EXPLORE THE SOUNDS OF THE DECADE
80s Music Genres
From New Romantic synth-pop to Acid House, Ska, Metal and the dancefloor sounds that transformed music.
CHOOSE YOUR SOUND
Explore the scenes that shaped the 80s
Each guide brings together the story, style and music behind a defining sound.
CLUB CULTURE
80s GENRE GUIDEAcid HouseSquiggling basslines, warehouse energy and the sound that changed British club culture.EXPLORE ACID HOUSE →
DANCEFLOOR
80s GENRE GUIDEDanceThe pop, electronic and club records that kept the decade moving.EXPLORE DANCE →
DARK ALTERNATIVE
80s GENRE GUIDEGothicsAtmospheric post-punk, dramatic style and the darker side of the eighties.EXPLORE GOTHICS →
CHICAGO TO THE UK
80s GENRE GUIDEHouse MusicFour-to-the-floor rhythms, soulful vocals and the birth of a global movement.EXPLORE HOUSE MUSIC →
LOUD & PROUD
80s GENRE GUIDEMetalBig riffs, arena anthems and the bands that took heavy music worldwide.EXPLORE METAL →
STYLE & SYNTHS
80s GENRE GUIDENew RomanticsSynth-pop glamour, theatrical fashion and a new generation of British stars.EXPLORE NEW ROMANTICS →
2 TONE
80s GENRE GUIDESkaUpbeat rhythms, sharp style and socially charged songs from the 2 Tone era.EXPLORE SKA →
MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE
Browse music by genre
Open the Songs and Albums catalogue for more genre-labelled music.