Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.
On October 18, 2026 the daily challenge served up 7 Billboard Hot 100 questions, kept here for replay. The questions lean into MTV Era and Producers. Expect material connected to Bob Seger, Commodores, and Sérgio Mendes. The challenge builds from 3 moderate warm-ups toward 3 hard and 1 expert questions. The chart years stretch from 1980 to 1987. Every entry is tied to a documented Billboard chart run rather than fan lore. In total the set spans 7 different acts from the decade. The answers and explanations are included, so it reads as well as it plays.
This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.
Who wrote the song "Shame on the Moon," covered by Bob Seger on his 1982 album The Distance?
"Shame on the Moon" was written by country songwriter Rodney Crowell and introduced to Seger by Don Henley before he covered it.
Lionel Richie supplied the composition and lead vocal for which Commodores ballad?
'Still' was composed and sung by Lionel Richie, highlighting his smooth ballad style with the Commodores.
What kind of record is Sérgio Mendes' 'Never Gonna Let You Go' primarily classified as?
'Never Gonna Let You Go' is notable for its smooth, refined adult pop style emphasizing romantic songwriting and production.
Journey’s “Faithfully” was written by which band member?
Keyboardist Jonathan Cain wrote "Faithfully," bringing his emotional lyricism to this Journey ballad.
Taylor Dayne’s "Tell It to My Heart" was produced by which producer?
Ric Wake produced "Tell It to My Heart," helping craft its signature energetic pop sound.
The music video for Greg Kihn’s "Lucky" was a pioneer in the mid-1980s for its creative use of which production technique to place the band in a stylized, hand-drawn environment?
The "Lucky" video used blue-screen compositing to overlay the band onto a hand-drawn animated background, a novel technique at the time.
What duality does the song "Coming Up" by Paul McCartney reveal?
"Coming Up" shows how a solo studio track can be reimagined with a full band for greater impact.