As many of us navigated our teenage years, we pushed back against neon leg warmers and shoulder pads while grappling with significant societal issues like apartheid and environmental degradation. All this angst was compounded by the challenge of finding our identities, often expressed through acid-washed jeans and stacks of rubber bracelets. We craved music that resonated with our struggles and dreams. While we might have known every word to the catchy tunes of popular pop groups, it was the darker, more introspective sounds that truly inspired us.
By the time we transitioned from adolescence to adulthood in the 1980s, our perspectives had shifted dramatically. My mother started the decade hoping I’d be molded by wholesome figures like Marie Osmond, but by the end, she found me lost in the world of combat boots and slam poetry. Honestly, who wouldn’t prefer thought-provoking lyrics in a dimly lit club over a Sunday school lesson with nuns?
Here are the tracks that fueled our rebellious spirits. I’ve intentionally omitted Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy,” since it made everyone feel unstoppable.
12. Things Can Only Get Better – Howard Jones
These words imparted wisdom that resonated as we faced life at 15. Embrace every experience, even when you stumble—like that regrettable Mohawk and perm combo. But hey, we learned something valuable from it all.
11. Channel Z – B-52s
Combining social commentary with humor, this track also showcased the group’s wonderfully ambiguous identities, reminiscent of the Drama Club vibes.
10. Crumblin’ Down – John Mellencamp
We’ve all made questionable fashion choices, and while some mocked him with names like John Cougar MenstrualCramps, we still belted out his tunes without a care.
9. Synchronicity II – The Police
This haunting song painted a stark picture of marriage that terrified me into a vow of lifelong singleness—like Gloria Steinem and Miss Piggy.
8. Shake the Disease – Depeche Mode
In my circle, I was the only one who didn’t misinterpret the title as a reference to a clinic visit. We often challenged our single mothers, thinking their frustration stemmed from sexual tension rather than our juvenile antics, all while blasting this track at deafening volumes.
7. We Are Not Alone – Karla DeVito
If you didn’t thrash around to this anthem in your black Chuck Taylors, channeling Ally Sheedy’s iconic Breakfast Club character, we might not even vibe. Unless you share your clove cigarettes, then we’re besties for life.
6. Under Pressure – Queen/David Bowie
We sang along to Freddie Mercury’s soaring notes, unleashing our inner rock stars, as if the very angels were listening.
5. Fall on Me – R.E.M.
This song could dampen any party with its somber tones, but as adults, we’ve learned to leave the petitions behind. Who’s up for a chill Saturday instead?
4. Faith – George Michael
This heartfelt plea about longing resonated deeply in high school, showcasing the delicate balance between need and desire.
3. Sowing the Seeds of Love – Tears for Fears
We eventually understood that love is a form of strength rather than a weakness, and yes, it’s okay to wash concert tees between wears.
2. The Emperor’s New Clothes – Sinead O’Connor
We tried to emulate her iconic look, and when we failed, we claimed it was due to an anarchist mishap at a party. Much cooler than admitting we just couldn’t pull it off.
1. Bad Reputation – Joan Jett
Whenever you’re out causing mischief, this track is the ultimate anthem, drowning out any negativity that comes your way.
And let’s be real: “Tarzan Boy” is still stuck in your head, and I take no responsibility for that.
In summary, these songs from the 1980s shaped our rebellious spirit and helped define our identities during those pivotal years. They offered us not just entertainment but a sense of connection and empowerment, reminding us that we weren’t alone in our struggles.
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