Underrated 80s Songs You Need to Hear
The 1980s was a golden era for music, with many hits that defined the decade. Yet, not all tracks got the spotlight they deserved. Many gems from this period remain overlooked, offering a wealth of hidden treasures for music lovers to discover.
Why explore underrated 80s songs? Because these tracks offer a fresh perspective on a beloved decade, showcasing the creativity and diversity that flourished during this time. From deep-cut synth-pop to forgotten rock anthems, these songs are a testament to the richness of 80s music beyond the mainstream hits.
1. ‘Echo Beach’ by Martha and the Muffins
“Echo Beach” by Martha and the Muffins is a standout track from the early 1980s. This Canadian band released the song in 1980, and it quickly gained international recognition.
- Song Name: Echo Beach
- Album Name: Metro Music
- Release Date: 1980
Why we included this song on the list
“Echo Beach” is an excellent example of the new wave genre that defined much of the 80s music scene. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics about escapism struck a chord with many listeners. Despite its success, it often gets overshadowed by other hits from the era.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song reached number five in Canada and number 10 in the UK, showing its wide appeal. Interestingly, “Echo Beach” was inspired by a real beach in Ontario, Canada, although the song’s dreamlike lyrics paint a more idyllic picture. The single also earned gold certification in Canada, adding to its acclaim.
For those who want to revisit a piece of 80s nostalgia, the official music video is available online. The tune remains a beloved classic, providing a nostalgic link to a carefree summer escape. Check out more details about its history on Wikipedia.
2. ‘Six Months in a Leaky Boat’ by Split Enz
- Song name: Six Months in a Leaky Boat
- Album: Time and Tide
- Release date: May 1982
Why we included this song on the list
‘Six Months in a Leaky Boat’ by Split Enz is a standout example of early 80s art rock. The song blends catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, making it memorable and unique. It achieved top-10 status in countries like Australia and New Zealand, showcasing its broad appeal.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song was inspired by The Endeavour’s voyage, an essential part of New Zealand’s history. Its orchestral opening is nearly two minutes long, adding to its distinctive feel. The track is often compared to the music of Electric Light Orchestra and The Beatles, indicating its rich, layered sound.
For more details, listen to the song on YouTube or read about it on Wikipedia.
3. “Hyperactive!” by Thomas Dolby
- Song name: “Hyperactive!”
- Album: The Flat Earth
- Release date: January 9, 1984
Why we included this song on the list
“Hyperactive!” stands out as one of Thomas Dolby’s notable tracks from the 80s. It’s an energetic piece that highlights Dolby’s creativity and technical skill in electronic music. Despite its moderate chart performance, the song has a cult following among fans and showcases Dolby’s unique style in the synth-pop genre.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song “Hyperactive!” features backing vocals by Adele Bertei and additional spoken word parts by Louise Ulfstedt and Kevin Armstrong. The track was part of his second studio album and displayed Dolby’s knack for mixing catchy tunes with experimental sounds. The song’s playful tempo and quirky lyrics are a reflection of Dolby’s innovative approach to music during the 80s.
More information can be found here.
4. ‘Life in a Northern Town’ by The Dream Academy
- Song name: Life in a Northern Town
- Name of the album: The Dream Academy
- Release date: March 1985
Why we included this song on the list
“Life in a Northern Town” by The Dream Academy stands out for its unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. The band moved away from the prevailing trends of the mid-1980s to create something distinctive. The song remains a timeless piece, capturing the essence of a small northern town through vivid imagery and lush orchestration.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song is a tribute to British folk musician Nick Drake. It opens with the Salvation Army band playing and mentions children drinking lemonade, painting a picture of everyday life. Notably, it was co-produced by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, adding a layer of musical depth to the track.
5. ‘In a Big Country’ by Big Country
- Song Name: In a Big Country
- Album: The Crossing
- Release Date: May 1983
Why we included this song on the list
“In a Big Country” stands out as an underrated track from the 80s due to its unique sound and impactful video. Despite not achieving massive radio success in the U.S., it gained popularity through MTV, which played the music video heavily. Its iconic guitar riffs and meaningful lyrics set it apart, making it memorable.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song features a blend of rock and traditional Scottish music elements. It peaked at #17 on the charts in both the U.S. and the UK. The song was covered by American Authors and The Mowgli’s, and released as a special Record Store Day vinyl in 2014. The band’s innovative use of the E-Bow on guitars helped create its distinct sound.
6. ‘Under the Milky Way’ by The Church
- Song Name: Under the Milky Way
- Album: Starfish
- Release Date: February 15, 1988
Why we included this song on the list
“Under the Milky Way” is a prime example of an underrated song from the 80s. It showcases the band’s ability to create a haunting and atmospheric sound. The song reached number 24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it The Church’s only major hit in America.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and bass guitarist, Steve Kilbey, along with his then-girlfriend, Karin Jansson. The Church, an indie band from Sydney, Australia, gained international recognition with this track. The song features a unique mix of alternative rock and new wave elements, which set it apart from other 80s hits.
For more information, check out the Wikipedia entry on “Under the Milky Way” and the YouTube video.
7. ‘Major Tom (Coming Home)’ by Peter Schilling
‘Major Tom (Coming Home)’ by Peter Schilling is a synth-pop track released in 1983. The song tells the story of an astronaut, Major Tom, who becomes lost in space. The narrative is a continuation of David Bowie’s character from ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Ashes to Ashes.’
- Song name: Major Tom (Coming Home)
- Album name: Error in the System
- Release date: 1983
Why we included this song on the list
This song stands out for its memorable chorus and futuristic sound, which captures the essence of early ’80s synth-pop. It gained significant popularity but often gets overshadowed by more mainstream hits of that era. Its storytelling and unique perspective make it a hidden gem worth revisiting.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
Peter Schilling’s ‘Major Tom (Coming Home)’ reached the top ten charts in several countries. In 1994, Schilling released a remixed version of the song. The track has resurfaced in popularity over the years, notably being featured on the Top 40 charts.
8. ‘Senses Working Overtime’ by XTC
- Song Name: Senses Working Overtime
- Album: English Settlement
- Release Date: 1982
Why we included this song on the list:
‘Senses Working Overtime’ encapsulates XTC’s unique blend of rock and new wave. It is one of the band’s most recognizable songs and achieved notable chart success. Written by Andy Partridge, the song showcases the band’s knack for creating catchy, thought-provoking music that resonated with listeners.
Interesting or fun facts about the song:
Andy Partridge was inspired by Manfred Mann’s ‘5-4-3-2-1’ when composing ‘Senses Working Overtime’. The song became XTC’s highest-charting single in the UK, reaching number five. Additionally, it was the lead single from their English Settlement album, which remains one of their most acclaimed works.
9. ‘The Metro’ by Berlin
‘The Metro’ is a track by Berlin, featured on their second studio album, Pleasure Victim. The song was released in 1981. Berlin emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in the late 1970s and became notable for their new wave and synth-pop sound.
- Song Name: The Metro
- Album: Pleasure Victim
- Release Date: 1981
Why we included this song on the list
Despite being a significant track for Berlin, ‘The Metro’ often gets overshadowed by the band’s biggest hit, ‘Take My Breath Away’. This song showcases Berlin’s unique style and Terri Nunn’s distinctive vocal talent. Its catchy synth riff and evocative lyrics provide a quintessential 80s sound that deserves more recognition.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
‘The Metro’ was the first single by Berlin to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 58. The song’s music video was filmed in 1983 at GMT Studios in West Los Angeles. In the video, Terri Nunn performed only two lyrics on camera, making it a memorable yet unique visual representation.
10. ‘Walking on a Wire’ by Richard and Linda Thompson
“Walking on a Wire” is a poignant track by Richard and Linda Thompson. This song features on their album Shoot Out the Lights. It was released in 1982. The song captures the emotional strains in a relationship through its haunting lyrics and melodies.
- Song Name: Walking on a Wire
- Album: Shoot Out the Lights
- Release Date: 1982
Why we included this song on the list
“Walking on a Wire” masterfully blends raw emotion and musical prowess. Richard Thompson’s guitar work is exceptional, matching the intensity and sensitivity of the lyrics sung by Linda Thompson. The song stands out as a deeply moving piece, characteristic of the duo’s turbulent personal and professional relationship during the time of its creation.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The album Shoot Out the Lights, containing “Walking on a Wire,” was produced by Joe Boyd, a renowned figure in the music industry. Despite the personal challenges faced by Richard and Linda Thompson during this period, the song and the album have remained influential and are often hailed as some of their best work.
Cultural Impact of 80s Music
The 1980s left a mark on modern culture, influencing everything from today’s music genres to fashion trends. Musicians, designers, and fans alike continue to draw inspiration from this dynamic decade.
Influence on Modern Music
The 1980s brought a wave of new sounds that still shape today’s music scene. Synthesizers became a cornerstone in pop music, leading to the rise of electronic dance music (EDM). Many modern pop artists, like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd, draw heavily from 80s synth-pop in their beats and melodies.
Hip hop also gained mainstream popularity in the 80s with artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J. This genre continues to be significant, impacting multiple music styles. Even rock’s developments, particularly the emphasis on guitar riffs and power ballads, can be seen in contemporary bands.
Fashion and Style
The fashion of the 1980s was distinctive, marked by bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and eclectic accessories. Pop icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson heavily influenced these trends. Their styles with fingerless gloves, leather jackets, and neon colors remain popular today in retro and revival fashion.
Streetwear saw its rise in the 80s alongside the growing hip hop culture. Brands like Adidas and Nike became synonymous with youth rebellion and sportswear, setting trends that persist. Modern fashion shows and everyday outfits continue to reflect these 80s influences, blending past styles with current tastes.
To explore more about the songs and their contexts from the 80s, check out The Most Underrated Songs from the ’80s or Top 20 Greatest 80s Songs (You’ve Never Heard Of).
Notable Genres and Trends
The 1980s music scene saw the rise of several unique genres and trends that defined the era. Two of the most influential were synthpop and new wave, each bringing its own distinct sound and style.
Synthpop
Synthpop emerged in the late 1970s and became a defining genre of the 1980s. It is known for its heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic sounds. Bands like Depeche Mode and the Eurythmics were pioneers in this genre, creating catchy, rhythm-driven tracks with a futuristic feel.
One standout hit from the synthpop movement is Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence.” This song features lush soundscapes created with electronic instruments, transporting listeners to a different world. Similarly, the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” remains iconic for its distinctive synth riff and Annie Lennox’s haunting vocals. Both songs showcase the genre’s emphasis on melody and electronic instrumentation.
Synthpop wasn’t just about the music; its influence extended to fashion, with artists often sporting bold, avant-garde styles. The genre’s futuristic aesthetic and innovative use of technology left a lasting impact on both music and popular culture.
New Wave
New wave is another genre that flourished in the 1980s, characterized by its eclectic mixture of punk rock’s energy and synthpop’s electronic sound. Bands like Talking Heads and The Psychedelic Furs are key figures in the new wave scene.
“Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads is a prime example of new wave’s quirky, experimental nature. The song’s complex, layered production and David Byrne’s distinctive vocal style make it stand out. Another notable track is “The Ghost in You” by The Psychedelic Furs. The song combines melancholic lyrics with vibrant, uptempo melodies, capturing the genre’s blend of emotion and energy.
New wave often pushed boundaries with its artistic and often unconventional approaches. Its unique combination of diverse influences made new wave a significant force in shaping the musical landscape of the 1980s.
