The Best of Pop Rock in the 80s

If you’re a fan of pop rock music from the 80s, then this blog is for you! Here you’ll find a collection of the best pop rock songs from that decade.

Introduction

The pop rock sound of the 80s was a product of the confluence of several different musical genres and influences. The new wave and punk scenes of the late 70s provided the groundwork for much of the pop rock that would follow, while artists like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Blondie brought a more glam-influenced sound.

In the early 80s, artists like Duran Duran, Madonna, and Michael Jackson began to achieve massive mainstream success with their blend of pop, rock, and dance music. This sound would come to dominate the radio throughout the decade. Other notable pop rock acts of the 80s include Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and U2.

Defining the genre

Pop rock is a genre of popular music that combines elements of rock and pop music. It typically has a strong melody, catchy hooks, and simple chord progressions. The term “pop rock” was first used in the early 1960s to describe the style ofmusic made by British bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks.

The Beatles’ song “Can’t Buy Me Love” (1964) is often cited as an early pop rock song. In the mid-1960s, The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson began to experiment with the pop arrangements that would make his work with the group some of the most influential in the genre.

The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” (1964), The Who’s “My Generation” (1965), and The Beatles’ “Help!” (1965) are also considered to be early pop rock songs. In the late 1960s, bands such as The Zombies and Crosby, Stills & Nash began to experiment with more complex harmonies and arrangements, paving the way for the sophisticated pop sound of the 1970s.

In the 1970s, singer-songwriters such as Carly Simon and James Taylor brought a more personal approach to pop rock music. Simon’s “You’re So Vain” (1972) and Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” (1970) are two of the most well-known examples of this trend.

In the 1980s, artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Prince, and U2 helped to define what would become known as stadium rock: a bombastic brand of pop rock designed for large arenas and stadium concerts. Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” (1984), Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” (1984), Prince’s “Purple Rain” (1984), and U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (1987) are all examples of this subgenre.

The birth of pop rock

The birth of pop rock took place in the late 1970s with the release of “Sticky Fingers” by The Rolling Stones. This album contained the song “Brown Sugar” which became an overnight success. With this success, other artists began to experiment with a pop sound mixed with rock. Some of these artists included Bruce Springsteen, Blondie, and Cheap Trick.

The evolution of pop rock

In the 1980s, pop rock evolved away from its punk and new wave roots. The genre became more polished and mainstream, incorporating elements of dance music and R&B. At the same time, underground scenes in the US and UK were developing their own take on pop rock, which would come to be known as alternative rock. Some of the most iconic pop rock bands of the 1980s include:

-The Police
-Duran Duran
-Prefab Sprout
-The Smiths
– Tears for Fears

The golden age of pop rock

The 1980s was the golden age of pop rock. A new breed of artist emerged, fusing the best elements of pop and rock to create a sound that was both fresh and familiar. From power ballads to hair metal, the 80s had it all.

And while the 80s may be best remembered for its glitz and glamour, it was also a decade that produced some of pop rocks finest moments. Here are ten of the best pop rock songs from the 80s.

1. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
2. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
3. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard
4. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
5. “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
6. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
7. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
8. “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” by Pink Floyd
9. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
10. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2

The decline of pop rock

The early 80s saw the rise of pop rock, a style of music that blended elements of pop and rock. Bands such as Duran Duran, The Police, and Blondie were some of the most popular acts of the time. However, by the end of the decade, pop rock was on the decline.

Many factors contributed to the decline of pop rock. The advent of MTV and music videos made it possible for bands to promote their music in a new way, and many bands began to make videos that were more focused on image than on musical quality. Additionally, the popularity of disco and dance music led many people to abandon pop rock in favor of these genres.

The decline of pop rock continued into the 90s, as grunge and alternative rock rose to prominence. However, there have been a few recent revival efforts, with some bands incorporating elements of pop rock into their sound.

The legacy of pop rock

By the late 1970s, the magnitude of punk rock had been made clear with albums such as The Ramones’ 1976 debut and the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols in 1977. As punk’s popularity waned in the early 1980s, a new generation of bands played pop music that retained punk’s DIY attitude while adding a measure of polish and pop sensibility. This new wave of pop rock bands would come to dominate the airwaves in the 1980s.

Some of these bands, like R.E.M. andU2, would go on to become some of the biggest names in rock music, while others, like Tears for Fears andDuran Duran, would enjoy massive popularity for a few years before fading from the spotlight. But all of these bands helped to define what pop rock would sound like in the 1980s.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best pop rock bands from the 1980s. We’ll countdown from #10 to #1, starting with a band that helped to pioneer the sound of pop rock in the 80s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 80s was a great decade for pop rock music. Many artists and bands released catchy and memorable songs that are still popular today. If you’re a fan of pop rock music, be sure to check out some of the best hits from the 1980s.