8 songs that sound over 30 years old but came out in the last decade
Celebrating the 80s with a ‘best of’ playlist is an easy job: the golden era of pop music is full of unforgettable tunes and the only problem you might have is to pick just a few songs. Nevertheless the 80s are still trending and many contemporary artists are taking inspiration from that era, that’s why I thought it might be fun to do something different: putting together a music selection of recent songs with a vintage flavor.
So button up your neon palms shirt and wear your ponytail: here are 8 songs that sound 80s style but were released in the last decade.
Brandon Flowers – Lonely Town (2015)
Danielle Haim (from HAIM) plays the drums in this amazing 80s synth-rock song from Brandon Flowers’ second album, The Desired Effect. Lonely Town sounds like an easy upbeat song about a brokenhearted man, who’s still in love with his ex. As soon as you hear Flowers’ autotuned voice, you realize that the lyrics might be about a stalker. Funny and creepy at the same time.
Carly Rae Jepsen – Your Type (2015)
Unrequited love is an old favorite and Carly Rae Jepsen explores the subject with this lovely midtempo ballad, clearly inspired by 80s electropop. The video, directed by Gia Coppola, follows the Canadian singer on a Cinderella-inspired story where she plays a girl who fantasizes about becoming a popstar.
Foxes – Body Talk (2015)
If you’re looking for fast recovery from a breakup, this catchy synth pop song by British singer-songwriter Louisa Rose Allen, a.k.a. Foxes, can help: it’s about a girl battling her feelings, who really wants to rise up and forget her ex.
Kimbra – Lightyears (2018)
I’m sure you remember Kimbra from Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know. Over the years the impressed me with her music versatility and I fell in love with her recent single Lightyears, that I heard long before the video came out: it’s an electronic infused gem, that made me think about an alien girl looking for her soulmate on another planet.
Clairity – Velcro (2015)
Her real name is Claire Rachel Wilson and she’s a young singer- songwriter from Tennessee. Previously known as Clairity, she has changed her stage name into 7Chariot. In 2015 she came out with a very interesting single, Velcro: it’s not exactly 80s style, but the song blends a dated videogame atmosphere with modern electropop. Lyrics like “I still play with LEGOs / crush a bag of pretzels / who the hell’s Tiesto? / I look good in velcro” leave me with no doubts: this is the ultimate old-school, nerd anthem.
Robbie Williams – Run It Wild (2017)
“You’re mother’s downtown / and there’s no one at the station / steal your Daddy’s money / and pick a destination / Run it wild / Run it wild / Take the money and run it wild” sings Robbie Williams in this irresistible pop tune. Run It Wild is the song I’d wish to hear in an 80s coming-of-age movie remake.
St. Vincent – Fast Slow Disco (2018)
«I always felt this song could wear many different outfits and live many different lives» said St. Vincent describing Fast Slow Disco, adding that Madonna’s Like A Prayer was an inspiration for the song. To me – I’m in my late 30s – this song feels like those nights I convince myself I can stay up late and I let my friends drag me to the disco: once I’m on the dancefloor, I suddlenly remember my real age and I can’t wait to go home.
The Midnight – Los Angeles (2014)
Keep an eye on this talented American duo, composed of Jamison Tyler Lyle Tim Daniel McEwan. You won’t believe this heartfelt ballad was released in 2014: it sounds like it just came out from an 80s romantic comedy.
