My Hidden Mixtape
A nostalgic mixtape of overlooked bangers and underrated tracks from the decade.
When I reflect on my past music tastes, I realise how much exploring different genres has shaped my identity. It stopped me from getting too comfortable listening to the same ear-wormy, overplayed songs.
My family and I used to have a VHS tape called ‘Out Now!! 2’ with music videos (yes, kids, this is way before YouTube and the Internet). As 80s and 90s kids, we were glued to MTV fingers poised on the record button, hoping to catch our favourite song at the perfect moment. If our parents were lucky, they’d take us on a shopping trip to hunt for tapes instead.
Today Spotify offers an endless music library but do you decide your listening habits or does the algorithm make the choice for you?
With the vinyl, CD and even audiotape resurgence, people are rediscovering the joy of curating their own music tastes. Rather than being pushed towards high-profile artists or AI-generated playlists, they’re building something truly personal. If you want to escape passive listening, here are some hidden gems to add to your playlist.
The Style Council - The Lodgers
Paul Weller is an iconic yet underrated musician. Before going solo, he led the post-punk band The Jam and the new wave pop band The Style Council. You’re probably familiar with their hit “Shout to the Top”, but I believe “The Lodgers” deserves more attention. Weller’s lyrics truly demonstrate his exceptional songwriting talent.
The System - Don’t Disturb This Groove
Synth-pop duo The System, consisting of David Frank and Mic Murphy, created one of the best 80s synth-funk tracks with this one. Revisiting it made me realise how ahead of its time it was, particularly when compared to The Weeknd’s After Hours era. It’s a must-have on any 80s playlist.
Rebel MC and Double Trouble - Street Tuff
When discussing 80s hip hop, everyone eventually mentions LL Cool J, Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, Daddy Kane, and Public Enemy. However, Britain had its own answer: Michael Alec Anthony West, also known as Rebel MC, alongside Double Trouble. Blending hip hop, reggae, funk and hip house, this song inspired new dance genres like jungle and big beat. Released in 1989, it marked the beginning of the rave and dance scene.
Stan Bush - The Touch
A couple of things that come to mind when talking about the 1986 Transformers: The Movie: Optimus Prime’s death, which traumatised every fan, and Orson Welles’s final acting role. But the standout was Stan Bush’s song ‘The Touch’. It was the “New Divide” of the 80s, and I double-dare you; after watching the film, you won’t be able to resist saying, “You got the touch… you got the power!”
Morris Day - The Oak Tree
Morris Day, best known as the lead singer of ‘The Time’ a group connected to Prince – delivers a brilliantly funky and under appreciated track. If you’re a fan of the Minneapolis sound, you’ll definitely want to add this to your playlist.
Tears for Fears - Change
This song, nestled right next to Pale Shelter, was somewhat overlooked. While I adore “Mad World”, “Change” deserves just as much attention. The synth keyboards and haunting vocals draw you in. Their debut album The Hunting (Tears for Fears album) was a loose concept album ahead of its time and “Change” stands out as a standout track.
Brenda Russell - I Want Love To Find Me
Yes, I know “Piano in the Dark” is her biggest hit and absolutely deserves all the love. However, as a mellow slightly cheesy guy who enjoys sticky groovy tracks this one really hits the spot. “I Want Love to Find Me” is perfect for early 80s soul lovers. Warning: it has a bounce similar to Fabiana Palladino’s “Stay With Me Through the Night”.
The Killing Joke - Eighties
This band helped to inspire other bands like Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, and Nirvana (whose song “Come as You Are” featured a similar guitar riff to the “Eighties” song). The song has a post-punk energy that focusses on the Cold War era and Thatcherism, but it’s still an absolute jam.
Piper - Summer Breeze
Remember Super Mario Bros. Stage World 1-1? Halfway through, you hit a block and an invincibility star pops out with Koji Kondo’s iconic theme soundtrack. Inspired by Piper’s ‘Summer Breeze’ (1983), the song is performed by guitarist and vocalist Keisuke Yamamoto. It’s one of the most popular Japanese fusion songs that most artists today are inspired by.
Midge Ure - If I Was
This song was the final track on the VHS tape of “Out Now!! 2”. At six or seven, I was captivated by it while watching the music video. For an 80s music video, it was truly cool how they used the Pin art pin screen. Reflecting on the lyrics now, it really struck me. If you’re a New Wave fan and want to add something to your 80s playlist, don’t miss this.
That’s my list. I might create a follow-up playlist featuring music from other decades, and I’ll definitely add more hidden gems.
Subscribe, share, and tell me your own musical discoveries in the comments.