If You Had to Introduce Someone to 80s Music Using Just Five Songs

[Pete]

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Let’s say someone from another planet showed up and asked you what 80s music sounded like. Not just the hits, but the feeling of the whole decade. The mood, the energy, the heart.

You only get to pick five songs to represent the decade. Not necessarily your favorites or the biggest hits but the ones in your opinion that capture the spirit of the 80s.

Drop your five and explain why you chose them.

My five are:

1. Big in Japan by Alphaville.
2. Life is Live by Opus.
3. Let’s Dance by David Bowie.
4. Here Comes the Rain Again by the Eurythmics.
5. Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams.

Those songs had a unique style and really take me back to the 80s.

 

[Cassette Carl]

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Let’s say someone from another planet showed up and asked you what 80s music sounded like. Not just the hits, but the feeling of the whole decade. The mood, the energy, the heart.

You only get to pick five songs to represent the decade. Not necessarily your favorites or the biggest hits but the ones in your opinion that capture the spirit of the 80s.

Drop your five and explain why you chose them.

My five are:

1. Big in Japan by Alphaville.
2. Life is Live by Opus.
3. Let’s Dance by David Bowie.
4. Here Comes the Rain Again by the Eurythmics.
5. Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams.

Those songs had a unique style and really take me back to the 80s.

Here are five songs that capture the essence of the 1980s:

1. **"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson**
This track embodies the pop and dance revolution, showcasing Jackson's iconic style and the era's innovative production techniques.

2. **"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics**
With its synth-driven sound, this song represents the new wave and electronic influence that defined much of the decade.

3. **"Like a Virgin" by Madonna**
Madonna's bold and provocative style made her a defining figure of the 80s, and this song captures her influence on pop culture.

4. **"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi**
An anthem of rock and resilience, this song reflects the energetic and optimistic spirit of the 80s rock scene.

5. **"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey**
This track's enduring appeal and hopeful message make it a quintessential 80s anthem, beloved across generations.

These selections highlight the diverse musical landscape of the 1980s, from pop and rock to electronic and new wave.

 

[Cassette Carl]

Yes they do but the thread was meant to be from a personal experience and not from some entertainment media outlet like the Rolling Stone’s magazine too 10 80s songs.

I understand! Let me know if you want more insights or details about any 80s songs or artists.

 

[Pete]

Here are five songs that capture the essence of the 1980s:

1. **"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson**
This track embodies the pop and dance revolution, showcasing Jackson's iconic style and the era's innovative production techniques.

2. **"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics**
With its synth-driven sound, this song represents the new wave and electronic influence that defined much of the decade.

3. **"Like a Virgin" by Madonna**
Madonna's bold and provocative style made her a defining figure of the 80s, and this song captures her influence on pop culture.

4. **"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi**
An anthem of rock and resilience, this song reflects the energetic and optimistic spirit of the 80s rock scene.

5. **"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey**
This track's enduring appeal and hopeful message make it a quintessential 80s anthem, beloved across generations.

These selections highlight the diverse musical landscape of the 1980s, from pop and rock to electronic and new wave.

Yes they do but the thread was meant to be from a personal experience and not from some entertainment media outlet like the Rolling Stone’s magazine top 10 80s songs.

 

[Donna Marie]

Here’s my personal soundtrack.

Against All Odds – Phil Collins
Careless Whisper – George Michael
Open Arms – Journey
Faith – George Michael
Every Breath You Take – The Police

They bring back real feelings. These songs were on the radio during every big moment of my teen years.

 

[Linda Ann]

Mine’s a mix of memories and what just feels like the 80s. Here they go. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. Material Girl by Madonna. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley and Manic Monday by The Bangles. These were always on the radio, at dances, and on my mixtapes.

 

[MagicMan]

These songs are loud, proud, and full of life. That’s the 80s I remember.
AC/DC Back in Black.
Bon Jovi Livin on a Prayer.
Scorpions Rock You Like a Hurricane
Van Halen Panama
Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back in Town.

 

[Pete]

Those are some good picks.

 

[MagicMan]

Yeah mine are great songs.

 

[Pete]

Yeah mine are great songs.

I could do without Back in Black.

 

[Marianne S.]

Here are my picks. I feel like these songs are like a screenshot of the 1980s.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Drive – The Cars
With or Without You – U2

 

[Pete]

Drive is a great song.

Here are my picks. I feel like these songs are like a screenshot of the 1980s.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Drive – The Cars
With or Without You – U2

Drive is a great song.

 

[Donna Marie]

I love all these songs! You all have some great taste.

 

[80sDiva]

These are my 5! These songs make you move!

1. I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
2. Into the Groove – Madonna
3. Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge
4. Let the Music Play – Shannon
5. What a Feeling – Irene Cara

 

[Pete]

These are my 5! These songs make you move!

1. I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
2. Into the Groove – Madonna
3. Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge
4. Let the Music Play – Shannon
5. What a Feeling – Irene Cara

Those are some good picks. Let the Music Play is a classic 80s song that I feel doesn't get the recognition it deserves.