The 1980s was a vibrant decade filled with unforgettable music, colorful fashion, and iconic pop culture moments. From catchy tunes that still make you want to dance, to legendary singers and bands that defined an era, the ’80s left a lasting mark on the world of entertainment. Whether you were a kid rocking out to cassette tapes or an adult watching music videos on MTV, this period created a soundtrack that many of us remember fondly.
Today, we’re taking a fun trip down memory lane with some exciting trivia about 80s pop music. Can you remember the biggest hits and the artists who ruled the charts back then? Join us as we look at fascinating facts about your favorite songs and performers that will test your memory and maybe even surprise you. Get ready to challenge yourself and see how well you really know the pop music of this legendary decade! Whether you’re an ’80s expert or just curious, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your favorite snacks, turn up the volume, and let’s get started!
80S Pop Trivia
Legends of 80S Pop Music
1. Who is known as the “Queen of Pop”? (Answer: Madonna)
2. Which band released the hit song “Every Breath You Take”? (Answer: The Police)
3. What singer’s real name is Prince Rogers Nelson? (Answer: Prince)
4. Which iconic band had a famous song titled “Sweet Child o’ Mine”? (Answer: Guns N’ Roses)
5. Who sang “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”? (Answer: Cyndi Lauper)
6. What is the name of Michael Jackson’s famous album released in 1982? (Answer: Thriller)
7. Who released the anthem “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”? (Answer: Whitney Houston)
8. Which group is known for the song “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”? (Answer: Wham!)
9. Who performed the hit single “Take On Me”? (Answer: A-ha)
10. Which artist is associated with the iconic song “Like a Virgin”? (Answer: Madonna)
Chart-Topping 80S Hits
1. What song by Wham! topped the charts for 3 weeks in 1984? (Answer: Careless Whisper)
2. Which Michael Jackson song is known for its groundbreaking music video featuring a zombie dance? (Answer: Thriller)
3. What is the title of Cyndi Lauper’s debut album? (Answer: She’s So Unusual)
4. Who sang “Faith” and became a global superstar in the ’80s? (Answer: George Michael)
5. What classic song features the lyrics “Don’t stop believin'”? (Answer: Don’t Stop Believin’)
6. Which song by Bon Jovi was released in 1986 and became a major hit? (Answer: Livin’ on a Prayer)
7. Which artist sang the electrifying hit “Jump”? (Answer: Van Halen)
8. What song by Whitney Houston became a worldwide hit in 1985? (Answer: Saving All My Love for You)
9. Who had their first hit single with “Jessie’s Girl”? (Answer: Rick Springfield)
10. Which 1984 hit single by Tina Turner revitalized her career? (Answer: What’s Love Got to Do with It)
Music Videos That Defined the Era
1. What network launched in 1981 and revolutionized how music was consumed? (Answer: MTV)
2. Which Michael Jackson video is considered one of the first to have a cinematic approach? (Answer: Thriller)
3. What artist’s music video for “Like A Prayer” sparked controversy upon its release? (Answer: Madonna)
4. Which pop band is known for the catchy video featuring a colorful dance style in “Walk Like an Egyptian”? (Answer: The Bangles)
5. Who directed the iconic video for “Sledgehammer” featuring claymation and other visual effects? (Answer: Peter Gabriel)
6. Which duo’s music video for “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” was notable for featuring both artists? (Answer: Aretha Franklin and George Michael)
7. What 1980s dance anthem featured an iconic choreographed dance, becoming a staple at parties? (Answer: “Thriller” by Michael Jackson)
8. Who is known for the outrageous costumes and visuals in the video for “Material Girl”? (Answer: Madonna)
9. What music video featured Michael Jackson in a red leather jacket with a signature dance? (Answer: Beat It)
10. Which major event, held in 1985, was famously tied to the song “We Are the World”? (Answer: USA for Africa)
Iconic One-Hit Wonders of the 80S
1. Which band is known for their hit “Come on Eileen”? (Answer: Dexys Midnight Runners)
2. Who sang the 1985 hit “Walk Like an Egyptian”? (Answer: The Bangles)
3. What artist is known for the infectious hit “Funky Town”? (Answer: Lipps Inc.)
4. Who performed the popular 1986 song “What Is Love”? (Answer: Haddaway)
5. Which group is known for their 1982 hit “Tainted Love”? (Answer: Soft Cell)
6. Who sang “I Want Candy” in 1982? (Answer: Bow Wow Wow)
7. What band is famous for their song “Pac-Man Fever”? (Answer: Buckner and Garcia)
8. Which group gave us the catchy song “I Melt with You”? (Answer: Modern English)
9. Who is associated with the iconic track “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”? (Answer: Simple Minds)
10. What artist is known for the song “I Ran (So Far Away)”? (Answer: A Flock of Seagulls)
80S Pop Dances and Trends
1. What iconic dance move involves a lot of jumping and was popularized by Michael Jackson? (Answer: The Moonwalk)
2. Which popular dance style incorporates elements from ballet and jazz, mainly in the 80s? (Answer: Jazzercise)
3. What famous legwarmers trend originated in the 1980s? (Answer: Aerobics fashion)
4. Who popularized the “Robot” dance move during the decade? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
5. What dance phenomenon involves synchronized routines like the “Macarena”? (Answer: Line dancing)
6. Which fitness trend, popularized in the ’80s, combined dance and exercise? (Answer: Aerobics)
7. What hairstyle was known for its volume and often bright colors during the ’80s? (Answer: Big hair)
8. Which style of clothing that became hugely popular featured oversized jackets and leg warmers? (Answer: Workout gear)
9. What type of shoes became a fashion staple, particularly among dancers in the 80s? (Answer: High-top sneakers)
10. Which lingo became popular among youth culture in the ’80s? (Answer: Gnarly)
Popular 80S Albums
1. What is the title of Michael Jackson’s legendary album released in 1982? (Answer: Thriller)
2. Who released the iconic album “Purple Rain” in 1984? (Answer: Prince)
3. What album by Madonna became a pop culture phenomenon in 1984? (Answer: Like a Virgin)
4. Which rock band’s album “Back in Black” is one of the best-selling albums of all time? (Answer: AC/DC)
5. Who released the album “Born in the U.S.A.” in 1984? (Answer: Bruce Springsteen)
6. What No. 1 album did U2 release in 1987? (Answer: The Joshua Tree)
7. Which album by Whitney Houston features “I Will Always Love You”? (Answer: The Bodyguard Soundtrack)
8. What was the first album released by Guns N’ Roses in 1987? (Answer: Appetite for Destruction)
9. Who is known for the 1985 album “No Jacket Required”? (Answer: Phil Collins)
10. What iconic album contains the hit “Sweet Child o’ Mine”? (Answer: Appetite for Destruction)
Final Thoughts
Exploring the vibrant world of 80s pop music through this trivia has shown us the incredible artists and unforgettable hits that defined a decade. From the legendary Michael Jackson and Madonna, who ruled the charts, to the iconic music videos that changed how we experience music, the 80s left an indelible mark on pop culture. We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and learned some new facts along the way. If you’re eager to dive deeper into more fascinating topics, be sure to check out our 80s pop culture trivia or take a look at our 80s movie trivia. There’s so much more to discover!