QUIZ: Can You Guess The ’80s Song By The First Line?
Get ready to test your musical knowledge and nostalgia as we challenge you to guess the iconic hits from this unforgettable decade. In this quiz, we’ll present you with the first line of a popular song released during the 1980s, and it’s up to you to recall the title.
From the infectious rhythms of pop to the electrifying sounds of rock and the smooth melodies of R&B, the ’80s brought us some of the most memorable tunes in music history. So put on your leg warmers, tease your hair, and let’s see if you can guess the song that defined an era!
“I never meant to cause you any sorrow”
A. “Purple Rain”
B. “When Doves Cry”
C. “Kiss”
D. “Raspberry Beret”
A: “Purple Rain”
“Purple Rain” is an iconic song by Prince, released in 1984. With its powerful vocals, mesmerizing guitar solos, and emotional lyrics, the song became a symbol of Prince’s artistry and catapulted him to superstardom, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
“It doesn’t hurt me (Yeah, yeah, yo)”
A. “Babooshka”
B. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)”
C. “Cloudbusting”
D. “This Woman’s Work”
B: "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)"
"Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" is a haunting and ethereal song by Kate Bush, released in 1985. With its mesmerizing vocals, atmospheric instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics, it explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the complexities of human relationships.
"And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack"
A. "And She Was"
B. "This Must Be the Place"
C. "Once in a Lifetime"
D. "Burning Down the House"
C: "Once in a Lifetime"
"Once in a Lifetime" is a captivating song by Talking Heads, released in 1980. With its rhythmic groove, charismatic vocals by David Byrne, and existential lyrics, the song delves into themes of self-reflection, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in life.
"And you can dance"
A. "Material Girl"
B. "La Isla Bonita"
C. "Like a Prayer"
D. "Into the Groove"
D: "Into the Groove"
"Into the Groove" is a contagious dance-pop anthem by Madonna, released in 1985. With its infectious beats, energetic vocals, and irresistible hooks, the song captures the essence of ’80s pop music and remains a beloved classic that gets people on their feet and moving.
"Clock strikes upon the hour"
A. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)"
B. "Saving All My Love for You"
C. "How Will I Know"
D. "So Emotional"
A: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is an exuberant dance-pop hit by Whitney Houston, released in 1987. With Whitney’s powerful vocals, upbeat rhythm, and catchy melodies, the song invites listeners to let loose, celebrate love, and embrace the joy of dancing.
“I hear the drums echoing tonight”
A. “I’ll Be Over You”
B. “Africa”
C. “Stop Loving You”
D. “Pamela”
B: “Africa”
“Africa” is an iconic soft rock ballad by Toto, released in 1982. With its memorable melodies, lush harmonies, and introspective lyrics, the song transports listeners to an evocative journey through the continent, capturing a sense of longing, adventure, and universal connection.
“I’ve gotta take a little time”
A. “Juke Box Hero”
B. “Waiting for a Girl Like You”
C. “I Want to Know What Love Is”
D. “Feels Like the First Time”
C: “I Want to Know What Love Is”
“I Want to Know What Love Is” is a heartfelt power ballad by Foreigner, released in 1984. With its soul-stirring vocals, soaring chorus, and emotional lyrics, the song explores the universal quest for understanding and connection, leaving an enduring impact on listeners’ hearts.
“I don’t wanna talk”
A. “Slipping Through My Fingers”
B. “Lay All Your Love on Me”
C. “Super Trouper”
D. “The Winner Takes It All”
D: “The Winner Takes It All”
“The Winner Takes It All” is a poignant pop ballad by ABBA, released in 1980. With Agnetha Fältskog’s powerful vocals, introspective lyrics, and melancholic melodies, the song delves into themes of heartbreak, loss, and the complexities of relationships, resonating with audiences worldwide.
“Well, my friends, the time has come”
A. “All Night Long (All Night)”
B. “We Are the World”
C. “Hello”
D. “Dancing on the Ceiling”
A: “All Night Long (All Night)”
“All Night Long (All Night)” is an infectious party anthem by Lionel Richie, released in 1983. With its vibrant blend of pop, R&B, and Caribbean influences, the song’s lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and joyful lyrics make it an irresistible invitation to dance and celebrate.
"You were workin’ as a waitress in a cocktail bar"
A. "The Lebanon"
B. "Don’t You Want Me"
C. "The Sound of the Crowd"
D. "Human"
B: "Don’t You Want Me"
"Don’t You Want Me" is a synth-pop masterpiece by The Human League, released in 1981. With its distinctive electronic sound, catchy melodies, and captivating storyline, the song tells a tale of love, ambition, and power dynamics, leaving an indelible mark on ’80s music and pop culture.
"We’re talkin’ away"
A. "Crying in the Rain"
B. "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."
C. "Take on Me"
D. "Hunting High and Low"
C: "Take on Me"
"Take on Me" is an iconic synth-pop hit by A-ha, released in 1985. With its unforgettable blend of catchy melodies, soaring falsetto vocals, and innovative music video, the song became a symbol of ’80s pop culture and remains a timeless classic loved by generations.
"Welcome to your life"
A. "Woman in Chains"
B. "Head Over Heels"
C. "Mad World"
D. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
D: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is a timeless new wave anthem by Tears for Fears, released in 1985. With its infectious hooks, melodic brilliance, and introspective lyrics, the song reflects the human desire for power and control in a captivating and thought-provoking way.
"Baby, when I met you there was peace unknown"
A. "Islands in the Stream"
B. "Jolene"
C. "9 to 5"
D. "Wildflowers"
A: "Islands in the Stream"
"Islands in the Stream" is a classic country-pop duet by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, released in 1983. With its infectious melody, heartfelt vocals, and romantic lyrics, the song captures the magic of love and friendship, becoming an enduring favorite in both country and pop music.
"A man walks down the street"
A. "That Was Your Mother"
B. "You Can Call Me Al"
C. "Late in the Evening"
D. "I Know What I Know"
B: "You Can Call Me Al"
"You Can Call Me Al" is a whimsical and infectious pop-rock song by Paul Simon, released in 1986. With its lively horns, catchy rhythms, and witty lyrics, the song showcases Simon’s storytelling prowess and playful exploration of identity and self-discovery.
"Tommy used to work on the docks"
A. "You Give Love a Bad Name"
B. "I’ll Be There For You"
C. "Livin’ on a Prayer"
D. "Never Say Goodbye"
C: "Livin’ on a Prayer"
"Livin’ on a Prayer" is an anthemic rock ballad by Bon Jovi, released in 1986. With its electrifying guitar riffs, soaring vocals by Jon Bon Jovi, and relatable lyrics about perseverance and hope, the song has become a timeless rock anthem loved by fans worldwide.
"Well, I guess it would be nice if I could touch your body"
A. "Careless Whisper"
B. "One More Try"
C. "Father Figure"
D. "Faith"
D: "Faith"
"Faith" is a bold and infectious pop-rock anthem by George Michael, released in 1987. With its memorable guitar riff, George’s soulful vocals, and the song’s empowering message of self-assurance, "Faith" became an iconic hit that solidified George Michael’s status as a pop legend.
"Won’t you come see about me?"
A. "Don’t You (Forget About Me)"
B. "Mandela Day"
C. "Alive and Kicking"
D. "Belfast Child"
A: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is a powerful new wave rock song by Simple Minds, released in 1985. With its anthemic chorus, emotive vocals, and memorable synthesizer melodies, the song became synonymous with ’80s nostalgia and remains an unforgettable soundtrack to the era.
“Don’t wish it away”
A. “I’m Still Standing”
B. “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
C. “Sacrifice”
D. “That’s What Friends Are For”
B: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is a heartfelt ballad by Elton John, released in 1983. With Elton’s soulful vocals, poignant lyrics, and enchanting melodies, the song beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of love and longing, showcasing Elton’s timeless musical prowess.
“Can you hear me calling out your name?”
A. “Gypsy”
B. “Little Lies”
C. “Everywhere”
D. “Seven Wonders”
C: “Everywhere”
“Everywhere” is a dreamy pop-rock gem by Fleetwood Mac, released in 1987. With its infectious rhythm, ethereal harmonies, and Stevie Nicks’ enchanting vocals, the song captures the essence of love’s intoxicating presence and remains a beloved classic in the band’s discography.
“Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling”
A. “Walk Like an Egyptian”
B. “Manic Monday”
C. “Hazy Shade of Winter”
D. “Eternal Flame”
D: “Eternal Flame”
“Eternal Flame” is a mesmerizing power ballad by The Bangles, released in 1988. With its heartfelt lyrics, captivating harmonies, and Susanna Hoffs’ tender vocals, the song explores the enduring nature of love, leaving a lasting impression with its timeless beauty and emotional depth.
