If there’s nostalgia for one decade, it’s the ’80s — although many people have never even experienced it. A large proportion of the younger generation has embraced the culture and music of this time, wishing they could have lived it firsthand. Now more than ever, the ’80s are back in fashion, as popular music shows a shift towards the sounds and attitudes of the decade. Some critics abhor this new direction, viewing the ’80s as simply a decade of terrible music. It was all admittedly silly — mullets, eyeliner and leather pants. Yet, the ’80s struck such a chord with people that its influence is now stronger than ever. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m one of those people, and if there’s anything you will get from my columns, it’s that I love the ’80s sound. Despite my bias about the music itself, with its catchy and danceable synths, there’s something amazing behind the music that changed the industry for the better.
The ’80s was a decade of artists with distinct personalities, differentiated by fashion and even hair. Madonna won accolades with her fashion sense in particular. Everything was about theatrics, in contrast to the less in-your-face and toned down music of the ’90s. Michael Jackson and Prince developed unique and eccentric personalities, displaying true showmanship. Even rock became more theatrical — think Guns N’ Roses — whereas nowadays it’s more down to earth with the influence of grunge in the ’90s.
It was also the time of the “me generation,” which explains why solo artists became more popular than bands. Even famous groups were fronted by enigmatic lead singers such as Bono and Jon Bon Jovi. The ’90s was pretty bland regarding solo artists, pretty much relying on ensembles — specifically the boy band. Now, pop ensembles are virtually dead, with Danity Kane being the final nail in the coffin.
With its individualism, the return of the ’80s has ignited new life into the music industry through charismatic artists like Lady GaGa. Her fashion sense hearkens back to Madonna’s popularity, as her costumes differentiate her from other artists. Although Ke$ha’s drunken antics may be off putting to most, at least she revels in it and provides some entertainment as opposed to blah blah blah. Ellie Jackson’s eccentric ’80s-styled red hair also has caught the eyes of US fans. The name might not sound familiar, but she is essentially La Roux (the “band’s” other half is producer Ben Langmaid, another example of bands relying on prolific lead singers). Without bland boy bands and the like, music is certainly in a better place.
Lyrically, ’80s songs were not very deep, with many party songs and carefree attitudes. There was a general lack of seriousness, at least in popular music. During the early 1980s an economic recession hit the country, comparable to the economic climate of today, and the public wanted to feel possible and not downtrodden. Perhaps that is why songs like “Dynamite” and “California Gurls” are so popular right now, because people want an escape from their problems and the economic recession. I know that when I step into a party and hear all the music, all my problems go away — at least for a little while. I don’t see anything wrong with an escape from the harsh realities of life. If it makes me want to dance, it’s fine with me.
As far the music itself, the synth sound is now back in popular music, a shift from the influx of R&B in the ’90s. Even R&B is now embracing synths and coming closer to pop these days. Traditional R&B songs generally flail in the charts now, compared to artists like Usher, who continues to kid himself by posing as an R&B artist. Singers like Ke$ha, Katy Perry and, of course, Lady GaGa embrace synths without shame in their music. I love synths, although they seem more like a guilty pleasure with all the flack against them — go figure. Using synths is viewed as selling out, as it seems that any song that utilizes them is a sure bet to find radio play. Look at Chris Cornell’s change in sound for his album Scream after hooking up with producer Timbaland and the terrible fan response to it (the album is actually shamefully underrated, although a few tracks are below average).
In that case, I have to agree that the shift from grunge to a synth-R&B-rock hybrid is too drastic. However, I really don’t see any problem in artists embracing new sounds and actually showing growth, whether it is employing synths or reverting into dark subject matter like Rihanna. Sometimes, critics must accept the fact that artists want their songs to be successful and try to fit the mold the best they can. While synths are a likely method, staying true to the basics of your sound is still important.
Although I love the ’80s, some of the music was terrible, and there is no denying that. I’m glad that the individuality has rubbed off on current artists and music is now interesting again, and that I can turn on my radio and let my problems disappear with lighthearted music. It will be interesting to see how the ’80s influence progresses and how long it survives, but right now I’m content. My advice: Sit back and enjoy the music.
Original Author: Matt Samet