There are plenty of bands from the 1980sthat have unfortunately become forgotten, but they deserve to be remembered. While they may not have achieved the heights that bands such as thehit-making Def Lepparddid, they still made their mark on the music industry. For some, they had tunes that were just as good as manyclassic rock songs that could have been number ones. For others, it was their overall body of work that left an impression on their specific niche.

There are many that come from the rock genre, contributing just asthe best ’80s rock artistsdid. Additionally, some truly helped push forward genres such as new wave, which would become one of the defining sounds of the decade. Based on all they have done, they deserve another listen and a remembrance of all that they accomplished in their careers,especially in one of the most important eras for music.

10Romeo Void

Founded: 1979

After forming in 1979 at the San Francisco Art Institute, Romeo Void quickly began creating music that blended post-punk and new wave. During their time together, they produced three albums and an EP.Two songs from their body of work became defining factors of their career: “Never Say Never” and “A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing).”

“Never Say Never” was a hit on MTV, which was significant for the band as the channel was just starting at the time.They were at the forefront of this brand-new concept, making them a memorable part of its rise. As for their other hit song, it broke into the Top 40 of theBillboardHot 100, making it a success. Their career was over by the mid-1980s, yet they accomplished a lot during their time together.

9Giuffria

Founded: 1981

Following his departure from the band Angels, keyboardist Gregg Giuffria formed a band that went by his own last name in the early ’80s. He brought inaccomplished musicians who had been part of the hard rock and metal community. Together, they began their quest to create the best possible music, focusing on the arena rock genre.

Across the two albums, they had multiple songs reach theBillboardHot 100, and both albums charted as well. Additionally, their music was featured in the 1985 spy film,Gotcha!. They also toured with legendary bands such as Deep Purple and Foreigner. After the key departures of their guitarist and bass guitarist,the band tried to make things work, but even working under Gene Simmons wasn’t quite enough.

8Haircut One Hundred

Founded: 1980

The band Haircut One Hundred is a classic case of what could have been if they had stayed together. After releasing their debut album,Pelican West, in 1982,the band became a sensation. They reached the 31st spot on theBillboard200, and in their native UK, the album was ranked number two. From this record came three major hits that made the band internationally recognized.

Unfortunately, their lead singer left after their debut, which drastically changed things.

The three songs were “Love Plus One,” “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl),” and “Fantastic Day.” They also had a single release titled “Nobody’s Fool” that helped them gain attention. Unfortunately, their lead singer left after their debut, which drastically changed things. They did release another album, butit wasn’t quite the same. Thankfully, they have found their way back together over the years to celebrate the early triumphs they once had.

7Burning Sensations

Founded: 1982

One of the more interesting short-lived bands of the 1980s was Burning Sensations. They became well-known for their blend of calypso style and rock,further showcasing what was possible with new wave. One of their biggest tunes was their song “Belly of the Whale,” which became a hit on MTV. They were another one of the young acts helping to cement the channel.

Additionally,they had a huge opportunity when they covered the song “Pablo Picasso,“originally performed by the Modern Lovers. Their version was included in both the movie and the soundtrack for 1984’sRepo Man. Although they didn’t stay together, their multiple achievements proved what the band was capable of, highlighting the strong early foundation they had built.

6The Plimsouls

Founded: 1978

When The Plimsouls burst onto the scene with their debut album in 1981,they were quickly recognized for their strong command of the power pop genre. They had multiple standout songs, including “Now,” “Zero Hour,” and “Women.” The latter was a cover of the 1966 tune released by The Easybeats. It was an interesting take, showcasing the evolution of power pop over the years.

Their biggest success came from their sophomore record when they released the song “A Million Miles Away.” This tune not only charted but gained even more recognition after being featured in the 1983 filmValley Girl. During their time apart,this song still carried them as it was covered by the Goo Goo Dolls, with their version featured in 1994’sSpeed. Eventually, the band reunited for one more album but struggled to find their original success again.

5Wall Of Voodoo

Founded: 1977

Inspired by the rise of punk and new wave in the 1970s, Wall of Voodoo formed, creating their own unique style. In their early stages, the band didn’t gain as much recognition as hoped, buttheir intriguing lyrics captured people’s attention. Then, things changed when they released their sophomore record, which included the song “Mexican Radio.”

For a time, the music video became a hit on MTV, giving the band some of their biggest exposure. Additionally, it was played on alternative radio andeven reached the Top 60 of theBillboardHot 100. They followed this with two more albums and a live recording as they called it quits. Over the years, some final tapes have been released, continuing their legacy.

4Transvision Vamp

Founded: 1986

From the start of the band,Transvision Vamp set out to do things their way. From their music to their image, they were determined to be authentic. At the tail end of the ’80s, they were one of the international bands pushing forward the pop-rock genre. Within only a couple of years, the band had released their debut record, with their sophomore one following shortly thereafter.

Their second album spawned one of their most well-known songs, “Baby I Don’t Care.” The band actually saw the most success from this in Australia, where it was one of the Top 40 best-selling albums in 1989. They carried their budding success into the ’90s as they released a third album. This would ultimately mark their end, but lead singerWendy James went on to pursue a solo career, and their bassist, Dave Parsons, was an original member of the band Bush.

3Badlands

Founded: 1988

There are plenty of well-known supergroups in the rock genre, butone that deserves more recognition is Badlands. The band was founded by former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee. He would then add former Black Sabbath singer Ray Gillen, along with former Surgical Steel bassist Greg Chaisson, and eventually KISS drummer Eric Singer.

During their time together, two of their biggest songs were “Dreams in the Dark” and “Winter’s Call.” While both were played on MTV,“Winter’s Call” specifically received a lot of attention for its Led Zeppelin feel. Sadly, this project ended after Gillen’s death in 1993, but the band released a third and final album of demos in 1998.

2Fine Young Cannibals

Founded: 1984

Once Fine Young Cannibals were founded in 1984,they quickly got to work creating their self-titled debut record in 1985. From this, they showed the impact they could make on the pop-rock genre with their song “Johnny Come Home” and their cover of the 1968 song “Suspicious Minds.” While this was great, the band would return with their sophomore record and more to show. Their second album would arrive in 1989, with them showcasing their ability to mix Motown soul and funk into their sound.

The band would rise to the top of the music industry as it became the number one record on the Billboard 200.

The band would rise to the top of the music industry as it became the number one record on theBillboard200, backed by the Hot 100 number one song, “She Drives Me Crazy.” After even having their cover of the Buzzcocks' “Ever Fallen In Love” featured in the filmSomething Wild, it seemed like nothing could stop them. However, they would disband in 1992,ending all of their momentum.

1The Outfield

Although The Outfield may not be talked about as much as some of their contemporaries from the 1980s,the band deserves a great deal of credit for what they were able to accomplish. First, they were able to create a hit debut album, which is no easy task.Play Deepcontained the massive song “Your Love,” an inescapable hit of the era.

Additionally, the band was able to create ten records during their time together. This is a major accomplishment that even some of the most revered bands do not achieve. They remained persistent and never gave up trying to recreate the magic they had in the beginning. Sadly, after the death of guitarist John Spinks in 2014 and lead singer Tony Lewis in 2020, the band is over, butthey should be remembered for everything they contributed.