The lasting impact of 80s music: from new wave to contemporary hits
The 1980s were a time of innovation and creativity in the music industry. The rise of new genres and technologies resulted in an explosion of musical experiments and unprecedented charts. And while the 80s may be far behind us, its influence still resonates in contemporary music. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the different musical movements of the 1980s and how they influenced today's music. We also review the artists who were influenced by the 1980s and left their own mark on the music world.
The rise of 80s music
The 1980s were a golden era for music, with a variety of genres and artists dominating the charts. It was a time of innovation and experimentation, when synthesizers, drum machines and other electronic instruments were introduced to the music world. This created new sounds and styles that defined the popular music scene in the 1980s.
One of the biggest changes in the music of the 1980s was the rise of the music video. Founded in 1981, MTV became one of the most popular TV channels of the time, playing mostly music videos. This gave artists the opportunity to promote their music with visually appealing videos and take the music experience to the next level.Many artists began experimenting with visual elements in their music videos, such as choreography, costumes, and sets, often turning these videos into real works of art.
But it wasn't just the video clips that made the '80s so special. There were a wide range of genres and artists that were successful at this time. From the popular pop music of Michael Jackson and Madonna to the hard rock of Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi, there was something for everyone.
Another major factor that influenced the rise of 80s music was the political and social atmosphere of the time. The Cold War, economic malaise, and the rise of technology all influenced the music of the 1980s and contributed to the birth of new styles and sub-genres.
In short, the rise of 80s music was a time of creativity, innovation and experimentation. It was a time when artists created new sounds, developed new styles, and found new ways to promote their music. Today, the music of the 80s remains popular and has had a lasting impact on the music we know today.

Why 80s music is still popular
Although the 80s are some time ago, this decade's music still remains incredibly popular. But why is that actually the case? What makes 80s music still so appealing to so many people around the world?
One of the reasons why 80s music is still popular is the incredible variety of genres and artists that dominated the charts in this decade. From pop music to rock, rap, hip-hop, electronic music and more, there was something for everyone in the 80s. This meant that there were many different types of music that people could enjoy and relate to.
Another reason why 80s music is still popular is its nostalgic value. Many people who grew up in the 80s have fond memories of this time and the music that was popular at the time. Listening to this music can help people to imagine themselves back in that time and to bring back the feelings and emotions of the past.
In addition, the influence of 80s music is still visible in contemporary music. Many of today's artists are influenced by the music of the 80s and have incorporated these influences into their own music. As a result, the legacy of the 80s continues to live on in today's music.
Finally, the quality of the music from the 80s is still unmatched. Many of the songs that were produced during this time have become true classics that are still played worldwide. The high quality of these songs has ensured that the music of the 80s is timeless and is also appreciated by younger generations.

Pop music in the 80s
One of the most iconic pop stars of the '80s was, without a doubt, Michael Jackson. With hits like “Thriller”, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It”, he was able to conquer the world and set a new standard for pop music. His music and dance style were unique and his video clips were true works of art. Other pop stars of the 1980s included Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston, all of whom were hugely successful and had a major impact on the pop music of the time.
In addition to these big names, there were also many other artists who contributed to the popularity of pop music in the 1980s. There was an enormous diversity of styles and sounds, from new wave to synth pop and rock to dance. This made the music of this period very accessible to a wide audience and resulted in a wide variety of hits.
New Wave and post-punk
New Wave and post-punk were styles of music that emerged in the late 70s and early 80s and had a major impact on music history. It was a time of innovation and experimentation, with artists exploring new sounds and styles.
New Wave and post-punk were born in response to the mainstream rock and punk music of the time. Both styles were characterised by an experimental and often minimalist approach to music, with influences from punk, reggae, ska and electronic music. New Wave generally had a more danceable and commercial sound than post-punk, which was often characterized by a more raw and emotional approach.
One of the most important bands in the New Wave scene was Depeche Mode, who scored hits with songs like “Just Can't Get Enough” and “People Are People”. Depeche Mode combined danceable rhythms with dark lyrics and a futuristic aesthetic, which had a major impact on later electronic music genres. Other major bands from the New Wave scene included Talking Heads, Blondie, and Duran Duran, who all made innovative and experimental music.
Post-punk was often more political and focused on the underground scene than New Wave. Bands like Joy Division, The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees were important pioneers of this genre. Joy Division had a unique and emotional sound, with lyrics that were often dark and introspective. The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees were known for their unique combination of punk and gothic influences, with a raw and dark aesthetic that is still popular with alternative music lovers.
The influence of New Wave and post-punk can still be seen in contemporary music. Artists like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys and Interpol have all incorporated influences from these musical styles into their own music. The influence of New Wave and post-punk is also still evident in dance and electronic music, for example in the music of Daft Punk and LCD Soundsystem.