Rock Bands from the 80s – Vol 8

This set delivers a mix of synth-pop brilliance, retro rockabilly, and power pop anthems that helped define the decade’s sonic landscape.

From the dance-floor drama of The Human League to the guitar-slinging swing of The Stray Cats, this volume is packed with genre-spanning hits.

Whether you're just picking up the guitar or you're adding new classics to your repertoire, each lesson gives you insight into the rhythm patterns and chords behind these timeless tracks.

Don't You Want Me is a track by The Human League and hails from their 1981 album Dare.

It reached #1 in the UK that year and #1 in the US the following year.

What Do All The People Know is a song by the Norwegian new wave band The Monroes, released as a single in 1982. The song became a hit in Norway and other European countries, as well as in the United States where it reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Monroes were formed in the early 1980s and consisted of members Lage Fosheim on vocals and guitar, Eivind Rølles on bass, Lasse Hafreager on keyboards, and Per Vestaby on drums. "What Do All the People Know" was their biggest hit and is considered a classic of the Norwegian new wave scene.

This song was never featured on any regular album but has appeared on various compilation albums and greatest hits collections of the band, such as "The Best of The Monroes" and "Absolute Monroes".

Rock This Town, with its retro rockabilly vibe, roared onto the scene in 1981, reviving 50s-style rock ‘n’ roll for a new generation.

Featured on their debut album Built for Speed, it hit the Top 10 in the U.S. and UK. Brian Setzer’s twangy guitar and the band’s high-energy delivery helped put rockabilly back in the spotlight.

Stray Cat Strut was another smash from Built for Speed, this 1982 single peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Known for its cool-cat swagger and jazzy guitar solo, “Stray Cat Strut” cemented the group’s unique style — a sleek blend of punk attitude and retro flair that made them MTV darlings.

Africa was recorded by the American rock band Toto and was released in 1982 as a single from their album "Toto IV". The song was written by the band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro and became one of Toto's most popular and recognizable songs.

This song is one of the most enduring soft rock anthems of the decade.

With its tribal rhythms, lush harmonies, and poetic lyrics, it hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song enjoyed a massive revival decades later, proving its timeless appeal.

Hold the Line, a song by Toto, was released in 1978 as the debut single from their self-titled album, "Toto". The song was written by the band's keyboardist, David Paich, and it features a mix of rock, pop, and R&B elements.

This debut single from 1978 rode the line between classic rock and power pop. While technically a late-70s release, its massive popularity carried into the early 80s, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its piano-driven intro and commanding vocals make it one of Toto’s most recognizable hits.

I Won't Hold You Back is a ballad song by Toto, released in 1983 as a single from their album "Toto IV". The song was written by the band's keyboardist, Steve Porcaro, and it features a piano-driven melody and emotional lyrics about a failing relationship.

Seen as a softer side of Toto, this song features emotional vocals and orchestral arrangements.

It peaked at #10 on the Billboard charts and became a fan favorite for its heartfelt lyrics and smooth delivery.

Rosanna was released in 1982 by Toto as the lead single from their album "Toto IV". The song was written by the band's keyboardist, David Paich, and it features a mix of rock, pop, and R&B elements.

Inspired by actress Rosanna Arquette, this 1982 hit blended jazz, rock, and pop influences. Also from Toto IV, it won multiple Grammy Awards and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Jeff Porcaro’s legendary “half-time shuffle” drum groove became a benchmark for drummers worldwide.

The Promise was the debut single from the group When In Rome and was released in 1987 in the UK and 1988 in the US.

This 1988 synth-pop track became a one-hit wonder classic, thanks to its haunting chorus and emotional delivery. Though the band didn’t replicate its success, “The Promise” gained renewed attention in the 2000s after being featured in films and TV.

It peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.