Top 10 Bands of the 80s
As someone who grew up in the 80s, I can say without a doubt that it was one of the best decades for music. From new wave to hair metal, there was something for everyone. In this article, I’ll be counting down the top 10 bands of the 80s.
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- The 80s saw the rise of MTV, which helped popularize music videos and bring new bands to the forefront.
- The top-selling album of the 80s was Michael Jackson’s Thriller, which sold over 66 million copies worldwide.
- Other top-selling albums of the decade included Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston by Whitney Houston, and Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi.
- The 80s also saw the emergence of genres like hip hop and alternative rock.
10. Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses burst onto the scene in 1987 with their debut album Appetite for Destruction. Known for their hard-hitting rock sound and the antics of frontman Axl Rose, the band quickly became a fan favorite. Hits like Sweet Child O’ Mine and Welcome to the Jungle solidified their place in music history.
9. U2
Irish rock band U2 formed in 1976, but it wasn’t until the 80s that they really hit their stride. With anthemic hits like Pride (In the Name of Love) and With or Without You, U2 became one of the biggest bands in the world. Their live shows were legendary, and they continue to tour and record music to this day.
8. The Police
The Police, fronted by Sting, were one of the biggest bands of the early 80s. Their unique blend of reggae and rock, combined with Sting’s distinctive vocals, made them stand out from their peers. Hits like Every Breath You Take and Roxanne are still played on the radio to this day.
7. Van Halen
Van Halen was one of the most successful rock bands of the 80s, thanks in large part to the guitar heroics of Eddie Van Halen. With hits like Jump and Panama, the band became a fixture on MTV and in arenas across the country.
6. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi was the quintessential 80s hair metal band. With big hair, tight pants, and even tighter songs, they dominated the charts in the late 80s. Hits like Livin’ on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive are still played at weddings and karaoke bars to this day.
5. Duran Duran
Duran Duran was one of the biggest bands of the new wave movement in the early 80s. With their catchy hooks and stylish videos, they became MTV darlings. Hits like Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf helped make them one of the defining bands of the decade.
4. Prince
Prince was one of the most prolific and influential musicians of the 80s. With hits like Purple Rain and When Doves Cry, he helped define the sound of the decade. He was also known for his flamboyant style and boundary-pushing lyrics.
3. Michael Jackson
No list of 80s bands would be complete without Michael Jackson. With Thriller, he created one of the most iconic albums of all time. Hits like Beat It and Billie Jean helped make him the King of Pop.
2. Madonna
Madonna was the queen of pop in the 80s. With hits like Like a Virgin and Material Girl, she helped define the sound and style of the decade. Her provocative image and boundary-pushing lyrics made her a controversial figure, but she also became a feminist icon.
1. The Beatles
Wait, what? The Beatles were a 60s band, right? Yes, but they also had a huge impact on the 80s. With the release of 1 in 2000, which collected all of their number one hits, a new generation was introduced to the Fab Four. Their music continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
FAQs
What other bands were popular in the 80s?
Other popular bands of the 80s include AC/DC, Def Leppard, Metallica, and Journey.
What was the biggest song of the 80s?
The biggest song of the 80s was Every Breath You Take by The Police.
What was the biggest album of the 80s?
The biggest album of the 80s was Thriller by Michael Jackson.
What was the new wave movement?
The new wave movement was a genre of music that emerged in the late 70s and early 80s. It was characterized by its use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, as well as its emphasis on style and fashion.
What is hair metal?
Hair metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the 80s. It is characterized by its use of glam rock-inspired fashion, big hair, and anthemic, radio-friendly songs.