Worst year of music in the 1980's

[horsemen4ever]

What is the worst year of music in the 1980's?

For me, it might be 1988.

Right now I am listening to Sirius XM 80's on 8 top 40 countdown, which normally I enjoy, but this week is 1988. Except for a couple of songs (Shena Easton "The Lover In You" among the good ones) I can't really get into these songs.

And I remember 1988 big hit makers like Madonna and Janet Jackson were taking time off, Prince was beginning his decline, it was a rough year.

[ace]

1988 was George Michael’s year

That’s about it

[wildojinx]

Yeah, 88 had the misfortune of being between 87 and 89, both of which were full of classic tunes that are still fondly remembered today.

[Deleted]

There wasn't a bad year of music in the 80's.

[Spider2024]

Yeah like, it's probably 1980 but even that year had some bright spots in terms of several iconic songs (Funky Town, You Shook Me All Night Long, Call Me, Another Brick in the Wall Part II, Celebration, early Michael Jackson, a bunch of Queen songs, etc.)

[Alexander The So-so]

I’d say the “Green” album by R.E.M. more than redeems 1988.

[King Boo]

Appetite for Destruction came out in '87, but blew up in '88. That alone means '88 isn't the worst one, imo. Not sure what one would be, though.

[tirtefaa]

Dec 24, 2022 13:37:38 GMT -5 Spider2024 said:

Yeah like, it's probably 1980.

Back in Black by AC/DC
Remain in the Light by Talking Heads
Freedom of Choice by Devo
Blizzard of Ozz by Ozzy Osbourne
Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath
Panorama by The Cars
British Steel by Judas Priest
Ace of Spades by Motorhead
Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Argybargy by Squeeze
Dirty Mind by Prince


I mean, I don't know how you could say 1980 considering it had some of the greatest and most iconic albums of all time released.

[ace]

I immediately deleted the early 80s from the conversation because that’s where peak Talking Heads lived

[#Classic Hi-Definition X]

1981

[The Dark Order Inferno]

1989 was kinda rough over here with the rise of eurodance and Stock, Aitken and Waterman's pop production line producing a dozen pop stars whose output sounded near identical aside from the vocals.

[Dr. T is an alien]

It’s subjective, of course. It all depends on your personal tastes. ‘80-81 has a whole lot of great stuff but not only did it not feel like 80’s music, The Captain and Tennille and Barbara Streisand were still big hit makers. That, and Air Supply were HUGE, which some may not care for (I’m okay with their hits though). ‘82-86 was the era when songs sound like 80’s music, thanks to New Wave exploding alongside Michael, Prince, and Madonna becoming huge solo hits. Throw in Bruce Springsteen, The Police, and Billy Joel becoming even bigger hits and you have a sound established for an era. ‘87-89 felt like a time of transition and the public’s taste in music reflected that. That’s when I was most into what became hits, so I find myself torn on the time period.

I wonder how many old timers on this forum remember the Aqua-Netters? That’s when a number of us joined together to unashamedly proclaim our love of the Hair Metal days. Yes, it was mostly formulaic and performative, but I can’t hate it all the same.

[Hurbster]

The year Shaddap your Face kept Vienna from the top of the charts.

[Milkman Norm]

Dec 24, 2022 14:51:07 GMT -5 tirtefaa said:

Dec 24, 2022 13:37:38 GMT -5 Spider2024 said:

Yeah like, it's probably 1980.

Back in Black by AC/DC
Remain in the Light by Talking Heads
Freedom of Choice by Devo
Blizzard of Ozz by Ozzy Osbourne
Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath
Panorama by The Cars
British Steel by Judas Priest
Ace of Spades by Motorhead
Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Argybargy by Squeeze
Dirty Mind by Prince


I mean, I don't know how you could say 1980 considering it had some of the greatest and most iconic albums of all time released.

Also Rush's Permanent Waves, the Pretenders debut,Zenyetta Mondotta by the Police...