Rock and roll music combines several distinct genres into its signature sound, often with lyrics about rebellion or pushing limits. Rock ‘n’ roll has had an immense influence on other forms of music as well as being responsible for creating many new genres altogether.
Here are some of the greatest rock songs of the 1980s that will get your dancing and rocking out! These tracks will get your energy going and have you ready for fun!
AC/DC
Australian hard rock band AC/DC rose from its own ashes to become one of the most influential bands in rock history, becoming best-selling rock group of the 1980s and beyond. Their catchy riffs and high-voltage sound made them one of the best-selling groups of all time; and “Back in Black” remains an enduring reminder of their influence.
Established by Malcolm Young and Bon Scott in 1973, AC/DC became an Australian hit after they released their debut single in June 1974, “Can I Sit Next to You Girl”, becoming an instantaneous club tour success. Their tour experience helped the band fine tune their showmanship; audiences loved their stage antics which added another dimension of entertainment; whilst Angus Young’s schoolboy image further endears audiences to them as a band.
Early days on the rowdy Australian bar circuit also contributed to their no-holds-barred style of music making. As band members matured they added more complex musical styles into their sound – fusing together boogie, blues, R&B and rockabilly to form an electrifying sound enhanced by overdriven tube amplifiers that added power.
In 1978, Powerage was released. It quickly became a hit across England before making waves on American rock radio stations and earning them attention from rock radio in general. Here they took a stand against soft rock genre dominating American radio by refusing to compromise and offering up powerful tunes such as Powerage’s title track that were well received by an audience that loved headbanger rock music.
Returning to the studio in 1979 for their album For Those About to Rock We Salute You, the band replaced Scott with Brian Johnson, which led to an improved lineup and sound that eventually resulted in their hit Back in Black album.
AC/DC released their most successful album to date with this iconic record that helped to solidify them as one of rock and roll’s premier acts. Over 10 Million copies worldwide have been sold – earning it recognition as the greatest rock album ever released. AC/DC’s iconic lightning bolt logo has become iconic and its music featured in multiple movies and video games alike.
After Bon Scott died in February 1980, AC/DC continued recording albums and touring without his presence; even going so far as having their own theme park named after them in Canada! They remain one of the world’s most beloved bands today – their iconic riffs have inspired numerous other rock acts to follow in their footsteps; though recent releases from AC/DC may have not met with as much success than before, AC/DC remains a household name worldwide.
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi evolved from their original hard-rock origins into more mature music that resonated with a broad audience. Their success spanned all ten years of the 1980s, becoming one of the most iconic rock bands ever known as Bon Jovi – famed for catchy lyrics and guitar riffs that continue to influence rock and roll today.
Bon Jovi first scored their breakthrough hit with Runaway, recorded at Jon Bon Jovi’s cousin’s studio. This song caught record producer Derek Shulman’s ear and led to them signing with PolyGram Records; their self-titled debut was released in 1984 with Runaway making the Top 40 chart; 7800deg Fahrenheit followed in 1985 but wasn’t as well received as Slippery When Wet’s success.
Bon Jovi’s 1986 blockbuster album featured hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” earning them Billboard’s best selling album award that year. Additionally, its critical success earned a gold certification and led them to being awarded with a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. Bon Jovi remained one of the top selling rock acts throughout both Europe and North America during this era of their career.
Bon Jovi was not only a global success, but their music also inspired a new generation of musicians with its distinctive style and sound. Bon Jovi is widely credited with ushering in the metal era and helping new groups such as Skid Row to become more recognized. They were also instrumental in opening doors for women musicians such as Pat Benetar of Blondie’s Debbie Harry as well as Suzi Quatro from The Runaways; further paving way for female rock musicians in general such as Pat Benetar from Blondie; moreover during these same eighties years grunge/alternative rock was emerging more readily – something Bon Jovi helped facilitate.
Motorhead was another iconic 80s rock band who dominated the music scene with their hard-hitting style and melodic songs, still getting audiences cheering decades after their debut. Motorhead is best known for their heavy metal sound and thought-provoking lyricism.
After September 11 changed their plans to take a break, they used their fame to help those affected by terrorist attacks. Filming public service announcements for Red Cross and participating in two live telethons for fundraising were just part of what they did to support those in need. 2003 marked the release of This Left Feels Right which contained their most popular hits; bassist Alec John Such had replaced original bassist Tico Torres. 2004 brought These Days, another greatest-hits album recorded without Richie Sambora that featured live and acoustic performances, along with public service announcements for Red Cross.
U2
U2 was an iconic rock act of the 80s, shaping its sound while simultaneously becoming social activists dedicated to changing lives through music. Their influence can still be felt today as their music inspires young listeners while raising global issues awareness.
Boy and War were relatively uncomplicated albums instrumentally, yet with the arrival of producer Steve Lillywhite they quickly developed their sound. Song styles gradually began incorporating elements of rock anthem, funk, dance rhythms and dance grooves to form diverse textures in each track. Lillywhite’s production greatly contributed to shaping their future sound as it helped to define a melodic rock style that they maintained throughout their career.
U2 achieved their greatest musical feat with 1984’s “Bad,” an anthem inspired by Martin Luther King’s tragic death that has stood the test of time thanks to Bono and Edge’s deep baritone vocals and chiming guitar work. “Bad” captured U2 at their creative zenith as political and humanitarian anthem-makers.
As soon as they released Achtung Baby, the band made a dramatic shift towards more experimental sounds, taking inspiration from European electronic and experimental music as well as modern stage shows to produce what would later be recognized as one of the most technically ambitious large-scale tours ever conducted.
Zoo TV Tour, their next album, continued their exploration of various sounds with more sophistication and maturity than its predecessors. Their musical style evolved to combine rock, pop, post-punk influences as well as some elements from funk and disco music; additionally it had more of a personal and reflective tone than its predecessors.
In the 1990s, they released several critically-acclaimed albums that extended their musical boundaries, such as Achtung Baby and Zoo TV Tour. Critics praised these records for their complexity, musicality, and political activism – with lyrics often drawn from personal experience or reflecting technology’s dehumanizing effects.
As the decade came to a close, U2 emerged as an influential cultural force both in America and Britain. They became one of the few rock bands able to successfully blend social activism with commercially successful rock-n-roll careers. Since their formation in 1980s, they have collaborated with musicians, artists and celebrities from other fields (musicians/artists/celebrities etc) in raising awareness for poverty, disease and social injustice as well as collaborated with politicians worldwide to promote positive change globally while performing to sold out crowds all around the globe and continue with massive world tours.