What Students Discovered About 80s Pop Music

June’s Music Technology and Learning Lab theme took students back to the colorful world of 80s pop music. Students explored famous songs, iconic music videos, and recording techniques that helped define the decade. Along the way, they shared observations about the sounds, styles, and innovations that made 80s music unique.

The Sound of the 80s

Many students noticed the strong presence of guitars and drums throughout the music. Beatrice recognized guitars in most of the songs she heard. Bryn also enjoyed hearing guitars and drums throughout the playlist.

Several students described the music as upbeat and energetic. Sydney noted that the songs felt very upbeat. Bryn thought the music was fun to listen to.

Students also paid attention to the vocals. Haley noticed that many singers used soft voices. Liam heard a lot of high-pitched singing. Sydney described Whitney Houston’s voice as powerful.

Others focused on the structure of the songs. Ellie observed that the songs often began with an instrumental introduction before the singing started. Beatrice noticed long instrumental sections in some songs.

Creative Music Videos

Music videos made a strong impression on many students. Haley noticed that the videos often told stories. Beatrice also learned that storytelling played an important role in many music videos.

Several students enjoyed specific videos. Sebastian especially liked the creative video for “Take On Me.” He pointed out that it used comic-style drawings. Ben enjoyed “Take My Breath Away” because it featured Tom Cruise from Top Gun.

Students also noticed the performers. Freya liked seeing both dancing and singing in the videos. She also observed that viewers could often see the band performing.

Michael Jackson’s videos remained popular with students. Liam enjoyed watching the zombies sing and dance in “Thriller.” He described the song as scary but fun. Graham noted that “Thriller” is a very long music video.

Technology Changed Music

Students learned that new technology helped shape the sound of 80s music.

Aleksander explained that new technologies made music easier to produce and consume. He also learned that the rise of MTV changed how people experienced music. Fashion, style, and music videos became a larger part of popular culture.

Several students were fascinated by recording techniques. Graham learned that some recording styles were discovered by accident. Beatrice discovered that gated reverb, one of the decade’s signature drum sounds, was created accidentally.

Kiyomi explored the history of reverb effects. She learned that echo chambers once required dedicated physical spaces. She also discovered that the AMS digital reverb unit debuted in 1982 and that non-linear reverb created a sound that became louder before fading away.

Students connected these innovations to the music they heard. Sebastian described the music as very electric compared to classical music. Ellie also noticed an electronic quality in many of the songs.

Artists and Trends

Students recognized many famous artists from the decade. Beatrice already knew many of the songs and singers. Sebastian particularly enjoyed the songs by Michael Jackson.

Students also noticed trends that stretched beyond the music itself. Freya observed that many songs lasted three minutes or longer. She compared them to some modern songs that are much shorter.

Several students connected 80s music to modern culture. Ellie felt that many 80s trends are returning today. Jaylin described the decade as an important time for pop, hip hop, and rock music.

Looking Back at an Influential Decade

From creative music videos to groundbreaking recording techniques, students discovered many reasons why 80s pop music remains influential. They explored powerful vocals, memorable beats, innovative technology, and iconic performers.

Most importantly, they learned how music, technology, and culture worked together to create a sound that people still enjoy decades later.