Trent Patton

Viewpoints editor

The ’80s were a decade of constant advancements in music. Genres like hip hop, synth pop and electronic dance music blossomed in the ’80s. However, there is one specific year of the decade that stands out amongst the rest: 1984. In 1984, there were hit singles such as “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, “When Doves Cry” by Prince and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner. Some of my favorite albums, like the self-titled “The Smiths,” “My War” by Black Flag and “Out of Step” by Minor Threat, are from 1984. 

“Run D.M.C.” was released in 1984 by Run-DMC, would become one of the most influential hip hop albums ever. Their self-titled album would end up making them the first hip hop group to achieve a gold record, and shortly after, would go platinum. Run-DMC was the first hip hop group to broadcast its music videos on MTV, be on the cover of “Rolling Stone” and be nominated for a Grammy Award. Their album “Raising Hell” was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2018 for its cultural and historical significance. Many other important hip hop albums came out in 1984 as well, including “Livin’ in the Fast Lane” by The Sugarhill Gang, the self-titled “Fat Boys” and the self-titled “Crash Crew.”

“Some Great Reward” by Depeche Mode was the most significant synth pop album of 1984. The single “People Are People” reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Depeche Mode developed a unique technique on their previous studio album,” Construction Time Again.”It incorporated found objects into the music by hitting them in front of the microphones and sampling the sound. The album is known for its industrial sound, darker themes and electronic sounds. Other albums that contributed to synth pop from 1984 include“Drive” by The Cars, New Edition’s self-titled album and “Shout” by Devo.

My personal top 5 songs from 1984 are “I Don’t Owe You Anything” by The Smiths, “Sob Story” by Minor Threat, “We Hunger” by Siouxsie and the Banshees, “I Would Die 4 U” by Prince and “Nothing Left Inside” by Black Flag. These songs may not be for you, but the next time you don’t know what to listen to, stroll down the year 1984.