On this day November 16 1985, We Built This City by Starship became the number 1 song in America, marking one of the most recognizable anthems of the 1980s. The song blended catchy pop hooks with a bold message about the commercialization of rock and roll, capturing both the energy and contradictions of the decade’s music scene.
Fronted by Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas, Starship transformed from their Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship roots into a modern pop powerhouse. The song’s blend of synth driven production, powerful vocals, and arena ready attitude made it a radio and MTV favorite. Though it has sparked debate over the years, We Built This City remains a defining sound of the mid 80s and an enduring piece of pop culture history.
80s insight: We Built This City reflected the glitz and confidence of 80s pop, when even rock bands embraced synthesizers and big production to reach a new generation of listeners.
Fronted by Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas, Starship transformed from their Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship roots into a modern pop powerhouse. The song’s blend of synth driven production, powerful vocals, and arena ready attitude made it a radio and MTV favorite. Though it has sparked debate over the years, We Built This City remains a defining sound of the mid 80s and an enduring piece of pop culture history.
80s insight: We Built This City reflected the glitz and confidence of 80s pop, when even rock bands embraced synthesizers and big production to reach a new generation of listeners.
