10 Best 1980s Debut Singles In Rock Music
Introduction
The 1980s was a pivotal decade for rock music, with the rise of new wave, pop-metal, and alternative rock. It was also a time when many iconic bands released their debut singles, which would go on to shape the course of rock music. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 debut singles in rock music from the 1980s.
#10 – "Love Struck Baby" – Texas Flood (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
In 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble released their first album, Texas Flood. The album featured a debut single that would go on to become one of Vaughan’s most popular songs – "Love Struck Baby". The song’s bluesy guitar riffs and Vaughan’s soulful vocals make it a standout track.
#9 – "The Way It Is" – The Way It Is (Bruce Hornsby)
In 1986, Bruce Hornsby and the Range released their debut single, "The Way It Is". The song’s catchy piano riff and soaring vocals made it a hit, and it peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#8 – "We Got the Beat" – Beauty and the Beat (The Go-Go’s)
In 1981, The Go-Go’s released their debut single, "We Got the Beat". The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it a hit, and it peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#7 – "I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)" – The Nightfly (Donald Fagen)
In 1982, Donald Fagen released his debut solo album, The Nightfly. The album featured a debut single that would go on to become one of Fagen’s most popular songs – "I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)". The song’s jazzy instrumentation and Fagen’s smooth vocals make it a standout track.
#6 – "Mary’s Prayer" – Meet Danny Wilson (Danny Wilson)
In 1987, Danny Wilson released their debut single, "Mary’s Prayer". The song’s soaring vocals and catchy melody made it a hit, and it peaked at number 47 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#5 – "Blood and Roses" – Especially for You (The Smithereens)
In 1986, The Smithereens released their debut single, "Blood and Roses". The song’s catchy guitar riffs and lead singer Pat DiNizio’s powerful vocals make it a standout track.
#4 – "Heat of the Moment" – Asia (Asia)
In 1982, Asia released their debut single, "Heat of the Moment". The song’s catchy guitar riffs and soaring vocals made it a hit, and it peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#3 – "Crazy Train" – Blizzard of Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne)
In 1980, Ozzy Osbourne released his debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz. The album featured a debut single that would go on to become one of Osbourne’s most popular songs – "Crazy Train". The song’s fast-paced tempo and Osbourne’s distinctive vocals make it a standout track.
#2 – "Sweet Child o’ Mine" – Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses)
In 1987, Guns N’ Roses released their debut single, "Sweet Child o’ Mine". The song’s catchy guitar riffs and Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals made it a hit, and it peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#1 – "The Way It Is" – The Way It Is (Bruce Hornsby)
In 1986, Bruce Hornsby and the Range released their debut single, "The Way It Is". The song’s catchy piano riff and soaring vocals made it a hit, and it peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Conclusion
The 1980s was a pivotal decade for rock music, with the rise of new wave, pop-metal, and alternative rock. The debut singles from these iconic bands helped shape the course of rock music and continue to be popular today. Whether you’re a fan of bluesy guitar riffs or catchy pop melodies, there’s something on this list for everyone.
FAQs
Q: What was the biggest debut single of the 1980s?
A: Guns N’ Roses’ "Sweet Child o’ Mine" was the biggest debut single of the 1980s, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Q: Who was the most successful debut artist of the 1980s?
A: Bruce Hornsby and the Range were the most successful debut artists of the 1980s, with their debut single "The Way It Is" peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Q: What was the most iconic debut single of the 1980s?
A: Ozzy Osbourne’s "Crazy Train" is widely considered the most iconic debut single of the 1980s, with its fast-paced tempo and Osbourne’s distinctive vocals making it a standout track.
Q: What was the most popular debut single of the 1980s in terms of sales?
A: Guns N’ Roses’ "Sweet Child o’ Mine" was the most popular debut single of the 1980s in terms of sales, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide.