80s Music: Iconic Artists, Greatest Hits, and Classic Sounds

In 1984, Alphaville released Big in Japan, a dark synth pop track that helped define the moodier side of the decade. With its steady electronic beat, haunting melody, and cryptic lyrics, the song became an instant hit across Europe and later caught on with audiences in the United States. It captured the cold elegance of 1980s new wave and stood out with its polished sound and thought provoking title. The music video embraced the stylized surrealism common in the early days of music television. Shot in stark black and white, it featured shadowy industrial settings, abstract camera work, and a sense of isolation that matched the tone of the song. It was not about flashy performance or storytelling, but about creating a visual atmosphere that deepened the song’s emotional weight. Watch video here: Big in Japan marked Alphaville’s breakthrough and set the stage for their future hits. The song remains a staple of 1980s retrospectives and continues to resonate with fans of...

In 1983, Michael Jackson released Thriller, a groundbreaking single that redefined what a music video could be. More than just a song, it was a short film packed with horror themes, dance choreography, and cinematic style. With its eerie intro and unforgettable bassline, Thriller captured the imagination of a generation and helped elevate Jackson to global superstardom. The music video was directed by John Landis and played like a mini movie. It opened with a vintage horror setting and quickly turned into a zombie filled dance sequence that has become one of the most recognized visuals in pop culture history. From the red leather jacket to the legendary group choreography, every frame of the Thriller video set a new standard for ambition and creativity in the music world. Watch video here: Thriller became a worldwide phenomenon and helped drive sales of the album to record breaking heights. The video was a cultural event, airing regularly on MTV and quickly becoming a must...

In 1985, Bryan Adams released Summer of 69, a rock anthem that captured the feeling of youth, freedom, and memories that last a lifetime. With its punchy guitar riffs and nostalgic lyrics, the song quickly became one of the standout tracks of the decade. While it looks back on a past summer, everything about the energy and sound of the song belonged to the heart of the 80s. The music video featured Adams performing with his band, cut together with scenes of small town streets, live stage lights, and flashes of personal moments. It was not loaded with special effects or complex visuals. Instead, it focused on the power of performance and the emotion behind the music. The Summer of 69 video connected with anyone who ever looked back on a time when everything felt new and exciting. Watch video here: Summer of 69 became a breakthrough moment for Bryan Adams. The video supported his down to earth image and helped the song earn major success on both radio and MTV. Whether fans are...

In 1983, Eurythmics released Sweet Dreams Are Made of This, a synth driven anthem that became one of the most iconic songs of the decade. The haunting beat and hypnotic melody helped define the sound of early 80s music, but it was the surreal and stylish music video that truly made the song unforgettable. Annie Lennox appeared in a sharp suit with bright orange hair, instantly creating one of the most memorable visuals of the early MTV era. If you want to explore the full album, check out our thread on Sweet Dreams Are Made of This (1983). Watch video here: The video featured dreamlike imagery including boardrooms, farm animals, and symbolic props that created an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. It was strange and bold, perfectly matching the tone of the Sweet Dreams song and setting a new standard for artistic direction in music videos. People searching for the song Sweet Dreams, or wondering who sings the song Sweet Dreams Are Made of These, were introduced to something...

By the summer of 1985, Madonna had already become a rising star. But with Get Into the Groove, she fully claimed her place at the center of 80s pop culture. The song was featured in her film Desperately Seeking Susan and quickly became one of her most recognizable and danceable hits. While it was not released as a single in the United States in the traditional sense, it received massive radio airplay and club rotation. The video for Get Into the Groove is a unique blend of music and movie promotion. It used scenes from Desperately Seeking Susan, showing Madonna in one of her most iconic roles. With its quick cuts, street style, and downtown attitude, the video felt raw and energetic, a perfect match for the song’s infectious beat. It gave fans a glimpse into both Madonna the performer and Madonna the character, blurring the lines between pop star and screen presence. The track itself is built on a pulsing groove with a message that celebrates freedom through movement and...