Exploring the Sound of 80s Electronic Music Through 16 Tracks

The 80s were a pivotal and influential era in electronic music. The decade witnessed the introduction of new technologies and greater accessibility to digital synthesizers, fostering the emergence of numerous new genres. It was also a period of significant experimentation, as many existing rules and boundaries were yet to be defined. Today, we invite you to explore the sound of 80s electronic music through a selection of 16 tracks, spanning from iconic hits to underground gems. Those curious about the 90s can explore the decade in our article that takes you on a journey through 90s electronic music in 21 tracks.

Let’s begin with ‘Your Love,’ a house music classic. The track was produced by Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House Music, and Jamie Principle, who wrote the lyrics. It belongs to the most widely known house records and plays a vital role in the history of the genre.

Next comes the track ‘Computer World’ by the group Kraftwerk. Formed in West Germany in 1970, Kraftwerk are recognized as pioneers of electronic music who helped popularize the genre. Their approach to music production inspired numerous artists, most notably producers in Detroit credited with inventing techno.

Speaking of Detroit techno, we absolutely need to include ‘Clear,’ a Motor City classic produced by techno pioneers Juan Atkins and Richard Davis aka Cybotron. Released in 1983, the track features many crucial elements of the genre’s (early) sound, including futuristic, groovy basslines and robotic, heavily processed vocal samples.

After the split of Cybotron, Juan Atkins decided to continue releasing music under the alias Model 500. ‘No UFOs,’ his first track released under this name, is among his most popular productions. As yet another Detroit classic, it deserves a spot on our list.

With the emergence of house music in the early 80s, many artists decided to embark on a journey of experimentation. Among them was the group Phuture, credited as the co-inventors of the subgenre acid house. Their sound also played a significant role in the invention of acid techno, which developed during the 90s out of its predecessor. Here’s the track ‘Acid Trax,’ one of Phuture’s most popular releases.

‘On and On’ by Chicago legend Jesse Saunders is yet another house music track worth mentioning. It was the first house record to be pressed and sold to the public, making it an essential release in the history of the genre.

Although in the 80s, disco had already lost much popularity, it did not entirely disappear from music. Many artists continued to work within the genre, transform it, and release successful ‘post-disco’ tracks. One such track is ‘Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life’ by Indeep and Michael Cleveland, a highly engaging tune that remains widely appreciated today.

‘Smalltown Boy’ is the debut single by the British synth-pop band Bronski Beat. It features a melodic, synthesizer-heavy production, wide reverbs, and firm, expressive vocals. The song is widely known among members of the queer community and is considered a legendary gay anthem.

‘Supersonic’ is a hip-hop / proto-trap rap song by J.J. Fad, which, thanks to its production style, can be described as ahead of its time. After making it into the charts, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989, making J.J. Fad the first all-female rap group to be nominated for a Grammy award.

Next comes ‘Al-Naafyish (The Soul)’ produced by then 17-year-old Hashim. It features numerous elements characteristic of 80s electronic music, including thick basslines, powerful synths, and engaging drum patterns. Random fact: in an interview, Hashim disclosed that the Arabic-sounding title of the song doesn’t actually translate to ‘the soul,’ which he did not know until it was brought to his awareness.

Shannon’s highly influential debut single ‘Let The Music Play’ stands out for multiple reasons. Sometimes described as the beginning of the dance-pop era, the 1983 hit is also frequently considered the first freestyle song. Additionally, it was one of the first tracks to use a TR-808 and a Roland TB-303 bassline, a syncing technique essential to acid house.

Ready for some more techno? ‘Pacific State’ by 808 State is a dynamic, futuristic, immersive, and danceable track that remains popular until today. It is also an excellent representation of the sound of techno in the late 80s.

‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ is an iconic new wave/synth-pop song by Tears For Fears. It is an interesting juxtaposition of the decade’s upbeat sound and the sociopolitical lyrics that refer to the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, among other themes.

With its vibrant, extraterrestrial artwork and futuristic, playful sound, ‘Teknology’ by Newcleus is a great example of the 80s approach to (retro)futurism. This style and vision, in many ways, reflect a broader trend during that time, both within and beyond music.

Here’s one more iconic synth-pop/new wave/electronic track from the 80s, ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)’ By Eurythmics. The song was recorded in a small studio in the attic of an old London warehouse, making it somewhat of a DIY anthem. Years later, it made it into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The last track on our list is ‘Chime’ by Orbital. Released at the end of the 80s, it is characterized by an ambient yet rhythmic sound and an acidic bassline, making it a truly unique production. And, as one person in the comments noted, it can be described as a sonic transition into the 90s in electronic music.