200 Greatest 80s Rock Songs

Frank Mastropolo

As the 1980s began, glam rock, disco, and punk rock were in decline. What took their place? Let the artists, songwriters, and producers of 200 of the best-loved songs of the ‘80s tell you in their own words!  

By the 1980s, cable networks MTV and VH1 played music videos 24 hours a day. Fans were introduced to New Wave and synth-pop bands. New female artists and groups stormed the charts. Heavy metal made a comeback. Concerts for Live Aid and Band Aid and recordings like “We Are the World” supported charities. The introduction of the CD in 1982 hastened the demise of vinyl . . . for awhile. The back stories of the music are as varied as the genres themselves.  

Of course, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Queen, Cyndi Lauper, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Kool & the Gang, the Police, and John Mellencamp are represented. But you'll also learn about tunes by the Eurythmics, the Clash, U2, AC/DC, Eddy Grant, R.E.M., Twisted Sister, and many more.

Joe Strummer mural. © Frank Mastropolo

Throughout the book are photographs and in-depth interviews with some of the musicians who made the 1980s such an eclectic period of rock music: Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Gina Schock of the Go-Go’s, and Gary U.S. Bonds, whose collaboration with Springsteen revitalized his career.

Order a copy of 200 Greatest 80s Rock Songs for a mind-expanding trip back to one of rock's greatest decades!

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