Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.
Preserved exactly as it ran on September 21, 2026, this quiz covers 7 questions from across 1980–1989. Recurring threads include Producers and Movie Soundtracks. Names such as Olivia Newton-John, Spyro Gyra, and Cheryl Barnes appear among the featured acts. Expect a climb from moderate footing into 3 hard and 1 expert questions. It is one entry in a growing archive of daily 1980s chart quizzes. The run rewards steady chart knowledge as the questions grow tougher toward the end. Work through it however you like — the reasoning behind every answer is laid out in the notes.
This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.
“On Our Own” was performed by which artist for the film Ghostbusters II?
Bobby Brown performed “On Our Own” for the Ghostbusters II soundtrack, contributing to its commercial success.
The 1985 charity project “Sun City” featured various artists from the chart pool and was organized by Steven Van Zandt to protest apartheid in which country?
“Sun City” was a protest song against apartheid policies in South Africa, organized by Steven Van Zandt.
'Shining Star' by the Manhattans charted during September 1980. The group was signed to which record label at the time?
The Manhattans were signed to Columbia Records when 'Shining Star' charted in 1980.
Singer and actress Cheryl Barnes recorded the powerful track “Love and Passion” for the soundtrack of which Moroder-produced film?
“Love and Passion” was featured on the soundtrack of “American Gigolo,” produced by Giorgio Moroder, highlighting Cheryl Barnes’ vocal power.
Which label appears with Times Two's 'Strange But True'?
Reprise Records is associated with the release of Times Two's 'Strange But True.'
Jay Beckenstein and Richard Calandra produced “Catching the Sun” at which New York recording facility?
“Catching the Sun” was produced at Secret Sound Studios in New York.
Olivia Newton-John’s "Magic" spent how many weeks at No. 1 on the 1980 Hot 100 chart?
"Magic" reached No. 1 and stayed there for four weeks, highlighting Olivia Newton-John's success in 1980.