The Best Bands of the 80s: A Celebration of Rock, Pop, and Pioneers

The term 'best bands of the 80s' is purely subjective, and there is no definitive answer. However, this article aims to celebrate some of the most iconic acts from the decade through various genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and dance music. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or new wave, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Rock and Roll Rulers

The 1980s were a golden era for rock music, with numerous influential bands breaking through and establishing their legacies. Michael Jackson, U2, Dire Straits, and Prince were amongst the most record-breaking performers. Here are some of my personal favorites, listed in chronological order:

Joy Division Simple Minds The Only Ones The Au Pairs Siouxsie and the Banshees Wall of Voodoo Alternative Route Twelfth Night Dream Syndicate Dead Can Dance The Smiths REM Thick White Rope 10000 Maniacs Throwing Muses Hexies/ Pixies The Stone Roses

Please note that this list is just my personal favorite bands, and everyone has their own favorites that they would want to include on their list! I had the fortune of seeing many of these bands live in the 80s, except for The Smiths, which is why 1980s rock and roll is my second favorite decade, right after the fantastic 1960s.

Pop and New Wave Powerhouses

Beyond rock, the 80s saw a surge in popularity for pop and new wave music. Artists like Queen, INXS, The Human League, OMD, Depeche Mode, Marillion, Duran Duran, and Electric Light Orchestra dominated the airwaves. Here are a few more of my personal favorites:

Heart Def Leppard T’Pau Pet Shop Boys

Dance and Disco Dominance

80s dance music and disco saw a significant surge in popularity. Bands and artists like



1. Lisa Lisa the Cult
2. Jam Expose
3. The Miami Sound Machine
4. The Dazz Band
5. Company B
6. The Mary Jane Girls

dominated the dance and party scene. Disco was a major force in the 80s, with hits from artists like Lisa Lisa, the Miami Sound Machine, and Exposé.

Rap and Hip-Hop Rise

The 1980s also saw the emergence of rap and hip-hop as major forces in popular music. Some of the superstars of this genre include:

The Sugarhill Gang Tone Loc LL Cool J Run DMC Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

These artists helped to lay the groundwork for hip-hop's massive influence on the subsequent decades. They were responsible for breaking down racial barriers and introducing a new form of expression that continues to thrive today.

Mainstream Acts

In addition to the iconic bands, numerous mainstream acts continued to dominate the charts, including:

America Loverboy Fleetwood Mac Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers The Pointer Sisters Heart Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band Van Halen Kool and the Gang The Grateful Dead Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band The Rolling Stones Santana Journey Boston Foreigner Hall and Oates Queen The Doobie Brothers The Who The Kinks Jefferson Starship J Geils Band

And, of course, solo superstars like Olivia Newton-John, Linda Ronstadt, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Kim Carnes, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, and many others also carved out significant niches within the music scene, particularly in the 80s.

In conclusion, the 1980s were a remarkable decade for music. Whether you're nostalgic for the rock and roll of your youth or just discovering the timeless classics for the first time, the 80s will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.