10 Iconic 1980s Albums That Just Turned 40

10 Iconic 1980s Albums That Just Turned 40

Author: Jamie Logie | 1980s Pop Culture & Nostalgia June 4, 2025 Duration: 40:54

Let's go back 40 years and revisit 10 of the best albums of 1985, a year that was a landmark one in the history of music. From synthpop, hip-hop, metal, and classic rock, 1985 quickly became a standout year for 1980s music.

From the chart-topping success of 'Brothers in Arms' by Dire Straits, to the radio dominating 'Songs From the Big Chair' by Tears For Fears, today, we look back on the albums and songs that defined a generation, became a huge part of 1980s pop culture, and also helped to drive MTV.

These albums also include a new 17-year-old future hip hop icon, the debut album by one of the biggest artists of all time, and the standout album that, 37 years later, was brought back into the mainstream by Stranger Things...

 


Step back into a world of neon, synth-pop, and big hair with Everything 80s. Hosted by Jamie Logie, this podcast is a deep, affectionate dive into the decade that shaped modern pop culture. It’s less a formal history lesson and more like rifling through a time capsule with a friend who remembers every detail. Episodes explore the films, television, music, and toys that weren't just entertainment-they were the shared language of a generation. You’ll hear specific discussions on everything from the rise of MTV and the cinematic magic of John Hughes to the toy-box revolutions of Transformers and the fantasy realms of He-Man. The conversation naturally spans the iconic, like Michael Jackson’s Thriller era, to the foundational moments of home gaming with Nintendo. This isn't just about listing favorites; it's about understanding why these cultural artifacts from the 1980s still resonate so powerfully today. For anyone feeling a pull of nostalgia or a curiosity about the era's lasting impact, this podcast offers a consistently engaging and insightful listen. Tune in to rediscover the sounds, stories, and sensations that defined an unforgettable ten years.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Everything 80s
Podcast Episodes
Hulk Hogan and the Rise of Hulkamania in the 80s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:10
Before he was Hulk Hogan, he was Terry Gene Bollea. And before Hulkamania ran wild in the 1980s, he was carefully crafting the character that would not only change the world of professional wrestling but also break throu…
ET: The Movie That Stayed at Number One for 11 Years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
Steven Spielberg was extremely nervous... this was the most personal project he had ever created, and he wondered if he had made a huge mistake. That project was E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, a movie that, at its core, is…
10 Pranks & Hoaxes That Fooled the Entire 1980s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:23
Before the internet could fact-check anything, the 1980s were a golden age for famous hoaxes, pranks, and April Fool's jokes. And a lot of people fell for them. Today, we look back at 10 notable 1980s pranks and hoaxes t…
Exxon Valdez: The Neverending Damage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
It should have been just another regular journey... but in the early morning hours of March 24th, 1989, the Exxon Valdez was about to embark on a fateful voyage This is a look back on the accident that not only decimated…
29 Things You Missed in Back to the Future 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
It had been an agonizing four long years... but finally came one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all time. After Back to the Future became a massive hit in the summer of 1985, everyone wanted to see what would…
The Rise & Fall of Radio Shack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:47
Before Amazon, before Best Buy, there was Radio Shack--and in the 1980s, it was your one-stop shop for all things electronics. Today, we look at the origins of the company--which go back to the early 19th century--then w…
When Cassette Tapes Ruled the 80s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
Cassette tapes defined 1980s music. Not only did they give rise to the Walkman and Boombox, but also the art of making a mix tape. Today, we look back on the creation that not only changed music and tech but also pop cul…
How Star Search Changed TV Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
We live in an era where talent competition shows are a dime a dozen on TV. But in the early 80s, that wasn't exactly the case. Star Search was going to change all that, and in the process, it would change TV forever... T…
Eddie the Eagle: The Remarkable Story of a True Underdog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
With his bright pink goggles and trademark thick glasses, Eddie the Eagle was hard to miss when he hit the ski jump at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. But it was a miracle he even got there. After sleeping in his ca…