Playlist: What music was listened to in 1981?

Music news

New appointment with “What music was listened to in…. “. For this episode we returned to the top of 1981 also drawn up by the prestigious English magazine Nme.

The wave of new wave and the British Invasion is increasingly felt in the ranking but the funky and rap of Grandmaster Flash also appears forcefully.

At the top of the singles chart is the ska tending towards dub by The Specials while the albums include Grace Jones.

The debuts of Depeche Mode, Heaven 17, Human League, ABC, Spandau Ballet, Soft Cell and New Order appear
Among the sound gems: Daf, Japan, Tom Tom Club and Kraftwerk.

To celebrate those years we have compiled a playlist with the fifty singles.
Happy travels in 1981!!!

THE PLAYLIST

Staff

Written by

Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a dedicated writer and key contributor to the WECB website, Emerson College's student-run radio station. Passionate about music, radio communication, and journalism, Christopher pursues his craft with a blend of meticulous research and creative flair. His writings on the site cover an array of subjects, from music reviews and artist interviews to event updates and industry news. As an active member of the Emerson College community, Christopher is not only a writer but also an advocate for student involvement, using his work to foster increased engagement and enthusiasm within the school's radio and broadcasting culture. Through his consistent and high-quality outputs, Christopher Johnson helps shape the voice and identity of WECB, truly embodying its motto of being an inclusive, diverse, and enthusiastic music community.