As we navigated our formative years in the 1980s, we often rebelled against the status quo—be it the fashion trends of shoulder pads and oversized earrings, or the societal issues like apartheid and environmental degradation. We faced an overwhelming sense of urgency and sought to discover our roles in addressing these challenges—all while sporting acid-washed jeans and an abundance of black rubber bracelets.
Our musical tastes gravitated toward artists with depth and emotion, favoring the dark and moody over the mainstream pop of the time. We were fully aware of the hits from various groups, but nothing resonated like the sounds of Depeche Mode. The transition from adolescence to adulthood was marked by a rich tapestry of experiences that defined us.
As my mother entered the decade hoping I would be influenced by wholesome figures, by the end, I was drawn instead to the edgy allure of combat boots and spoken word poetry. Given the choice between thought-provoking lyrics in a dimly lit venue or catechism with nuns, the answer was clear.
Here are the tracks that fueled our rebellious spirits, with one notable exception: “Tarzan Boy” by Baltimora, a song that made everyone feel like a badass.
- Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones
At 15, this was a powerful mantra. We learned to embrace life without regrets, despite questionable fashion choices like a Mohawk paired with a perm. - Channel Z, B-52s
This track combined social awareness with humor. An added bonus was the group’s playful ambiguity—much like our high school drama club. - Crumblin’ Down, John Mellencamp
We wore socks with penny loafers, and while some mocked Mellencamp, we knew he had something to say. - Synchronicity 2, The Police
This track was an unsettling portrayal of marriage that convinced me to stay single—forever. - Shake the Disease, Depeche Mode
In our youth, we often misinterpreted the lyrics, but that didn’t stop us from blasting it at full volume while feeling misunderstood. - We Are Not Alone, Karla DeVito
If you didn’t thrash to this song in your black Chuck Taylors, we might not be able to relate—unless you shared your clove cigarettes, then we could become best friends. - Under Pressure, Queen/David Bowie
We boldly sang along to Freddie Mercury’s soaring notes, feeling invincible. - Fall on Me, R.E.M.
While this song could bring down a party’s mood, it taught us valuable lessons about life—minus the petitions. - Faith, George Michael
“I need someone to hold me, but I’ll wait for something more…” It was a sentiment that resonated deeply during high school. - Sowing the Seeds of Love, Tears for Fears
We learned that love is a strength, not a weakness, and it’s okay to wash our favorite concert T-shirts. - The Emperor’s New Clothes, Sinead O’Connor
We tried to emulate her style, and when it didn’t work out, we concocted stories of wild parties and rebellious acts. - Bad Reputation, Joan Jett
This anthem was a perfect soundtrack for anyone ready to stir up some trouble and ignore the critics.
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In summary, these 12 songs from the 1980s not only shaped our identities but also provided a soundtrack to our rebellion, exploration, and growth during those pivotal years.