Ep 7. 1980

A Year In Music season 2 episode 7 explores the music of the year 1980. The episode takes us back to the beginning of the decade, when the world was still reeling from the punk rebellion of the previous decade. The episode delves into the diverse music landscape of the year, featuring some of the top hits and critically acclaimed songs of the time.

The episode starts with a look at the rise of new wave music, which emerged from punk and the remnants of disco. New wave bands such as Devo, Talking Heads, and Blondie were at the forefront of this musical revolution, blending punk, pop, and electronic sounds to create a quirky and unique sound that captured the attention of music fans worldwide. The episode highlights their biggest hits of the year, including "Whip It," "Once in a Lifetime," and "Call Me."

The episode also looks at the impact of reggae music on the music world, with a focus on Bob Marley and the Wailers' legendary album "Uprising." The album, featuring hits such as "Could You Be Loved" and "Redemption Song," offered a message of hope and unity that resonated with fans across the globe.

The year 1980 also saw the rise of new forms of pop music, with notable contributions from the likes of Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Prince. The episode takes a closer look at their biggest hits of the year, including "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "Hungry Heart," and "Dirty Mind."

Another major theme of the episode is the influence of British music on the global music scene. From the post-punk sounds of Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen to the synth-pop of Gary Numan, British music continued to innovate and push boundaries in the early '80s. The episode explores their impact and features some of their biggest hits, including "Love Will Tear Us Apart," "The Killing Moon," and "Cars."

In addition to highlighting the biggest hits of the year, the episode also examines some of the more experimental and avant-garde music of the time. From the ambient sounds of Brian Eno to the industrial noise of Throbbing Gristle, this music challenged the norms of popular music and provided an outlet for more daring and unconventional artists.

Throughout the episode, we also get a glimpse into the political and cultural events of the year that shaped the music of the time. The Iranian hostage crisis, the election of Ronald Reagan, and the beginning of the AIDS epidemic all influenced the music of the day, and the episode explores how musicians responded to these events through their art.

Overall, A Year In Music season 2 episode 7 paints a comprehensive and engrossing picture of the music of 1980. The episode expertly weaves together various styles and genres, providing a diverse and engaging look at the music landscape of the time. It's a must-watch for fans of music history and anyone interested in the cultural significance of popular music.