Question 1

Which Michael Jackson album, released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time?

Accepted Answer

Thriller. Thriller has sold over 70 million copies worldwide. Its seven Billboard top-10 singles and the groundbreaking 14-minute Thriller music video reshaped what an album could achieve.

Question 2

Madonna's 1984 hit 'Like a Virgin' was produced by which legendary producer?

Accepted Answer

Nile Rodgers. Nile Rodgers of Chic fame produced Like a Virgin, including the iconic title track. His funky guitar work and clean production became a Madonna signature sound.

Question 3

What 1985 charity single was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure?

Accepted Answer

Do They Know It's Christmas?. Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid raised funds for Ethiopian famine relief. Its success directly inspired USA for Africa's 'We Are the World' and the Live Aid concerts.

Question 4

Which band released 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' for The Breakfast Club soundtrack?

Accepted Answer

Simple Minds. Simple Minds initially turned down the song before agreeing to record it. The track became their only US number-one hit despite their reluctance to release it.

Question 5

Prince's 1984 film and album 'Purple Rain' was set in which city?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis. Purple Rain was filmed in Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, prominently featuring First Avenue nightclub. The soundtrack won an Oscar for Best Original Song Score.

Question 6

Which 1981 song was the first music video ever played on MTV?

Accepted Answer

Video Killed the Radio Star. The Buggles' 'Video Killed the Radio Star' aired on MTV's August 1, 1981 launch. The deliberately self-referential choice signaled the medium's revolutionary potential.

Question 7

What was the name of Bruce Springsteen's massively successful 1984 album?

Accepted Answer

Born in the U.S.A.. Born in the U.S.A. produced seven top-10 singles. Its title track was widely misinterpreted as patriotic anthem despite being a critique of Vietnam veterans' treatment.

Question 8

Which British band released 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' in 1983?

Accepted Answer

Eurythmics. Eurythmics, the duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, scored their breakthrough with this synth-pop classic. Lennox's bright orange crop and androgynous style became instantly iconic.

Question 9

Who sang the 1986 Top Gun anthem 'Take My Breath Away'?

Accepted Answer

Berlin. Berlin's 'Take My Breath Away,' written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, won both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song from a film.

Question 10

Which song by a-ha featured a famous rotoscoped animated music video?

Accepted Answer

Take On Me. a-ha's 'Take On Me' (1985) used pencil-sketch animation that took 16 weeks to complete. The Norwegian band's video won six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986.

The 80s Music Trivia Challenge

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