Why 80s Music Is Often Perceived as Aging Badly, Compared to Other Decades

It was a vibrant and innovative decade for music, marked by experimentation with electronic sounds and new production techniques. However, when it comes to the 1980s, a considerable portion of music sounds outdated and #8216;plastic.#8217; This article explores the reasons behind why 80s music often ages poorly, while also highlighting the enduring appeal of several iconic bands and artists from the era.

Overproduction and Poor Sound Quality

The 1980s saw a surge in overproduction, a trend that peaked towards the latter half of the decade. Unmatched audio engineering and heavy use of synthesizers resulted in songs that are now considered cliché or #8216;tinny.#8217; For instance, 80s electronic drums often sound clunky and lacking in depth, no longer resonating with modern listeners. The mentality of the time seemed to favor the shiny, polished sound over the organic feel that many traditional rock and pop tunes from previous decades possessed.

Deficiencies in Real Musical Performance

One of the primary criticisms of 80s music is its heavy reliance on studio production tricks rather than real-life instruments. Many songs from this period have a distinct synthesizer-heavy sound that marks them as clear 80s artifacts. However, this also often leads to a lack of authenticity and a washed-out, less lively feel in live performances. Unlike music from previous decades, such as the 60s, there are very few songs from the 80s that have stood the test of time as standards, meaning that they are not frequently re-performed and re-recorded in the years following their release.

Commercial Motivation and Short-Lived Hits

Much of the 80s music industry was driven by commercial motives rather than artistic quality. Record companies were more interested in generating quick profits, leading to the production of what were essentially throwaway hits. Artists like Journey and Toto produced successful songs like #8220;Don#8217;t Stop Believin#8221; and #8220;Africa#8221; which, while popular, were often seen as one-hit wonders rather than deep, meaningful works of art. In contrast, artists like Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Elton John, Kate Bush, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie have maintained their relevance and appeal, even as many of their contemporaries have faded into obscurity.

Aesthetic Differences and Cultural Context

The aesthetics of music, including its sound and visual representation, are also strongly influenced by the cultural and technological contexts of the time. While the 80s may have been a generation ahead in terms of electronic music production, this very innovation often worked against them. The prevalent use of reverb and digital production tricks in pop and rock music at the time is now often seen as dated and cliché, even though these techniques were considered cutting-edge in their time.

When it comes to enduring music, there is a certain timeless quality that often transcends the specific cultural trends of any given era. While 80s music has its place in the history of electronic and modern music, many of its sonic qualities are now associated with a bygone era. This does not mean that all music from the 80s is bad; there are certainly great bands and artists that emerged during this time, such as Echo the Bunnymen, The Sound, Simple Minds, The Church, New Order, The Cure, and Psychedelic Furs. But these artists, while influential, are often overshadowed by the more commercial and one-dimensional output of the decade.

In conclusion, the aging poorly of 80s music is largely due to overproduction, a heavy reliance on studio tricks rather than real instruments, and a commercial focus that prioritized quick profits over artistic longevity. While some 80s music remains beloved, much of it is now seen as a product of its time, rather than a timeless classic.