I thought that it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane. And look at my all-time favourite decade- The 80s! If you grew up in this decade then you will know exactly what I mean. The 80s was a time of interesting fashion and hairstyles. Amazing pop culture, epic music and the best TV shows. So let’s have a look at why the 80s was the best decade ever. As I share some of my favourite things about this wonderful time.
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12 Reasons Why The 80s Was The Best Decade
The Music
I love music from all the decades, even today’s music. Except not that angry rap stuff, that I will never understand or like. But it would be probably accurate to say that I am head over heels for 80s music! From the catchy pop tunes of Madonna to the rebellious rock anthems of Bon Jovi, there was something for everyone. Remember the lure of the synthesisers that made the melodies come alive and created memorable electrifying music like the soundtrack to ‘Beverly Hills Cop’.
And who can forget the new wave explosion that took the whole world by storm? Bands like New Order, Talking Heads, A-ha, and Duran Duran to name a few. These bands helped to define the new wave genre with their unique sound and blend of punk, pop and electronic music.
The Mix Tape
Haha, the good old mix tape that took so much effort and perseverance to create! Firstly you had to wait (all day) patiently hovering around the radio ready to catch that favourite song. And then with ninja-like reflexes as soon as you heard the song you had to press the record and play buttons at the same time. If you were very lucky you would catch the whole song without the DJ’s intrusive voice at the beginning or the annoying tail end of a commercial. The struggle was real but the victory was sweet!
The Fashion
The 80s would have to be the decade that brought us the most memorable styles. The 80s were all about big shoulder pads, leg warmers, neon colours and oversized t-shirts emblazoned with bold eye-catching inspirational messages like
Choose Life
Be Yourself
Dream Big
It was also the decade of acid-wash jeans, scrunchies, ra-ra skirts and multiple layers of rubber bracelets. The 80s was a fashion adventure for sure!
If you love 80s fashion, you should definitely give this style a try! Small accessories like necklaces, earrings, or custom patches fromĀ Patches Co. can have a fantastic impact. Customising patches with unique 80s fashion elements to embellish your outfit will add a unique and unmistakable retro vibe to your outfit.
The Hairstyles
The best word that describes 80s hair is excess! From big hair to gravity-defying creations, the 80s really did push the boundaries of hairstyling to new heights. Not to mention how the sale of hair spray and gels must have skyrocketed through the roof!
Big hair was all the rage and almost everyone’s motto was “The higher the better”. Oh, how I envied my friends who could rock the big messy Madonna-style hair with the glorious standing-up fringe. I was never allowed to leave the house looking like this. God knows I tried but my mum would always catch me and send me back to brush my hair out. She would say “Why do you want to look like a cockatoo?”. I just did Mum…..I really really did!
TV Shows
Television in the 80s was a cultural phenomenon. There were epic cartoons like ‘Inspector Gadget’, ‘The Smurfs’, ‘Voltron’ and ‘Super Friends’ which featured the ‘Wonder Twins’- “Wonder twin powers activate!”. Back in the days when streaming services didn’t exist, the wholesome family TV sitcoms were the best and I always eagerly anticipated their airtime. I remember waiting and fiddling with the darn TV antenna praying for a strong signal to watch some of my favourite shows like ‘Family Ties’, ‘Growing Pains’, ‘Full House’, and ‘The Facts Of Life’.
The Movies
The 80s gifted us some of the most iconic movies of all time. From the unforgettable dance moves in ‘Footloose’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ to the action-packed adventures in ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ and ‘Top Gun’. It was also a time when The Brat Pack ruled the screen with movies like ‘The Breakfast Cub’, ‘Pretty In Pink’, ‘St Elmo’s Fire’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. The decade delivered countless classics and introduced us to exhilarating experiences leaving us craving for more.
Arcade Games
The ’80s is also the decade when arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Street Fighter and Donkey Kong were all the rage. The colourful graphics, iconic sounds (pac-man dying), catchy soundtracks and addictive gameplay kept us totally hooked.
We were also introduced to portable gaming with handheld devices like Nintendo’s Game & Watch. Oh my goodness, I remember the very first time that I saw one of these. I felt like the cavemen must have felt when they discovered fire for the very first time.
Memorable Toys
I think that the 80s was a golden age for toys. This decade introduced us to toys like Cabbage Patch Kids, Strawberry Shortcake, Transformers and the iconic Rubik’s Cube to name a few. These toys sparked our imagination and provided endless hours of entertainment.
Video Stores
The 80s also gave us video rental stores where we would spend ages trying to decide what movie to pick for that special weekend movie night. The giddy anticipation of finding the much-awaited new release added a real sense of excitement to the movie-watching experience.
Phone Conversations
Before smartphones and texting, talking on the phone was a social event. The 80s teen years were all about spending hours on the phone sharing secrets, stories and laughter. We also had to remember to use our best manners when our friend’s parents answered the phone. I remember breaking out in a sweat after I dialled (yes we dialled back then) hoping that my friends’ parents or worst of all big brother wouldn’t answer the phone first.
Positive Vibes
The 80s really had a sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future. It was a time of dreaming big because anything was possible. There was a lot of emphasis on having fun, enjoying laughter and embracing individuality.
The 80s Continue To Inspire
The 80s with its unique charm has made an amazing comeback in recent years. The era’s influence can be seen in popular TV shows like ‘Stranger Things’, which does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of 80s culture and nostalgia. Additionally, artists like Dua Lipa have embraced the sounds of the 80s and added their own unique modern twist. This resurgence shows just how appealing and enduring the 80s is with its iconic fashion, music and pop culture. It’s a glowing reminder of the lasting impact and inspiration that the 80s continue to exude. The allure of the 80s seems to captivate and inspire all generations.
When it comes to nostalgia and unforgettable memories, the 80s were truly awesome and the best decade ever. I had the time of my life getting into the groove while dancing with somebody who loved me. Because this girl was always living on a prayer and just wanted to have fun!
I was a child in the 80’s and remember so much of it. The music was and still is fantastic and the some of the fashion was brilliant and some not so much. I used to love Inspector Gadget and I am now singing the theme tune in my head. hehehe
The toys were just the best, I was at the right age for all the good one’s from the 80’s. I loved my Cabbage Patch Kids, My Little Pony’s and Care Bears. x
Well Said, I was born in 76 and loved the 80’s & 90’s, great memories to reflect on.
Nostalgia! The mix tape and the phone calls bring back so many memories. I loved The Facts of Life!!
OH yes, yes, yes to all of these!! I loved all those same sit-coms– do remember some of the spin-offs too like Just the 10 of Us with the coach from Growing Pains?
I don’t remember that one probably because It was never aired over here. I think Australia only had about 5 TV channels in the 80s! Haha
I spent many months in Australia during the late 90’s, great times.
I was an 80s child, it really was the best time to be growing up in.
I did laugh at the mix tapes, I remember having to try and record the charts without catching the DJ’s voice on it.
Gaming was great too, I remember my brother’s having the Atari 2600! And we used to pop into the video shop to rent a film.
Good times. xxx
I loved the 80s too, although I was a bit older (I actually got married in 1986 and had my first child in 1988) I was still in my teens for half of the 80s though and I have some happy memories of the music and films and television. I loved Friday’s at Blockbusters. I still look at the place where our old Blockbusters used to sit and feel the nostalgia even if it’s a furniture store now.
I was a child in the 80s and the memories from your post made me smile. I remember the struggle of making a mixtape and trying to start and stop recording without the DJ’s voice cutting in. I remember the excitement of going to the video store to rent a film as well. #MMBC
I was a child in 80s and I have lovely memories. The music and cassette recorders still bring some good memories. My childhood was full of memories and I know that experience with phone calls. Thanks for this post and for bringing us back to the good old days!
#MMBC
Oh the 80s! That was for sure MY decade. I was a child/teenager and the music! The mix tape! The Friday nights at Blockbuster! The hours on the phone with my best friend! My Cabbage Patch Kid! I loved it all!!! There was just such a feeling of fun and amazement in the 80s. Thank you for this post š
It was THE best time! š
I want my life back…
Born in 1988
Stilllo love pictures and cassetes in which we would gather together.
Only cattoon I watched us teenage mutan nina turtles and transformers later.
Nowadays life is solitary hell of confinement.
Whether you are out or inside of house you are feeling isolation, distancing, hatred, betrayal and judgements.
Therefore there is no real friends any much left or more to expect to come.
It used to be like heavens touched the earth realm.
Only evil from then prevails and quadruples freely adopting new waves in tecnologies which are insistira on less privacy and lack of self awareness, you are exposed to worldly opponents similar to cannon fodder.
Love is not existing at all anywhere to be found… it is about an speed, false connection, surveilance over tracking you, as the most noble it has crushed first and foremost leaving forever precipise of neverending sorrow that comes from whom, passing if time, shortying of life and adverse aging process.
I would if sray in eighties, nineties and early two thousands as much more as it is possible to prolong, because it was that good now life feels as suchlike as dead end and this is it period.
Nobody calls, writes for months, weeks, days, nights, even years some of them.
It is as if we no longer exist have never and ever been existing or were in existence, that fact hurts a lot, it kills me actually.
Like love gas grown cold smd lawlesness has become much more greater and in expansion over countless days bd nights that was and are about to come.
Does anybod read me, does God or guardian angel ever come to visit this texts or never even comes close carying for what is going on with us without our permissio, do they feel crying for last former happy days.
VERY late to the conversation but what a great article! Your mix tape description was spot on and had me howling; That’s EXACTLY how it always went down. And I never thought I would look back with nostalgia at screaming for my sisters to get off the bloody phone after being on it for hours! Raiders, Die Hard, Terminator, Aliens…ALL the best movies…
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and YES to all those wonderful 80s movies!! š
I grew up in 70 and 80s absolutely loved the 80s best decade hands down
I 100% agree Martha! š
There’s a guy named DJ K-Otic who does a stream on Twitch Monday mornings at 10 am called Back To the 80’s. He plays great 80’s music and videos! What I love about his stream is that they reminisce about everything 80’s…tv shows, fashion, music, toys, etc. http://www.twitch,tv/djkotic
There’s a guy named DJ K-Otic who does a stream on Twitch Monday mornings at 10 am called Back To the 80’s. He plays great 80’s music and videos! What I love about his stream is that they reminisce about everything 80’s…tv shows, fashion, music, toys, etc. http://www.twitch.tv/djkotic
I was a child in the 80s in Ireland oh my god the best years ever the music the fun irelan d felt so safe back then no refugees Africans assylum seekers Drugs or very little street crime compared to ireland of today is just a dumping ground and open borders back then everyone was on the same page and all united now weare over run with different people cultures from all over world and we are no longer that great place
I was a teenager during the 80s and am so glad I grew up in that decade. Yes it had its problems but on the whole things were better than today. Kids all looked different, they all look like clones now a days, , the fashion, the music, films, kids tv, it was all so much better. There was also a kind of magical atmosphere around that time too.
Again I am so privileged to of been a teenager in the best decade ever.
I totally agree and feel so lucky to have been a teen in the best decade ever!! Thanks so much for commenting š
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Hello Ruth,
I’m from the other side of the world, Portugal and also for me the 80s was the best decade. I was born in 1977 and I was very happy during the 80s.
I still have my audio tapes and VHS tapes.
The colour televison in Portugal started in the 80s, Portugal first olympic gold medal was also in the 80s, the skate boards, the tv shows, the movies, it was just great times.
Sometimes when I remember some things from the 80s, my eyes get full of tears… I’m completely in love for the 80s.
Hi Nuno! Thank you for your lovely comment. I get very nostalgic too when I think of the wonderful times I had in the 80s š
It was the best decade for falling in love.the music was amazing.