10 Bands from the 80s I Think Everyone Should Know
Beyond the Top 40
The 80s were a golden age for music. While we all love the superstars, some of my favorite music from that time came from brilliant bands just beneath the surface. These were the artists that other musicians listened to—the innovators, the poets, the cult favorites.
As someone who was part of that scene, I wanted to share a list of 10 bands from that era that I believe still sound incredible today. This isn't a definitive "best of" list; it's just a personal collection of artists I love, whose music I think you'll love too.
1. XTC
Essential Track: "Senses Working Overtime"
Why You Should Listen: Their songwriting was brilliantly clever and quirky, a masterclass in pop craftsmanship that was often a little too smart for the charts. They were true originals.
2. The Psychedelic Furs
Essential Track: "Love My Way"
Why You Should Listen: While they had a few hits, their broader catalog is a masterclass in atmospheric, post-punk cool. Richard Butler's voice is one of the most distinctive of the decade.
3. Squeeze
Essential Track: "Tempted"
Why You Should Listen: Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were the Lennon and McCartney of the new wave era. Their ability to tell detailed, witty stories within a perfect pop song was second to none.
4. The Go-Betweens
Essential Track: "Streets of Your Town"
Why You Should Listen: This Australian band wrote some of the most literate, heartfelt, and jangly indie-pop of the decade. Their music feels like a classic novel you can't put down.
5. Prefab Sprout
Essential Track: "When Love Breaks Down"
Why You Should Listen: Paddy McAloon is one of the most sophisticated songwriters of his generation. Their music is lush, romantic, and emotionally complex, with jazz-inflected chords you didn't hear in mainstream pop.
6. Crowded House
Essential Track: "Don't Dream It's Over"
Why You Should Listen: Yes, this was a massive hit, but the band itself is underrated. Neil Finn’s melodic genius is legendary among songwriters, and their debut album is a perfect collection of timeless pop-rock.
7. Japan
Essential Track: "Ghosts"
Why You Should Listen: This band was lightyears ahead of its time, blending art-rock, synth-pop, and global influences to create a sound that was exotic, atmospheric, and incredibly influential on the New Romantic movement.
8. Talk Talk
Essential Track: "It's My Life"
Why You Should Listen: While known for their synth-pop hits, their later albums pioneered the genre of "post-rock." They were fearless innovators who valued artistic expression over commercial hits.
9. The Replacements
Essential Track: "Alex Chilton"
Why You Should Listen: The perfect blend of punk-rock energy and heartbreakingly beautiful songwriting. They were messy, brilliant, and captured the feeling of glorious failure better than anyone.
10. Tears for Fears
Essential Track: "Head Over Heels"
Why You Should Listen: Everyone knows their biggest hits, but their albums, like Songs from the Big Chair, are brilliant, emotionally intelligent synth-pop masterpieces from start to finish. Their craftsmanship was on another level.
The Spirit of the 80s Sound
The 80s were all about this kind of musical exploration—a fusion of rock and new synth textures. When I went into the studio with Bob Wilson to record my album New Dimensions, we were inspired by this same spirit. If you enjoy the sound of the bands on this list, you might hear a similar passion for melody and production in my own work from that era.
For more curated listening, you can always explore my Playlists page.
What's a band from the 80s that you think deserves more love? I'd love to hear your picks in the comments.