When people talk about 80s music, they are talking about the pop and rock music from that decade. Country singers, jazz players, etc. were certainly creating music too, but it is the pop music and the rock and roll that defines the decade. Here you will find an overview to 80s music as well as biographies/discographies of some of the bands that represent some of the sub-genres of the 80s.

            80s music is not so much a style but a collection of styles within the 80s. The 70s were characterized by not only disco, but also early punk and hard rock. Many of the 70s hard rock bands, such as AC/DC and Aerosmith, would be great sources of influence for the “hair bands” of the 80s. Punk led to New Wave and disco evolved into 80s dance/pop music, much of which could be considered synthpop. Many bands, particularly in the early 80s came to America from England in what has been called the “second British invasion”.

            “Hair bands” is a term used to refer to the hard rock bands of the 80s, most of who grew their hair not only out, but frequently up as well (hence the phrase). Most hair bands originated in the Southern California area, including Ratt and Vixen. Others, such as Def Leppard, came over from England as part of the second British invasion. Typical hair band had four or five members (depending on whether the lead singer also played guitar or not): lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, and drums. Nothing fancy, just straight ahead rock n’ roll with a hard edge. The coming of grunge and alternative music in the early 90s finished off many hair bands, although a few managed to press on, though they did see record sales drop dramatically.

            New Wave, particularly in the United States, is used primarily as a catchall: groups born from the punk movement of the 70s, but wanting nothing to do with that scene. Many bands, such as Duran Duran and Depeche Mode are considered New Wave, but would probably be better classified as synthpop. The Police are certainly New Wave, but most would agree they sound nothing like Devo or The Cars (also iconic New Wave bands). New Wave started in the late 70s and continued into the early 80s. By the mid-80s, synthpop ruled the day and punk was relegated primarily to the underground.

            Synthpop is the start of the techno/electronica music of the 90s. Dance/pop music using primarily synthesized sound. Pet Shop Boys is a prime example, as is Tears For Fears. Many bands (such as the aforementioned Pet Shop Boys) only used synthesizers for their sound, while others (such as Tears For Fears), combined synthesizers with guitars and drums. Electronic drums were frequently used by synthpop bands, rather than the standard drum kits of the hair bands.

            Of course, there are the other bands that do not fit neat little categories. Clan of Xymox frequently changed their sound, almost every album. Oingo Boingo went off on their own eccentric direction. And bands like The Bangles could be classified as just pop. Their music did not rely on synthesizers like synthpop bands and did not have the hard edge of the hair bands.

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