Anthems of the 80's

Morgan Olivarez

Music of the 80’s was energetic and powerful. The anthems that popped up during this time were not just energetic but were to be uplifting and inspirational. These songs also tested the limits of that generation, and often pushed the boundaries on the traditional values that those of the 80’s generation were brought up with.

Songs were memorable not just for their inspirational and fun lyrics, but also their instrumental solos. Such as the song “Runaway” by Bon Jovi which included a Keyboard riff by Roy Bittan and gave the band immediate stardom. The “tune stands proudly as prototypical mainstream rock: melodic, hard-driving, and passionate” according to Steve Peake author of the article Top 10 Bon Jovi songs of the 80’s. Another memorable solo from a Bon Jovi song was from “Let it Rock” which was on their album Slippery When Wet the song had an “…empty- headed by lively chourus that took the notion of “anthemic” clear to the rafters” as expressed by Steve Peake.

 Each song has a unique background and story to it. “Wanted dead or alive” by Bon Jovi was written by a blue collar steelworker from New Jersey. “Thousands of people were moved and still moved by this song” today, according to the article Inspirational songs of the 80’s by Jacqueline Brewster this song often lifts your mood and gets you pumped. 

            According to the article Inspirational songs of the 80’s written by Jacqueline Brewster, Sylvester Stallone wanted “Another one bites the dust” by Queens to be featured in the movie rocky but was refused any right to the song by Freddy Mercury which resulted in the use of the song “The eye of the Tiger” made famous by Survivor. The song was iconic and still remembered today as a result of the film popularity. Anthems can be described as a rousing or uplifting with a particular group, body or cause. In the end an anthem can define a generation.

 

 

Reference:

Jacqueline Brewster. “Inspirational Songs from the 80’s.” 2005-2011. Article dash Board.com.

Steve Peake. “Top 10 Bon Jovi Songs of the 80’s.” 2012. About.com