80s Music

In the late 1970s, most musical genres had become formulaic, overproduced, and dull. Then punk came along like a good swift kick in the butt. Reggae slipped in and insinuated itself. The "post-punk" era came next, and new musical genres blossomed, full of verve and spunk. It was a great time to have the radio on, and a lousy time not to have had a disposable income to buy records with.

Genres That Blossomed

Dance -- Reggae beats and a trend towards minimalism brought new life to the dance floor.
Hip Hop -- A swift kick in the butt in its own right, it really came into its own when it went minimalist.
"New Wave" -- Rock and pop meet post-punk and ska ... and then dance and hip-hop.

"I'm the King of Rock / There is none higher. / Sucker M.C.s / Must call me sire.
To burn my kingdom / You must use fire. / I won't stop rocking / 'Til I retire."
-- Run-D.M.C.