99 80s Music Trivia Questions and Answers

Bob & Earl originally recorded "Harlem Shuffle" in 1963 before The Rolling Stones covered it in 1986.

“Living in Sin” is a track from Bon Jovi’s 1988 album which discusses themes of love and defiance.

Nancy Wilson took over lead vocal duties on "These Dreams," marking a shift from Ann Wilson's usual role as lead singer and contributing to the song's unique sound.

'Borderline' was released by Madonna under Warner Bros. Records, the label that launched her early career.

Icehouse is an Australian band whose 1987 hit "Electric Blue" became their biggest success in the US.

Eurythmics' “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” was their breakthrough U.S. hit, famous for its synth-driven sound and Annie Lennox's vocals.

Gladys Knight collaborated with The Pips on "Save the Overtime (For Me)," continuing their famous partnership in 1983.

“Love Shack” is the biggest hit from The B-52’s, known for its quirky style and catchy chorus.

Los Lobos performed the iconic cover of “La Bamba” for the 1987 biopic about Ritchie Valens, helping bring his story and music back into the spotlight.

"Sweet Freedom" was featured prominently in the 1986 film "Running Scared," enhancing its buddy-cop dynamic with Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal.

"Little Red Corvette" was Prince’s breakthrough Top 10 hit on the U.S. pop charts.

Irene Cara co-wrote and performed the theme song for the movie 'Flashdance', winning an Academy Award and a Grammy. However, she did not appear in the film.

The massively popular soundtrack for the film 'Footloose', featuring hits by Kenny Loggins and Deniece Williams, ended 'Thriller's' historic reign.

"Saving All My Love for You" was Whitney Houston's first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985.

Bob Seger’s album Against the Wind reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart in 1980.

The song's simple, positive message and unique all-vocal arrangement made it a global phenomenon and a Grammy winner for Song of the Year.

"Wishing Well" appeared on Terence Trent D'Arby's debut album released on Columbia Records, which helped launch his international career.

Bruce Hornsby co-wrote "Jacob's Ladder," which became a #1 hit for Huey Lewis & The News before Hornsby launched his own band.

Eddie Rabbitt co-wrote "I Love a Rainy Night" with David Malloy and Even Stevens, contributing to its success.

Olivia Newton-John’s “Magic” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980 as part of the Xanadu soundtrack.

MTV was the dominant music video network in 1989, heavily influencing song popularity and Hot 100 chart performance.

The “Take On Me” video is famous for its rotoscoped pencil-sketch animation blending with live action.

The Buggles' 1979 hit was prophetically chosen as the inaugural music video for the new channel, heralding the start of the video era.

The breakthrough success of "Take On Me" in the U.S. is largely credited to its groundbreaking rotoscope-style music video that greatly increased the song's appeal.

"Lullaby" is from The Cure's 1989 album "Disintegration," known for its atmospheric sound and award-winning Tim Pope-directed video.

Cher's provocative video for "If I Could Turn Back Time" was filmed aboard the USS Missouri and restricted by MTV to night-time airing.

MTV's popularity and heavy rotation of Duran Duran's music videos helped them achieve U.S. breakthrough success.

Duran Duran effectively used MTV videos to fuse visual glamour and exotic themes with their music, boosting their identity and popularity.

Danny Aiello starred as Madonna’s father in the narrative-driven "Papa Don't Preach" video directed by James Foley.

Greg Prestopino co-wrote 'Break My Stride' with Matthew Wilder, contributing to this catchy and enduring pop hit.

'Hyperactive!' is from 'The Flat Earth,' Dolby's 1984 album that further developed his synthpop and new wave sound.

Stock Aitken Waterman were the powerhouse British production team behind Dead or Alive’s iconic synth-pop hit “You Spin Me Round.”

"Funkytown" by Lipps Inc. became a disco anthem in 1980 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Mike Howlett, associated with OMD and Magazine, produced A Flock of Seagulls' debut album, contributing to their distinctive new wave sound.

The English-language version of '99 Luftballons' was titled '99 Red Balloons' and was an international pop success.

Lipps Inc. is a play on "lip sync," tying the project name cleverly to the performance style.

Patrick Swayze performed “She’s Like the Wind” for the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, where he starred.

'Too Shy' embodies the New Romantic style with its emphasis on stylish visuals, polished synth-driven music, and notable bass lines.

After the Fire adapted an originally German-language hit into an English-language new-wave style, reaching broader audiences.

"Flashdance... What a Feeling" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for its memorable role in the 1983 film Flashdance.

"Suddenly" was a duet with Cliff Richard, who also co-starred with Newton-John in the movie Xanadu.

The 1948 film "Key Largo" starred Humphrey Bogart alongside Lauren Bacall, whom the song references.

"Call Me" by Blondie was a No. 1 Billboard hit and the theme song for the movie American Gigolo in 1980.

"Love the World Away" was featured in "Urban Cowboy" and became one of Kenny Rogers' popular soundtrack singles.

Deniece Williams' “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” was a hit single from the soundtrack of the 1984 dance drama "Footloose."

Before Pat Benatar's hit version, Rachel Sweet recorded "Shadows of the Night" for the film Times Square.

“The Woman in You” served as a Bee Gees pop single connected to the Staying Alive soundtrack, showing their film-song contributions.

"Love Kills" was recorded by Freddie Mercury for the 1984 restored version of Fritz Lang's silent sci-fi classic "Metropolis."

“Holiday Road” was famously featured in National Lampoon’s Vacation, becoming synonymous with the movie’s road-trip theme.

Quincy Jones produced "Love Is in Control," bringing a fresh approach that contrasted with Donna Summer's previous collaborations with Giorgio Moroder.

David Bowie collaborated with Queen on the iconic 1981-82 track "Under Pressure," blending their unique styles.

Eddy Grant’s "Electric Avenue" refers to an actual street in Brixton, London, known for its vibrant community.

"Some Guys Have All the Luck" was featured on Rod Stewart's 1984 album "Camouflage."

Mercury played rhythm guitar on the track, a departure from his usual role, contributing to the song's rockabilly style.

The track “I Want a New Drug” was from Huey Lewis and the News’ breakthrough 1983 album 'Sports.'

"Against the Wind" earned Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band the GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, recognizing the strength of their ensemble performance.

“Who Can It Be Now?” was the lead single from Men at Work’s debut album Business as Usual, released in 1982.

The saxophone solo in "Maneater" is a signature element of the track, adding to its distinct 80s pop sound.

British scientist Magnus Pyke’s eccentric voice is featured in "She Blinded Me with Science."

“Bust a Move” earned Young MC the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance, recognizing its mainstream impact.

"Got My Mind Set on You" was originally recorded by soul singer James Ray in the early 1960s before George Harrison's 1987 hit version.

David Lee Roth's version of "California Girls" is a cover of the original classic surf rock hit by The Beach Boys.

"Piano in the Dark" was from Brenda Russell's 1988 album "Two Eyes," marking one of her most successful songs.

Paul DeVilliers, associated with Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie,” also served as live sound engineer for the progressive rock band Yes.

Oliver Leiber was the songwriter and producer behind Paula Abdul’s hit “Opposites Attract,” which showcased a blend of pop and hip-hop influences.

"I'm Not the One" was first recorded for 1981's "Shake It Up" album before gaining renewed success in 1986.

“Cherry Bomb” was a track on Mellencamp’s 1987 album The Lonesome Jubilee, which marked a roots-rock expansion.

Phil Collins' 'Another Day in Paradise' won the Grammy for Record of the Year, an award recognizing overall performance and production.

Soul II Soul’s hit combined soul, dance, and R&B elements and achieved global success.

The Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano's distinctive tone is central to the arrangement of 'Eye in the Sky', adding a unique texture to the track.

Information Society’s “What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy)” includes a memorable spoken sample from the Star Trek franchise, adding a sci-fi flavor to the track.

'Say Say Say' was produced by George Martin, famed for his work with The Beatles, contributing to the polished production of this hit collaboration.

The song stirred controversy due to Milli Vanilli’s widely publicized lip-syncing scandal, which undermined their credibility as performers.

The iconic solo in "Careless Whisper" is played on an alto saxophone, adding to the song’s emotional and memorable sound.

'On Our Own' was prominently featured in the soundtrack of the 1989 film 'Ghostbusters II,' boosting Bobby Brown’s solo career.

'Karma Chameleon' was produced by Steve Levine, who was instrumental in shaping Culture Club's polished pop sound during the early 1980s.

Keyboardist David Paich wrote the song, which, despite popular belief, was not named after actress Rosanna Arquette, who was dating Steve Porcaro at the time.

Barry Gibb, a member of the Bee Gees, produced the album "Guilty," bringing his signature songwriting and production style to Barbra Streisand's work.

'Hold Me Now' is a standout track on 'Into the Gap,' which is the Thompson Twins' commercial breakthrough album.

Although some Aerosmith members contributed to Alice Cooper's album "Trash," none co-wrote or performed guest vocals on the single "Poison," making the correct answer none.

Robin Millar produced Sade’s Promise, crafting its sophisticated and polished sound that blended soul, jazz, and pop elements.

“Gloria” was originally an Italian hit by Umberto Tozzi before Laura Branigan adapted it into an English-language version.

Hugh Padgham co-produced the hit song “Another Day in Paradise” with Phil Collins, contributing to its polished sound and commercial success.

Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is famous for its layered chant-style backing vocals, creating a powerful anthemic effect in the chorus.

Jeff Porcaro co-wrote "Africa" with David Paich, crafting one of Toto's biggest and most enduring hits.

"Peepshow" was the 1988 album featuring 'Peek-a-Boo', highlighting the band's innovative post-punk style.

"Miss You Much" features heavy use of drum machines and sequencer programming, hallmarks of the polished Minneapolis sound produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Kenny Loggins wrote and performed “Footloose” as the title track for the 1984 film 'Footloose,' becoming one of the decade's signature songs.

Jim Steinman, known for his bombastic style, wrote and produced the powerful introduction to “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

“Sentimental Street” is a track from Night Ranger’s 1985 album “7 Wishes.”

The song was inspired by Rick Hansen, a Canadian athlete known for his global wheelchair marathon called the 'Man in Motion' tour.

"The Legend of Wooley Swamp" was part of the album "Full Moon," released by the band on Epic Records in 1980.

Starship evolved directly from Jefferson Starship, continuing the legacy with hits like “We Built This City.”

Produced by Quincy Jones, "Give Me the Night" melded jazz, R&B, and pop, becoming one of George Benson's biggest crossover hits.

ELO stands for Electric Light Orchestra, a British rock band known for blending orchestral arrangements with rock music.

In a diverse field of nominees, the folk-based singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman took home the prestigious Best New Artist award over pop sensation Rick Astley.

The original 12-inch version of 'Rapper's Delight' ran about 14 minutes, showcasing the lengthy live-style rap sessions uncommon for singles at the time.

“A View to a Kill” is the only James Bond theme to have reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking a unique achievement.

Marvin Gaye left Motown and signed with Columbia Records in the early 1980s, where he recorded "Sexual Healing."