The History of Rock in the 1980s introduced many new genres from glam metal to new wave. New styles began incorporating sounds and influences from more obscure genres such as ska and reggae, and synthesizers became a prominent instrument in much of the music.

The launch of Music Television, better known as MTV, on August 1, 1981 had a huge impact on the music industry in the 1980s. Music went from something that you listened to on the radio or on a stereo, to something that visually told you a story on your television. Now you could actually see the bands and musicians.http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/80smusic.html

1980-Call Me - Blondie

1981-I Love Rock N Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

1982-Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

1983-Every Breath You Take - The Police

1984-When Doves Cry - Prince

1985-Money For Nothing - Dire Straits

1986-Walk This Way - Run-D.M.C

1987-Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses

1988-Fast Car - Tracy Chapman

1989-Fight the Power - Public Enemyhttp://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/best_songs80-89.html