Genres & Styles
Gangsta Rap
Here's a brief profile of the rap subgenre that originated in the mid-'80s and has always been the most controversial type of rap music.
New Wave of British Heavy Metal
This was one of the most popular brands of heavy metal in the early '80s, when leather-clad bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden ruled the day.
Worthy But Underrated Arena Rock Songs of the '80s
Arena rock enjoyed its moment in the sun for as many as six years stretching from the late '70s through the early '80s, which is a pretty good run indeed for one of rock's most maligned genres. Here's a look at some songs in the genre that don't always receive their due.
Thrash Metal
This subgenre of heavy metal was born in the '80s and thrust eventually into the mainstream by such bands as Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer.
Top 10 New Wave Artists of the '80s
When people consider the variety of music genres that peaked during the '80s, new wave often comes up as one of the first topics of discussion. Once a term used somewhat interchangeably with punk rock, new wave eventually expanded to include almost any quirky pop/rock of the era.
Top 10 Hair Metal/Pop Metal Songs of the '80s
Contrary to popular belief, the prominent '80s genre labeled hair metal, pop metal or glam metal (depending on who was doing the classifying) contained far more than merely power ballads. Here's a look at some of finest rockers from this genre.
Profile of Smooth Soul/R&B Genre Quiet Storm
Although born technically during the mid-'70s, the smooth, pop-inflected R&B style known as Quiet Storm (after a Smokey Robinson recording of that period) actually experienced much of its popularity during the early '80s. In fact, African-American soul music tended toward this romantic, slow-tempo direction well into the middle of the decade,...
Late-'80s Folk Singer-Songwriter Revival Profile
Before the modest late-'80s revival of folk-influenced singer-songwriters became a factor on the pop music landscape, that introspective, personal and relatively quiet style had been a bit dormant. Overshadowed previously by flashier prevailing genres like new wave, arena rock and hair metal, folk-inspired artists leapt into fashion during this period.
New Romantic Genre Profile
New Romanticism served as a highly significant subgenre during the early '80s, capturing the admiration and fashion sense of many mainstream music fans during that era.
Power Pop Genre Profile
Though not considered a major genre of '80s music, power pop certainly played a role in some of the era's most memorable new wave and college rock sounds.