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Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits
The music of the 1980s left an indelible mark on pop culture. Thanks to the dawn of MTV and the increasing affordability of synthesizers, a generation of innovative artists took the world by storm to create one of the last great glory eras of pop music.
To get to the heart of what made this decade so special, music journalist Jim Beviglia weaves a narrative of the stories behind the pop music phenomenon. Playing Back the 80 A Decade of Unstoppable Hits features original interviews with more than sixty artists, producers, session players, writers, and others who were directly involved with the most memorable songs of the decade. Among those who appear in Playing Back the 80s are iconic artists like Huey Lewis, Rick Springfield, Kim Carnes, Vernon Reid, Dennis DeYoung, Colin Hay, and Eddie Money telling the stories of how they created, often against imposing odds and in the midst of bizarre circumstances, the unstoppable hits and unheralded gems that still enchant so many fans today.
Playing Back the 80s will have music fans pulling their old cassettes out of storage and remembering when and where they heard the songs first. For those who didn't grow up in the 80s, this endlessly fun book will show them what the fuss was all about and maybe reveal a few surprises along the way. -- "Focus Daily News"
To get to the heart of what made this decade so special, music journalist Jim Beviglia weaves a narrative of the stories behind the pop music phenomenon. Playing Back the 80 A Decade of Unstoppable Hits features original interviews with more than sixty artists, producers, session players, writers, and others who were directly involved with the most memorable songs of the decade. Among those who appear in Playing Back the 80s are iconic artists like Huey Lewis, Rick Springfield, Kim Carnes, Vernon Reid, Dennis DeYoung, Colin Hay, and Eddie Money telling the stories of how they created, often against imposing odds and in the midst of bizarre circumstances, the unstoppable hits and unheralded gems that still enchant so many fans today.
Playing Back the 80s will have music fans pulling their old cassettes out of storage and remembering when and where they heard the songs first. For those who didn't grow up in the 80s, this endlessly fun book will show them what the fuss was all about and maybe reveal a few surprises along the way. -- "Focus Daily News"
- GenresMusicNonfiction
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 4, 2019
A really enjoyable read highlighting 1980s Pop music from Gary Numan's "Cars" at the turn of the decade to Don Henley's "The Heart of the Matter" closing out the decade, and ultimately the 80s sound. Each chapter (3 pages each) highlight a song that made an impact on the 80s, from the initial uses of synth to how the drums of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" came to sound so awesome, each chapter was actually really well done with interviews with the musicians and producers behind the songs and in some cases the music videos.
If you're a big fan of 80s Pop, this is well worth the read.
I also created a Spotify playlist for the songs in the book if you'd like to listen along:
https://open.spotify.com/user/1210062...
If you're a big fan of 80s Pop, this is well worth the read.
I also created a Spotify playlist for the songs in the book if you'd like to listen along:
https://open.spotify.com/user/1210062...
June 5, 2019
This book features 2-3 page “behind the scenes” stories of dozens of the most iconic hits of the 1980s. In most of the cases, the author interviewed the original artist, producer or supporting musicians. The best part of reading this book was that it brought back to mind several songs that I hadn’t thought about in years that will be making a return to my playlist.
December 30, 2018
Nice short stories behind some the 80s more memorable hits. I like that the author includes some of the less-hip artist of the time like Air Supply, Mr. Mister and Richard Marx. A fun read for fans of 80s pop music.
July 22, 2019
OK, the book isn't "amazing", which is what 5-stars is supposed to be, according to Goodreads. But I do put it in the top quintile of this type of book, so 5 stars it is.
Quite simply, Beviglia tells the story of 65 songs that helped define the 80s, one chapter per song, about three pages each, in approximate chronological order. I liked that he got the perspective of the songwriter or other performer involved with the song instead of focusing on HIS take. Lots of good information, not much fluff.
Did he fail to include some key songs? Of course. He explained in the Introduction that he wanted to include some other genres (e.g., rap/hip hop) but wasn't able to get interviews with some key people. He mostly stayed away from 60s & 70s artists that remained big in the 80s (think Elton John, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel) in favor of newer artists that were more in the vanguard. However, missing are hits from Duran Duran ("The Reflex" perhaps), Frankie Goes to Hollywood ("Relax"), David Bowie (yes I know he's an oldie, but "Let's Dance" was huge and iconic, and it introduced Stevie Ray Vaughan to a broad audience), Hall & Oates (their biggest hits were in the 80s), Pat Benatar ("Love Is a Battlefield" anyone?), Culture Club, Berlin ("The Metro"), Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine, etc., and some crossover country. Others will have their own list, I'm sure. But no matter. Every song he did include is worthy, and he specifically said that the book is NOT meant to be the 65 "best" songs of the decade. Maybe he can do a Volume 2 at some point? Or do the 90s? Or do both?
I hit my teenage years in the late 60s. By the time the 80s rolled around, I mostly wanted the 80s music to "get off my lawn" with all its synthesizers, drum machines, android-looking performers and nary a guitar in sight. It took me awhile to realize that, behind some of the quirky looks and new (and sometimes immature) technology, there really was a lot of good music coming from that decade. I mean, a LOT. Nonetheless, I was surprised at how many of the 65 songs I was unfamiliar with, at least just based on the artist name and song title. Heck, too many of the ARTISTS I didn't recognize, let alone their songs. Bruce Hornsby and the Range? David + David? The Outfield? Gregory Abbott? The Church? Glass Tiger? The Hooters? Red Rider? Blank stare in every case for me. In my defense, I didn't listen to the radio that much.
The last sentence of the book reads: "Now, whether you're experiencing it all for the first time or reliving the memories, it's time for you to go listen to the music and hear it all for yourself." That's exactly what I'm going to do. Let's punch up that Hooters song!
Quite simply, Beviglia tells the story of 65 songs that helped define the 80s, one chapter per song, about three pages each, in approximate chronological order. I liked that he got the perspective of the songwriter or other performer involved with the song instead of focusing on HIS take. Lots of good information, not much fluff.
Did he fail to include some key songs? Of course. He explained in the Introduction that he wanted to include some other genres (e.g., rap/hip hop) but wasn't able to get interviews with some key people. He mostly stayed away from 60s & 70s artists that remained big in the 80s (think Elton John, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel) in favor of newer artists that were more in the vanguard. However, missing are hits from Duran Duran ("The Reflex" perhaps), Frankie Goes to Hollywood ("Relax"), David Bowie (yes I know he's an oldie, but "Let's Dance" was huge and iconic, and it introduced Stevie Ray Vaughan to a broad audience), Hall & Oates (their biggest hits were in the 80s), Pat Benatar ("Love Is a Battlefield" anyone?), Culture Club, Berlin ("The Metro"), Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine, etc., and some crossover country. Others will have their own list, I'm sure. But no matter. Every song he did include is worthy, and he specifically said that the book is NOT meant to be the 65 "best" songs of the decade. Maybe he can do a Volume 2 at some point? Or do the 90s? Or do both?
I hit my teenage years in the late 60s. By the time the 80s rolled around, I mostly wanted the 80s music to "get off my lawn" with all its synthesizers, drum machines, android-looking performers and nary a guitar in sight. It took me awhile to realize that, behind some of the quirky looks and new (and sometimes immature) technology, there really was a lot of good music coming from that decade. I mean, a LOT. Nonetheless, I was surprised at how many of the 65 songs I was unfamiliar with, at least just based on the artist name and song title. Heck, too many of the ARTISTS I didn't recognize, let alone their songs. Bruce Hornsby and the Range? David + David? The Outfield? Gregory Abbott? The Church? Glass Tiger? The Hooters? Red Rider? Blank stare in every case for me. In my defense, I didn't listen to the radio that much.
The last sentence of the book reads: "Now, whether you're experiencing it all for the first time or reliving the memories, it's time for you to go listen to the music and hear it all for yourself." That's exactly what I'm going to do. Let's punch up that Hooters song!
July 29, 2021
There is no doubt the landscape of music changed during the 1980s; whether by the launch of MTV, affordable technology, or the changing political climate.
Jim Beviglia created a mix tape dedicated to the chart-toppers of the era in the form of a book.
Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits provides insight into over 60 songs that shaped a generation. Beviglia interviews the artists, writers, producers, and musicians who provide narratives about the hits. Julian Lennon, Richard Marx, The Hooters, and Thomas Dolby are just a few of the musicians who offer an inside look.
You’ll read about songs taking a few hours to craft out of necessity and others being discovered after going through old journals.
There are tracks crucial for keeping a recording contract, like “Whip It” by Devo or a hit song which singularly identifies a band, such as “Under The Milky Way” by The Church.
You’ll find humorous anecdotes peppered through the book. However, there are moments of heartbreak, frustration, and tension that may change your perception about some of the songs.
Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits is an entertaining read — even the 80s music buff will learn something new.
Beviglia does a superb job of describing an unforgettable decade in music and delivers a book that will delight those shaped by the songs or bring awareness to other generations of music lovers.
Jim Beviglia created a mix tape dedicated to the chart-toppers of the era in the form of a book.
Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits provides insight into over 60 songs that shaped a generation. Beviglia interviews the artists, writers, producers, and musicians who provide narratives about the hits. Julian Lennon, Richard Marx, The Hooters, and Thomas Dolby are just a few of the musicians who offer an inside look.
You’ll read about songs taking a few hours to craft out of necessity and others being discovered after going through old journals.
There are tracks crucial for keeping a recording contract, like “Whip It” by Devo or a hit song which singularly identifies a band, such as “Under The Milky Way” by The Church.
You’ll find humorous anecdotes peppered through the book. However, there are moments of heartbreak, frustration, and tension that may change your perception about some of the songs.
Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits is an entertaining read — even the 80s music buff will learn something new.
Beviglia does a superb job of describing an unforgettable decade in music and delivers a book that will delight those shaped by the songs or bring awareness to other generations of music lovers.
February 3, 2026
I Love Music, From Any Era! The 80’s are that Magical Place Where Life was Much Simpler. I’m Not Sure if these Songs were the Authors Favorite Songs or Just those Songs he was Able to Receive Stories because even though it Lists the Songs by Year it just seems at Times a Hodgepodge of Songs Strung Together! I would have included different songs.
I’m in agreement with Some of these Songs and with Some of the Comments on the Songs like Bananarama “Cruel Summer” Mentioning “The Karate Kid” I mean with this Song, You have Too!
The Author Tells You that Hair Bands as they are referred to Today (Rock & Roll) to Us Then and Rap a Big Part of the 80’s are Not Included in this Book. A Big Miss for Me!
Take these Songs and Make a Playlist on Your Favorite Streaming and Relive Some Cool 80’s Hits!
I’m in agreement with Some of these Songs and with Some of the Comments on the Songs like Bananarama “Cruel Summer” Mentioning “The Karate Kid” I mean with this Song, You have Too!
The Author Tells You that Hair Bands as they are referred to Today (Rock & Roll) to Us Then and Rap a Big Part of the 80’s are Not Included in this Book. A Big Miss for Me!
Take these Songs and Make a Playlist on Your Favorite Streaming and Relive Some Cool 80’s Hits!
May 16, 2020
This book took me back. As child of the 80s I enjoyed reading about some of the biggest songs of the decade. As I read I listened to some new songs and relistened to some old favorites. The author speaks to the artists about each song (each chapter is 3
Pages) and lets them tell their story. Highly enjoyable. And it’s easy to read in bits.
Pages) and lets them tell their story. Highly enjoyable. And it’s easy to read in bits.
July 27, 2019
As an avid fan of 80s music, I wanted to like this more than I did. It was put together well, and well written, but most of the time it was just "too much" info. If you're really into the back stories on how your favorite songs came to be (I'm not), then you will enjoy this more than I did.
June 25, 2019
Definitely not an academic/researched book.
January 1, 2020
This book would have taken a lot less time to read if I hadn't had to keep stopping to watch the videos for the things I missed or forgot about. Still, there are a couple of glaring omissions.
March 19, 2020
I expected better. Stories were kind of boring. I just jumped around and skimmed the songs that I liked.
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July 28, 2024Cool book
January 2, 2023
After several months, I was finally able to find this book at my library. This book reminded me alot of the "countdown" shows that vh1 used to have on about 15 years ago. As a baby of the 80s, most of these songs I have heard of before and love, but some I have not. He gives a 2 to 3 page synopsis of the song and the ideas which brought the song to life.
I was pleasantly surprised when the author responded to my tweet how come Tears for Fears were no where to be found in the book. He said they did not respond to his request.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves the 80s.
I was pleasantly surprised when the author responded to my tweet how come Tears for Fears were no where to be found in the book. He said they did not respond to his request.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves the 80s.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews