Fire up the VCR — we’re dialing the clock back to a time when MTV and MuchMusic didn’t just play music, they defined it. This week, I’m joined by Jim & Lindsay Butler, co-hosts of Children of the 80’s, to rewind to the golden era of 80s music videos — when big hooks, bigger hair, and unforgettable visuals ruled the airwaves.

Together, we’re curating a playlist featuring 12 of the most iconic music videos of the 1980s, spotlighting the artists, songs, and groundbreaking visuals that helped shape pop culture and change how we experienced music forever.

From genre-defining pop anthems and arena-ready rock classics to the cinematic storytelling and bold fashion that made these videos instant classics, this episode celebrates the moment when music television was must-watch entertainment.

Whether you grew up glued to MTV and MuchMusic or you’re discovering these legendary 80s videos for the first time, this playlist is a nostalgic deep dive into the sights and sounds that made the decade unforgettable — because in the 80s, it wasn’t just about how a song sounded, it was about how it looked.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more rock fans find the show! Then, scroll down to watch all the music videos discussed in this episode! 👇

Robert Palmer – Simply Irresistible

Men Without Hats – The Safety Dance

A-Ha – Take On Me

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer

Paul Simon – You Can Call Me Al

Billy Joel – We Didn’t Start The Fire

Huey Lewis & The News – Doing It All For My Baby

Run-DMC (feat. Aerosmith) – Walk This Way

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Parent’s Just Don’t Understand

Genesis – Land Of Confusion

Michael Jackson – Thriller