Quiz: Only ‘80s Kids Can Match the Song to the Artist

Some of the biggest current music legends either started out in the ‘80s or made it big during the decade. It’s an era of music that remains popular, and there’s a reason music bingo nights around the country are dedicated to it. Just how well can you remember the songs, though? Can you match them to the artist?

How did you do? If you got all eight right, then we’re impressed. This quiz had music from different genres, mixing bands and solo artists. Don’t worry if you got something wrong. Make it a great excuse to put on another ‘80s playlist and share it with your friends!

Why ‘80s Music Still Connects Today

It may be over 40 years since the music hit the airwaves for the first time, but the sound has never stopped. In fact, the 1980s continue to drive pop culture. Just think about the way people turn to shows set in the 1980s, whether it’s Stranger Things or The Goldbergs. Remember how films like Everybody Wants Some!! and Summer of 84 were infused with everything from the decade.

What is it about this 10-year period that captures us so much? When it comes to music, a lot of it comes down by the technological revolution in production. Tracks became larger than life. They became something that we would feel in our bones. The analogue synthesizers and the gated-reverb drum tracks removed the simplicity of songs and gave us something bigger.

Even songwriting took it to another level. There were always stories within the lyrics, but the 1980s seemed to add a new layer. “The River” by Bruce Springsteen, for instance, brought a story that was raw and personal, but it was also something that people listening to could understand. In fact, it remains one that people relate to in today’s world.

It was also the time that music videos became a huge hit. Do you remember getting home and turning MTV on to see the latest hit? Sure, the ‘90s made it much bigger, but it started in the ‘80s, whether it was watching grown men in drag cleaning a house or watching as a comic book character broke through to the real world and crafted a love story we all wanted to follow.

The 1980s were a time of revolution, but at the same time, they brought fun and lightheartedness. No matter your mood, you’ll find a track from the era to let out all the feels.

If you enjoy testing your music knowledge, make sure you follow the Mental Floss quiz page. We publish fun challenges like this one on a daily basis.