Best Indie Tracks of the 80s: Celebrating the Rise of Alternative Music
The 80s was a decade of groundbreaking music, and the rise of indie and alternative music is one of its defining features. Independent record labels, such as Creation, Rough Trade, and Factory, emerged and introduced a new wave of artists who pushed the boundaries of rock music.
This article will explore the best indie tracks of the 80s, highlighting the artists and songs that made a lasting impact on the music scene.
Indie Music in the 80s
The 80s was a decade of transformation, marked by the rise of punk and new wave music. As a result, many musicians began to experiment with new sounds and genres, leading to the emergence of indie and alternative music. Independent record labels, such as Creation, Rough Trade, and Factory, gave rise to a new wave of artists who were not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds.
The Best Indie Tracks of the 80s
The Smiths – “How Soon Is Now?”
The Smiths are an iconic band of the 80s and “How Soon Is Now?” is one of their most popular songs. The song’s haunting guitar riff and Morrissey’s melancholic vocals make it an unforgettable classic.
Joy Division – “Love Will Tear Us Apart”
“Love Will Tear Us Apart” is a hauntingly beautiful track that was released in 1980 by Joy Division. The song has a melancholic melody, which perfectly complements Ian Curtis’s haunting vocals.
The Cure – “Just Like Heaven”
“Just Like Heaven” is one of the Cure’s most iconic songs. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a fan favourite, and it remains one of the band’s most enduring tracks.
The Stone Roses – “She Bangs the Drums”
“She Bangs the Drums” is a lively and energetic song by the Stone Roses. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riffs make it an unforgettable classic.
Pixies – “Debaser”
“Debaser” is one of Pixies’ most popular tracks. The song’s fast-paced tempo and catchy chorus make it an instant classic, and it has since become a staple of alternative music.
Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
“Once in a Lifetime” is one of Talking Heads’ most iconic songs. The song’s catchy rhythm and David Byrne’s unique vocals make it an unforgettable classic.
R.E.M – “Radio Free Europe”
“Radio Free Europe” is one of R.E.M’s most enduring tracks. The song’s jangling guitar riffs and Michael Stipe’s distinctive vocals make it a fan favourite, and it remains one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
Sonic Youth – “Teen Age Riot”
“Teen Age Riot” is one of Sonic Youth’s most popular songs. The song’s distorted guitar riffs and Kim Gordon’s haunting vocals make it an unforgettable classic.
New Order – “Blue Monday”
“Blue Monday” is one of New Order’s most popular tracks. The song’s catchy rhythm and electronic beats make it an instant classic, and it remains one of the band’s most enduring songs.
The Replacements – “Bastards of Young”
“Bastards of Young” is a classic track by The Replacements. The song’s raw energy and Paul Westerberg’s powerful vocals make it an unforgettable classic.
The emergence of indie and alternative music during this period gave rise to some of the most iconic tracks in the history of rock music. The artists mentioned in this article were some of the pioneers of this new genre, and their contributions have had a lasting impact on the music industry.
Whether it was The Smiths’ haunting guitar riffs or R.E.M.’s jangling guitar sounds, the indie tracks of the 80s left an indelible mark on the music scene. Fans of alternative music continue to enjoy these classic tracks today, proving that they remain as relevant and influential as ever.
