I Completed 80s Music

I Completed 80s Music

In 2016 I started listening to every single UK chart entry from January 1st 1980 to December 31st 1989. This is the story of that journey, the bands, the music and how 80s music unfolded through lots of lovely playlists. If you’re new to 80s music, consider this a great entry point. If you’re here for nostalgia, you’re in for a treat! Wham! Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, The Smiths - you name it, I have you covered. As midlife crises go, it could be worse! Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check him out at Unsplash!

Episodes

April 21, 2025 34 mins

Join the 80s mixtaper for a captivating musical exploration of late 1980 as we dive into some of the most iconic tracks of the era. This episode spotlights "Embarrassment" by Madness, a bold and deeply personal song that challenges societal norms and family dynamics. We also delve into Jonah Louie's unexpected Christmas hit "Stop the Cavalry," a protest song turned festive classic.

Experience the humorous yet contraversial "Rabbit"...

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Join us as we delve into the eclectic world of 1980's music. It's November 1980 and we're starting with Kenny Rogers’ transformation into a pop sensation through his hit single "Lady," written by Lionel Richie. Next, we explore the beginnings of Spandau Ballet within the vibrant New Romantic scene, highlighting their breakthrough single "To Cut a Long Story Short." We discuss Diana Ross's timeless track "I'm Coming Out," a song ori...

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Join the 80s Mixtaper as we delve into the second half of Playlist 15, exploring an exciting mix of music history from November 1980.

First up is Rod Stewart's risqué exploration of desire with 'Passion', a track that reflects his ability to straddle the line between rock god and pop icon. We then turn our attention to John Lennon's emotionally charged comeback with 'Starting Over', a song full of optimism that ended in tragedy.

Th...

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Join the 80s mixtaper in this episode as they dive into the vivid tapestry of 80s music, exploring the journey of Dennis Waterman's "I Could Be So Good For You," the unforgettable anthem of British TV series Minder. Listeners are taken back to when this iconic theme song took the UK charts by storm, embodying a blend of humor and drama that defined the early part of the decade in the UK.

The episode also delves into the heartfelt d...

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Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music with the 80s Mixtaper as we dive into the second half of Playlist 14, where we explore some pivotal moments in music history. We journey through the landscape of 1980 with Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks," a cornerstone that heralded the rise of rap music, and Adam Ant's "Dog Eat Dog," a breakthrough that reshaped pop stardom.

Listeners' comments spark a nostalgic discussion about Leo Sayer's influen...

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Join the 80s mixtaper as we navigate through a pivotal moment in music history, exploring the autumn of 1980. This episode delves into the careers of iconic artists who defined an era, beginning with Gilbert O'Sullivan's introspective hit "What's In A Kiss," his last top 20 song in the UK during a transitional time in his career.

Learn about the whimsical charm of Bad Manners' "Special Brew," a ska classic inspired by a love for la...

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Join us as we delve into the monumental musical moments from the second half of Playlist 13, starting with the iconic track 'You Shook Me All Night Long' by AC DC. Discover the heart-wrenching story of how the band overcame the loss of their frontman, Bon Scott, and emerged with Brian Johnson to create one of the greatest rock anthems of all time.

Next, we explore Madness's classic hit 'Baggy Trousers', a song that captures the reb...

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Join us in this episode as we dive into Playlist 13, exploring the vibrant tapestry of 1980s music. Our host recounts a unique midlife crisis-inspired quest to listen to every UK charting single from the decade, revealing the era's standout tracks and fascinating stories behind them.

This week we delve into early Autumn 1980, celebrate the artistic evolution of Gary Numan, delve into Robert Palmer's eclectic sound shift with "Johnn...

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Welcome to "I Completed 80s Music," where we dive deep into the intriguing decade of the 1980s, exploring one captivating song at a time. In this episode, we delve into Hazel O'Connor's rise and artistic impact, scrutinizing her monumental track "Eighth Day" and its narrative on technological ambition. We also explore the musical evolution leading to Crowded House through Split Enz's "I Got You," courtesy of Neil Finn's genius.

Our...

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Join the 80s Mixtaper in Episode 12 as we continue the quest to revisit every UK chart entry of the vibrant 1980s era. From quirky underground hits to monumental anthems, this episode dives deep into musical history, exploring songs that defined a decade as we reach August 1980.

 

Kick off with the infectious ska-punk rhythms of The Piranhas and their enduring football chant favorite "Tom Hark."

The journey continues with a deep di...

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Join us as we dive into the enchanted world of 80s music with the second half of Playlist 11. This episode features a delightful mix of chart-toppers and lesser-known gems that defined an era of musical innovation and exuberance.

Discover the rise of Sheena Easton's bubblegum anthem "Morning Train" and the fascinating story behind its global success. Hear about Diana Ross's groundbreaking collaboration with Chic's Nile Rodgers and ...

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Welcome to another episode of 'I Completed 80s Music,' where we embark on a nostalgic journey through some of the most iconic tracks from the 1980s. Discover the fascinating stories behind songs like 'Xanadu,' a unique collaboration between Olivia Newton-John and ELO, reflecting the blend of film and music in its era. Dive deep into the haunting legacy of Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart,' an undying symbol of indie music's ...

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In this episode of 'I Completed 80s Music,' explore the eclectic mix within Playlist 10's second half. Get ready for disco and funk anthems, including Stacey Lattisaw's 'Jump to the Beat,' and also Odyssey's 'Use it up Wear it out'. We reconnect with Joan Armatrading and her hit 'Me Myself I'.

We uncover the layers of punk rock history with the Sex Pistols, delving into their unexpected 1980 release, 'I'm Not Your Stepping Stone.' ...

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Welcome back to 'I Completed 80s Music' where we embark on a captivating journey through the entire 1980s music chart. Hosted by the 80s Mixtaper, this podcast episode offers an in-depth look into some of the era's most memorable songs, fascinating stories, and unique artists. From Phil Collins' rise to superstardom to quirky tracks like Splodgenessabounds' "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please", we relive the vibrant a...

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In this exciting episode of I Completed 80s Music, the 80s Mixtaper takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the second half of Playlist 9. The episode navigates the fascinating evolution of 80s music, delving into the disco era and its transition into synth-pop. Explore the stories behind iconic tracks like The Spinners' "Body Language", OMD's "Messages", and the impactful "Suicide is Painless" from M*A*S*H, uncovering the i...

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Join the 80s mixtape adventure as we journey through the transformative musical landscape of early 1980. In this episode, our host dissects iconic tracks that mark the transition from the late 70s to the quintessential 80s sound.

We start with Andrew LLoyd Webber and Marti Webb, with their evocative breakup song "Tell Me On A Sunday" from the musical of the same name.

Encounter the evolving sounds of funk through the Average White ...

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In this exciting episode of "I Completed 80s Music," join the 80s mixtaper as we dive into the second half of Playlist 8. We explore iconic tracks that defined an era, from David Essex's "Silver Dream Machine," a synth-laden spectacle that soared into the UK charts, to the quirky and enduring "Nightboat to Cairo" by Madness. Discover the indie allure of The Cure's atmospheric "A Forest," and groove to Blondie's chart-topping "Call ...

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Join us on a musical journey as the 80s mixtaper dives deep into the iconic sounds and hidden gems of the early 1980s. In this episode, we explore the dazzling twilight of the disco era with Bobby Thurston's infectious track, "Check Out the Groove." Discover why Thurston, a master of disco-funk fusion, remains a revered figure among funk and soul enthusiasts.

Our journey continues through the ska revival with The Selector's poignan...

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Welcome back to iCompleted 80s Music. In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Playlist 7, exploring the second half with an eclectic mix of post-punk, dad rock, and goth influences. From Siouxie and the Banshees' bold critique of suburban bliss in "Happy House" to Genesis's rhythmical prank "Turn It On Again," we delve into the genius behind these iconic tracks.

Join us on a journey through 1980, a pivotal year that saw the...

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Welcome back to another deep dive into the unforgettable sounds of the 1980s, with your host, the 80s mixtaper. In this episode, we return to the magical year of 1980, exploring a playlist rich with iconic hits and overlooked gems that defined a generation.

We start with Blondie's "Atomic," a dazzling blend of disco punk and new wave that topped the UK charts with its unforgettable groove and irresistible charm. Moving through the ...

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