The 1980s

Pop: The 1980s was the era of the pop music, pop songs were everywhere, on the radio, on TV, in movies and many other places. Artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince were among the most popular and influential pop artists.
Synthpop: This genre is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and computer-generated sounds. Bands like Pet Shop Boys, OMD, and Depeche Mode were among the most popular and influential synthpop acts of the decade.
New Wave: This genre emerged in the late 1970s and was characterized by its incorporation of elements of punk, electronic, and pop music. Bands like The Police, The Psychedelic Furs, and Talking Heads were influential in this genre.
Alternative Rock: This genre was characterized by its focus on independent and underground music, and its incorporation of elements of punk, new wave, and post-punk. Bands like R.E.M, The Smiths and The Pixies helped to establish this genre.
Post-Punk: is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1970s as a reaction to the punk rock movement. The music often features a more complex and diverse range of sounds than punk rock, and it often features unconventional song structures, challenging lyrics, and a more experimental approach to instrumentation. Bands like Joy Division, Wire, and Siouxsie and the Banshees are considered as pioneers of this genre.
Gothic Rock: Is a sub-genre of post-punk and alternative rock. It is characterized by its darker and more atmospheric sound, as well as its focus on themes of death, love, and the macabre. Gothic rock music often features a heavy use of guitar effects, reverb, and delay, as well as a strong emphasis on melody.

​Hair Metal: This subgenre of heavy metal was characterized by its focus on image and style, and often featured big hair, tight clothes, and lots of make-up. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Warrant, and Poison helped to establish this genre.

Electronic: Electronic music was getting more popular in the 80s, with the introduction of new technologies, such as the Roland TR-808 and the Roland TB-303. Artists like Depeche Mode, New Order, and Pet Shop Boys were among the most popular and influential electronic artists of the decade.

Reggae: Bob Marley passed away in 1981, but his influence helped to keep the genre alive, other acts like Steel Pulse, Third World, and UB40 helped to establish this genre

Ska: Ska music was a popular genre in the 1980s, particularly in the UK, with bands like The Specials, Madness, and The Selecter helped to establish this genre.
Soul: Soul music continued to evolve in the 1980s, with artists like Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson helped to establish this genre.
Funk: Many funk bands from the 1970s were still active in the 80s and new acts emerged. Bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, and Prince helped to establish this genre.
Hip Hop: This genre was emerging in the early 80s, but it was in the late 80s when it started to gain mainstream popularity. Artists like Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy were among the most popular and influential hip hop artists of the decade.