Music Genres Popular In The 80s - The Sounds Of The 80s
The 1980s was a decade of great music evolution with various genres gaining immense popularity across the globe. This was the era that saw the rise of new technologies, including digital synthesizers and music videos that transformed the music scene. Some of the music genres popular in the 80s are discussed in this article.
Most Popular 80s Music Genres
Check out these music genres popular in the 80s:
Pop Music Genre
Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s and became more mainstream in the 80s. This genre is characterized by its catchy melodies, simple harmonies, and relatable lyrics that are easy to sing along to. Pop music in the 80s was dominated by male and female solo artists and groups like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston.
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One of the defining features of pop music in the 80s was the extensive use of electronic instruments and synthesizers, which created a futuristic sound that was unlike anything heard before.
The use of electronic drums, keyboards, and sequencers helped to create a more danceable beat, and the songs were often accompanied by colorful music videos that featured elaborate choreography and innovative special effects.
Some of the most popular pop songs of the 80s include "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, "Like a Virgin" by Madonna, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, and "Take On Me" by A-ha. These songs were hugely successful and continue to be popular today, with many of them becoming classics of the 80s era.
Rock Music Genre
Rock music is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1940s and early 1950s, but it gained mainstream popularity in the 60s and 70s. However, in the 80s, rock music experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, thanks to the rise of sub-genres like glam metal and hair metal. Bands like Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Van Halen became the biggest rock bands of the 80s.
The defining features of rock music in the 80s were loud guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and a focus on live performance. The use of distorted electric guitars, heavy drum beats, and bass lines gave the music a raw and edgy sound that appealed to fans of all ages. Rock music in the 80s was also associated with a distinctive fashion style that included tight jeans, leather jackets, and long hair.
Some of the most iconic rock songs of the 80s include "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard, and "Jump" by Van Halen. These songs still enjoy airplay on classic rock radio stations and are staples at parties and events.
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (Official Music Video)
Heavy Metal Music Genre
Heavy metal, on the other hand, had been around since the 1970s, but it really took off in the 80s. This genre was characterized by its loud, heavy sound and the use of distorted guitars, powerful vocals, and hard-hitting drum beats.
Heavy metal artists such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Guns N' Roses were hugely popular during the 80s. The genre was also known for its wild, over-the-top stage performances, which featured pyrotechnics and elaborate costumes.
Top 10 Decade Defining Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Songs: 1980s
Hip Hop Music Genre
Hip hop originated in African American and Latino communities in the Bronx, New York City, in the late 1970s. By the 1980s, it had become a popular genre of music, characterized by its spoken-word lyrics and its use of sampling, where existing recordings were incorporated into new tracks. Some of the most famous hip hop acts of the 80s included Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy.
Run-DMC was one of the most influential hip hop groups of the 80s, and they were known for their unique style, which blended hip hop with rock music. Their hits, such as "Walk This Way" and "It's Tricky," helped to popularize hip hop music among mainstream audiences.
LL Cool J was another prominent hip hop artist of the 80s. He was known for his smooth style and his hits, such as "I Need Love" and "Going Back to Cali."
Public Enemy was known for their politically charged lyrics and their innovative use of sampling. Their hit "Fight the Power" became an anthem for social justice in the 80s.
LL COOL J - I Need Love
New Wave Music Genre
New Wave emerged in the late 1970s and became popular in the 80s. It was characterized by its use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, as well as its incorporation of punk rock and pop music. Some of the most famous New Wave acts of the 80s included Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.
Duran Duran was one of the most successful New Wave bands of the 80s. They were known for their catchy pop hooks and stylish music videos, such as "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Rio."
Depeche Mode was another influential New Wave band of the 80s. They were known for their moody, atmospheric sound, and their hits, such as "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Personal Jesus," helped to define the genre.
The Cure was known for their gothic sound and their introspective lyrics. Their hits, such as "Just Like Heaven" and "Lovecats," were popular among fans of New Wave and alternative music.
Duran Duran - Hungry like the Wolf (Official Music Video)
Electronic Music Genre
Electronic music was born in the late 1970s and gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s. It was characterized by the use of electronic instruments and technology to create sounds and music. The genre encompassed a range of sub-genres such as synth-pop, new wave, and techno.
Some of the popular electronic music artists of the 80s include Depeche Mode, New Order, and Kraftwerk. These artists used synthesizers and drum machines to create their music, which was heavily influenced by the sounds of the future and technology.
Reggae Music Genre
Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and gained international popularity in the 1980s. The genre is known for its distinctive rhythms, which are created by a combination of bass and drums. Reggae also incorporates elements of ska, rocksteady, and R&B.
One of the most famous reggae artists of the 1980s was Bob Marley. Marley's music was politically and socially conscious, often addressing themes of poverty, oppression, and revolution. His music was a significant influence on the development of reggae music and helped to popularize the genre worldwide.
Other notable reggae artists of the 1980s include Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Black Uhuru. These artists continued to develop the reggae sound, infusing it with elements of funk, soul, and rock music.
Reggae Music - A Brief History
Soul Music Genre
Soul music has its roots in African American gospel and R&B music. It emerged in the 1950s and gained popularity throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Soul music is characterized by its emotive vocals, gospel-influenced sound, and rhythmic grooves.
In the 1980s, soul music experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the rise of new artists such as Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Anita Baker.
These artists brought a contemporary sound to the genre while still staying true to its roots. Houston, in particular, became a global superstar with her powerful vocals and crossover appeal.
Another influential soul artist of the 1980s was Michael Jackson. Jackson's music incorporated elements of funk, rock, and pop, and he became one of the biggest-selling artists of all time. His album "Thriller" remains the best-selling album of all time, with over 110 million copies sold worldwide.
Michael Jackson - Thriller (Official 4K Video)
Jazz Music Genre
Jazz music in the 80s continued to evolve and branch off into various sub-genres, including fusion, smooth jazz, and contemporary jazz. Some of the most popular jazz artists of the 80s included Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, and George Benson.
Miles Davis, one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, continued to experiment with different sounds and genres throughout the 80s. He released several albums during this decade, including "The Man with the Horn" and "Tutu," which incorporated elements of rock, funk, and electronic music.
Wynton Marsalis, a trumpeter and composer, was instrumental in the revival of traditional jazz in the 80s. He released several albums during this decade, including "Black Codes (From the Underground)" and "J Mood," which showcased his virtuosic trumpet playing and his ability to fuse traditional jazz with modern sounds.
Wynton Marsalis - Black Codes From the Underground (1985) {Full Album}
Country Music Genre
Country music also experienced a surge of popularity during the 80s, with many artists crossing over into the mainstream and achieving widespread success. Some of the most popular country artists of the 80s included George Strait, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire.
George Strait, known as the "King of Country," released several albums during the 80s that helped solidify his status as a country music icon. Some of his most popular songs from this decade include "Fool Hearted Memory" and "Amarillo by Morning."
Dolly Parton, a country music legend, continued to release chart-topping hits during the 80s, including "9 to 5" and "Islands in the Stream," a duet with Kenny Rogers.
Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers - Islands In the Stream (Official Audio)
People Also Ask
What Music Genres Were Popular In The 80s?
Some of the most popular music genres of the 80s include new wave, hair metal, pop, hip hop, and electronic dance music.
What Is New Wave Music?
New wave is a music genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by a blend of punk rock and electronic music, as well as influences from ska, reggae, and funk.
What Is Hair Metal Music?
Hair metal, also known as glam metal, is a music genre that emerged in the late 1970s and reached its peak in the 1980s, characterized by its over-the-top theatricality, flashy outfits, and guitar-heavy sound.
Who Were Some Of The Most Popular Hip Hop Artists Of The 80s?
Some of the most popular hip hop artists of the 80s include Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and N.W.A.
How Did Electronic Dance Music Develop In The 80s?
Electronic dance music (EDM) developed in the 80s as DJs and producers began experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines, creating new sounds that were influenced by disco, funk, and other genres. Clubs and raves became popular venues for experiencing this music, and the genre continued to evolve throughout the 80s and into the 90s.
Conclusion
The 80s was a decade of great music evolution that saw the emergence of various genres that continue to influence music to this day. From pop to rock to hip hop, the music genres popular in the 80s had something for everyone, and the music from this era remains popular and influential today.
