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The Best Band of the 1980s: Did I Get It Wrong?
There is probably no more divisive issue than that of naming which band was the best of the 1980s. Recently, yet another list emerged which labeled the Smiths as the best band of that decade. Needless to say, the effects that it had were many protests and endless tittle-tattles. Following is an explanation that details this choice and why it stands upright in the face of criticism.
Touting "Purity"
One of the central concepts when judging the best band of the 1980s was "purity." The Smiths were chosen because their career in music was entirely located within the 80s. Their first album was in 1984, and their last one, in 1988. That made them the archetypal 80s band with no cross-border presence into other decades, hence fully capturing the spirit of the era at hand.
Runners: R.E.M. and Talking Heads
Many in the audience claimed it was wholly undeserved, and argued that the title should have gone to bands such as R.E.M. and Talking Heads. Though doubtless such bands made a big impact, their careers had been very long. For instance, R.E.M. released some of its best work during the 90s, most notably with the critically acclaimed "Automatic for the People" album. Conversely, Talking Heads was a group that struck with great force in the 80s but actually began its most memorable work toward the end of the 70s and continued well into the 90s.
R.E.M. and Its Influence.
R.E.M. is probably named as one of the greatest American bands to come out in the 1980s. Their individual sound was seized by albums like "Murmur" and "Reckoning," with Michael Stipe's vocals and Peter Buck's jingle-jangle style on the guitar. Songs such as "Radio Free Europe" and "South Central Rain" had been tagged along with a generation. Legends were born because they could change while retaining an essence; however, their influence did spill over beyond the 80s, thereby impinging on their "pure" 80s band status.
The Legacy of Talking Heads
Talking Heads were another of the really huge acts in the scene at that time. Their new approach to music, merging rock with African beats and a host of other world music influences, set them apart from many others. Their albums, such as "Remain in Light," and particularly the hugely influential live concert film "Stop Making Sense," are testimonies to their creativity and influence. Yet so much of their foundational work began in the 70s, and their music continued to evolve into the 90s, which complicates their standing as a purely 80s band.
Standing by The Smiths
Despite the criticism and suggestions from fans, the choice of The Smiths as the best band of the 1980s stands. Their entire career captured the feel of the 80s without bleed-through into other decades as well. With songs like "This Charming Man" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," they held the era within their grasp and influenced many other bands. Their music is one of the most definite soundtracks for the decade of the 80s, hence making them, in the strictest sense of criteria, the best band in that decade.
Conclusion
The argument of who was the best band of the 1980s will no doubt be one that continues for some time, as there are passionate arguments to be made for any number of such influential groups. But under the criteria of "purity"—a band whose career is entirely encapsulated within the 80s—the choice has to be The Smiths. Their music did not only define the decade but also stays relevant for new generations, hence establishing their place in music history as the definitive 80s band.