If you’re wondering what bands made the biggest waves in the 80s, there are plenty of answers to consider. From the pop-country acts of the late 1970s to the new traditionalist movement, you’ll find a number of bands that have stood the test of time.
Restless Heart and Exile
Restless Heart and Exile in the 80s were two bands that did the big stuff. Both produced albums that are considered to be a’must have’. The band has since reunited and launched a tour. They have also produced some great songs.
Restless Heart’s Big Dreams in Small Town album was a hit. It is the highest selling album of the decade in the U.S. and is listed as one of the best selling albums of all time. However, this does not make the rest of the album any less important.
Exile’s “Even Now” was also a notable album. It was the first top 40 country album to appear in five years. In fact, this album was the only album to crack the top 15 list of Rolling Stone’s ‘Top 100 Albums of All Time.’
The band is made up of Larry Stewart, John Dittrich, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis, and Greg Jennings. Each has been a mainstay of the band for most of its career.
David Bowie
If you’re a fan of the man in black, you’ll be thrilled to know that he’s back, touring the world in September. Bowie has made it clear he’s no longer running from his past. Rather, he’s embracing his new role as a parent. He’s been spotted with his wife Iman and their daughter Alexandra, now three years old.
While he’s no longer front and center, Bowie’s career was once one of the most exciting in pop culture. As a result, his music has influenced a wide array of musicians. Let’s take a look at a few of his more memorable songs.
For starters, the A-Z Of David Bowie is a podcast produced by Marc Riley. You’ll get a taste of Bowie’s classics, as well as a peek at the man himself.
Pop-country acts of the 1970s and earlier
In the early 1980s, a new, eclectic sound began to emerge in country music. This new sound was called “New Country” or “countrypolitan.” It was a mixture of traditional elements of country, bluegrass, and western swing with the contemporary sounds of pop and rock.
These acts helped make country music popular in the United States. They included many successful singers, and their songs became hits on both the country and pop charts.
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were some of the biggest artists of the ’80s. During the ’70s and ’80s, country music featured neo-traditionalism, party songs, and rich love songs.
The ’80s was also a time of great musical collaborations. Some of the best songs ever written came from country artists. Whether it was a duo or a trio, they all brought a new, unique sound to country music.
Rock bands from the early to mid-1960s made a comeback
The ’80s were a time of resurgence, and rock bands from the era’s golden age had a shot at getting back on the airwaves. There were a few notable acts from the era, such as The Stylistics and The Spinners, and a slew of ’90s groups like The O’Jays, Rockpile, and The Guess. These bands threw their hats into the ring for the sake of it, and landed a few hits in the process.
“The Loco-Motion” was a pop song that reached the No. 1 spot in 1962. While it’s not a particularly good track, it was one of those things. In the same year, the Bay City Rollers snagged a nod for its “Saturday Night” chant. It’s not the most sophisticated track of the era, but it’s a good disco track that can stand up to the test of time.
New traditionalist movement
The neo-traditionalist movement influenced country music in the 1980s. These artists reworked traditional country sounds and added modern production touches.
The neo-traditionalist movement was the result of several changes in the music industry. They included a change in Nashville, where music had become more commercialized.
Neo-traditionalist artists wore cowboy hats and belt buckles and stayed away from flashy costumes. They also kept country grounded, especially after pop-country gained popularity.
In the 1980s, country music was becoming watered down. This new traditionalist movement was a reaction to that trend.
Reba McEntire changed her style from country pop to twangy traditional country. She recorded covers of old classics and brought her own unique voice to the forefront. It was this combination that helped her build a large fan base.