As we navigated our teenage years in the vibrant yet tumultuous 1980s, we rebelled against more than just fashion trends like shoulder pads and neon leg warmers. We grappled with serious issues like political turmoil and environmental crises, all while sporting acid-wash jeans and a multitude of rubber bracelets. Our hearts and minds gravitated toward moody artists and introspective lyrics that spoke volumes. Sure, we could sing along to every Exposé track, but nothing resonated quite like the anthems from Depeche Mode or The Cure.
The decade saw us shift from the innocence of childhood into the complexity of young adulthood, and it was during these formative years that our identity was shaped. My mother hoped my worldview would be influenced by wholesome figures like Marie Osmond, but by the end of the 1980s, I was all about combat boots and poetry slams. I mean, would you rather vibe with thought-provoking musicians in a smoky club or sit through catechism with nuns? These are the songs that fueled our rebellious spirits. I intentionally left out Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” because let’s be honest, that song made everyone feel like a badass.
12. Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones
At 15, this song offered wise advice—take risks and live without regrets. Sure, that Mohawk paired with a perm was a questionable decision, but the lessons learned were invaluable. Preach it, HoJo!
11. Channel Z, B-52s
This track combined social commentary with a delightful sense of humor. Plus, the band’s ambiguous sexuality added to the fun, reminiscent of Drama Club days.
10. Crumblin’ Down, John Mellencamp
We might have joked about John Cougar Menstrual Cramp, but this song still had us rocking in our penny loafers. Who cares about style when you have a killer anthem?
9. Synchronicity 2, The Police
This haunting tune painted such a vivid picture of marriage that it terrified me into a commitment-free lifestyle, channeling my inner Gloria Steinem.
8. Shake the Disease, Depeche Mode
I was the odd one out, my friends mistaking the title for a clinic visit. We boldly confronted our single moms, claiming their frustration stemmed from deeper issues, all while blasting this misunderstood anthem at full volume.
7. We Are Not Alone, Karla DeVito
If you didn’t thrash around to this in your black Chuck Taylors, did you even experience the 80s? Unless you were willing to share your clove cigarettes, we probably wouldn’t have been friends.
6. Under Pressure, Queen/David Bowie
We belted out Freddie Mercury’s soaring notes, feeling invincible. Who knew singing could cause angels to lose their wings?
5. Fall on Me, R.E.M.
This track was a mood killer at parties, but as adults, we learned to skip the petitions and just chill out. Who’s down for a laid-back Saturday?
4. Faith, George Michael
“I need someone to hold me / But I’ll wait for something more …” This lyric hit hard during high school, making us ponder what we truly wanted.
3. Sowing the Seeds of Love, Tears for Fears
A realization dawned: love is a strength, not a weakness. Also, it’s perfectly fine to wash those beloved concert tees.
2. The Emperor’s New Clothes, Sinead O’Connor
We tried to replicate O’Connor’s iconic look, but when it failed, we fabricated stories about passing out at a party. Because who would believe the truth?
1. Bad Reputation, Joan Jett
Whenever you’re out raising hell, Joan Jett’s anthem is the perfect soundtrack to drown out the critics. Who cares what they think?
And let’s not forget about that catchy “Tarzan Boy” that’s probably still stuck in your head. For more engaging content, check out this post from one of our other blogs.
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Summary
The 1980s were a pivotal decade filled with music that shaped our identities. From Howard Jones to Joan Jett, these songs provided the soundtrack to our rebellious youth, helping us navigate the complexities of adolescence. Whether we were dancing in our living rooms or contemplating the weight of the world, these tracks made us feel like badasses.
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