#155 - Top 6 Songwriters of the 80s
Prince - A true icon of the 80s, Prince is known for his taboo-breaking treatment of sex in his songwriting. Refusing to settle on one genre or style, we love the more psychedelic, warm sound of his 1985 track ‘Around the World in a Day’. Fun Fact: Prince also wrote chart-topping hits for other artists, one such example being Sinead O’Connor’s hit single, ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’.
Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman’s lyrics, known for painting powerful, political narratives, take centre stage in her music. Taken from her 1988 self-titled album, we love the track ‘Across the Lines’, which cleverly deploys metaphors pulling apart ideas of the American Dream amidst racial inequality in 80s America.
Kate Bush - Kate Bush began writing songs from the age of 11, so it’s no surprise that by the time her 1985 album ‘Hounds of Love’ came around, she’d truly mastered her craft. Theatrical and poetic 80s pop at its best, ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ has got to be one of our favourites.
David Byrne - Known for his absurdist lyrics and theatrical stage performances, David Byrne’s creativity when it comes to songwriting is undeniable. Part of the Talking Heads machine, which drove Art-Pop into the public consciousness, Byrne, along with the other Heads’, produced some groundbreaking music during the 80s. Their 1983 track ‘Making Flippy Floppy’, from the band’s 1983 album ‘Speaking in Tongues’ is our personal favourite.
Joan Armatrading - Having released 19 albums in nearly 50 years, to say Joan Armatrading is a prolific songwriter is an understatement. ‘Drop the Pilot’, a rock-infused track from her 1983 album, ‘The Key’, features a string of fun riddles and word-play - Armatrading’s electric writing at its best!
Tom Waits - Another artist who perfectly captured the theatrical flair of 80s avant-pop, Tom Waits lyrics reimagine histories and myth, and weave the two with contemporary popular culture. Taking the form of a softer ballad, ‘Time’, sung in Waits’ signature husky vocals, is an excellent example of his creativity as a songwriter.
