This is one of our favorite topics of discussion at NPR Music: What was the worst and best decade for pop music? We'll post a survey later asking you what you think, but I say the worst is the '80s.

The 1980s pulsed with an electric energy that transformed not just music, but the entire cultural landscape of America. This was the decade when MTV revolutionized how we consumed music, when ...

As decadently cringeworthy as the ’80s might be, they created some of the catchiest tunes of all time. Matter of fact, ’80s pop music is arguably the foundation of all contemporary pop music. That ...

You know the phrase “time heals all wounds.” With enough time, one’s pain will fade. The same can be true for overplayed songs you once tried to avoid. You may even require a dash of irony—though not ...

The 1980s were a transformative era in pop music. Musicians were moving away from the disco genre of the '70s and decided to innovate with bolder sounds. It was a time in which synthesizers, ...

Patrick Leonard, the legendary '80s songwriter credited with writing countless pop hits, turns 70 years old today.

A beloved ’80s singer known for a No. 1 hit song would have turned 67 today, as fans remember her legacy and lasting impact ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. David Chiu is a freelance music writer based in New York. 1982: British pop group The Thompson Twins members: Tom Bailey, Alannah ...

There is a special magic required to break into the Billboard Top 10 charts. Be it a simple, infectious groove and a singalong chorus or something more nebulous, like the Muse's passing interest, ...

There’s something about ‘80s pop music that still resonates with fans of all ages. From Michael Jackson to Madonna, this decade gave us timeless songs that continue to dominate playlists and radio ...