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Playlist Picks: ’80s/’90s Comeback

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Irvine chapter.

Listening to an overplayed song on the radio can sometimes become a strain to our ears. While the song may be catchy and addicting to listen to at first, we can all agree that there is a limit as to how much we can love a song that gets played over and over again on the radio. So we search for a sound that’s refreshing and new or simply blast a throwback song just because it never gets old. Well, how about a sound that throws us back to the ‘80s and ‘90s but is produced during this day and age? Some call these songs “hipster music” because the artists are not as well known as say, Beyoncé. However, you do have to search for these songs because some of them may not be “iTunes famous,” but “SoundCloud famous.” To save you the hassle of digging up these golden pieces of work, here is a playlist compiled of songs with an ’80s and ’90s feel to them.

1. “Somebody Who” by Au Revoir Simone

Mesmerizing vocals, vintage drumbeats, and electric guitar strums sum up the style of this band’s music. If you are looking for a song that reminds you of the electronic ‘80s, then this is the song for you. 

2. “Bridges (ASTR Remix)” by Broods

ASTR is a duo group that composes a lot of their own songs as well as remixes. The original song produced by Broods is also worth listening to, but this remix resonates with the eighties decade. 

3. “Last Chance to Dance” by Ekkah 

Members Rebecca and Rebekah form Ekkah, which is a nice play on words for their band name. Their style of music borders on ‘80s and ‘90s music, the sound coming out of the electronic phase and slipping into that R&B feel. 

4. “Embrace” by Goldroom

Angelic vocals and strong electronic beats dominate this song, calling for the ‘80s to come back. Goldroom is a group that strives for a soulful sound but can still move you on the dance floor. 

5. “Wings” by HAERTS

HAERTS is a band that is inspired by the ‘80s and their music is proof of this. The female vocal’s voice will haunt you, but in a good way. Her voice blends in with the drums, guitar, and keyboard, which gives you chills.  

6. “Falling” by Haim

Haim is one of the more popular bands than those mentioned previously. The band is comprised of three sisters and their style of music runs along soft rock, pop rock, and R&B. The drums and guitars give a pulse to the song. 

7. “Cut Your Teeth (Kygo Remix)” by Kyla La Grange

Kyla La Grange uses her lovely vocals to accompany the song, not just her words but with the melodies she can produce. The remix has a more soulful sound than the original but the original song is also worth checking out. 

8. “Girl Gone Wild” by Madonna

The most iconic singer of the ‘80s is, of course, Madonna. She dominated the charts with her songs during her reign of fame and although she is not as popular today, songs like “Girl Gone Wild” make us feel like we are still in the ‘80s. 

9. “Classic” by The Knocks feat. Powers

This song will definitely take you back, as it has that romantic summertime feel mingled in with the electronic beats. With its bold and seductive lyrics, this song is perfect for those who are spending a sunny day with their significant other. 

10. “Not Around” by Montgomery 

Here is another song in which the female vocals harmonize with the heavy electronic beats. The resonating lyrics and delicate chimes will soothe your mind and soul. 

Deanna graduated from UCI in 2017 with a double major in English and Literary Journalism, and an Emphasis in Creative Writing. She was part of Her Campus from 2014-2016 and became one of the two editors for her chapter. A geek at heart, she loves going to conventions, plays video games, and follows up on nerdy news. In the foreseeable future, she aims to become an author, write for a video game company, and travel to Japan to do some more writing there, all of which are listed in no particular order.
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