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Quiz about More 80s Songs than You Can Shake a Stick At
Quiz about More 80s Songs than You Can Shake a Stick At

More 80s Songs than You Can Shake a Stick At! Quiz


Some very memorable songs were released in the 80s. Here are some of those songs. I'll name the song, you name the band or singer.

A multiple-choice quiz by ramonesrule. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
ramonesrule
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
402,252
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
25
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
20 / 25
Plays
1015
Last 3 plays: Kiwikaz (20/25), Guest 71 (19/25), Guest 72 (20/25).
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Question 1 of 25
1. "Hold Me Now" was a huge hit for this trio. Released in 1983 in the U.K., who sang it? Hint


Question 2 of 25
2. The "Puttin' On The Ritz" version that was released in 1982 was a remake of the 1929 Irving Berlin song. Who made the tasty 1982 version? Hint


Question 3 of 25
3. The song "Number Of The Beast" by this British band caused great controversy in the U.S. among religious groups. What is the name of the band who released this song? Hint


Question 4 of 25
4. "Dog Eat Dog" was the first top ten hit for this British band with the sexy singer. Can you name the band? Hint


Question 5 of 25
5. "Our Lips Are Sealed" was a huge hit for this all girl band, led by Belinda Carlisle. Who's this American band? Hint


Question 6 of 25
6. "Didn't You Kill My Brother?" was a truly awful song released by this British stand-up comedian, actor and author. Can you name him? Hint


Question 7 of 25
7. The song "Tell It To My Heart" was sung by this American singer who has also starred in films and appeared on Broadway. Can you name the singer? Hint


Question 8 of 25
8. What can you say about the brilliance of the singer/songwriter of "Little Red Corvette" other than he is music royalty? Can you name him? Hint


Question 9 of 25
9. Another singer with one name... "Borderline" was a huge hit for which singer who constantly pushed boundaries? Hint


Question 10 of 25
10. This band of non-brothers who wore blue jeans and leather jackets released "Pet Sematary" in 1989. "Hey Ho" can you name this band? Hint


Question 11 of 25
11. This American pop duo who released "Kiss On My List" actually never really liked their band name. Can you name this band featuring the guy with the moustache and the blond guy? Hint


Question 12 of 25
12. The King of Pop sang this one. "Billie Jean" was a smash hit off the mega popular album "Thriller." I almost feel silly asking - who sang it? Hint


Question 13 of 25
13. The song "Tarzan Boy" made this Italian music project, who sound like they might hail from Maryland, a one hit wonder in the U.S. Can you name this group who had more success in their native Italy? Hint


Question 14 of 25
14. "Live Is Life" by this Austrian band was the official goal scoring song for the New York Islanders during the 2010-2011 season. Can you name the band? Hint


Question 15 of 25
15. "Her bikini small, heels tall; she said she liked, the ocean" are quite memorable lyrics from the song "Going Back To Cali" by this rapper, producer, actor and author. Can you name this guy who the ladies love? Hint


Question 16 of 25
16. The song "The One I Love" with the line "This one goes out to the one I love" by this band is often misinterpreted. Not necessarily about true love but having pretty dark lyrics about manipulation, who sang it? Hint


Question 17 of 25
17. This British band known for its conflict as much as its music released "Everything Little Thing She Does Is Magic" in 1981. Who are they? Hint


Question 18 of 25
18. The video for "Love Is A Battlefield" features this 30-year old singer playing a rebellious teenager. Can you name this powerhouse singer? Hint


Question 19 of 25
19. Such a sweet and innocent song about wondering if a boy likes you back or not. "How Will I Know" was recorded by this singer who started out innocent but whose life took a devastating turn. Can you name her? Hint


Question 20 of 25
20. A very different song from the Disney movie "Frozen", "Let It Go" by this artist was successful only in Canada. Can you name the Canadian singer born in Quebec and of Ukrainian descent? Hint


Question 21 of 25
21. The rock band who made this song liked to wear makeup and took a slapstick approach to the video for "We're Not Gonna Take It". Who is this band? Hint


Question 22 of 25
22. "Pass The Dutchie" was released in 1982 by this British Jamaican reggae band. Can you name this young band? Hint


Question 23 of 25
23. "Dear Prudence" was a 1983 cover of a Beatles song by this British post-punk band. Can you name the highly influential band that released 11 studio albums? Hint


Question 24 of 25
24. This group featuring Ricky Bell and Bobby Brown had the hit "Candy Girl" in 1983. Can you name this new group? Hint


Question 25 of 25
25. "She Sells Sanctuary" gave this British rock band mainstream success in 1985. Can you name the band that was formerly called "Death Cult?" Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. "Hold Me Now" was a huge hit for this trio. Released in 1983 in the U.K., who sang it?

Answer: Thompson Twins

Thompson Twins formed in 1977 and had many different personnel changes. From 1982 to 1986 Thompson Twins consisted of Joe Leeway, Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie and it was this version of the band that released one of their biggest hits, "Hold Me Now.". This song was released in 1984 in the U.S. and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. The "Puttin' On The Ritz" version that was released in 1982 was a remake of the 1929 Irving Berlin song. Who made the tasty 1982 version?

Answer: Taco

The Taco version of "Puttin' On The Ritz" was a global hit, reaching number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and was the only U.S. hit for the singer. The video featured characters in blackface and has been banned from many networks. There is a re-worked version that has removed many of the blackface characters.
3. The song "Number Of The Beast" by this British band caused great controversy in the U.S. among religious groups. What is the name of the band who released this song?

Answer: Iron Maiden

The "Number Of The Beast" was released in 1982 and remains one of Iron Maiden's most popular songs despite being quite controversial because of its association with the Beast of Revelation from The Bible. There is a spoken word portion to the song that is recorded by English actor Barry Clayton.

The band asked Vincent Price to do the spoken word part but he allegedly asked for too much money so they went with Clayton instead.
4. "Dog Eat Dog" was the first top ten hit for this British band with the sexy singer. Can you name the band?

Answer: Adam And The Ants

"Dog Eat Dog" was released in 1980 and was the first top ten hit for the band. Adam Ant, the lead singer, has said that the idea for the song came from a Margaret Thatcher quote he'd seen in a newspaper.

The band lasted from 1977 to 1982 and were known for their campiness and overly sexualized stage performances.
5. "Our Lips Are Sealed" was a huge hit for this all girl band, led by Belinda Carlisle. Who's this American band?

Answer: The Go-Go's

"Our Lips Are Sealed" was co-written by Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's and Fun Boy Three singer Terry Hall. Although in North America this song was made famous by The Go-Go's, in the U.K. the song was released first by Fun Boy Three and made it to the top ten there. The Go-Go's released it later and only made it to number forty-seven on the U.K. charts.
6. "Didn't You Kill My Brother?" was a truly awful song released by this British stand-up comedian, actor and author. Can you name him?

Answer: Alexei Sayle

You might only know Alexei Sayle for the comedic song "Didn't You Kill My Brother?" which was released in 1985, or you might know that he is a comedian, actor and author who's been on TV, radio and in film. As well as releasing five comedy singles, he's also acted in "Carry On Columbus", "Gorky Park" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
7. The song "Tell It To My Heart" was sung by this American singer who has also starred in films and appeared on Broadway. Can you name the singer?

Answer: Taylor Dayne

Taylor Dayne was born in 1962 and released the song "Tell It To My Heart" in 1987. It was her first single and a big hit for her, becoming a top ten track in the U.S. and achieving Gold record status there. Dayne has also acted in a number of independent films and performed on Broadway in 2001 in Elton John's "Aida."
8. What can you say about the brilliance of the singer/songwriter of "Little Red Corvette" other than he is music royalty? Can you name him?

Answer: Prince

"Little Red Corvette" was released in 1983 and is on the "1999" album. It was Prince's first to reach top ten in the U.S. and was a huge hit for the star. Prince got the idea for the song when he fell asleep in a band member's car after an all night recording session. When Prince died in 2016, the song once again found its way on the Billboard Hot 100, climbing to number twenty.
9. Another singer with one name... "Borderline" was a huge hit for which singer who constantly pushed boundaries?

Answer: Madonna

Madonna released "Borderline" in 1983 when she was 24 years old. The video helped make the song a huge success and bring attention to Madonna. Always attacking taboo subjects, the video for "Borderline" was praised for portraying an interracial relationship, between Madonna and a Latin-American man.

The video was directed by her boyfriend at the time, John "Jellybean" Benitez who has also worked with Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.
10. This band of non-brothers who wore blue jeans and leather jackets released "Pet Sematary" in 1989. "Hey Ho" can you name this band?

Answer: Ramones

American punk rockers Ramones recorded "Pet Sematary" for the Stephen King film of the same name. This song became the Ramones' biggest radio hit but was not entirely well received by their loyal fan base who preferred songs such as "The KKK Took My Baby Away" and "Beat The Brat".

The Ramones released albums from the 1970s through to the 1990s and had a variety of band members join and leave through the decades. They've had a huge influence on rock and punk bands including Dead Kennedys, Teenage Head and Green Day.
11. This American pop duo who released "Kiss On My List" actually never really liked their band name. Can you name this band featuring the guy with the moustache and the blond guy?

Answer: Hall and Oates

Hall and Oates never liked being referred to as "Hall and Oates" and preferred to be called by their full names, Daryl Hall and John Oates. This is because of their approach to songwriting and the fact that they are two separate people with creative differences who bring their own unique perspective to the band.

They state that their albums always lay out their full names but fans and media have never paid attention to that and have always simply called them "Hall and Oates."
12. The King of Pop sang this one. "Billie Jean" was a smash hit off the mega popular album "Thriller." I almost feel silly asking - who sang it?

Answer: Michael Jackson

"Billie Jean" was one of seven singles released from the album "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. Every one of those singles made it to the top ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the album spent 122 weeks (that's more than two years!) on the Billboard 200.

The album won eight Grammy Awards and catapulted Michael Jackson into absolute superstardom. "Billie Jean" was the first video by a black singer to make it into heavy rotation on MTV.
13. The song "Tarzan Boy" made this Italian music project, who sound like they might hail from Maryland, a one hit wonder in the U.S. Can you name this group who had more success in their native Italy?

Answer: Baltimora

Baltimora formed when an Italian musician named Maurizio Bassi met an Irish actor and dancer named Jimmy McShane and they decided to form a music project together. Their first single called "Tarzan Boy" was released in 1985 and had pretty decent success - it went to number three on the U.K. charts, number five on Canadian charts and spent six months on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually reaching number thirteen.

The group did not have any more success in the U.S.
14. "Live Is Life" by this Austrian band was the official goal scoring song for the New York Islanders during the 2010-2011 season. Can you name the band?

Answer: Opus

Opus released "Live is Life" in 1985 and it became a pretty big hit for the band, reaching top ten in several countries including Canada, the U.K., the U.S. and several European countries. The song had a rousing effect on people and was not only used as the goal scoring song for the New York Islanders, but also at rallies for the Canadian political party The Reform Party of Canada, and as the Napoli Football Club warmup song.
15. "Her bikini small, heels tall; she said she liked, the ocean" are quite memorable lyrics from the song "Going Back To Cali" by this rapper, producer, actor and author. Can you name this guy who the ladies love?

Answer: LL Cool J

LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James) released "Going Back To Cali" in 1988 and the song was included on the movie soundtrack for "Less Than Zero" as well as LL Cool J's third studio album "Walking With A Panther." The song has been parodied and referenced several times, including the parody video "Going Back To Brooklyn" by comedian Colin Quinn (directed by Ben Stiller) and a reference in Sonic Youth's song "Kool Thing" which was a response to LL Cool J's perceived misogyny.
16. The song "The One I Love" with the line "This one goes out to the one I love" by this band is often misinterpreted. Not necessarily about true love but having pretty dark lyrics about manipulation, who sang it?

Answer: R.E.M.

"The One I Love" was released in 1987 and was R.E.M's first hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Radio stations often get requests to dedicate this song from people who don't realize that there are some pretty dark lyrics on the subject of love.

Although the song contains the line "This one goes out to the one I love", it also contains the line "A simple prop to occupy my time", suggesting it isn't the simple love song you might think it is.
17. This British band known for its conflict as much as its music released "Everything Little Thing She Does Is Magic" in 1981. Who are they?

Answer: The Police

The Police formed in 1977 with members Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. While they were together they won several awards including Grammy Awards, Junos and Brit Awards. While they were making award winning music, they were constantly fighting and disagreeing as a band. Unable to continue to work together, the band eventually broke up and each member had a solo career. Sting had a very successful solo career, Summers released a number of albums and Copeland became a music producer.
18. The video for "Love Is A Battlefield" features this 30-year old singer playing a rebellious teenager. Can you name this powerhouse singer?

Answer: Pat Benatar

"Love Is A Battlefield" was released in 1983 and sold over a million records. The song was a departure from Pat Benatar's rock style and featured an electronic dance element, which was not typical for her. The video is about a rebellious teenager who runs away from home to New York City and helps to take down a sleazy bar owner. It is the first video to include dialogue.
19. Such a sweet and innocent song about wondering if a boy likes you back or not. "How Will I Know" was recorded by this singer who started out innocent but whose life took a devastating turn. Can you name her?

Answer: Whitney Houston

"How Will I Know" was the third single from Whitney Houston's debut album. Houston went on to become one of the most successful female artists of all time, winning numerous awards and selling over 200 million records worldwide. She had seven consecutive number one hits on the Billboard Top 100 from 1985 to 1988 and appeared in the 1992 film "The Bodyguard" with Kevin Costner, contributing six songs to the soundtrack, including a cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." Sadly, Houston passed away at the age of 48, when she accidentally drowned in a bathtub due to heart problems and cocaine use.
20. A very different song from the Disney movie "Frozen", "Let It Go" by this artist was successful only in Canada. Can you name the Canadian singer born in Quebec and of Ukrainian descent?

Answer: Luba

Despite never having a hit in the U.S., Luba (born Luba Kowalchyk) is among the most successful Canadian female artists of all time. She won three consecutive Juno awards for Female Singer of the Year, with only Anne Murray and Celine Dion winning more.

She has released several studio albums, including two in Ukrainian and contributes musically to the kids show "The Raccoons." The song "Let It Go" reached top 40 status in Canada and was used in the movie "9​1/2 Weeks" starring Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke.
21. The rock band who made this song liked to wear makeup and took a slapstick approach to the video for "We're Not Gonna Take It". Who is this band?

Answer: Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister formed in 1972 and achieved commercial and international success in the 80s with the release of the album "Stay Hungry" which included the hits "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." The video for "We're Not Gonna Take It" was a big success for the band and shows a young boy who wants to listen to rock and roll sticking up to his strict father. Dee Snider, who wrote the song, initially gave Donald Trump permission to use the song in his 2016 presidential campaign because the two were friends but later changed his mind and asked Trump to stop using it.
22. "Pass The Dutchie" was released in 1982 by this British Jamaican reggae band. Can you name this young band?

Answer: Musical Youth

The song "Pass The Dutchie" was based on a song called "Pass The Koutchie" by the Mighty Diamonds, about passing around a pipe to smoke cannabis. It was re-worked to passing a pot used for cooking and was one of the fastest selling singles of the year.

The song sold over four million copies and was nominated for a Grammy award. The band released two studio albums in the time they were together from 1979 to 1985 and "Pass The Dutchie" was their greatest success around the world.
23. "Dear Prudence" was a 1983 cover of a Beatles song by this British post-punk band. Can you name the highly influential band that released 11 studio albums?

Answer: Siouxsie and the Banshees

Siouxsie and the Banshees formed in 1976 after singer Siouxsie Sioux met bass guitarist Steven Severin at a Roxy Music concert. The two of them started following an unsigned band around, named the Sex Pistols, and were inspired by their attitude. Two other members joined Sioux and Severin and the band known as Siouxsie and the Banshees went on to record 11 studio albums and have a huge influence on many bands including Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Radiohead. "Dear Prudence" was their biggest hit, reaching number three on the U.K. charts.
24. This group featuring Ricky Bell and Bobby Brown had the hit "Candy Girl" in 1983. Can you name this new group?

Answer: New Edition

New Edition was discovered at a 1982 talent show in Boston where they placed second but were noticed by producer Maurice Starr who envisioned them as the 80s answer to the Jackson 5. The group recorded their debut album "Candy Girl", went on tour to promote the album and much to their disappointment, were each given $1.87 at the end of that tour! The group parted ways with Starr who then went on to form New Kids on the Block. New Edition continued making music, released their last studio album in 2004 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
25. "She Sells Sanctuary" gave this British rock band mainstream success in 1985. Can you name the band that was formerly called "Death Cult?"

Answer: The Cult

The Cult are a British rock band formed in 1983 whose second studio album "Love" features the hits "She Sells Sanctuary" and "Rain". The band have had several different members with two who have never left the band, singer and songwriter Ian Astbury and guitarist and songwriter Billy Duffy.

The band's musical direction has changed from rock and post-punk to more psychedelic and the band also changed locations from the U.K. to Los Angeles, California. At the end of 2019 the band was continuing to work on new music.
Source: Author ramonesrule

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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