It was a great decade for music in the 1980s, but most instantly think of pop stars such as Michael Jackson or Madonna. During this time, however, something was brewing on the alternative fronts: an explosive garden of post-punk, new wave, and synth-pop music that would be holding a few unforgettable pieces among them. Whether you danced to the British beats of New Order or reveled in the grunge precursor vibes of Hüsker Dü, the 80s had an alternative track for every taste.
Alternative songs provided the perfect escape from the mainstream, filled with a rebellious spirit and an authentic edge. It wasn’t all bright, blinding neon and sweaty synth anthems; sometimes it’s raw and just that bit gritty enough to speak to the soul.
Now, let’s wade through some of the best alternative tracks the 1980s had to offer, including some real classics that even drew influence from unexpected places, such as casinos.
1. “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead (1980)
There’s honestly no better place to begin than with one of the decade’s most iconic tracks: “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. Though he is more commonly thought of as a heavy metal artist, the song crossed over into the alternative scene via its rebellious spirit and raw energy. Lemmy Kilmister’s inimitable gravelly voice and driving bass launched the song into the hearts of fans who weren’t content with the polished sounds of mainstream radio.
The themes of gambling and living on the edge with “Ace of Spades” made the hit relatable to anyone feeling the pulse of the risk, not too different from those trying their luck with a blackjack bet at online-casinos. Lines such as “I don’t want to live forever” summed up the ethos of living for today- exactly the type of message that many alternative fans of the 80s could get on board with.
2. “How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths (1984)
The Smiths were one of the very first to make introspection popular at the front of alternative music with a unique sound and poetically sad lyrics. Arguably, “How Soon Is Now?” is one of their most recognizable tracks with Johnny Marr’s haunting guitar riff and the emotive vocal delivery from Morrissey. The lyrics are about alienation and trying to find a place, which resonated with quite several fans who felt disconnected from the average 80s pop scene.
With their unprecedented style, The Smiths were an anomaly among the mainstream acts; yet, they created a definite place within the soundscape of the decade. Fronted by Morrissey, the band had the ability to encase universal feelings of loneliness and hope that had lingered on long after one heard their music.
3. “Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order (1986)
New Order rose from the ashes of Joy Division after their lead vocalist, Ian Curtis, tragically died. The band’s synth-driven, dance-infused style helped define the sound of the 80s alternative scene. “Bizarre Love Triangle” is a masterly blend of electronic beats and emotionally packed lyrics that capture the soul of one-sided love and complicated relationships.
Its infectious melody and pulsing rhythm made it a club favorite, the perfect nexus between dance music and alternative rock. New Order easily combined all the styles that eventually made them attract a wide range of audiences from various musical backgrounds and crowned them as one of the decade’s best-loved alternative acts.
4. “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes
With their self-titled debut album, the Violent Femmes brought a raw, acoustic edge to the alternative scene with the song “Blister in the Sun.” Playful in rhythm and unapologetic in its lyrics, this became one of the defining tracks of the 80s alternative underground. Such a standout from the others with its lo-fi production, the particular vocal delivery of Gordon Gano perfectly captured the angst and energy of youth.
“Blister in the Sun” is one of those songs that quite effortlessly captures the essence of teenage exuberance and rebellion. The Violent Femmes had their very own sound-unrefined, honest, and entirely infectious.
5. “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division (1980)
Issued just before the premature death of lead vocalist Ian Curtis, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” became Joy Division’s most recognizable track and an iconic representation of the 80s post-punk scene. It’s the sad lyrics and haunting vocals from Curtis, placed upon a happy instrumental backing that provides a powerful contrast and makes this track unforgettable.
The lyrics are emotionally charged, dealing with love, pain, and inevitability, reflecting on the dark side of relationships. Let’s get real, Joy Division’s contribution to the alternative scene can’t be underestimated, and “Love Will Tear Us Apart” stays an anthem for whoever is ready to explore the twisted labyrinth of human emotion.
6. “Peek-a-Boo” by Siouxsie and the Banshees (1988)
Siouxsie and the Banshees were among the very first gothic and post-punk bands, and their 1988 hit “Peek-a-Boo” is only a testament to their ingenuity. With its bizarre rhythmic structure, jazz horn sections, and intimidating vocals courtesy of Siouxsie, the song was something rather different from all the other tunes filling the airwaves. Its unusually weird sound made it one of the real oddities within the alternative landscape, bordering on weirdness and going against the grain of expectations.
Siouxsie Sioux had a strong persona and style that helped reveal alternative music’s direction to voice misfits who did not fit into the world of pop conventionally. Their experimental approach to how the band sounded made them innovative in a genre.
7. “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure, 1987
The Cure is one of the more prolific bands of the 80s, and anything from gloomy post-punk to upbeat pop fell within the different styles that the group did. “Just Like Heaven” catches the band at its most romantic, placing Robert Smith’s distinctive vocals with a bright, energetic instrumental. It’s a beautiful, dreamy ode to love; the lyrics both poignant and uplifting.
That’s what has allowed the Cure to transition so skillfully between dark and light, without sacrificing a shred of their integrity in the process, and it’s part of what cements them as one of the most iconic acts of the 80’s alternative scene. Their songs spoke to the outcasts, to the romantics, to those who feel deeply.
8. “Monkey Gone to Heaven” by Pixies (1989)
The Pixies emerged towards the end of the decade, but they had one of the deepest impacts on alternative music. “Monkey Gone to Heaven” is an incredible case of their distinctive take on songwriting: surreal lyrics joined by an aggressive instrument. It talks about ecological issues and the relation of humanity to nature, something quite apart from common pop subjects back then.
The dynamic soft-verses/explosive-choruses use by the Pixies would continue to influence many alternative bands of the 90’s, including Nirvana. Its raw, impacting sound was different from major productions.
A Lasting Legacy
The 1980s was an era of unparalleled eclecticism for music, and with the alternative scene dominating it, these songs, among many, defined an era’s sound that was as much about experimentation and rebellion as pop glitz and glamour. From Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” and its high-octane thrill, to the dreamy introspection of The Church’s “Under the Milky Way,” these tracks capture the spirit of a generation.
The best alternative songs of the 80s weren’t just songs, but Anthems to a misfit seeking something different, something real. They deeply resonated with those who wanted to be more than the ordinary; they gave voice to the complexities of life and the thrill of risk, much like the feeling of playing blackjack at an online-casino.
