The 80s Glow: 21st Century Edition
Contemporary songs — but with a nostalgic 80s flair.
Written by Emily Gruner
Illustrated by Jessica Wu
We all have those special songs that remind us of the era of John Hughes movies and permed hair. Here are some 21st century songs that are reminiscent of the vibrant 80s to add to your repertoire.
“Devotion” - Ocean Hope
The imaginary love child of Madonna and The Cure, this song is by dreamy synth-pop band, Ocean Hope. The Greek brother-sister duo Angeliki and Serafim Tsotsonis combine lush analogue synths with Angeliki’s ethereal voice to instantly take you back in time to a late-night space-themed party smack in the middle of the 80s. Not only do the instrumentals create a dreamy 80s feel, but the repeated lyric, “solid chrome” solidifies this song as a makeshift time-travel machine.
“I’ll Be Your Girl” - Kitten
Although lead singer Chloe Chaidez’s voice is reminiscent of 70s post-punk, the synths connect to a new wave 80s vibe, creating a glam rock sound that just … sparkles. This song specifically showcases the dreaminess of Kitten’s 80s vibes with Chaidez’s crooning lyrics, “and when you’re lost in the ocean’s swirl / bow down, salvation / I’ll be your girl.” Catch yourself creating your own version of a John Hughes movie after you listen to “I’ll Be Your Girl.”
“Resonance” - Home
You might recognize Home’s sound from the hit 80s-inspired show “Stranger Things,” but he has made tons of critically renowned music, this song included. There are endless articles and videos that scientifically explain why the beat makes the song “Home” so nostalgic, but at the end of the day, I only have three words to describe the song: 80s alien vibes.
“Chosen” - Blood Orange
Dev Hynes, otherwise known as Blood Orange, is no stranger to funky R&B, and Cupid Deluxe, the album that features “Chosen,” is no exception. Almost exactly halfway through the album, Blood Orange draws from 80s-style music to create a nostalgic R&B love story. Listen closely and you might find yourself on a dream trip to New York, navigating the underground R&B/hip-hop scene with Prince.
“Nocturne” - Wild Nothing
I wouldn’t say Wild Nothing copies The Cure like Greta Van Fleet does with Led Zeppelin, but they’re the closest thing to a modern-day New Order. Wild Nothing’s new wave sound mixed with shoegaze style is bound to inspire you to listen to “Nocturne” in tandem with “Age of Consent” and feel emo in pink.
“Perfect Illusion” - Lady Gaga
While “Perfect Illusion” comes off of the country-inspired Joanne, this single leans more to 80s electro-pop influences. Still taking a turn from Gaga’s heavily-inspired pop past, the spunky guitar riffs and Gaga’s powerhouse vocals are reminiscent of the band Heart, making “Perfect Illusion” a modern substitute for an 80s female-rock anthem.
“Five Seconds” - Twin Shadow
This bop will take you on a motorcycle ride in the middle of Arizona during the 80s. The up-tempo beat combined with a sassy Heart-like guitar riff and Twin Shadow’s slick voice is sure to fill you with nostalgia.
“Tear You Apart” - She Wants Revenge
You might recognize this song from one of Lady Gaga’s more ... mmm ... erotic scenes in “American Horror Story: Hotel.” The lead singer resembles a voice of Brandon Flowers. Paired with the new wave beat, the song creates a flair that is enticing and can match any obsessive I-want-you-and-I-want-you-now romantic mindset of the 80s. A little creepier ... but still has that feel.
With these songs, you’ll find yourself wanting big hair and a neon windbreaker in no time. Here’s to adding more bops to your 80s nostalgia playlist!