The Best Techno Music of the 80s

If you’re a fan of 80s techno music, then this blog is for you! We’ll be showcasing the best tracks from the era, so you can relive the good times or discover something new.

Introduction

The 1980s were a time of great change and technological advancement. This was also the decade that saw the rise of electronic music, with artists like Kraftwerk, Jan Hammer, and Vangelis paving the way for a new generation of musicians.

Techno music, a genre that draws heavily from electronic and dance music, began to take shape in the early 1980s. Detroit was a hotbed for techno activity, with artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Eddie Fowlkes helping to pioneer the sound. In 1988, the album Techno! The New Dance Sound of Detroit was released, giving the genre its name.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a wave of techno artists emerge from Europe, including 808 State, Aphex Twin, and The Orb. These artists took the basic elements of techno and added their own unique twists, resulting in a sound that was both innovative and accessible.

By the mid-1990s, techno had become one of the most popular genres in the world, with artists like The Prodigy, Orbital, and Underworld achieving mainstream success. In recent years, techno has continued to evolve, with new subgenres emerging and old ones being rediscovered by new audiences.

Whether you’re a fan of the original Detroit sound or you’re more into the European style of techno, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best techno songs of the 1980s.

What is Techno Music?

Techno is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat, often in time with bass drums, synthesizers, and hi-hats.

Origins of Techno Music

Techno is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-1980s. Techno music is characterized by a repetitive four on the floor beat, often accompanying synthesizers, drum machines, and futuristic sound effects. The genre developed in Detroit, Michigan during the 1980s, and became popular in Europe and elsewhere during the early 1990s.

The Best Techno Music of the 80s

The 1980s was a decade that saw the rise of many new and innovative genres of music, including techno. Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that is characterized by a repetitive beat and synthesized melodies. The genre was first developed in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1980s.

Cybotron – Clear

Cybotron was one of the first techno groups, and their song “Clear” is a proto-techno classic. The track was released in 1983, and it’s driven by a simple, unrelenting drum machine beat. The synthesizers add a touch of science fiction to the mix, making “Clear” sound like the soundtrack to a lost ’80s sci-fi movie.

Juan Atkins – No UFO’s

Juan Atkins is considered one of the originators of techno music, and his track “No UFO’s” is a perfect example of the genre. The song is built around a simple synth line and a driving beat, with Atkins’ vocals adding an element of mystery. The result is a track that is both danceable and atmospheric, and which encapsulates the best of what techno has to offer.

Derrick May – Strings of Life

Derrick May is one of the most important techno producers of the 80s, and his track “Strings of Life” is one of the defining tracks of the genre. May’s use of strings and melodies set “Strings of Life” apart from other techno tracks of the time, and its catchy hooks made it a hit with clubgoers. The track has been endlessly sampled and remixed over the years, solidifying its place as a techno classic.

Model 500 – No New York

If you want to talk about the best techno music of the 80s, you have to start with Model 500 – No New York. This track is a perfect example of the classic techno sound, with a driving bassline and soaring synths that will keep you moving all night long.

Kraftwerk – Computer World

Often cited as the most influential band in electronic music, Kraftwerk were at the forefront of Autobahn’s explosion onto the world stage. The highly influential Computer World cemented the German outfit’s reputation as purveyors of future music.

Conclusion

While the history of techno music is often debated, there’s no denying that the genre has had a significant impact on electronic music as a whole. The 1980s was a seminal decade for techno, with artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson helping to pioneer the sound.

While the sound of techno has evolved considerably since the 80s, many of the tracks from that era are still considered classics. If you’re a fan of techno music, or simply curious about its origins, be sure to check out some of the best techno music of the 80s.