The Soundtrack of Our Youth: Iconic Music That Defined the 70s & 80s

 

With the Grammy Awards celebrating the best in music last night and the 40^th anniversary of USA for Africa’s We are The World on January 28, it’s the perfect time to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. 

Music has a way of transporting us back in time, bringing up memories of carefree days, first loves, and unforgettable moments. The 1970s and 1980s were particularly special decades for music, shaping entire generations with anthems that still resonate today. From rock and disco to pop, new wave, punk rock, and rap, these decades produced legendary artists and chart-topping hits that remain classics.

What follows below is the mainstream overview of the time; however, my and Mike’s musical tastes were more of an indie rock/punk-inspired soundtrack. Don’t get me wrong – we enjoyed the mainstream and appreciated its impact now and then. We’ll dive into that more in our vlog and podcast this week, but for now ENJOY!  

The 1970s: Rock, Disco, and a Music Revolution

The 70s were a time of musical evolution, as rock continued to dominate, disco took over the dance floors, and singer-songwriters captured hearts. Some of the biggest hits of the decade include:

• “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin (1971): Though never released as a single, this epic rock ballad became one of the most requested songs on radio stations worldwide. Watch on YouTube
• “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees (1977): This disco anthem helped define the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, which became one of the best-selling movie soundtracks of all time, with over 40 million copies sold. Watch on YouTube
• “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen (1975): A six-minute rock opera that broke the rules of traditional song structure, selling millions and becoming a karaoke favorite to this day. Watch on YouTube
• “Hotel California” – Eagles (1976): One of the most recognizable guitar solos in history, this song has sold over 16 million copies in the U.S. alone. Watch on YouTube

During this decade, vinyl record sales boomed, with LPs becoming a household staple. In 1978, record sales hit an all-time high of $4.1 billion in the U.S. alone, proving how much music was ingrained in everyday life. Album art also played a massive role, with artists like Pink Floyd (The Dark Side of the Moon) 

and Fleetwood Mac (Rumours) using visually striking covers that became iconic pieces of pop culture.

Live music also thrived during this era, with massive concerts becoming a cultural phenomenon. The rise of arena rock meant bigger productions, elaborate stage designs, and the early use of pyrotechnics. In the 1970s, the average concert ticket price was around $5 to $10, making live music accessible to the masses. In contrast, today's major concerts can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, reflecting the evolution of production, demand, and technology.

The 1980s: The Birth of Pop Superstars, MTV Magic, and Alternative Music

If the 70s were about musical experimentation, the 80s were about big sounds, big personalities, and big hits. The rise of music television (MTV) in 1981 changed how we experienced music, making visuals just as important as the songs themselves. Some unforgettable 80s hits include:

• “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (1983): The track that helped Thriller become the best-selling album of all time, moving over 70 million copies worldwide. Watch on YouTube
• “Like a Virgin” – Madonna (1984): This song cemented Madonna as the queen of pop and led to one of the most talked-about MTV performances ever. Watch on YouTube
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi (1986): A stadium rock anthem that still gets crowds singing at full volume. Watch on YouTube
• “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses (1987): Featuring one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history, this song propelled Appetite for Destruction to over 30 million sales. Watch on YouTube

While pop and rock ruled the mainstream, the 80s also saw the rise of alternative music, punk rock, and rap, fueled by underground scenes and college radio stations.

• Punk Rock Revolution: Bands like The Ramones (Watch on YouTube) The Clash (Watch on YouTube), and Sex Pistols (Watch on YouTube) brought raw energy and anti-establishment themes to music, influencing generations to come.
• College Radio and Indie Rock: College radio stations became the breeding ground for alternative rock, giving rise to bands like R.E.M. (Watch on YouTube) and The Smiths (Watch on YouTube)
• The Birth of Hip-Hop: Rap music started making waves in the late 70s but exploded in the 80s with artists like Run-D.M.C (Watch on YouTube), LL Cool J (Watch on YouTube), and Public Enemy (Watch on YouTube) shaping the genre with their hard-hitting beats and socially conscious lyrics.
  

The 80s also saw major advancements in live concert experiences, with technology playing a bigger role than ever before. Video screens, elaborate lighting setups, and advanced pyrotechnics turned concerts into spectacles. Artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna elevated live performances into theatrical productions, setting new standards for stage shows. As demand grew, so did ticket prices, making concerts a more significant financial investment compared to past decades.

With the rise of cassettes and the Walkman, people could now take their favorite music on the go, a game-changer for music consumption. By the late 80s, cassette sales had overtaken vinyl records, signaling a shift in how we listened to music. Album covers remained crucial, with striking visuals like Prince’s Purple Rain and Madonna’s Like a Prayer helping to define the era.

Why These Songs Still Matter

Decades later, the music of the 70s and 80s continues to inspire new generations. Streaming platforms show that these classic hits still get millions of plays, proving their timeless appeal. Whether it’s the storytelling of a rock ballad, the infectious beat of a disco track, the rebellious spirit of punk, or the powerful messages of early hip-hop, these songs remain the soundtrack of our youth. Curious about what moved us in the '70s and '80s? Check out M&M Funky Five Jive later this week when we talk about our personal favorites.

What are some of  your favorite songs from the 70s or 80s? Drop it in the comments and let’s reminisce together! 🎶