Do you think your 80s pop music trivia knowledge is as solid as a Rick Astley promise? It’s time to test that claim with our Ultimate 80s Music Trivia Quiz! Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or a Spotify playlist aficionado, with 70 questions in 7 rounds, this quiz will take you on a DeLorean ride through the neon-lit streets of the most eclectic music era.
Why 80s Music Still Rocks Our World:
Ah, the 80s – when hair was big, and synthesizers ruled the world. But what made this era so unforgettable? Is it the fact that every 80s song sounds like the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie, or is it because we all secretly wish we could pull off shoulder pads? Let’s explore why this decade’s tunes are still the life of every party.
Let’s Get Quizzical – The Ultimate 80s Music Trivia Challenge
We’ve got 70 music trivia questions and answers for you in seven 10-question rounds to test your knowledge of glam hairdos and hit songs.
Round 1: Artist or Imposter?
Can you tell your Whams from your Bams and your Durans from your Durans? We’ll give you a song title, and you tell us who sang it. Speed’s your friend here—don’t overthink unless you want to be caught in a hit-and-run!
- Beat It
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- Material Girl
- When Doves Cry
- Hello
- Fast Car
- I Should Be So Lucky
- Video Killed the Radio Star
- Africa
- We Are the World
Round 2: Name That Synth-tastic Tune:
We’ll play a snippet, and you’ll guess the track. Tip: If it sounds like an electronic cat walking on a piano, it’s probably from the 80s.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Round 3: Lyrically Speaking:
We start the lyrics, and you finish them. If you’ve ever belted out a power ballad with a hairbrush microphone, this round’s for you.
- Touch me, how can it be? / Believe me, the sun…
- No matter when or where or who / Has one thing in common too…
- Most of freedom and of pleasure / Nothing ever lasts forever…
- Shot through the heart and you’re to blame / Darlin’, you …
- Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up / (Oh-oh, here she comes)…
- The landlord say your rent is late he may have to litigate…
- I can call you Betty / And Betty, when you call me…
- Every day is like survival (survival) / You’re my lover…
- Darkness falls across the land / The….
- See the stone set in your eyes…
Round 4: Fill in the Blank:
We give you a line, minus a word. Pop in the missing piece faster than you can say “Moonwalk.”
- I try to ______ about it / Hiding the tears in my eyes
- So they came in to the outway / It was Sunday, what a _____ day
- Every step you take / I’ll be _________ you
- Oh, I wanna dance with somebody / I wanna feel the _____ with somebody
- In my life, there’s been heartache and pain / I don’t know if I can _______ it again
- I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the ____________
- Papa don’t preach / I’m in _________ deep
- What’s love, but a ____________ emotion?
- I get up in the _________ / And I ain’t got nothing to say
- Act your age, mama, not your _________ size
Round 5: True or False – Mythbusting the 80s:
Think you can separate 80s music trivia fact from fiction? Let’s see if your knowledge is as authentic as a pair of vintage leg warmers.
- Michael Jackson had a chimpanzee named Bubbles.
- MTV was launched in 1982 with Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
- Live Aid was held in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Kenya.
- Prince never showed up to record “We Are the World.”
- The first commercially available CD was Billy Joel’s “52nd Street.”
- Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was a cover version.
- Phil Collins used to be Genesis’ lead guitarist.
- Depeche Mode, The Human League, and New Order were known as Hair Metal bands.
- Run DMC and Bon Jovi collaborated on “Walk This Way”
- Parental advisory labels were introduced in 1985.
Round 6: Video Art Archeology:
Match the screenshot from the 80s music video to the artist. Because, let’s face it, the 80s were as much about the look as they were about the sound.
Round 7: General 80s Pop Music Knowledge
In this interactive round, you’ll get 10 multiple-choice questions about 80s music trivia with a current twist. Guess wisely!
Found a mistake? Tell us!
Come back tomorrow for another quiz!
Conclusion: How Did You Fare on the Ultimate 80s Music Quiz?
Here are the correct answers:
Round 1:
- Michael Jackson.
- Cyndi Lauper
- Madonna
- Prince
- Lionel Richie
- Tracy Chapman
- Kylie Minogue
- The Buggles
- Toto
- USA For Africa
Round 2:
- A-ha – Take On Me
- Europe – The Final Countdown
- Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
- Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This
- Baltimora – Tarzan Boy
- Irene Cara – Flashdance / What A Feeling
- Wham – Everything She Wants
- The Communards – Don’t Leave Me This Way
- Pet Shop Boys – Always On My Mind
- Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Don’t Come Around Here No More
Round 3:
- … always shines on TV (The Sun Always Shines on TV / A-ha)
- It’s a sin (It’s a Sin / Pet Shop Boys)
- Everybody wants to rule the world (Everybody Wants to Rule the World /Tears for Fears)
- …give love a bad name (You Give Love a Bad Name / Bon Jovi)
- …She’s a Maneater (Maneater / Dary Hall & John Oats)
- Don’t worry, be happy (Don’t Worry Be Happy / Bobby McFerrin)
- … You can call me Al (You Can Call Me Al / Paul Simon)
- …not your rival (Karma Chameleon / Culture Club)
- … midnight hour is close at hand (Thriller / Michael Jackson)
- See the thorn twist in your side (With or Without You / U2)
Round 4
- Laugh (Boys Don’t Cry / The Cure)
- Black (Smooth Criminal / Michael Jackson)
- Watching (Every Breath You Take / The Police)
- Heat (I Wanna Dance with Somebody / Whitney Houston)
- Face (I Want to Know What Love Is / Foreigner
- Night (Holding Out For a Hero / Bonnie Tyler)
- Trouble (Papa Don’t Preach / Madonna)
- Second-hand (What’s Love Got to Do With It / Tina Turner)
- Evening (Dancing in the Dark / Bruce Springsteen)
- Shoe (Kiss / Prince)
Round 5
- True
- False: It launched in 1981 with Video Killed the Radio Star
- False: Live Aid was held in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
- True.
- True.
- True.
- False. He was a drummer and lead singer.
- False. Depeche Mode, The Human League, and New Order were known for their heavy use of synthesizers.
- False: Run DMC and Aerosmith collaborated on “Walk This Way”
- True.
Round 6:
- Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name
- Wham! – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
- Dead Or Alive – You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)
- Culture Club – Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
- Kool & The Gang – Cherish
- Duran Duran – Save A Prayer
- The Human League – Human
- Van Halen – Jump
- The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian
- The Cure – Lovesong
Whether you scored top marks or realized you might need to brush up on your retro repertoire, we hope you enjoyed this blast from the past. Keep tuning into those ‘80s tracks, and who knows? By our next quiz, you might just be ready to graduate from a Rickroll enthusiast to a bona fide 80s music sage!
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Even more trivia!
Now that you know all the facts about 80s music trivia, how about another nostalgia quiz?
FAQ
The 80s music scene was marked by its incredible diversity, the rise of new wave, synth-pop, and glam metal, and the heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines. This era welcomed an explosion of bold styles, vibrant visuals, and a blend of various genres, creating a distinctive sound resonating globally. Thanks to technological advancements, the 80s also saw artists pushing the boundaries of music production, resulting in a unique sonic landscape that is instantly recognizable.
The 80s was the golden age of music videos, largely thanks to the launch of MTV in 1981. Artists realized music videos were a powerful tool for branding and reaching a wider audience. This led to creating visually stunning, innovative, and sometimes eccentric videos that became as iconic as the songs themselves. These videos’ storytelling, artistic expression, and theatrical elements left a lasting impact on pop culture.
Absolutely! Nostalgia has a powerful emotional impact, and 80s music, with its upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and feel-good vibes, can transport listeners back to a simpler time, evoking happy memories and positive feelings. The energetic beats and uplifting tunes of the 80s can serve as a mood booster, reducing stress and creating a sense of comfort and joy.
The 80s was a pivotal decade for technological advancements in music. The widespread adoption of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers allowed artists to experiment with new sounds and create music that wasn’t possible before. These technologies gave rise to genres like synth-pop and new wave and enabled artists to craft multi-layered compositions, adding depth and complexity to their music. Additionally, digital recording and sampling opened new avenues for creativity and innovation in the music production process.
For those new to 80s music, here are a few essential albums to start with:
– Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”
– Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”
– Prince’s “Purple Rain”
– U2’s “The Joshua Tree”
– The Cure’s “Disintegration”
– Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.”
– Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album
These albums offer a glimpse into the diverse landscape of 80s music and are pivotal in understanding the era’s cultural and musical impact.
The influence of 80s music is evident in the work of many contemporary artists who draw inspiration from the era’s distinctive sound and aesthetics. Modern musicians often incorporate synthesizers, electronic beats, and the overall upbeat, vibrant energy of the 80s into their music. Artists like Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars have created songs that echo the 80s style, demonstrating the decade’s enduring influence on the music industry. The revival of vinyl records and cassette tapes also reflects a continued appreciation for the 80s music culture.
Final Note:
Keep the 80s spirit alive by exploring more trivia and facts on HowSmart.net. Whether you aced the 80s music trivia quiz or are heading back to the drawing board, remember – in the world of 80s music trivia, everyone’s a winner, just like in a participation-trophy soccer league.
