The 80s. One of the finest decades in music history - one that has yielded so many unforgettable hits and so totally dominated the music scene at one time that it seemed like it was here to stay for a long time.
It was a passing comet that shone for a short while but in that time it shone the brightest.
So many bands and solo artists were inspired by the then new music technology to create haunting music melodies and atmospheric synthesized backdrops joined by rhythms so simple yet so powerful that they instantly made you wanna dance.
When talking about the 80s, one could mention ABBA, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, A-ha and so many others, but in this piece I'd like to concentrate on a specific 80s sound through 4 hits:
Maria Magdalena / Sandra
Captivating rhythm, catchy melody, cool keyboard backdrops and oh so special bass fusion licks. Then there's the memorable exchange between Sandra and the bass player:
him: "You need love"
her: "promise me delight"
him: you need looooove"
A real feel-good tune! :)
When to listen to it:
When you're looking to forget about everything and simply enjoy the moment
watch on Youtube:
Voyage Voyage / Desireless
Looking up this song on Youtube I'm amazed that despite its age it has been viewed for around 100 million times! The smooth spikey hair and general eccentric look of Claudie Fritsch-Mentrop, accompanied by the hypontic rythmic intro, set the tone for a strangely crafted song that works big time. The best part of the song is clearly the chorous with its beautiful synthy energy (synthenergy? hey, a new word! :))
When to listen to it:
When you want to feel inspired
watch on Youtube:
It Must Have Been Love / Roxette
The 300 million playbacks on Youtube represent the obvious - that this song is the go-to for broken hearts, but everyone can still appreciate its spacey rhythm and warm melody. I love putting this music on full volume while amping up the treble on the stereo.
Love that open, embracing sound!
When to listen to it:
When you want to remember that special person you were together with
watch on Youtube:
Forever Young / Alphaville
Alphaville instantly set a hypnotic mood with deeeeep mesmerizing chords and the singing is just spot on. A truly beautiful song that serves as a reminder to live every moment in our lives to its fullest.
When to listen to it:
When you're in the mood for some sweet melancholy
watch on Youtube:
Image credits:
80s logo: Public domain
Sandra: Youtube
Desireless: Discogs - https://www.discogs.com/artist/41511-Desireless
Roxette: TV Over Mind - "The Top Uses of Roxette Songs in Movies or TV" - http://www.tvovermind.com/music/top-uses-roxette-songs-movies-tv
Alphaville: Pinterest