The 80s is a time we all love and know so well but never lived. Classic movies like Terminator, Back To The Future, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, Scarface, etc originated during this era. These are movies we all enjoy and love to binge watch. The 80s is full of skating, VHS tapes, Miami sunsets, and purple haze. A culture we have adopted to branch off new visions of the 80s like vaporwave, synthwave, and VHS covers. Synthed up classic rock blasting in arcades, boomboxes, and Walkman. Now let’s get into 80s rock song dive.
We are the champions, We will rock you, Another one bites to dust, and under pressure by Queen
A British band called Queen took over the world with their music. The group of four including Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. These songs are known for putting you into a good mood and the instrumental being so distinguishable. For example, once you hear the instrumental for We will rock you and Under pressure, you know what song it is, and that it's by Queen.
Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now, and We Built This City by: Starship
Starship is an American Band that consisted of 6 members with the names Mickey Thomas, Phil Bennett, Darrell Verdusco, Jeff Adams, Stephanie Calvert, and John Roth. The band was active between the years 1984-1991. Most people think of We Built This City and Don't stop til you get enough when they think of the 80s because of the 80 instrumental, like Africa by Toto. We Built This City is more recognizable because of the chorus built on the instrumental.
Africa by Toto
Toto is an American band of four consisting of Steve Lukather (guitars, vocals) David Paich (keyboards, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards), and Joseph Williams (lead vocals). Africa by Toto is the centerpiece of the of the 80s because when most think of synched up rock music, they think of Africa by Toto and its amazing synth piano.
This one is a given considering that most people think of this song when they think of ultra 80s music. The song is based around the singer never wanting to leave Africa. He refers to Africa as she, to show intimacy. Not only are the lyrics good we have excellent uses of drums to the climax of the chorus.
Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat it, Bad, and Don't stop til you get enough by: Michael Jackson
I'm sure we've all heard about Michael Jackson at some point and that he's famous for the moonwalk, and his performance. Michael Jackson pretty much ruled the 80’s with his songs and his performance. Michael Jackson began getting famous in the 1970s when he was making music with a group known as “The Jackson Five” making “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I'll be there” top of the charts. These songs were played all over the 80s due to its funky beats and instrumental. These songs are good for putting you into a good mood and can be performed at any time of the day. Songs like Beat it and Bad also get you wanting to sing to it, or “jam out” to it.
Song Dive: 80s Rock/Pop
By: Xavier Arenas & Israel Zermeno