Many of us grew up challenging the norms of the ’80s—rebelling against oversized shoulder pads and gaudy triangle earrings, while confronting serious issues like apartheid and environmental degradation. We were faced with a daunting future and our own quest for solutions, all while sporting acid-wash jeans and an armful of rubber bracelets. Our tastes gravitated toward artists who exuded depth and wore dark eyeliner, drawn to music that resonated with our turbulent emotions. Sure, we could sing along to every Exposé hit, but nothing hit harder than the haunting melodies of Depeche Mode.
Transitioning from the carefree years of childhood into the more complex realm of young adulthood during the ’80s was an unforgettable experience. My mother entered the decade hoping my values would be shaped by wholesome icons like Marie Osmond and Sunday school. By the time the decade closed, I had traded in her ideals for combat boots and poetry slams. After all, which would you prefer—thought-provoking music in a dimly lit club or Catechism lessons with nuns?
Here are the tracks that fueled our rebellious spirits. I intentionally skipped Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” because let’s face it, that tune made everybody feel like a badass.
- Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones
This song carried significant weight when you were 15. It urged us to take risks and embrace life without regret—even if our fashion choices, like that Mohawk, didn’t turn out so great. Preach on, HoJo. - Channel Z, B-52s
A delightful blend of social activism and humor. Plus, the band’s members were delightfully ambiguous, much like the vibes of Drama Club. - Crumblin’ Down, John Mellencamp
Socks with penny loafers? We’ve all been there. Who cares if some friends teased him with names like John Cougar MenstrualCramp? Stand back! - Synchronicity 2, The Police
This track terrified me with its accurate depiction of marital life, making me vow to remain single forever—much like Gloria Steinem and Miss Piggy. - Shake the Disease, Depeche Mode
I was the odd one out, as my friends thought this was about a clinic visit. We boldly told our single moms that their irritation stemmed from sexual frustration rather than our outrageous humor. Blast this song at full volume, and we felt so misunderstood. - We Are Not Alone, Karla DeVito
If you didn’t thrash to this in your black Chuck Taylors while channeling Ally Sheedy from The Breakfast Club, I’m not sure we could be friends—unless you had clove cigarettes to share. Then we’d be besties for life. - Under Pressure, Queen/David Bowie
We belted out Freddie Mercury’s soaring notes without a care in the world—angels surely lost their wings in the process. - Fall on Me, R.E.M.
This song could really kill a party vibe with its heavy themes. As an adult, I’ve learned to leave those petitions behind. Want to chill this Saturday? - Faith, George Michael
“I need someone to hold me / But I’ll wait for something more …” The high school crowd didn’t quite know how to handle that sentiment. - Sowing the Seeds of Love, Tears for Fears
Eventually, we learned that love is a strength, not a weakness. We also accepted that it’s okay to wash our favorite concert tees between wears. - The Emperor’s New Clothes, Sinéad O’Connor
We tried to emulate her bold look, but when we failed, we spun tales of passing out at parties and getting our heads shaved by anarchists—much cooler than admitting the truth. - Bad Reputation, Joan Jett
Don’t pretend you don’t hear Joan Jett’s anthem in your head when you’re out stirring up some trouble. It’s a classic that drowns out the negativity around you.
I take no responsibility if “Tarzan Boy” is still stuck in your head.
For more engaging insights, check out this blog post where excited moms-to-be share their joy with at-home insemination here. If you’re considering home insemination, you can find authoritative resources like this one and this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This article revisits a nostalgic journey through the most impactful songs of the 1980s that shaped a generation’s rebellious spirit. Each track not only evokes vivid memories but also highlights the cultural transitions of that era, from fashion mishaps to the music that defined our youth.