UBC January 2025 - 1980s Music

Welcome back to one of the last episodes of the January 2025 UBC.

I'm especially looking forward to my own post today. Why? 

I want to talk about one of my favorite topics. No, no hockey, no cookies and no sightseeing today. 

Music! 

Here's a statement:

1984 was undeniably the most fantastic year for music! 

It gave us iconic albums and hits from artists who have been successful in the music business for a long time, MTV was in its prime, shaping music culture visually as well as audibly. It really was a golden moment for diverse, timeless sounds. 

1984 stands out because it was a perfect storm of innovation, cultural moments, and technological advancement. Here's what made it remarkable:

• Genre Diversity: From rock anthems and power ballads to synth-pop and soul, the year produced something for everyone. Artists like Bryan Adams, Tina Turner, WHAM!/George Michael, Simple Minds, The Cars, Tears for Fears and Corey Hart contributed unforgettable tracks that crossed genres.

• Music Videos as Art: MTV was a massive influence, and 1984 was when music videos reached their creative peak. One of the most iconic music videos from was "Like a Virgin" by Madonna. The clip, shot in Venice, Italy, featured Madonna in a wedding dress and gondola scenes that helped cement her image as a boundary-pushing pop icon. It perfectly blended romance, mystery, and a bit of provocation, making it a standout moment in MTV history. Honorable mention:  Take On Me by a-ha (though officially a 1985 chart hit, it gained momentum in late 1984) showed storytelling through visuals. 

• Cultural Icons: The rise of enduring superstars like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Prince, David Bowie, Genesis/Phil Collins, and Bruce Springsteen made 1984 a definitive year for shaping what we still recognize as pop culture today. Meanwhile, Tina Turner’s legendary comeback with "Private Dancer" cemented her status as a rock and soul icon, and Billy Idol’s punk-infused charisma helped define the rebellious MTV aesthetic of the decade.

• Memorable Lyrics and Melodies: Tracks from this year are instantly recognizable, with lyrics and hooks that have stood the test of time. They continue to resonate emotionally and nostalgically. WHAM!’s "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" became a feel-good classic with its infectious energy. Ballads like Foreigner’s "I Want to Know What Love Is", Elton John "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" and Cyndi Lauper’s "Time After Time" became some of the most heartfelt songs of the decade. Even cinematic hits like Kenny Loggins' "Footloose" and Irene Cara's "Flashdance" turned into anthems that remain timeless.

• Creative Renaissance: The mid-1980s saw a fusion of cutting-edge technology and classic musicianship, leading to a fresh wave of innovation. Synthesizers and drum machines were at the forefront, fueling the rise of Depeche Mode, Howard Jones, and Harold Faltermeyer, while rock legends like Van Halen ("Jump") and Queen ("Radio Ga Ga") embraced these new sounds without losing their identity. Meanwhile, Bronski Beat ("Smalltown Boy") and Frankie Goes to Hollywood ("Relax") pushed the boundaries of electronic music and mainstream pop, ensuring that 1984’s soundscape was both innovative and timeless.

While researching for this post, I came across a few memes I want to share. They make me smile, and I hope you'll get the same reaction!

I was just thinking if I tried to compare 1984 to 2024, using these categories, the present would fall flat.

Ï'd like to hear your thoughts about this, though. 

Do you agree that 1984 was the best? 

What artists / songs of this time are close to your heart?