[Infinity183]

This is probably the single thing that most separates me the most from everyone else in terms of musical taste. I always love songs that have that extra kick in the snare, infectious synth rhythms, and grinding guitar riffs. Slower tracks are also pretty cool, typically utilizing raindrop-like percussion and vibrant pads. Almost every serious music fan I know, however, absolutely despises these styles, calling them "cheap" and "outdated," even downright ruining what they would otherwise consider good music.

Why am I so alone in my personal preference towards 80s production? I do admit that typical records from the 80s sound very fixed within their time period as a result of their instrumentation, but I still don't understand why the 80s are derided so much more in this category than any other decade. Are drum machines and synthesizers somehow "manufactured," just because they don't include the typical guitar/drum kit? Electronic instruments certainly don't prevent albums like Discovery and Kid A from being regarded as classics. As for those songs that are played with a move live instrumentation, what exactly makes them so lifeless and artificial? Albums produced in the 60s, at least in my opinion, are just as easy to spot for their date without looking up as those from the 80s. The drums may not be as loud and there aren't as many synthesizers, but in most cases, it's still extremely obvious when an album is from the 60s, even if it's really good (like Pet Sounds and Rubber Soul, for example). On the flip side, it's very easy to identify Prince's Purple Rain with the 80s for its production, but it's still an artistic masterpiece regardless, full of unique influences, multiple quirks in its layering, and appropriate distinction between each track. Despite this, it's not even in the top 100 here (though it does top its own year), while countless albums of the same merit from the antiquated 60s are.

Just to clarify, I'm only referring to production, not lyrical content or song structure. It's pretty uncontroversial that for the most part, 80s music lacked the complexity of the surrounding decades. For me personally, it makes up for structural genericness with crisp, pulsating, and often inventive production, which everyone else seems to consider part of the problem. Artistically, I prefer the 70s, but for pure listening purposes, the 80s are probably my favorite musical decade.

[Skinny]

My 1980s chart might be right up your street.
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2021 in full effect. Come drop me some recs. Y'all know what I like.

[Kool Keith Sweat]

I love the '80s

[LevonTostig]

[HoldenM]

It's funny you mention this, because lately, this is the style I've been gravitating towards the most. I love those gated reverbed drums, shimmering guitars, elastic bass, and smooth-ass synths. I'm really happy that 80s synth pop and new wave are seeing a bit of a revival.
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Inversion Verses
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[JasonZaia]

I've always considered the 80's to possess two separate tiers of output:

1. The top Tier; representing the mainstream output of work - also known for its tendencies to 'overproduce' at times, as you've outlined in this forum.
And 2. The second, or lower tier; representing the underground movement, eventually reaching its climax with the coming of Nirvana, and ultimately going as far as to define the 90's sound.
Both tiers, in their own way, have significantly affected a change in music - as every decade has. Although, by today's standards, it seems true that the second tier was the one to really bring about an overall musical revolution that continues to this day. So, why does it seem that the second tier has achieved more? Well, I wouldn't exactly say it was because of the production. Rather, I'd say it was because the 'underground movement' was the one that began the 'indie' genre - independent music; self made; self motivated; self experimental. Throughout the 80's, it was the underground movement that lacked the pressure that was so against the mainstream. Therefore, they could focus on the music, and use that time to bring about something new, something interesting, and overall, something original to the masses. Meanwhile, many of the artists who'd previously achieved success throughout the 60's and 70's, felt the need to conform to the 'overproduced sound' as a way to remain in the spotlight - as it was the then-popular standard set by newer artists during the decade; I.e Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, soon spreading to all those others who desired success, much like them. Although, in saying all this, it of course also goes without saying that sometimes both of these 'tiers' would come together, ultimately producing some of the best music of the decade.

In conclusion, taste is taste. No one can explain why some are drawn to things more than others. All we can explain, is the overall development in music; what has affected change - in terms of popularity - and what hasn't. Songs that have that overproduced sound were once popular for a reason. And who knows, maybe they'll be popular again.
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- An aspiring Music Journalist.

[craola]

[RepoMan]

this one's for you, Infinity...

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Anthem by Black Uhuru

Sure to make any reggae purist cringe, this crossover album is actually quite fun in part because of that over the top, cheesy 80s production. My kind of guilty pleasure. Of course it wound up winning the grammy for best reggae album back in 1984 showing that nothing has changed at all - the grammy's have always been quite laughable.