The Ultimate 70s and 80s Playlist
Hop in your time machines and let my carefully curated playlist take you on a musical journey through the golden eras of music. A celebration of the two most transformative decades in the history of music, this playlist transports you to a time when songs were truly original and unique. The sounds of the 70s and 80s reflected a change in society; breaking the mold and rebellion against social norms was becoming more common. Men and women exercised more creative freedom and self expression was evolving. From the emergence of disco hits to new wave anthems, the catalog captures the essence of a generation that continues to influence musicians to this day.
The Groovy 70s
A time of awakening and revolution, the music of the 1970s was heavy on exploration and experimentation. Life was no longer so black and white and people, especially women, were stepping into their own and rejecting the life established by previous oppressive generations. The music of the era mirrored that energy and became a celebration of life and empowered independence. America wanted to dance the night away and the 70s delivered with the creation of disco. The playlist begins with disco legends ABBA and the Bee Gees, inviting listeners onto the dancefloor with iconic disco hits “Dancing Queen” and “Stayin’ Alive.” As you dive deeper into the playlist, we explore another side of the decade; soft rock. Hits like “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac and “Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rundgren showcase the more tame side of the 70s that would blur the lines of the genre and eventually contribute to the creation of rock subcategories.
The Electric 80s
To me, the 80s marked the renaissance of music. It was an exploration into the unknown and gave way to new techniques and processes that would change the direction of music forever. The 80s brought a flood of energy and technological innovation. As disco began to fade, the marriage of electronic beats and synthesizers leapt into the spotlight, giving birth to synth-pop and new wave music. Some unmistakable hits in the playlist that embody the 80s electronic sound include “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears and “Young Guns (Go for It!)” by Wham!. Each song possesses its own unique style but has an undeniable cohesiveness that identifies the decade from which it came. The playlist also pays homage to 80s classic rock legends including hits “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen and “Call Me” by Blondie. This decade was huge for rock music as many of the hits from the time still play a major role in pop culture today, from movie soundtracks to commercials and marketing.
This retro playlist evokes a sense of nostalgia while still managing to stay relevant to today’s musical landscape. Both 70s and 80s songs have transcended time and consistently resonate with newer generations. Many songs carry emotions that are universally relatable which make them timeless classics, forever taking up space in our hearts. There’s a comfort in revisiting older music in a world that is constantly changing. The playlist is not only a collection of songs, but a view into the past and a reminder of how music shapes cultures. Whether you’re someone who lived through the 70s and 80s or just a lover of the times music like me, this playlist is a must listen. Sit back and let the music take you back to a time of nostalgic experimentation and musical revolution.
