A Look Back: Rock in 1988

The year 1988 was a pivotal moment for rock music. The musical landscape was changing, and new bands and sub-genres were emerging. The sounds of '80s rock were marked by larger-than-life guitar riffs, epic drum beats, and soaring vocals. It was a time of big hair, leather jackets, and tight jeans. Here's a look at some of the rock music that defined 1988:

"Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction" - Released in 1987, but gained massive popularity in 1988, "Appetite for Destruction" by Guns N' Roses was an undeniable classic. The album's blistering guitar work and frontman Axl Rose's passionate vocals made hits out of songs like "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child o' Mine," and "Paradise City." It remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.

"Metallica - ...And Justice for All" - Following up their classic 1986 album "Master of Puppets," Metallica continued to dominate the metal scene in 1988 with "...And Justice for All." The album was noted for its technical musicianship, complex song structures, and socially conscious lyrics. Its standout track, "One," a harrowing account of a wounded soldier, became one of the band's most iconic songs.

"Bon Jovi - New Jersey" - Coming off the massive success of their 1986 album "Slippery When Wet," Bon Jovi kept the hits coming with 1988's "New Jersey." With its anthemic choruses and catchy sing-alongs, the album produced hit singles like "Bad Medicine," "Born to Be My Baby," and "Lay Your Hands on Me." The album's blend of rock and pop sensibilities helped to define the '80s sound.

"Aerosmith - Permanent Vacation" - After years of drug abuse and personal turmoil, Aerosmith made a triumphant comeback in 1988 with "Permanent Vacation." The album was a critical and commercial success, showcasing the band's signature bluesy rock sound with a polished pop sheen. Hit singles included "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," "Rag Doll," and "Angel."

These are just a few examples of the rock music that defined 1988. From hair metal to thrash to pop rock, the sounds of '80s rock were diverse and constantly evolving. Though the era has come and gone, the music of 1988 remains a testament to the power and energy of rock and roll. 

A Look Back: R&B in 1985

The year 1985 was a pivotal year for R&B music. The genre was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the emergence of new acts and the continued success of established ones. In this blog post, we'll take a look back at some of the most notable R&B songs and trends from 1985.

New Jack Swing

One of the biggest trends in R&B music in 1985 was the emergence of what would come to be known as "New Jack Swing." This style, characterized by its fusion of R&B, hip hop, and electronic music, was exemplified by the work of producers like Teddy Riley, who was credited with coining the term. Hits like "The Show" by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick and "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)" by Freddie Jackson helped to popularize the sound.

Crossover Hits

Another notable trend in R&B music in 1985 was the increasing popularity of crossover hits. These were songs that appealed to both R&B and pop audiences and helped to break down barriers between the two genres. One of the biggest crossover hits of 1985 was "Saving All My Love for You" by Whitney Houston, which hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award.

Established Artists

Several established R&B artists continued to dominate the charts in 1985. Lionel Richie, who had already achieved massive success both as a solo artist and as a member of The Commodores, released his hit album "Dancing on the Ceiling" that year, which featured the title track and other hits like "Say You, Say Me" and "Love Will Conquer All." Other established R&B artists like Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, and Chaka Khan also released successful albums and singles in 1985.

Conclusion

In conclusion, R&B music in 1985 was characterized by a mix of new sounds, established artists, and crossover hits. The emergence of New Jack Swing and the popularity of crossover hits helped to move R&B music into the mainstream, while established acts like Lionel Richie continued to maintain their dominance. Looking back, 1985 was a pivotal year for R&B music, and the trends and sounds of the time continue to influence the genre to this day.