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Welcome to an exploration of some of the most iconic pop hits from the 1980s, each associated with a legendary artist and a memorable song. The following article delves into the background, impact, and interesting trivia surrounding each of the ten songs featured in the trivia questions. If you're a fan of 80s music, prepare for a nostalgic journey!

1. Whitney Houston had a hit with this song in 1986
In 1986, Whitney Houston reached new heights of stardom with her hit single How Will I Know. The song was featured on her self-titled debut album, which had already produced several successful tracks. How Will I Know is a vibrant dance-pop tune that showcased Whitney's vocal range and charisma, quickly becoming a staple on radio stations and MTV. The song's music video, featuring colorful visuals and energetic choreography, contributed significantly to her growing popularity.

An interesting fact about How Will I Know is that it was originally intended for Janet Jackson, but after it was passed over, Whitney's team picked it up, and the rest is history. The song's infectious melody and universal theme of young love struck a chord with audiences worldwide, solidifying Houston's place among the decade's top artists.

2. Chaka Khan had a hit with this song in 1986
Chaka Khan, known as the Queen of Funk, made waves in 1986 with her electrifying single, I Feel for You. Although Prince originally wrote and performed the song in 1979, it was Chaka Khan's dynamic cover that brought it to mainstream acclaim. The track is notable for its fusion of funk, R&B, and hip-hop elements, including a memorable rap intro by Melle Mel—one of the earliest examples of rap featured in a mainstream pop song.

I Feel for You revitalized Chaka Khan's career and earned her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female. The song's innovative production and catchy hook have made it a defining anthem of the mid-80s, and it still resonates with fans of multiple generations.

3. Vangelis had a hit with this song in 1983
The year 1983 saw the evocative and atmospheric sounds of Vangelis capture the world's attention with Chariots of Fire. Though the film of the same name was released in 1981, the song continued to make waves for years and became a chart-topping hit in 1983. Vangelis, a Greek composer known for his pioneering synthesizer work, created a piece that became synonymous with triumph and perseverance.

Chariots of Fire is instantly recognizable for its uplifting melody and has been used countless times in sports, commercials, and parodies to evoke a sense of achievement. The track earned Vangelis an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

4. Julian Lennon had a hit with this song in 1986
Julian Lennon, son of The Beatles' John Lennon, found chart success in 1986 with his heartfelt ballad Stick Around. From his second album, The Secret Value of Daydreaming, the song showcased Julian's melodic sensibilities and vocal abilities, drawing inevitable comparisons to his legendary father. Stick Around is a catchy pop-rock track reflecting the era's upbeat style.

The music video for Stick Around was notable for its innovative use of special effects, which were groundbreaking for the time. Julian's ability to craft his own identity while embracing his musical heritage made him a respected figure in the 80s music scene.

5. U2 had a hit with this song in 1989
In 1989, U2 released one of their signature tracks, All I Want Is You. Featured on the album Rattle and Hum, the song is a sweeping ballad that highlights Bono's passionate vocals and The Edge's emotive guitar work. The orchestral arrangement, complete with strings, gives the song an epic, cinematic quality.

All I Want Is You has remained a fan favorite and a staple of U2's live performances. The accompanying music video, which tells a poignant story of love and loss through a circus motif, became an MTV classic. The song exemplifies U2's gift for crafting emotionally charged anthems.

6. Duran Duran had a hit with this song in 1986
Duran Duran, one of the most visually stylish bands of the 80s, scored a major hit in 1986 with Notorious. The lead single from their album of the same name, Notorious showcased a funkier direction for the band, thanks in part to the influence of producer Nile Rodgers. The song's infectious groove, memorable refrain, and slick production made it a dancefloor favorite.

Notorious marked a new chapter for Duran Duran, as the band underwent lineup changes and experimented with new musical styles. The single's success reaffirmed their status as pop innovators and kept them relevant in the rapidly changing landscape of 80s music.

7. Billy Idol had a hit with this song in 1988
Billy Idol brought his trademark punk attitude and pop sensibility to the charts in 1988 with the anthemic Cradle of Love. The song was featured on his album Charmed Life and quickly became one of his most recognizable hits. With its driving beat, catchy chorus, and Idol's signature sneer, Cradle of Love was a radio and MTV staple.

The song's music video, directed by David Fincher, became famous for its provocative storyline and stylish visuals, helping Cradle of Love become one of the most memorable videos of the decade. The single's success cemented Billy Idol's status as a rock icon of the 80s.

8. Leif Garrett had a hit with this song in 1980
Leif Garrett, a teen idol of the late 70s and early 80s, enjoyed chart success with I Was Made for Dancin' in 1980. The song is a quintessential disco-pop track, brimming with catchy hooks and danceable rhythms. Garrett's boyish charm and energetic performances made him a favorite among young audiences.

I Was Made for Dancin' remains Garrett's most well-known hit, and it captures the spirit of the era's disco fever. While his music career was relatively brief, the song continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia for fans of early 80s pop.

9. Terence Trent d'Arby had a hit with this song in 1989
Terence Trent d'Arby burst onto the music scene with his soulful voice and eclectic style, achieving a major hit in 1989 with This Side of Love. The song appeared on his second album, Neither Fish Nor Flesh, and showcased his unique blend of rock, funk, and R&B influences.

This Side of Love stood out for its raw emotion and innovative production, earning Terence Trent d'Arby critical acclaim. Though he would later change his name to Sananda Maitreya and pursue a more independent path, his late-80s output remains influential and beloved by fans.

10. Madonna had a hit with this song in 1987
No exploration of 80s pop music would be complete without Madonna, and in 1987 she delivered one of her most iconic hits, La Isla Bonita. Featured on her album True Blue, the song is a Latin-influenced pop ballad that tells the story of a beautiful island and forbidden love. Its lush instrumentation and evocative lyrics set it apart from Madonna's other hits of the era.

La Isla Bonita became a worldwide sensation, topping charts in multiple countries and further establishing Madonna as the Queen of Pop. The accompanying music video, with its vibrant colors and romantic imagery, is still celebrated as a classic piece of 80s visual culture. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to Madonna's ability to reinvent herself and tap into global musical trends.

Conclusion
These ten songs not only dominated the charts during their respective years, but they also contributed significantly to the soundscape and cultural memory of the 1980s. Whether through groundbreaking music videos, innovative production, or unforgettable hooks, each track has earned a place in pop history. Revisiting these hits is a reminder of the decade's creative energy and the lasting influence of its artists.