Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.
The April 28, 2026 edition of the 80s Music Chart Challenge featured 7 Billboard Hot 100 trivia questions covering Prince, Laura Branigan, Don Henley, and Michael Sembello. The questions span 1981 through 1987. Topics covered include chart positions and radio-era history, with difficulty levels ranging from 3 moderate, 3 hard, 1 expert. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation covering chart positions, artist background, and production context.
This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.
"Little Red Corvette" by Prince originally appeared on which 1983 album?
"Little Red Corvette" was a standout single from Prince’s 1983 album "1999," helping to cement his stardom.
“Gloria” by Laura Branigan was adapted from a hit originally recorded in Italian by which singer-songwriter?
“Gloria” was originally an Italian hit by Umberto Tozzi before Laura Branigan adapted it into an English-language version.
“Dirty Laundry” by Don Henley takes aim primarily at which industry?
“Dirty Laundry” critiques the sensationalism of television news media.
Michael Sembello co-wrote “Maniac” with which songwriter?
Dennis Matkosky co-wrote the energetic hit "Maniac" with Michael Sembello.
During the recording of "Don't Stand So Close to Me," Andy Summers of The Police created the shimmering guitar textures using which technology?
Andy Summers used the Roland GR-500 guitar synthesizer to produce the distinctive shimmering sound on the track.
What 1987 George Michael hit was the best-selling single of 1988 in the United States?
Released in late 1987, the rockabilly-infused 'Faith' had immense staying power, dominating the charts and ultimately becoming the biggest single of the following year, 1988.
Which songwriting duo co-wrote Tina Turner’s “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”?
Terry Britten and Graham Lyle wrote “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” contributing to Tina Turner’s mid-80s resurgence.