The 1980s music scene was a vibrant tapestry woven with hair metal anthems, infectious synth-pop hooks, and the raw energy of new wave. But amidst the chart-topping titans, there existed a hidden layer of incredible bands who, for one reason or another, never quite achieved the superstardom they deserved.
These bands weren’t slouches. They crafted innovative sounds, wrote unforgettable songs, and delivered electrifying performances. But fate, perhaps in the form of a genre explosion or a crowded marketplace, relegated them to the fringes of mainstream recognition.
This list dives into 15 of those underappreciated gems from the 1980s. From genre-bending pioneers to hit-making machines just on the cusp of mega-fame, prepare to revisit some forgotten favorites – or discover hidden treasures you never knew existed.
A-ha
For many American fans, A-ha is synonymous with their iconic 1985 hit “Take On Me” and its groundbreaking music video. But this Norwegian trio offered much more.
They notched another US top-20 single with “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” that same year, released three albums in the 80s, and even had The Go-Go’s Gina Schock fill in on drums for some high-profile TV appearances. A-ha’s influence continues to this day, with their eleventh studio album released in 2022 and a loyal fanbase worldwide.
Anvil
Canadian metal band Anvil is often mistakenly lumped in with comedic acts like Spinal Tap. But unlike those fictional rockers, Anvil is a serious force. They’ve been churning out high-octane live shows for decades, earning a devoted fanbase in Germany and influencing metal giants like Metallica and Slayer.
Anvil has a staggering 19 studio albums under their belt, with frontman Steve “Lips” Kudlow leading the charge. While they achieved some success in the early 80s, it was the 2008 documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil that truly brought them into the spotlight.
Boogie Down Productions
Boogie Down Productions (BDP) exploded onto the scene in 1987 with their debut album, Criminal Minded. This album, hailed by critics as a groundbreaking example of gangsta rap, incorporated Jamaican influences into the mix.
The NYC trio, led by MC KRS-One (Kris Parker), D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock (who was tragically murdered shortly after the album’s release), delivered unflinching social commentary about life in their South Bronx neighborhood. BDP’s pioneering status is undeniable, though their work was somewhat eclipsed as rap became more mainstream. Regardless, their influence on the genre remains potent.
Cinderella
Cinderella rode the 1980s hair metal scene to success, but unlike giants like Motley Crüe or Poison, they never quite reached the top tier. What set them apart, however, was their impressive musical talent.
Fronted by the powerful vocals and blues-influenced guitar playing of Tom Keifer, Cinderella’s sound was deeper than the typical hair metal band. This was especially evident on their 1988 album Long Cold Winter and in their later releases throughout the 1990s, following their 1986 debut Night Songs.
Exodus
Though never achieving the commercial heights of fellow Bay Area giants Metallica, Exodus holds a revered position as a thrash metal pioneer. Their first three albums – Bonded by Blood (1985), Pleasures of the Flesh (1987), and Fabulous Disaster (1989) – showcase Exodus at their finest: raw, aggressive, and musically blistering.
Bands like Testament, Anthrax, and Death Angel all credit Exodus as a major influence. Interestingly, while Gary Holt (guitar) and Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals) are the band’s current figureheads, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett actually started his career as Exodus’ lead guitarist.
Fine Young Cannibals
Formed from the ashes of ska-punk outfit The Beat, Fine Young Cannibals (FYC) left a lasting mark despite a short-lived career. Their sophomore album, The Raw & the Cooked (1989), topped the Billboard 200 thanks to mega-hits like “She Drives Me Crazy” and “Good Thing”. However, this mainstream success overshadowed their equally impressive self-titled debut released four years prior. The debut boasted a UK hit with “Johnny Come Home” and featured a killer rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds”, showcasing FYC’s ability to blend genres and create captivating music beyond the catchy pop tunes.
The Fixx
The Fixx, fronted by the talented Cy Curnin, made a splash in the US with their sophomore album, Reach the Beach (1983). This record spawned the iconic singles “One Thing Leads to Another” and “Saved by Zero”, securing their place in new wave history.
While later tracks “Are We Ourselves?” and “Secret Separation” achieved some success, they haven’t received the lasting recognition they deserve. The band’s talent extended beyond catchy hits, with hidden gems like “Deeper and Deeper” from the Streets of Fire soundtrack showcasing their musical depth.
Hüsker Dü
Don’t underestimate the impact of Hüsker Dü. This Minneapolis trio left an undeniable mark on punk, metal, and alternative music, influencing artists like Dave Grohl, Billy Corgan, and even Metallica. Starting in the late 70s as a hardcore punk band, Hüsker Dü eventually embraced a more melodic, alternative sound.
Despite their influence, commercial success seemed to elude them. Their 1984 double album, Zen Arcade, highlighted the incredible songwriting talents of guitarist Bob Mould (who found success after Hüsker Dü) and the late drummer Grant Hart, who shared vocal duties. The band disbanded in the late 80s, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.
Jesus and Mary Chain
Jesus and Mary Chain never quite achieved mainstream success, unlike their contemporaries The Psychedelic Furs. However, their influence on the alternative rock scene of the 1990s is undeniable.
Across their three studio albums in the 1980s – Psychocandy (1985), Darklands (1987), and Automatic (1989) – the band crafted a signature sound. Their music blended emotional complexity with accessible rock structures, a unique combination that some might say was ahead of its time. Check out “April Skies” and “Happy When It Rains” from Darklands for a taste of their brilliance.
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
New York City’s Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam wasn’t your typical 80s pop group. Led by Lisa Valez (aka Lisa Lisa), the band blended pop, soul, and Latin hip-hop into a infectious sound. Their 1985 debut album, co-produced by the influential Full Force, included the club anthem “Can You Feel the Beat” and the top 10 hit “All Cried Out”.
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam kept the hits coming throughout the 80s with songs like “Head to Toe” and “Lost in Emotion”. Their energetic fusion of styles made them a favorite with dance crowds, and their music continues to resonate with fans today.
The Replacements
The Replacements might be more popular today than they were back in the 1980s. This Minnesota band, much like their Twin Cities counterparts Hüsker Dü, started with a raw punk sound. Featuring the classic lineup of vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bassist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars, The Replacements eventually shifted towards a more alternative sound.
Unfortunately, alternative music wasn’t quite mainstream in the 80s. Despite that, tracks like “Unsatisfied”, “Bāstards of Young”, “Alex Chilton”, “Can’t Hardly Wait”, and “I’ll Be You” have become recognized as influential early alternative anthems.
Tesla
Though Sacramento rockers Tesla achieved mainstream success with the hit “Love Song” and arguably started the unplugged trend with their version of “Signs”, they often got overshadowed by the 80s hair metal scene. MTV lumped them in with those bands, but Tesla offered a more refined rock sound.
Influenced by the blues and sporting a more casual look, Tesla delivered pure rock fueled by the raspy vocals of Jeff Keith and the impressive guitar work of Frank Hannon. Dive into their 1986 debut, Mechanical Resonance, and its follow-up, The Great Radio Controversy (1989), to hear their distinct sound. Tesla continues to rock strong even today.
Violent Femmes
Hailing from Milwaukee, Violent Femmes are the minds behind iconic sing-alongs like “Blister in the Sun” and “Kiss Off”. Their 1982 self-titled debut is considered a landmark release in rock music, blending folk, punk, and alternative influences into a sound unlike anything else.
Despite their undeniable originality and influence, the Femmes’ acclaim seems concentrated in a devoted fanbase, particularly in the Midwest. However, this underground status might be part of their charm. They were, and remain, truly alternative in every sense of the word.
Vixen
While The Go-Go’s and The Bangles dominated the 1980s girl-rock scene, Vixen carved out a space for themselves in the hair/glam metal world. Their self-titled 1988 debut boasted top-40 hits like “Edge of a Broken Heart” and “Cryin’”, making them MTV stars with undeniable musical chops on par with their male counterparts.
Vixen followed up with the strong 1990 album Rev It Up, but unfortunately, the changing landscape of mainstream music meant they arrived at the party just as it was ending. Despite their talent and impressive debut, Vixen’s time in the spotlight was cut short.
XTC
XTC, the British new wave/post-punk band, might be best known for the stir caused by their 1986 single “Dear God”. However, their story goes far deeper, riddled with internal struggles like management issues and financial woes, alongside creative brilliance.
Formed in the late 70s, XTC garnered a loyal following in the UK and achieved some success in the US. Their 1980 album, Black Sea, was their most commercially successful in America, reaching No. 41 on the Billboard 200. This album showcased the songwriting talent of vocalist/guitarist Andy Partridge, with tracks like “Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)” becoming fan favorites.