Ah, the 1980s—a decade that gave us some of the most memorable music and some tunes that many would rather forget. Let’s dive into the polarizing world of 80s music, focusing on songs parents hated, tracks everyone despised, and the guilty pleasures we never admitted to loving. You can read the original article here for a more comprehensive look at the 80s music scene.
The 80s Anthems That Shocked the Older Generation
Ah, the 1980s—a decade that gave us iconic tunes and songs that made many parents want to pull their hair out. These songs were often rebellious, provocative, or just plain scandalous, making them the subject of many a dinner debate. Let’s delve into some of these eyebrow-raising anthems that had parents questioning youth culture.
- Me So Horny – 2 Live Crew: This song was a lightning rod for controversy, thanks to its explicit lyrics and sexual themes. It led to legal battles and even arrests for obscenity. Parents and conservative groups were up in arms, but the controversy only fueled the song’s popularity among rebellious teens.
- Fight For Your Right (To Party) – Beastie Boys: This teenage rebellion anthem became a nightmare for parents who were already skeptical of the growing influence of rap and hip-hop. The song’s message of defying authority made it a hit among young people but a concern for their parents.
- Like A Virgin – Madonna: Madonna was the controversy queen in the 80s, and “Like A Virgin” was one of her most provocative hits. The song’s sexual innuendos and Madonna’s risqué performances made many parents uncomfortable.
- We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister: This rock anthem became the rallying cry for a generation of young people tired of societal norms and expectations. Its rebellious tone and anti-authoritarian message made it a hit among teens but a red flag for parents.
- Da Butt – E.U.: This go-go hit was all about dancing and having a good time, but its suggestive title and lyrics didn’t sit well with many parents. The song became popular in clubs and among young listeners, much to the chagrin of their more conservative elders.
The 80s Songs We Loved to Hate
The 1980s had its fair share of songs that, for one reason or another, became the tracks everyone loved to hate. Whether it was their repetitive lyrics, cheesy music videos, or just their overplayed presence on the radio, these songs were the guilty pleasures we’d never admit to enjoying. Yet, despite the eye-rolls and sighs, these songs had a knack for getting stuck in our heads. Let’s explore some of these paradoxical hits.
- Morning Train (9 to 5) – Sheena Easton: This catchy tune was everywhere in the early ’80s, and its ubiquity made it a song many loved to hate. Despite its cheerful melody, the song’s repetitive nature and somewhat dated lyrics about a woman waiting for her man to come home from work made it a target for mockery.
- Rock Me Amadeus – Falco: This Austrian pop hit was an unlikely chart-topper, blending classical music with 80s pop. While catchy, its oddball nature and repetitive chorus made it a song that many found annoying, yet strangely irresistible.
- To All the Girls I Loved Before – Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson: This sentimental ballad was a commercial success but also a song that many found overly sappy and clichéd. Its earnestness was its strength and its downfall, making it a song that people couldn’t help but listen to, even if they claimed to despise it.
- We Didn’t Start The Fire – Billy Joel: This historical laundry list set to music was both praised and panned. While some appreciated its educational value, others found it a jumbled mess of names and events. Yet, its catchy tune made it hard to ignore.
- Sussudio – Phil Collins: This song’s nonsensical title and upbeat tempo made it a hit, but also a song that many found grating. Despite this, it was a commercial success, proving that even the songs we love to hate can find their way to the top of the charts.
These songs may have been the subject of many jokes and eye-rolls, but their cultural impact is undeniable. They became songs we couldn’t escape, no matter how hard we tried. You can read the original article here for a more comprehensive look at the 80s music scene.
The 1980s were a decade of musical extremes, from groundbreaking innovations to cringe-worthy tunes. But somewhere in between lay the guilty pleasures—songs that we might never admit to liking but secretly enjoyed. These tracks had us singing along in the privacy of our cars or dancing when no one was watching. Let’s take a closer look at some of these hidden gems.
Guilty Pleasures: Songs We Secretly Liked from the 80s
- Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung: This song epitomizes 80s pop with a catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. While it might have been considered too “mainstream” or “cheesy” by some, there’s no denying that it was a feel-good anthem many secretly enjoyed.
- Two Of Hearts – Stacy Q: With its infectious beat and repetitive lyrics, this song was a dance floor favorite. It might not have been a lyrical masterpiece, but its catchy melody made it a guilty pleasure for many who wanted to let loose and dance.
- 9 To 5 – Dolly Parton: This country-pop crossover hit was a feminist anthem and a catchy tune. While some might have dismissed it as too “commercial,” its empowering message and toe-tapping rhythm made it a song many secretly admired.
- Drivin’ My Life Away – Eddie Rabbit: This country hit captured the essence of the American road trip. Its laid-back vibe and relatable lyrics made it a guilty pleasure for those who enjoyed a good, old-fashioned country song, even if they didn’t openly admit it.
- Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder: This duet between two music legends aimed to deliver a message of racial harmony. While its earnestness was sometimes met with cynicism, the song’s heartfelt message and memorable melody made it a track that many secretly found touching.
These guilty pleasures were the songs we might not have bragged about loving, but they held a special place in our hearts. Whether it was the feel-good vibes of Everybody, Have Fun Tonight or the empowering message of 9 To 5
The 80s: A Musical Melting Pot or a Jumbled Mess?
The 1980s were a decade of musical diversity, offering a smorgasbord of genres and sub-genres. From the rise of pop icons like Madonna to the rebellious tones of punk rock, the 80s had it all. But did this diversity make the decade a high point in musical innovation, or did it create a chaotic jumble of styles that lacked cohesion?
The 1980s continue to influence today’s music scene in profound ways. Whether it’s the resurgence of vinyl records or the sampling of 80s hits in modern tracks, the decade’s musical legacy still needs to be remembered. Artists across genres draw inspiration from the 80s, ensuring its eclectic sounds continue reverberating through the ages.
