The Pop Music of the 1980s You Need to Know

The 1980s were a decade of incredible pop music. Here are some of the biggest hits of the 80s that you need to know!

Introduction

Pop music in the 1980s was all about big hair, big hooks, and big voices. This decade was a golden age for pop music, with a diverse range of styles and sounds that are still popular today. From dance-pop and new wave to hair metal and synth-pop, the 1980s had something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s. We’ll also provide some background on the artists who made them. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to relive the best decade in pop music history!

Madonna

You can’t talk about ’80s pop music without Madonna. She released her first album in 1983, and by the end of the decade, she was a global superstar. Madonna was one of the first pop artists to embrace music video, and her innovative visuals helped her stand out from the pack. With hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Into the Groove,” Madonna proved that she was more than just a flash in the pan. She’s still making music today, and her influence can be felt in every corner of pop music.

Michael Jackson

Pop music in the 1980s was all about big hair, big hooks, and big egos. You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing a George Michael or Madonna song, and the fashion of the time was just as garish as the music.

One of the biggest pop stars of the 1980s was Michael Jackson. Jackson got his start in show business as a child star with The Jackson 5, but it was his solo work that made him a global superstar. His 1982 album “Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time, and songs like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” are some of the most iconic pop songs ever recorded. Jackson’s style influenced a generation of musicians, and his image as a glamorous, larger-than-life celebrity is still instantly recognizable.

Prince

Prince was one of the most popular and influential musicians of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic mix of musical styles and his flamboyant stage presence. He released a number of smash hit singles, including “Purple Rain,” “Little Red Corvette,” and “When Doves Cry.” Prince was also a talented guitarist and songwriter, and he wrote hits for other artists, including “Sugar Walls” for Sheena Easton and “Manic Monday” for The Bangles.

Whitney Houston

Few artists have achieved the widespread success that Whitney Houston did in the 1980s. Her debut album, “Whitney Houston,” was released in 1985 and immediately shot to the top of the charts. It included the hits “Saving All My Love for You” and “How Will I Know.” The album would go on to sell more than 30 million copies worldwide.

Houston’s follow-up album, “Whitney,” was released in 1987 and was an even bigger hit than her debut. It included the iconic song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” as well as other hits like “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and “So Emotional.” The album sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

In 1988, Houston starred in the movie “The Bodyguard” alongside Kevin Costner. The soundtrack to the film was a massive success, thanks in large part to Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s song “I Will Always Love You.” The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide.

Houston continued to enjoy success throughout the rest of the 1980s and into the 1990s. She remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 200 million records sold worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pop music of the 1980s was very influential and had a large impact on music today. There are many different genres and subgenres that emerged during this time, and each one had its own unique sound and style. The 1980s was a time of great creativity and innovation in the music industry, and many of the artists who emerged during this time have gone on to become household names. If you’re a fan of pop music, then you owe it to yourself to check out some of the great artists and albums that came out of this decade.