Musique des années 80

Study Notes

Musique des années 80 - Blind Test Questions

Genre Musique: Synthpop, New Wave, Pop, Rock, Disco, Funk, R&B, Hair Metal, Alternative Rock, New Romantic.
Artistes: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, The Bangles, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, AC/DC, Eurythmics, The Police, Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads, New Order, U2, R.E.M, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, INXS.
Albums: Important albums from the artists mentioned should be included as potential clues (e.g., Thriller, Like a Virgin, Purple Rain, Bad, Hysteria, Licensed to Ill)

Question Types:

Identification: Identify the artist and song from a short audio clip.
Matching: Match a song title to the artist.
Multiple Choice: Choose the correct song from a list of possible choices.
True or False: Assess statements about the song or artist.

Example Questions:

Question Type: Identification
Description: Short audio clip of a song with prominent synthesizer sounds and a repetitive bassline.
Possible Answers: Identify the song title/artist
Question Type: Multiple choice
Description: Which song was a #1 hit for Michael Jackson in 1982?
Possible Answers:
Beat It
Billie Jean
Thriller
Smooth Criminal
Question Type: Matching
Description: Match the song title to the corresponding artist.
Possible Answers:
Song Title 1 —> Artist A
Song Title 2 —> Artist B
Song Title 3 —> Artist C
Question Type: True or False
Description: The song "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson was criticized for its violence and content.
Possible Answers: True/False

Genres and Subgenres:

Synthpop: Emphasizes synthesized instruments, often with electronic sounds and strong basslines. Think early Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Human League.
New Wave: Building on the 70s, with a mix of punk, art rock, funk and pop elements. Influential bands include Talking Heads, The Cars, The Police.
Hair Metal: Known for its loud guitars, high-energy vocals, and often flamboyant image. Bands like Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Poison were prominent.

Musical Styles and Characteristics:

80s Pop: Often characterized by catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and upbeat tempos. Featuring artists like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston.
New Romantic: A genre blending elements of synthpop, pop, and glam rock, with a theatrical and often highly stylized aesthetic.
Often had themes of romance, artifice, and melancholy. Artists such as Duran Duran, Soft Cell and The Psychedelic Furs.
Rock: Metal, hard rock, classic rock, including bands like Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and Def Leppard.
R&B/Funk: A blend of Rhythm and Blues and funk, often with strong rhythmic elements and soulful vocal styles. Artists like Janet Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder.

Key Technological Advancements:

Synthesizers: played a significant role in creating the sounds of the 80s
Drum Machines: Were used to replace or enhance the drumming sound and helped create unique and distinctive rhythmic patterns.
Digital Audio Tape (DAT): A powerful recording technology that altered the way music was produced and stored that time.
Home Recording Systems: Allowed for more access to creating and experimenting with music

Cultural Context:

MTV: The rise of MTV had a significant influence on popular music.
Fashion: Fashion was often a defining factor of the era - from the glam rock of bands like Duran Duran to the stylish attire of pop stars like Michael Jackson.
Social Trends: Major social influences, such as Cold War, influenced the political and social issues sometimes portrayed in songs.

General Instruction:

The music genre and era should be clearly defined. Ensure that each question reflects a specific artist, album title, or song. Keep song titles as concise as possible.

Testing Methodology/Format:

Create a standardized testing format for each question type.
Design a logical layout for the overall test.
Include a timing element for both audio clips and overall testing.
Include a break down of the answers/scoring system.

Description

Testez vos connaissances sur la musique des années 80 avec ce blind test. Identifiez les artistes, associez les titres de chansons et répondez à des questions à choix multiples sur vos morceaux préférés de cette époque. Un défi incontournable pour les amateurs de synthpop, rock et disco !