Pop Hits 1981
Apple Music


Everything became bigger and brighter in the '80s—these hits reveal the fierce foundation for the decade's pop. New wave acts such as Soft Cell, Ultravox and Kim Wilde drowned out guitars in favour of drum machines and synths, highlighting some remarkable vocals. The cheeky chappies of Madness and the provocative Adam and the Ants showed humour also had its place on the charts.