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MusicMedium

The 80s: Unforgettable Hits

Synths, new wave, French pop and worldwide smashes: 15 questions on the songs and artists that defined the decade. From the Michael Jackson album released in 1982 to A-ha's groundbreaking 1985 video, how many hits can you place?

15

Questions

2

Minutes

Tip: Use keys 1-4 to answer quickly

The 15 quiz questions

Question 1 : Which band sang "Every Breath You Take" in 1983?

Possible answers:

  • The Cure
  • The Police
  • U2
  • Depeche Mode

Explanation: "Every Breath You Take" is The Police's biggest hit, released in 1983.

Question 2 : Which French singer performed "Envole-moi" in 1984?

Possible answers:

  • Francis Cabrel
  • Jean-Jacques Goldman
  • Michel Berger
  • Daniel Balavoine

Explanation: "Envole-moi" is one of Jean-Jacques Goldman's most iconic songs, released in 1984 on the album "Positif".

Question 3 : Which Cyndi Lauper hit from 1983 became a worldwide pop anthem?

Possible answers:

  • Girls Just Want to Have Fun
  • True Colors
  • Time After Time
  • She Bop

Explanation: Cyndi Lauper released "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" in 1983. Originally written by Robert Hazard, the song became a feminist and pop anthem of the 80s. The colorful and quirky video was one of the first major female hits on MTV.

Question 4 : Which British singer performed "Let's Dance" in 1983?

Possible answers:

  • David Bowie
  • Elton John
  • Freddie Mercury
  • George Michael

Explanation: David Bowie released "Let's Dance" in 1983, produced by Nile Rodgers. It became his biggest commercial hit, reaching number one in many countries. The album of the same name sold over 10 million copies.

Question 5 : Which group sang "Relax" in 1983, a song banned by the BBC?

Possible answers:

  • Frankie Goes to Hollywood
  • Duran Duran
  • Depeche Mode
  • Pet Shop Boys

Explanation: Frankie Goes to Hollywood released "Relax" in 1983. The song was banned by the BBC due to its suggestive lyrics, which paradoxically contributed to its immense success. It stayed at number one in the UK for 5 weeks.

Question 6 : Which Michael Jackson album, released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time?

Possible answers:

  • Off the Wall
  • Dangerous
  • Thriller
  • Bad

Explanation: Thriller, released November 30, 1982, sold over 70 million copies worldwide. It contains hits like "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and of course "Thriller".

Question 7 : Which British band performed "Don't Stop Me Now" and "We Are the Champions"?

Possible answers:

  • The Rolling Stones
  • Pink Floyd
  • Queen
  • Led Zeppelin

Explanation: Queen, led by the legendary Freddie Mercury, marked the 80s with unforgettable rock anthems. The band notably triumphed at the Live Aid concert in 1985.

Question 8 : Which French singer had a big hit in 1985 with the song "Macumba"?

Possible answers:

  • Jean-Jacques Goldman
  • Étienne Daho
  • Michel Berger
  • Jean-Pierre Mader

Explanation: Jean-Pierre Mader had his biggest hit in 1985 with "Macumba", one of the standout singles of the Top 50. A singer from Toulouse, he remains a figure of 1980s French pop.

Question 9 : Which A-ha hit from 1985 is famous for its revolutionary music video mixing animation and live action?

Possible answers:

  • The Sun Always Shines on T.V.
  • Take On Me
  • Cry Wolf
  • Hunting High and Low

Explanation: The "Take On Me" music video was directed by Steve Barron and won 6 MTV Video Music Awards. This rotoscoping technique was revolutionary for its time.

Question 10 : Which American singer popularized "Like a Virgin" in 1984?

Possible answers:

  • Madonna
  • Cyndi Lauper
  • Whitney Houston
  • Janet Jackson

Explanation: Madonna performed "Like a Virgin" at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards in a wedding dress, creating one of the most iconic moments in pop music history.

Question 11 : Which British duo sang "Last Christmas" in 1984?

Possible answers:

  • Duran Duran
  • Pet Shop Boys
  • Tears for Fears
  • Wham!

Explanation: Wham!, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, released "Last Christmas" in December 1984. The song has become a holiday classic.

Question 12 : Which artist sang "Purple Rain" in 1984?

Possible answers:

  • David Bowie
  • Lionel Richie
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Prince

Explanation: Prince released "Purple Rain" in 1984, accompanied by a film of the same name. The album sold over 25 million copies and won an Oscar for Best Original Song Score.

Question 13 : Which French group sang "Marcia Baïla" in 1984?

Possible answers:

  • Les Rita Mitsouko
  • Téléphone
  • Indochine
  • Niagara

Explanation: Les Rita Mitsouko, the duo formed by Catherine Ringer and Fred Chichin, released "Marcia Baïla" as a tribute to dancer and choreographer Marcia Moretto, who died of cancer.

Question 14 : Which Bon Jovi song released in 1986 became a worldwide rock anthem?

Possible answers:

  • Livin' on a Prayer
  • You Give Love a Bad Name
  • Bad Medicine
  • Wanted Dead or Alive

Explanation: "Livin' on a Prayer" tells the story of Tommy and Gina, a working-class couple. The song has become one of the greatest rock anthems of all time.

Question 15 : Which band sang "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" in 1983?

Possible answers:

  • New Order
  • Depeche Mode
  • Eurythmics
  • The Human League

Explanation: Eurythmics, the duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, created this synthpop hit that became an 80s classic. The black and white video remains iconic.

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