jessie's Girl." Several worthy tunes followed, most of them merging mainstream rock, sweet pop hooks and romantic balladry.
Rick Springfield CD Review - Review of Rick Springfield's 'Venus in Overdrive'
Here's a look at '80s mainstream rocker Rick Springfield's latest album of original music, a spirited summer 2008 release that blends old and new with aplomb.
Rick Springfield Continues to Argue for His Own Relevance on New CD
Rick Springfield Continues to Argue for His Own Relevance on New CD
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Has Always Drawn from Various Genres
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Has Always Drawn from Various Genres
Rod Stewart
One of pop music's most successful solo artists of all time, Rod Stewart is nearing 50 years in the music business. His '80s period may not have been his most critically acclaimed, but Stewart's ability to adapt and excel kept him squarely on the music map through a variety of pop music forays.
Rod Stewart - Profile of Rocker Turned Pop Stylist Rod Stewart
One of pop music's most successful solo artists of all time, Rod Stewart is nearing 50 years in the music business. His '80s period may not have been his most critically acclaimed, but Stewart's ability to adapt and excel kept him squarely on the music map through a variety of pop music forays.
Roots Rock - Profile of Back to Basics '80s Movement Roots Rock
A number of musicians and music lovers agreed that by the mid-'80s, some of rock and roll's roots in country, blues and R&B had been lost amidst the slick, modern sounds of new wave, pop metal and other pop styles that seemed too modern for their own good. Such traditionalists found a distinctive if small niche in roots rock, a genre that embraced the energetic, straightforward sounds of '50s and '60s early rock and injected some organic spirit into a music scene often ignorant of tradition.
Rootsy Guitar Pop Artist Nick Lowe a Major If Not Fully Acknowledged '80s Music Legend
Rootsy Guitar Pop Artist Nick Lowe a Major If Not Fully Acknowledged '80s Music Legend
Run-DMC's Hall of Fame Honor Will Be Even More Special with Tribute to Fallen Mate
Run-DMC's Hall of Fame Honor Will Be Even More Special with Tribute to Fallen Mate
Rush
For more than 40 years now, Canadian power trio Rush has been pumping out a complex, precise blend of hard rock and progressive rock. One of the band's strongest and most popular eras took place during the '80s.
S.C. Couple Drives Fox Family Away by Blaring '80s Music - I'm Insulted
S.C. Couple Drives Fox Family Away by Blaring '80s Music - I'm Insulted
Scottish Beauty Sheena Easton Was Also One of the Most Constant '80s Performers
Scottish Beauty Sheena Easton Was Also One of the Most Constant '80s Performers
Sheena Easton
Though far from critically acclaimed during her remarkably consistent and eclectic '80s pop career, Scottish singer Sheena Easton always maintained a solid status as major star. She was largely deserving of her chart success, often making the most out of cookie-cutter pop songs or maximizing distinct melodies with her unique vocal touch.
Sheena Easton - Profile of Brunette Bombshell & Pop Singer Sheena Easton
Scottish pop singer Sheena Easton emerged at the very beginning of the '80s and remained a major chart player throughout the decade as an adult contemporary pop balladeer and later a sexy dance-pop diva. Her versatility helped maintain a successful career through years of constant change, and Easton blazed a path for many of the female pop stars who ruled the charts during the '90s, after he audience had all but dried up.
Signs of the Apocalypse on My TV Screen? Imagine That
Signs of the Apocalypse on My TV Screen? Imagine That
So Where's That Job Posting for MP3 Player Stocker/Music Suggestion Specialist?
So Where's That Job Posting for MP3 Player Stocker/Music Suggestion Specialist?
Soft Rock - Profile of the Mellow, Romantic Soft Rock of the '70s and Early '80s
The golden age of soft rock certainly came during the mid to late '70s, when the singer-songwriter movement and the propensity of country-rock and folk-rock blends combined to forge a gentle pop/rock sound popular among mainstream music fans. However, this trend also extended successfully into the first few years of the '80s, in a period just before the lighter side of rock became dominated by a more modern, smooth adult contemporary sound and the power ballads of arena rock and pop metal.
Songs of the Cure - Top 8 Cure Songs of the '80s
With one of the most varied and challenging catalogues in all of '80s music, the Cure offers many candidates for a celebration of its finest songs. Here's a look at some of the band's best work produced during a prolific decade.
Southern-Fried Blasphemy... And Proud of It!
Southern-Fried Blasphemy... And Proud of It!
Spinal Tap
Here's a look at the career (both real and imagined) of one of England's loudest parody metal bands. The music of Spinal Tap - the creation on celluloid and on record of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner - was a hilarious send-up but also an endearing tribute to the excessive nature of early-'80s hard rock.
Spinal Tap Continues to Evolve & Mature, Reuniting to Fight Global Warming
Spinal Tap Continues to Evolve & Mature, Reuniting to Fight Global Warming
Spinal Tap Profile of Fictional '80s Metal Parody Band Spinal Tap
Here's a look at the career (both real and imagined) of one of England's loudest parody metal bands. The music of Spinal Tap - the creation on celluloid and on record of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner - was a hilarious send-up but also an endearing tribute to the excessive nature of early-'80s hard rock.
Spotlight on '80s Hard Rock: Music Lists Tend to Provoke & Inspire the Creation of Others
Spotlight on '80s Hard Rock: Music Lists Tend to Provoke & Inspire the Creation of Others
Spotlight on 1980 - A Rough Year for Rock Music Fans
Spotlight on 1980 - A Rough Year for Rock Music Fans
Spotlight on Cyndi Lauper, '80s Free-Spirited Icon
Spotlight on Cyndi Lauper, '80s Free-Spirited Icon
Spotlight on Elvis Costello, a "Man Out of Time" Who Nonetheless Contributed Greatly to the '80s Music Landscape
Spotlight on Elvis Costello, a
Spotlight on Huey Lewis & the News, a Blue-Collar, Everyman Bar Band That Used a Strong Work Ethic to Rule the '80s
Spotlight on Huey Lewis & the News, a Blue-Collar, Everyman Bar Band That Used a Strong Work Ethic to Rule the '80s
Spotlight on Loverboy, '80s Accessories Sold Separately
Spotlight on Loverboy, '80s Accessories Sold Separately
Stains of the PMRC Unfortunately Linger in Our Collective '80s Music Education
Stains of the PMRC Unfortunately Linger in Our Collective '80s Music Education
Staying Power of Select Few '80s Bands Like R.E.M. & U2 Still Astounding
Staying Power of Select Few '80s Bands Like R.E.M. & U2 Still Astounding
Submit Your Picks for the Latest Installment
Submit Your Picks for the Latest Installment
Substance Over Style: A Merit System for '80s Lead Singers
Substance Over Style: A Merit System for '80s Lead Singers
Suicide of Brad Delp an Occasion for Sober Reflection on Early Rock Star Deaths
Suicide of Brad Delp an Occasion for Sober Reflection on Early Rock Star Deaths
Survivor
The American melodic power rock band Survivor was always more of a singles act than a producer of consistent albums, but the group's best songs truly capture a moment in time during the early '80s.
Survivor - Profile of '80s Arena Rock Hitmakers Survivor
One of the decade's premier power rock bands with a soft spot for love ballads, Survivor was a major arena rock draw and hitmaker for several consistent years before falling away in the face of the much glitzier hair metal ascendancy. Still, the group's brand of no-frills pop/rock is the kind of accessible, pleasant music that never entirely goes out of style. As an odd sort of proof, the band was the subject of a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek Starbuck's TV commercial in 2004.
Survivor Songs - Top 6 Survivor Songs of the '80s
The American melodic power rock band Survivor was always more of a singles act than a producer of consistent albums, but the group's best songs truly capture a moment in time during the early '80s. Stop in here for a look at the group's essential tracks, all celebrations of excessive romantic bombast.
Synth Pop - Profile of Early-'80s Subgenre of New Wave, Synth Pop
As a unique and distinct subgenre of new wave, synth pop was quite a force in mainstream and underground pop music during the first half of the '80s. It helped standardize the use of synthesizers across genres as well, among its several influences on pop music moving forward.
Synth Pop Definitely One of the Most Distinct '80s Genres
Synth Pop Definitely One of the Most Distinct '80s Genres
Talking Heads
Despite a tailing-off period toward the latter part of the decade, New York City's Talking Heads were one of the most popular and critically acclaimed rock bands of the '80s. As part of the seminal '70s New York punk scene and then as one of the leading lights of new wave, the group scored pop hits even while taking the path less traveled.
Talking Heads - Profile of New York Punk/New Wave Innovators Talking Heads
Despite a tailing-off period toward the latter part of the decade, New York City's Talking Heads were one of the most popular and critically acclaimed rock bands of the '80s. As part of the seminal '70s New York punk scene and then as one of the leading lights of new wave, the group scored pop hits even while taking the path less traveled according to David Byrne's singular plan.
Talking Heads Songs - Top 10 Talking Heads Songs of the '80s
Here's a look at my painstakingly and painfully derived list of the finest '80s Talking Heads songs. After all, in terms of lively eclecticism and independent pop spirit, perhaps no other American band active during the '80s comes close to matching New York's original punk/new wave pioneers. A sense of exploration, discovery and yearning consistently defines the group's output from its mid-'70s inception throughout its critically acclaimed and commercially potent '80s career.
The Art of Music List-Making a Wonderfully Nebulous One
The Art of Music List-Making a Wonderfully Nebulous One
The Bangles
Though they originated from L.A.'s Paisley Underground scene, the Bangles became one of the decade's biggest chart-toppers during the mid- to late-'80s, following a decided shift to mainstream pop. Their all-female status was mildly groundbreaking but lost some of its validity when used as a major marketing tool by producers who hoped to wring the most possible mainstream appeal out of the band.
The Bangles
Though they originated from L.A.'s Paisley Underground scene, the Bangles became one of the decade's biggest chart-toppers during the mid- to late-'80s, following a decided shift to mainstream pop.
The Benefits of a Subtle Name Change: the New Cars
The Benefits of a Subtle Name Change: the New Cars
The Best of Rick Springfield Album Review
While this collection may not qualify as quintessential, it certainly does a good job of featuring this artist's best work and demonstrating why Springfield is worth remembering. As a songwriter, the former soap star and heartthrob has far more to offer than most gave him credit for at the time. He's gifted not only with a melody but epitomizes power pop accessibility in the best sense of the word.
The Cars
Boston's new wave superstars sprung onto the pop music scene in the late '70s and proceeded to pepper the charts with melodic, textured hit singles for most of the next decade. Led by songwriter and primary lead singer Ric Ocasek, the quintet benefited from significant contributions from all members to become legends.
The Cars - Profile of the Cars, '80s New Wave Hitmakers
One of new wave's biggest stars, the Cars boasted a sound that encompassed several styles, including pure pop, power pop, classic rock and punk. Above all, the band produced an extremely consistent catalogue of music, resting squarely on the always solid songwriting of frontman Ric Ocasek.
The Cars' '80s Songs - Top 8 Cars Songs of the '80s
Removing the Cars' excellent first two albums from consideration would seem like a pretty devastating handicap, but the band's consistency during its career of just under a decade ensures plenty of great '80s tunes to choose from for a best-of list.
The Cure
British alternative rockers the Cure, who emerged more than a decade before the term was in vogue, were one of the '80s most prolific underground bands.
The Cure - Profile of Post-Punk Legends the Cure
British alternative rockers the Cure, who emerged more than a decade before the term was in vogue, were one of the '80s most prolific underground bands. Led by frontman Robert Smith's stylish leadership, the group soldiered through many personnel changes to emerge at the end of the decade as a threat on the pop music charts as well as an influential alternative to the mainstream.
The Go-Go's
The Go-Go's became one of the early-'80s most pleasantly surprising success stories, transforming from an L.A. punk band into new wave pop superstars.
The Go-Gos Profile of the Punky, All-Female New Wave Band the Go-Gos
The Go-Go's became one of the early-'80s most pleasantly surprising success stories, transforming from an L.A. punk band into new wave pop superstars. Along the way, the group cut a significant path for female musicians by attaining its success by maintaining independent artistic control. Here's a look at the impressive if brief career of one of the '80s most defining artists.
The Human League
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Human League became one of the most visually recognizable and stylish synth pop acts of the early '80s. But the group's pop success emerged from years of blazing a trail for electronic pop, and ultimately the group reached far beyond its status as music video icons.
The Human League - Profile of Synth Pop Pioneers The Human League
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Human League became one of the most visually recognizable and stylish synth pop acts of the early '80s. But the group's pop success emerged from years of blazing a trail for electronic pop, and ultimately the group reached far beyond its status as music video icons.
The Kings-The Kings Are Here and More
This, the quintessential release from Ontario's power pop/new wave/rock and roll party band, collects the group's 1980 debut and adds five tracks that explore the boundaries of its signature sound. It's some of the best, most unique and most accessible music you've probably never heard.
The Music, and Life, It Seems, Was Better for Whitney Houston in the '80s
The Music, and Life, It Seems, Was Better for Whitney Houston in the '80s
The Police
Emerging on the heels of the punk rock movement in England, this eclectic, talented rock band never had trouble distinguishing itself. Find information about this great band's short, tumultuous story right here.
The Police - Profile of '80s New Wave Superstars the Police
Here's a look at one of rock's greatest bands, an eclectic trio of masterful musicians that produced some of the decade's most original and popular music. Sadly, tension between bandmembers and individual ambitions cut short the worthy reign of this talented and influential band.
The Police-Every Breath You Take: The Classics Review
As the lesser of two evils, this supposedly comprehensive Police compilation trumps its very similar predecessor, but it certainly does not succeed as a thorough summary of this influential band's career. Because of a couple of wasted tracks and a few unforgivable omissions, this album is not recommended for listeners looking to collect all the essential Police tracks in one place.
The Power Ballad Remains an '80s Gift That Keeps on Giving
The Power Ballad Remains an '80s Gift That Keeps on Giving
The Pretenders
Although always a vehicle for charismatic frontwoman Chrissie Hyndes songwriting, the Pretenders initially emerged as a highly eclectic, talented quartet of musicians capable of producing various rock and pop styles. The best of the bands '80s tunes employ a fierce, ragged rock and roll approach but benefit also from a tuneful pop sensibility fueled by Hyndes unique vocal style.
The Pretenders, Torchbearers of a Too-Brief Flame
The Pretenders were one of the most eclectic and talented bands to come out of the punk and new wave movements. In the groups initial phase, the quartet may have been one of the rock eras best bands period. However, when two tragic deaths struck within a years time, the bands charismatic leader, Chrissie Hynde, persevered to reinvent and revitalize the group for pop audiences.
The Saxophone Gets a Bad Rap in '80s Music, Deserve It or Not
The Saxophone Gets a Bad Rap in '80s Music, Deserve It or Not
The Singular Example of Dire Straits - Mark Knopfler Sells Out Without Actually Having to Sell Out
The Singular Example of Dire Straits - Mark Knopfler Sells Out Without Actually Having to Sell Out
The Super Six - Top 6 Supergroups of the '80s
Although the golden age of the supergroup most definitely lasted about a decade from the late '60s into the mid '70s, this special rock and roll concept had its moments as well during the '80s. Perhaps that's unsurprising given the decade's unique vision of all things over the top and self-indulgent. Here's a look at a few of the most prominent, important and memorable supergroups from the '80s.
The Wedding Singer Two-Volume Soundtrack Review
As a summation of the music featured in the 1998 music-themed film, this two-volume soundtrack works very well. As a versatile, comprehensive compilation of the varied tapestry that was '80s music, its even better. Somehow, even though this collection of music was not expressly intended to summarize the music of a decade (or perhaps because of that fact), it does that job far better than a myriad of compilations with far greater ambitions.
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - 'Til Tuesday's "Coming Up Close"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - 'Til Tuesday's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Alabama's "Love in the First Degree"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Alabama's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Altered Images' "I Could Be Happy"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Altered Images'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Aztec Camera's "Somewhere in My Heart"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Aztec Camera's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - B-Movie's "Nowhere Girl"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - B-Movie's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bad Brains' "I Against I"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bad Brains'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bad Company's "One Night"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bad Company's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Benjamin Orr's "Stay the Night"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Benjamin Orr's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Berlin's "The Metro"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Berlin's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Joel's "Sometimes a Fantasy"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Joel's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Ocean's "Love Is Forever"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Ocean's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Squier's "In the Dark"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Billy Squier's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Boston's "Can'tcha Say"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Boston's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bourgeois Tagg's "I Don't Mind At All"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bourgeois Tagg's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Brian Wilson's "Love and Mercy"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Brian Wilson's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Britny Fox's "Long Way to Love"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Britny Fox's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bronski Beat's "Smalltown Boy"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bronski Beat's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bruce Cockburn's "If I Had a Rocket Launcher"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bruce Cockburn's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bruce Hornsby & the Range's "On the Western Skyline"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bruce Hornsby & the Range's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Champaign's "How 'Bout Us"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Champaign's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Charlie Sexton's "Beat's So Lonely"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Charlie Sexton's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Cheap Trick's "Tonight It's You"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Cheap Trick's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Concrete Blonde's "Make Me Cry"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Concrete Blonde's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Dan Fogelberg's "Missing You"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Dan Fogelberg's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Dave Alvin's "Every Night About This Time"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Dave Alvin's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - David & David's "Welcome to the Boomtown"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - David & David's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Deep Purple's "Call of the Wild"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Deep Purple's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Delbert McClinton's "Givin' It Up for Your Love"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Delbert McClinton's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Donald Fagen's "I.G.Y."
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Donald Fagen's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Donnie Iris' "Ah! Leah!"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Donnie Iris'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Dreams So Real's "Bearing Witness"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Dreams So Real's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Emerson, Lake & Powell's "Touch and Go"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Emerson, Lake & Powell's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Fiction Factory's "(Feels Like) Heaven"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Fiction Factory's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Fleetwood Mac's "Love in Store"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Fleetwood Mac's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Foghat's "Third Time Lucky (First Time I Was a Fool)"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Foghat's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Franke & the Knockouts' "Sweetheart"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Franke & the Knockouts'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Frida's "I Know There's Something Going On"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Frida's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Fugazi's "Bulldog Front"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Fugazi's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gary Myrick & the Figures' "She Talks in Stereo"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gary Myrick & the Figures'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gary Wright's "Really Wanna Know You"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gary Wright's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gear Daddies' "Cut Me Off"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gear Daddies'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gene Loves Jezebel's "Heartache"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gene Loves Jezebel's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - George Benson's "Turn Your Love Around"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - George Benson's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Guadalcanal Diary's "Litany (Life Goes On)"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Guadalcanal Diary's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Holly & the Italians' "Miles Away"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Holly & the Italians'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hollywood Rose's "Reckless Life"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hollywood Rose's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hoodoo Gurus' "Bittersweet"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hoodoo Gurus'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hothouse Flowers' "Don't Go"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hothouse Flowers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Human Sexual Response's "Dolls"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Human Sexual Response's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hunters & Collectors' "Throw Your Arms Around Me"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Hunters & Collectors'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - INXS' "This Time"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - INXS'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Icicle Works' "Understanding Jane"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Icicle Works'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Iggy Pop's "Pumpin' for Jill"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Iggy Pop's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - J. Geils Band's "Angel in Blue"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - J. Geils Band's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jackson Browne's "For America"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jackson Browne's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - James Ingram's/Quincy Jones' "Just Once"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - James Ingram's/Quincy Jones'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - James Taylor & J.D. Souther's "Her Town Too"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - James Taylor & J.D. Souther's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jane's Addiction's "Had a Dad"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jane's Addiction's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jason & the Scorchers' "Shop It Around"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jason & the Scorchers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jeffrey Osborne's "Stay With Me Tonight"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jeffrey Osborne's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Joan Armatrading's "Drop the Pilot"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Joan Armatrading's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Joe Jackson's "Breaking Us in Two"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Joe Jackson's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - John Fogerty's "Rock and Roll Girls"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - John Fogerty's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jon Butcher's "Goodbye Saving Grace"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jon Butcher's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Judas Priest's "Out in the Cold"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Judas Priest's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Kansas's "Play the Game Tonight"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Kansas's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Kix's "Blow My Fuse"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Kix's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Kool & the Gang's "Tonight"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Kool & the Gang's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Krokus' "Screaming in the Night"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Krokus'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Little River Band's "Man on Your Mind"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Little River Band's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Living Colour's "Desperate People"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Living Colour's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Lone Justice's "Shelter"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Lone Justice's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Los Lobos' "Will the Wolf Survive?"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Los Lobos'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Lyle Lovett's "You Can't Resist It"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Lyle Lovett's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Marillion's "Kayleigh"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Marillion's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Martin Briley's "The Salt in My Tears"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Martin Briley's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Never Had It So Good"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Mary Chapin Carpenter's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Michael Morales' "Who Do You Give Your Love To?"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Michael Morales'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Midge Ure's "If I Was"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Midge Ure's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Moving Pictures' "What About Me?"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Moving Pictures'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Oingo Boingo's "Just Another Day"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Oingo Boingo's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Oran "Juice" Jones' "The Rain"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Oran
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's "Electricity"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Peter Gabriel's "I Don't Remember"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Peter Gabriel's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Phil Lynott's "Old Town"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Phil Lynott's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Platinum Blonde's "Somebody Somewhere"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Platinum Blonde's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Rainbow's "Stone Cold"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Rainbow's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Red Rockers' "Another Day"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Red Rockers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Restless Heart's "I'll Still Be Loving You"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Restless Heart's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Ronnie Milsap's "Smoky Mountain Rain"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Ronnie Milsap's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Roxy Music's "Oh Yeah!"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Roxy Music's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Santana's "Hold On"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Santana's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Shoes' "In My Arms Again"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Shoes'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Shooting Star's "Flesh and Blood"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Shooting Star's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Single Bullet Theory's "Keep It Tight"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Single Bullet Theory's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Slade's "Run Runaway"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Slade's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Steel Breeze's "You Don't Want Me Anymore"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Steel Breeze's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Suzanne Vega's "Gypsy"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Suzanne Vega's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Alan Parsons Project's "Don't Answer Me"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Alan Parsons Project's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Alarm's "Strength"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Alarm's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Bellamy Brothers' "Old Hippie"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Bellamy Brothers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Bevis Frond's "Lights Are Changing"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Bevis Frond's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Bible's "Graceland"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Bible's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Blue Nile's "The Downtown Lights"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Blue Nile's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Call's "The Walls Came Down"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Call's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The English Beat's "Save It For Later"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The English Beat's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Jam's "Absolute Beginners"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Jam's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Mighty Lemon Drops' "Into the Heart of Love"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Mighty Lemon Drops'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Monroes' "What Do All the People Know?"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Monroes'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Motels' "Take the L"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Motels'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Outfield's "All the Love"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Outfield's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Producers' "What's He Got"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Producers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Sound's "Winter"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Sound's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Stranglers' "Always the Sun"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Stranglers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Style Council's "My Ever Changing Moods"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Style Council's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The The's "Uncertain Smile"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The The's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Then Jerico's "Let Her Fall"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Then Jerico's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Thomas Dolby's "One of Our Submarines"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Thomas Dolby's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Timbuk 3's "Life Is Hard"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Timbuk 3's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Timex Social Club's "Rumors"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Timex Social Club's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Toad the Wet Sprocket's "One Little Girl"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Toad the Wet Sprocket's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers' "I'm Not Your Man"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Tommy Tutone's "No Way to Cry"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Tommy Tutone's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Tony Carey's "A Fine, Fine Day"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Tony Carey's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Translator's "Everywhere That I'm Not"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Translator's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Treat Her Right's "I Think She Likes Me"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Treat Her Right's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Trip Shakespeare
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Trip Shakespeare
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Utopia's "Feet Don't Fail Me Now"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Utopia's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Van Stephenson's "Modern Day Delilah"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Van Stephenson's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Vinnie Vincent Invasion's "No Substitute"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Vinnie Vincent Invasion's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Warren Zevon's "Ain't That Pretty At All"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Warren Zevon's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - World Party's "Ship of Fools"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - World Party's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - XTC's "Love on a Farmboy's Wages"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - XTC's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Zebra's "Who's Behind the Door?"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Zebra's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - fIREHOSE's "The Softest Hammer"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - fIREHOSE's
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Del Fuegos' "I Still Want You"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Del Fuegos'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Godfathers' "Birth, School, Work, Death"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Godfathers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Hooters' "Day by Day"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Hooters'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the JoBoxers' "Just Got Lucky"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the JoBoxers'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Kinks' "Do It Again"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Kinks'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Rave-Ups' "Positively Lost Me"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Rave-Ups'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Smithereens' "Behind the Wall of Sleep"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Smithereens'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Soft Boys' "There's Nobody Like You"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Soft Boys'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Spongetones' "Here I Go Again"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - the Spongetones'
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s: The Producers' "What's He Got"
This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s: The Producers'
Though Heavy on Style & Image, Billy Idol Remains a Deserving '80s Fixture
Though Heavy on Style & Image, Billy Idol Remains a Deserving '80s Fixture
Time to Make the Doughnuts: the Obligations of Work
Time to Make the Doughnuts: the Obligations of Work
Today's '80s Instrument Spotlight - the Keytar
Today's '80s Instrument Spotlight - the Keytar
Today's Look Back at '80s "Technology" - The Boombox
Today's Look Back at '80s
Today's Neglected Number of Choice - The Fabulous Yet Forgettable 58
Today's Neglected Number of Choice - The Fabulous Yet Forgettable 58
Tolerance of Visual Nonsense
Tolerance of Visual Nonsense
Tom Petty
As one of the most prolific and high-quality performers of the '80s, rocker and singer-songwriter Tom Petty sometimes slips off the radar of music fans when they consider the most important artists of the '80s. But that's a regrettable oversight easily remedied upon close examination.
Tom Petty Bio - Profile of Rocker & Singer-Songwriter Tom Petty
A shining beacon of classic rock and a singer-songwriter of the highest order, Tom Petty has been a major contributor to pop music for an impressively long time. In addition, the quality of his music during various eras has always remained high, stretching across genres as different as heartland rock, folk rock and plain old rock and roll.
Tom Petty Documentary Celebrates an Artist for the Ages
Tom Petty Documentary Celebrates an Artist for the Ages
Tony Award Setpiece KOs Poison's Bret Michaels, But He's Wisely Laughing With Us
Tony Award Setpiece KOs Poison's Bret Michaels, But He's Wisely Laughing With Us
Top '80s Arena Rock Artists - Top 10 Arena Rock Artists of the '80s
Based on bright, memorable melodies as well as minimal menace, arena rock has never been accused of being edgy or critically beloved. Where it has found great success, however, is in selling lots and lots of records. Here's a list of the genre's most essential artists.
Top '80s Bruce Springsteen Songs - Top 10 Bruce Springsteen Songs of the '80s, Part 1
Bruce Springsteen was an important and consistent hitmaker of the '80s, especially upon the release of his intensely popular classic album from 1984, [i]Born in the USA[/i]. Here's a look at the singer-songwriter's best tunes that made a mark on the '80s pop charts.
Top '80s Heart Songs - Top 6 Heart Songs of the '80s
'70s hard rock outfit Heart didn't release its best, most memorable music of the '80s until it had entirely transformed into a mainstream pop/rock band. And although that transition had its drawbacks, much of this music was among the best of its kind.
Top '80s Heartbreak Songs - '80s Love Songs of Heartache & Heartbreak
The '80s were heavily populated with over-the-top love songs, so a list of the most notable ones holds that much more significance for the selectivity involved. These songs allow the listener to wallow so completely in self-involved sorrow that the world outside ceases to exist.
Top '80s Hitmakers - Artists with the Most Hot 100 Pop Hits During the '80s
Some of the names on this list will be entirely unsurprising, linked as they are with some of the most ubiquitous hit songs of '80s pop. Others, however, may come as at least a mild shock given their association with other eras or genres that seem completely unrelated. But ultimately the artists that displayed the most consistent hitmaking prowess over the course of the '80s have accomplished something special indeed.
Top '80s Madonna Songs - Top 10 Madonna Songs of the '80s
Perhaps few would argue that the '80s were Madonna's peak of influence, but coming up with a list of the top Madonna songs from that period is a more challenging enterprise than perhaps expected.
Top '80s Singles - Top 10 Singles of the '80s
The greatest singles of any era possess the power to change the world in three minutes, or failing that, they at least share the ability to leave their stamp on a musical landscape already filled nearly to capacity. And while chart performance, radio airplay and longevity are all important criteria to choose the best of the best, these essential '80s tunes announce themselves as vital through sheer force of gravity. These songs are simply impossible to ignore in the context of '80s music.
Top '80s Songs Featuring Multiple Guitar Interplay - Top 8 Multiple-Guitar Tunes of the '80s
The concept of dual/twin guitar probably reached its peak during the rock excess of the '70s, but the performance-based combination of complementary musicianship certainly had its moments as well in the wealth of hard rock available during the '80s. Here's a short list of memorable '80s songs from bands featuring multiple guitarists.
Top '80s TV Theme Songs - Top 10 Musical Themes Composed Especially for '80s TV Shows
This is undoubtedly one of those lists that varies wildly depending on the ear and the beholder, but I like to think this countdown touches both on my personal favorites and some of the most interesting, emblematic themes implanted permanently in our collective memory of '80s television.
Top .38 Special Songs - Top 6 .38 Special Songs of the '80s
Rooted deeply in Southern rock and a hard-driving '70s rock sound, .38 Special actually did not become a distinct entity with its own sound until the band developed a smooth, tuneful hybrid of hard rock and melodic, guitar-oriented pop in the early '80s. Although purists may protest, this period and its hits represent the pinnacle of this fine band's career. What's more, the band's finest tunes don't sacrifice a bit of muscular, inventive guitar work in order to attain commercial pop appeal.
Top 10 '80s Acts with Geographical Names
Perhaps rock musicians are not best-known for being studious, but over the years many have shown a propensity for naming their bands after places, topographical features, countries and continents. In some cases, artists just happen to have surnames that you might find on a map, but most of the time they choose to fall back on whatever rudimentary education they got before hitting the road for a living. Who says American kids don't know their geography?
Top 10 '80s Lead Singers Who Also Played an Instrument Most of the Time
Since at least the '60s, rock music has often shone its spotlight on lead singers, frontmen and frontwomen who drew primary attention from audiences through their charisma or image as much as their singing ability. While this has produced some interesting musical moments, I've always preferred lead singers who also stake a strong claim to being actual musicians. And luckily the '80s had its share of memorable lead singers who also demonstrated talent on a musical instrument. Imagine that.
Top 10 '80s Makeovers Of Established Artists
In order to find success in the video-friendly '80s, some established artists of the '70s (and in some cases even the '60s) reinvented themselves, with varying results. The best of these evolved without selling out, taking advantage of both the new era and their unique talents. Here's a look at the top 10 '80s makeovers that helped jump-start these artists' second wind.
Top 10 '80s Music Film & TV Crossover Artists
This phenomenon continues today stronger than ever, but in the '80s perhaps more than ever stars of the screen were just dying for music careers, and vice-versa. Some of their careers did almost expire during the process, but that didn't stop the fireworks in a car-wreck rubberneck sort of way. Step back in time for a look at the best and worst of these curiosities.
Top 10 '80s Solo Careers
Though the concept of going solo was not an invention of the '80s, artists during that decade seemed to perfect the art of shedding past band memberships for the bliss of an independent path. Some artists had better luck making the transition than others; here's a look at the ones who definitely made the right decision.
Top 10 '80s Songs of Self-Pity & Self-Absorption
Those of us blessed with personalities that tend to get mired in melancholy know a thing or two about getting so caught up in our own internal struggles that we hardly notice the outside world. Luckily, pop and rock music has always had a keen eye toward this kind of self-centeredness, yielding a rich and constantly growing supply of tunes that celebrate and illuminate the wallowing impulse in us all. Here's a list of 10 of the best the '80s had to offer of this ilk.
Top 10 Albums of 1980
Here's a look at 10 of the finest and most influential albums that made their most notable impact during the calendar year of 1980.
Top 10 Albums of 1980 - The Nebulous Art of Music Lists
Top 10 Albums of 1980 - The Nebulous Art of Music Lists
Top 10 English Artists of the '80s
The sheer volume of rock and pop music since the Beatles that has originated from the relatively tiny land mass of England qualifies certainly as astounding. Therefore, culling the best English artists from any era of pop music quickly becomes an overwhelming task. As for the '80s specifically, England remained just as fertile as ever in producing popular, interesting and innovative musicians, especially in the burgeoning genre of alternative music.
Top 10 Genuine Country Artists Who Most Personified the '80s
We all know that country music has long been big business, sometimes at the expense of the music itself. The '80s certainly added to this unfortunate trend to a greater or lesser extent, as urban cowboy and countrypolitan crossover pop often ruled the day. That said, '80s country also harbored more than a few talented, visionary artists who made their greatest contributions during the decade. Here's a look at some of the most memorable of these, tied inextricably to the '80s.
Top 10 Geographical Music Scenes of the '80s (U.S.)
Certainly no shortage of great music has come out of all corners of the globe, but in terms of the '80s music that has stood the test of time through reputation or influence, certain American cities seemed to harbor the most city. Here's a look at a few of those scenes that made their presence felt the most back in the day.
Top 10 Irish, Scottish & Welsh Artists of the '80s
When it comes to pop music and the British Isles, the English have always enjoyed a dense concentration of talent and therefore the lion's share of attention. But during the '80s as well as before and after, many Irish, Scottish and Welsh artists made their names with memorable and important musical contributions of their own. Here's a look at the cream of this crop, the top 10 non-English British Isles artists of the '80s.
Top 10 Most Notable Band Splits of the '80s
Whether they broke up as the result of artistic differences or were ripped apart by tragedy, many major and essential artists called it quits during the '80s, even if only for a while. Still, most reunions result in rather depressing shadows of former superstars, so in most cases the first break is the only one that really matters. Here's a look at some of the most notable band dissolutions that took place during the '80s and the particulars of each special case.
Top 10 Most Tragic & Untimely Deaths of '80s Musical Artists Since 1990
Since the end of the '80s nearly two decades ago, many of its musical artists have aged and matured in typical ways, either in or out of the business. Some, of course, dealt with that constant evolution better than others, while another group was silenced by sudden, accidental deaths.
Top 10 Most Tragic & Untimely Musician Deaths of the '80s
The '80s witnessed a number of tragic deaths involving both contemporary artists and musicians who had become legendary during previous decades. Though it's impossible to do justice to the many left off of this list that deserve commemoration, here's a sampling of some of the decade's most heartrending premature deaths of pop music artists.
Top 10 Obscure & Underground Artists of the '80s
As in perhaps every art form, there is always a teeming subculture just beneath the mainstream, usually populated by unruly mavericks unconcerned about the typical trappings of success. This was most certainly the case with underground music of the '80s, a sweeping, varied category that stretched across punk, pop and early hip-hop styles and everywhere in between. Here’s a look at 10 of the most notable of these artists, though it’s inevitably merely a scrape from a colorful surface.
Top 10 Punk Rock & Hardcore Bands of the '80s
The early '80s may have been best-known for new wave, but fiercely independent punk rock and hardcore bands like these continued to make vitally significant music throughout the decade.
Top 10 Songs of 1981
By 1981, remnants of the '70s began to fall away from the new decade's musical offerings, especially with the advent of MTV late in the year. In this way, '80s music began to fully embrace its own individual fashion and sound this year, and the results truly launched a new era of both making and experiencing music.
Top 10 Songs of 1984
At least musically, 1984 was far from an Orwellian year of doom. Instead, it was the year major stars came out to shine, just in time to join the video revolution. At the same time, new wave and synth pop styles continued to evolve even as new paths began to emerge.