80s Music Quiz With Answers

Rock On! Your Ultimate 80s Music Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Decade of Excess

The 1980s. A decade defined by big hair, bold fashion, and, of course, iconic music. From the power ballads that filled stadiums to the synth-pop anthems that ruled the airwaves, the 80s soundtrack is unforgettable. This comprehensive quiz will test your knowledge of the artists, songs, and trends that made the decade so musically rich. Prepare to journey back to the era of leg warmers and electric guitars, and see how well you remember the sounds of the '80s! This quiz is perfect for music lovers, trivia enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to relive the magic of this legendary decade. Let's get started!

Part 1: Easy Listening – The Warm-Up

This section features some of the most recognizable hits from the 80s. Even if you weren't a die-hard fan, you've likely heard these anthems at some point.

1. Which iconic duo sang "Take On Me"? a) The Eurythmics b) Wham! c) a-ha d) Tears for Fears

Answer: c) a-ha

2. "Like a Virgin" was a massive hit for which pop superstar? a) Whitney Houston b) Madonna c) Janet Jackson d) Cyndi Lauper

Answer: b) Madonna

3. Which band is known for their hit song, "Sweet Child o' Mine"? a) Bon Jovi b) Guns N' Roses c) Mötley Crüe d) Def Leppard

Answer: b) Guns N' Roses

4. What iconic synth-pop group gave us "Don't You Want Me"? a) Duran Duran b) The Human League c) Spandau Ballet d) Depeche Mode

Answer: a) The Human League

5. Which female artist belted out the power ballad "Alone"? a) Heart b) Pat Benatar c) Bonnie Tyler d) Kim Wilde

Answer: c) Bonnie Tyler

6. This 80s rock anthem features the lyric "We built this city on rock and roll": a) Journey b) Starship c) REO Speedwagon d) Styx

Answer: b) Starship

7. Which pop princess charmed the world with "Baby One More Time" (although technically released in 1998, it heavily draws on 80s styles)? a) Britney Spears b) Christina Aguilera c) Jessica Simpson d) Mandy Moore

Answer: a) Britney Spears

8. The song "Livin' on a Prayer" is a hit by which band? a) Van Halen b) Bon Jovi c) Poison d) Whitesnake

Answer: b) Bon Jovi

9. Which band, known for their quirky music videos, sang "Walking on Sunshine"? a) Katrina & The Waves b) The Bangles c) Bananarama d) Go-Go's

Answer: a) Katrina & The Waves

10. "Every Breath You Take" was a massive hit for which new wave group? a) The Police b) Duran Duran c) Tears for Fears d) The Cure

Answer: a) The Police

Part 2: Medium Difficulty – Diving Deeper

This section tests your knowledge of some less mainstream but still incredibly influential 80s artists and songs.

1. Which new wave band, known for their dark and atmospheric sound, released the album Disintegration? a) The Smiths b) Joy Division c) The Cure d) Echo & the Bunnymen

Answer: c) The Cure

2. Who sang the catchy tune "Tainted Love"? a) Soft Cell b) Culture Club c) Visage d) Sigue Sigue Sputnik

Answer: a) Soft Cell

3. "Don't Stop Believin'" is a classic anthem by: a) Foreigner b) Journey c) Boston d) REO Speedwagon

Answer: b) Journey

4. The song "Billie Jean" features prominently on which Michael Jackson album? a) Thriller b) Bad c) Off the Wall d) Dangerous

Answer: a) Thriller

5. Which band was responsible for the hit song "Karma Chameleon"? a) Duran Duran b) Culture Club c) Spandau Ballet d) Wham!

Answer: b) Culture Club

6. Which power ballad was famously sung by Cinderella's lead singer, Tom Keifer? a) "The Climb" b) "I Remember You" c) "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" d) "Is This Love"

Answer: b) "I Remember You"

7. "Free Fallin'" was a hit for which singer-songwriter? a) John Mellencamp b) Tom Petty c) Bruce Springsteen d) Bob Seger

Answer: b) Tom Petty

8. Which synth-pop band released the album Violator? a) Depeche Mode b) New Order c) Pet Shop Boys d) The Human League

Answer: a) Depeche Mode

9. "Relax" was a controversial hit by which duo? a) Frankie Goes to Hollywood b) Pet Shop Boys c) Erasure d) Yazoo

Answer: a) Frankie Goes to Hollywood

10. Which iconic rock band released the album Appetite for Destruction? a) Van Halen b) Guns N' Roses c) AC/DC d) Metallica

Answer: b) Guns N' Roses

Part 3: Hardcore 80s Fans Only – The Ultimate Challenge

This final section delves into the more obscure corners of 80s music. Only true aficionados will ace this part!

1. Which band, known for their art-rock sound, released the album Remain in Light? a) Talking Heads b) R.E.M. c) The B-52's d) Devo

Answer: a) Talking Heads

2. Which synth-pop duo, known for their androgynous image, sang "West End Girls"? a) The Pet Shop Boys b) Erasure c) Yazoo d) Camouflage

Answer: a) The Pet Shop Boys

3. "Bela Lugosi's Dead" is a gothic rock classic by which band? a) Bauhaus b) The Sisters of Mercy c) The Mission d) Christian Death

Answer: a) Bauhaus

4. Which band, known for their unique blend of funk and rock, featured the lead singer, Bobby Brown? a) New Edition b) The Time c) Cameo d) Kool & the Gang

Answer: b) The Time

5. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" was a hit for which band? a) Eurythmics b) Siouxsie and the Banshees c) The Go-Go's d) The Pretenders

Answer: a) Eurythmics

6. Which post-punk band, with their distinctive sound, released the album Pornography? a) Joy Division b) The Cure c) Siouxsie and the Banshees d) The Sisters of Mercy

Answer: b) The Cure

7. What 80s rock band, famous for their guitar riffs, included Eddie Van Halen? a) Van Halen b) Journey c) Def Leppard d) Mötley Crüe

Answer: a) Van Halen

8. Which New Romantic band had a hit with "The Look of Love"? a) ABC b) Spandau Ballet c) Duran Duran d) Visage

Answer: a) ABC

9. The album Purple Rain was the soundtrack to a film featuring which iconic artist? a) Prince b) Michael Jackson c) David Bowie d) Rick Springfield

Answer: a) Prince

10. Which female artist, with her powerful voice, sang "The Power of Love"? a) Jennifer Rush b) Bonnie Tyler c) Tina Turner d) Cher

Answer: a) Jennifer Rush

Bonus Round: 80s Music Trivia

1. What was the name of the iconic MTV show that launched countless music videos into the stratosphere? (Answer: MTV's Total Request Live – while not exclusively 80s, its format was heavily influenced by the decade and its impact was significant)

2. Name three influential music video directors who significantly shaped the visual landscape of 80s music. (Answers: This is open-ended, but possibilities include: Mark Romanek, David Fincher, Russell Mulcahy)

3. What was a prominent fashion trend in 80s music videos and performances? (Answer: Leg warmers, big hair, neon clothing, etc.)

Conclusion: So, How Did You Do?

We hope you enjoyed this nostalgic journey through the sounds of the 80s! Whether you aced the quiz or just brushed up on your knowledge, we hope it reignited your love for this incredible decade of music. The 80s left an undeniable mark on the music industry, influencing countless artists and genres that followed. So crank up the volume, grab your leg warmers, and keep rocking! Keep listening, keep learning, and keep exploring the vast and wonderful world of music history.