Discover the iconic Australian music groups of the 1980s, from INXS to Midnight Oil and beyond. Relive the golden age of Aussie rock and pop!
Australian music groups of the 1980s held a unique place in the music industry. With their eclectic mix of genres and styles, they captivated audiences both at home and abroad. From the soaring vocals of INXS to the quirky rhythms of Men at Work, there was something for everyone. But it wasn’t just the music that caught people’s attention- their fashion sense was equally as captivating. With colorful jumpsuits, outrageous hairstyles, and bold accessories, these musicians weren’t afraid to make a statement. As we look back at this era of music, we can see how these Australian groups paved the way for future generations and left a lasting impact on the industry.
Australian Music Groups of the 1980s
The 1980s was a period of great creativity and experimentation in Australian music. From the catchy pop tunes of INXS and Men at Work to the punk rock of The Saints and The Birthday Party, there was something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic Australian music groups of the 1980s.
INXS
INXS was one of the most successful Australian bands of the 1980s. They had a string of hits including Need You Tonight, New Sensation and Never Tear Us Apart. Their music was a mix of rock, pop and funk, and their energetic live performances made them one of the most popular bands of the decade.
Men at Work
Men at Work were another hugely successful Australian band of the 1980s. Their hit song Down Under became a global anthem and helped to put Australia on the map. Their music was a blend of rock, pop and reggae, and their quirky videos and distinctive sound made them instant favourites with audiences around the world.
The Saints
The Saints were pioneers of the punk rock movement in Australia. Their raw, high-energy sound and confrontational lyrics made them one of the most influential bands of their time. Songs like Stranded and This Perfect Day became anthems for disaffected youth all over the world.
The Birthday Party
The Birthday Party were another iconic Australian punk band of the 1980s. Led by the enigmatic Nick Cave, their music was a dark and twisted mix of punk, blues and gothic rock. Songs like Release the Bats and Junkyard were both terrifying and exhilarating, and their live shows were legendary for their intensity.
Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil were known for their socially conscious lyrics and energetic live shows. Their songs tackled issues like environmentalism, indigenous rights and political corruption, and their music had a powerful impact on audiences around the world. Hits like Beds Are Burning and The Dead Heart are still popular today.
Crowded House
Crowded House were one of the most successful pop bands of the 1980s. Led by New Zealand singer-songwriter Neil Finn, their music was a blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Hits like Don’t Dream It’s Over and Weather With You became instant classics, and their albums sold millions of copies worldwide.
Icehouse
Icehouse were a synth-pop band that emerged in the late 1970s and became hugely popular in the 1980s. Their music was a blend of electronic and rock influences, and hits like Great Southern Land and Crazy helped to establish them as one of Australia’s most successful bands. Their music still has a devoted following today.
Hoodoo Gurus
Hoodoo Gurus were one of the most popular indie bands of the 1980s. Their music was a mix of garage rock, power pop and psychedelia, and their catchy tunes and irreverent lyrics made them instant favourites with audiences around the world. Hits like What’s My Scene and Bittersweet remain classics of the era.
Dragon
Dragon were a New Zealand band that enjoyed great success in Australia during the 1980s. Their music was a blend of rock, pop and reggae, and hits like April Sun in Cuba and Rain became instant classics. Tragically, lead singer Marc Hunter died of cancer in 1998, but the band’s music lives on.
Conclusion
The 1980s was a period of great creativity and experimentation in Australian music. The bands we have explored here are just a few examples of the incredible diversity of talent that emerged during this time. From the punk rock of The Saints and The Birthday Party to the pop perfection of INXS and Men at Work, there was something for everyone. These bands helped to put Australian music on the map and their influence can still be heard in the music of today.
The 1980s was a pivotal decade for Australian music, with the emergence of new-wave and post-punk movements that gave rise to some of the most iconic music groups in the country’s history. One such group was The Church, whose dreamy, atmospheric sound captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Another group that achieved massive international success was INXS, who dominated the charts with hits like Need You Tonight and New Sensation. However, the punk rock legacy of Brisbane-based group The Saints continued to influence the Australian music scene throughout the 1980s with their rebellious, anti-establishment sound.Amidst the rise of new-wave and post-punk movements, the indie rock sound of Brisbane-based band The Go-Betweens gained critical acclaim in the Australian music scene, producing a string of critically-acclaimed albums throughout the decade. Meanwhile, Sydney-based group Severed Heads were pioneers of electronic music in Australia, fusing experimental sounds with catchy dance beats throughout the 1980s. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds also rose to prominence in the decade with their dark, brooding sound that drew inspiration from goth and post-punk music, captivating audiences with their unique style.Midnight Oil, on the other hand, were known for their politically-charged lyrics that highlighted social and environmental issues, making them a popular choice among Australian music fans in the 1980s. Their music struck a chord with the public, earning them a loyal following and cementing their place in Australian music history. Pseudo Echo, on the other hand, were one of the most successful music groups of the decade, with their synthpop stylings capturing the attention of fans worldwide.Melbourne-based band Crowded House quickly gained a following with their soulful pop-rock sound, with their melodic tunes becoming anthems of the era. Finally, The Triffids were an Australian music group known for their experimental sound, which incorporated elements of folk, country, and rock to create a truly unique sound that was ahead of its time.In conclusion, the 1980s was a decade of experimentation and innovation in Australian music, with new-wave and post-punk movements giving rise to some of the most iconic music groups in the country’s history. From the international success of INXS to the rebellious sounds of The Saints, the era was defined by its diversity and creativity. The legacy of these music groups continues to shape Australian music today, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Once upon a time, in the 1980s, Australia was home to some of the most iconic and talented music groups of all time. From rock to pop, these bands dominated the charts and left a lasting impact on the music industry.
As an avid music lover, I have always been fascinated by the Australian music scene of the 1980s. Here are some of my favorite groups and my thoughts on why they were so special:
1. INXS
- INXS was one of the biggest bands of the 1980s and for good reason. Their blend of rock, pop, and funk created a sound that was both unique and infectious. Plus, who can forget the iconic vocals of Michael Hutchence?
- What made INXS stand out was their ability to constantly evolve and experiment with their sound. From their early days as a pub band to their later success with hits like Need You Tonight, they never stopped pushing boundaries.
2. Midnight Oil
- Midnight Oil was more than just a band – they were a voice for social and political change. Their lyrics often tackled issues like environmentalism and indigenous rights, making them a powerful force in the Australian music scene.
- But it wasn’t just their message that made them great. Their music was equally as impressive, blending elements of rock, punk, and even reggae to create a sound that was both energetic and thought-provoking.
3. Crowded House
- Crowded House’s melodic pop-rock sound was the perfect soundtrack for the 1980s. Their songs were catchy, heartfelt, and always had a touch of whimsy.
- But what really set them apart was their tight harmonies and impeccable songwriting. Neil Finn is a master of crafting hook-filled choruses that stay with you long after the song is over.
4. The Church
- The Church’s dreamy, psychedelic sound was a breath of fresh air in the 1980s. Their music was moody, atmospheric, and often featured intricate guitar work and haunting vocals.
- What I love most about The Church is how they created a distinct sound that was both experimental and accessible. They were never afraid to take risks and try new things, which is why their music still holds up today.
Overall, the Australian music groups of the 1980s were a diverse and talented bunch. Whether you were into rock, pop, or something in between, there was a band for everyone. And while these groups may be from a different era, their music continues to inspire and captivate listeners to this day.
G’day mates! It’s been a real ripper of a time exploring the vibrant and eclectic music scene of Australia in the 1980s. From the infectious pop beats of INXS to the gritty punk stylings of The Saints, this decade saw a boom in musical creativity Down Under.
One of the most striking things about Australian music in the 80s was its diversity. Bands like Midnight Oil and Yothu Yindi blended rock and indigenous sounds to create powerful anthems that spoke to the country’s complex history and cultural identity. Meanwhile, acts like The Divinyls and Men at Work brought a playful, tongue-in-cheek sensibility to their music that still resonates today.
But perhaps what really sets Australian music apart is its unbridled passion and energy. From the soaring vocals of Jimmy Barnes to the frenetic guitar riffs of The Church, these artists poured their hearts and souls into every performance, creating music that was both raw and polished, heartfelt and fun.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan of Aussie music or just discovering it for the first time, we hope this journey through the music groups of 1980s has left you feeling inspired and uplifted. As we say in Australia, cheers mate!
When it comes to Australian music groups of the 1980s, there is certainly a lot to talk about. Here are some of the most common questions that people ask, along with their corresponding answers.
1. What were some popular Australian music groups in the 1980s?
There were many well-known music groups from Australia in the 1980s. Some of the most popular ones include:
- INXS
- Midnight Oil
- Crowded House
- The Church
- Icehouse
2. What kind of music was popular in Australia in the 1980s?
The 1980s saw a variety of different musical genres becoming popular in Australia. Some of the most popular ones included:
- New wave
- Punk rock
- Synth-pop
- Post-punk
- Aussie pub rock
3. Did any Australian music groups achieve international success in the 1980s?
Yes, quite a few Australian music groups achieved international success during the 1980s. INXS and Midnight Oil were two of the most successful, but many others also made a name for themselves overseas.
4. What impact did Australian music groups of the 1980s have on the music industry?
Australian music groups of the 1980s had a significant impact on the global music industry. They helped to put Australia on the map as a music powerhouse, and many of them paved the way for future generations of Australian musicians.
5. Are there any Australian music groups from the 1980s still active today?
Yes, there are several Australian music groups from the 1980s that are still active today. Some of these include:
- Midnight Oil
- The Church
- Hoodoo Gurus
- I’m Talking
- Mental As Anything
No matter how you look at it, Australian music groups of the 1980s played an important role in shaping the musical landscape both in Australia and around the world.
