TopPicks Index - page 2
Top 10 '80s Lead Singers Who Also Played an Instrument Most of the Time
Since at least the '60s, rock music has often shone its spotlight on lead singers, frontmen and frontwomen who drew primary attention from audiences through their charisma or image as much as their singing ability. While this has produced some interesting musical moments, I’ve always preferred lead singers who also stake a strong claim to being actual musicians. And luckily the '80s had its share of memorable lead singers who also demonstrated talent on a musical instrument. Imagine that.
Top 10 '80s Songs of Self-Pity & Self-Absorption
Those of us blessed with personalities that tend to get mired in melancholy know a thing or two about getting so caught up in our own internal struggles that we hardly notice the outside world. Luckily, pop and rock music has always had a keen eye toward this kind of self-centeredness, yielding a rich and constantly growing supply of tunes that celebrate and illuminate the wallowing impulse in us all. Here's a list of 10 of the best the '80s had to offer of this ilk.
Top 10 '80s Artists from Australia and New Zealand
Although largely Anglicized and therefore not obviously distinct from rock and pop musicians of the U.S. and U.K., artists from Australia and New Zealand spun an intriguing web of musical offerings during the '80s. The two island nations contributed a wide array of styles and demonstrated unique tinges of eclecticism, all of which rounded out the decade and filled it with richness and character.
Top 10 '80s Solo Careers
Though the concept of going solo was not an invention of the '80s, artists during that decade seemed to perfect the art of shedding past band memberships for the bliss of an independent path. Some artists had better luck making the transition than others; here's a look at the ones who definitely made the right decision.
Top 10 '80s Songs Featured on '80s Film Soundtracks
One way to experience '80s music on an entirely different level was through the visual medium of film, and often a tie-in to a hit film could give a single a boost like no other. While some '80s films were focused on retro music, especially if they were period pieces, the most indelible soundtrack offerings celebrated the '80s right along with the movies they accompanied.
Top 10 European Artists of the '80s
Artists from Europe made a definite impact on '80s music in Britain and America, and although they were generally able only to do so when they sang in English, sprinklings of European culture found their way into heavy metal and synth pop alike.
Top 10 Irish, Scottish & Welsh Artists of the '80s
When it comes to pop music and the British Isles, the English have always enjoyed a dense concentration of talent and therefore the lion’s share of attention. But during the '80s as well as before and after, many Irish, Scottish and Welsh artists made their names with memorable and important musical contributions of their own. Here’s a look at the cream of this crop, the top 10 non-English British Isles artists of the '80s.
Top 10 '80s Acts with Geographical Names
Perhaps rock musicians are not best-known for being studious, but over the years many have shown a propensity for naming their bands after places, topographical features, countries and continents. In some cases, artists just happen to have surnames that you might find on a map, but most of the time they choose to fall back on whatever rudimentary education they got before hitting the road for a living. Who says American kids don't know their geography?
Top 10 '80s Blue Collar Anthems for the Harried Worker Bee
Songs about work have always been a staple of popular music, but modern music has placed a special spin on the topic. The '80s in particular were blessed with plenty of fodder for meditations on the changing landscape of the workplace, from gender roles to the erosion of America's industrial base.
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