Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.
Revisiting the daily quiz from August 31, 2026, this set works through 7 questions rooted in genuine 1980s chart history. It draws on the work of Foreigner, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie. The themes reach into Producers. The set is weighted across 3 moderate, 3 hard, and 1 expert questions. In total the set spans 7 different acts from the decade. The chart years stretch from 1980 to 1987. Its sound sits squarely in the soul corner of the era. Browse the answers and notes to see how each chart fact fits into the wider decade.
This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.
Who wrote The Spinners' 1982 polished soul-pop single 'Funny How Time Slips Away' originally a country-pop standard?
Willie Nelson wrote 'Funny How Time Slips Away,' which The Spinners adapted into a polished soul-pop single.
"I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner is from which album?
"I Want to Know What Love Is" appeared on Foreigner's 1984 album "Agent Provocateur" and became one of their biggest hits.
In 1985, what charity supergroup single, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, topped charts worldwide?
Recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa, 'We Are the World' was a monumental effort to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Bruce Springsteen's 1986 live cover of "War" was originally recorded by which artist in 1970 after it was initially intended for The Temptations?
"War" was originally a Motown hit performed by Edwin Starr in 1970, becoming an iconic protest anthem; Springsteen's 1986 live cover paid homage to that legacy.
David Bowie’s “China Girl” was co-written with which artist who had recorded the song earlier?
Iggy Pop originally recorded "China Girl" and co-wrote the song with David Bowie before Bowie made it a hit.
“Cars” appears on which Gary Numan album?
“Cars” was the standout track from Gary Numan’s 1979 album The Pleasure Principle, gaining major chart success in 1980.
How is artistic control exemplified by Prince in "I Wanna Be Your Lover"?
Prince handled writing, production, and performance himself, reflecting his total artistic control over the record.