15 Forgotten Icons of the 80s Music Scene

15 Forgotten Icons of the 80s Music Scene

The 1980s were a golden era for music, bursting with innovation, synth-pop magic, and iconic personas. While names like Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson still dominate nostalgic playlists, many other talented artists who once lit up the charts have faded into the shadows of mainstream memory.

1. Martika

A former child actress turned pop star, Martika soared to fame with her haunting 1989 hit “Toy Soldiers”, which tackled the dark theme of addiction. The song’s vulnerability, paired with her ethereal voice, helped it top the Billboard Hot 100.

Despite the success, her music career was short-lived. She released just two albums before stepping away from the spotlight in the early ’90s. Martika’s brief brilliance is often overlooked, but her influence is still felt—Eminem famously sampled “Toy Soldiers” in 2004.

Martika may not be a household name today, but her impact during that moment in pop was undeniable.

2. Tracy Chapman

Few voices are as distinctive or emotionally resonant as Tracy Chapman’s. With “Fast Car”, she told a story of escape and longing that captured hearts around the world. Her debut album, released in 1988, earned her critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards.

Even with continued success in the ’90s, Chapman rarely sought the spotlight. Her reserved persona and avoidance of mainstream media left her under the radar for many younger fans.

Despite her powerful storytelling and soulful sound, Tracy Chapman often gets left out of ’80s retrospectives—yet her influence on singer-songwriters today is crystal clear.

3. Kajagoogoo

With their flamboyant fashion and catchy hooks, Kajagoogoo seemed tailor-made for the MTV era. Their breakout hit “Too Shy” was an instant synth-pop classic, driven by Limahl’s distinctive vocals and a slick production style that defined early ’80s new wave.

Internal conflict led to Limahl’s firing soon after their debut, and while both he and the band tried to continue separately, neither recaptured the magic of their early success. Limahl did find solo fame with “The NeverEnding Story”, but it was short-lived.

Kajagoogoo burned brightly for a moment, then faded—leaving behind a small but unforgettable legacy.

4. Siedah Garrett

Though she may not be a household name, Siedah Garrett had a hand in some of the ’80s most iconic songs. She co-wrote “Man in the Mirror”, one of Michael Jackson’s most powerful anthems, and sang alongside him on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”.

Her contributions went beyond backing vocals—Garrett was a creative force with a soulful voice of her own. However, her solo career never received the spotlight it deserved, overshadowed by the megastars she supported.

A hidden architect of pop greatness, Garrett remains one of the most talented yet underappreciated voices of her era.

5. The Jets

Bursting with energy and sibling chemistry, The Jets brought a fresh flavor to pop and R&B in the mid-to-late ’80s. Hits like “Crush on You” and “You Got It All” showcased their talent for catchy melodies and heartfelt ballads.

The family band of Tongan-American descent was groundbreaking in its representation and sound, blending dance beats with harmonies that made them MTV favorites. Yet their popularity waned by the early ’90s as musical tastes shifted.

Despite their success during their prime, The Jets are rarely mentioned in ‘80s music conversations, making them a truly forgotten gem of the decade.

6. Jody Watley

Emerging from the post-Disco group Shalamar, Jody Watley quickly proved herself as a solo powerhouse. Her debut single “Looking for a New Love” became a pop and dance hit, earning her a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1988.

Watley helped redefine the role of women in R&B and pop, combining fashion, dance, and empowerment. She was among the early artists to blend music and visual style in ways that anticipated modern pop divas.

While she continued to release music, her name is often overlooked in favor of flashier contemporaries—despite a catalog that still resonates with fans of the genre.

7. Neneh Cherry

Blending hip-hop, pop, and punk attitude, Neneh Cherry made a bold entrance with her 1988 debut “Buffalo Stance”. The song challenged norms with its feminist message and genre-defying production, earning her international fame.

Her follow-up work explored deeper, more experimental territory, which didn’t always connect with mainstream audiences. Cherry resisted the urge to conform, making her less visible in pop’s commercial sphere but beloved by music aficionados.

Though many recognize her name, Neneh Cherry’s daring creativity and influence on boundary-pushing artists deserves far more recognition in ’80s retrospectives.

8. Basia

This Polish-born jazz-pop singer brought sophistication to the airwaves in the late ’80s. Her single “Time and Tide” became a staple on adult contemporary radio, marked by bossa nova rhythms and smooth vocal textures.

Basia’s music wasn’t typical chart fare—it was elegant, worldly, and rich in musicality. She carved a unique niche, appealing to listeners who wanted something more refined than bubblegum pop.

Though her style didn’t dominate mainstream charts for long, Basia left behind a timeless catalog that still finds fans today. Her name may not be widely known, but her sound is unforgettable to those who remember.

9. Howard Jones

Innovation and optimism were Howard Jones’s trademarks. Songs like “Things Can Only Get Better” and “No One Is to Blame” delivered emotional lyrics wrapped in cutting-edge synth production.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Jones combined philosophical themes with pop accessibility. He was a frequent fixture on MTV and a fan favorite during his peak years. Yet as grunge and alternative took over in the ’90s, he slowly drifted out of the spotlight.

Today, Jones is often remembered by diehard fans of the era—but deserves a broader revival for the depth and positivity of his music.

10. Alphaville

Their synth-laced anthems were tailor-made for cinematic moments. “Forever Young” became a timeless track, yet Alphaville themselves are rarely mentioned in the same breath as Depeche Mode or Duran Duran.

This German band crafted deeply emotional, atmospheric pop that resonated across borders. “Big in Japan” was another standout hit, showcasing their ability to blend electronic music with haunting themes of longing and identity.

While the songs remain iconic, the group behind them faded into the background. Alphaville’s emotional range and sonic innovation earn them a well-deserved spot among forgotten ’80s icons.

11. Jane Wiedlin

After her run with The Go-Go’s, Jane Wiedlin struck out on her own with a distinct style and spirit. Her solo single “Rush Hour” was a breezy pop-rock gem that climbed the charts in 1988.

Known for her quirky charisma and creative edge, Wiedlin’s solo career showed great promise but didn’t quite achieve the longevity of her former bandmates. She also dipped into acting and comic book writing, expanding her creative repertoire beyond music.

Though often overshadowed by the legacy of The Go-Go’s, Jane’s solo work remains a charming chapter in ’80s pop history.

12. Paul Young

Soulful and soft-spoken, Paul Young brought a unique flavor to British pop. His cover of “Every Time You Go Away” in 1985 became an international hit, cementing his reputation for heartfelt balladry.

He was known for his emotional delivery and blue-eyed soul style, which resonated with fans around the globe. While he released several successful albums, the rise of newer genres in the late ’80s gradually pushed him to the sidelines.

Paul Young’s music still strikes a chord, but his name has largely faded from public consciousness. It’s time to give his smooth vocals another spin.

13. Glenn Medeiros

At just 18 years old, Glenn Medeiros became a sensation with his 1987 hit “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You”. The song’s romantic sentiment and soft-spoken delivery made it a staple at proms and weddings.

Though the ballad was massive internationally, especially in Europe and Asia, Medeiros struggled to replicate that success in the U.S. charts. Later forays into dance-pop never reached the same emotional impact or popularity.

Despite a career that fizzled quickly, his one-hit-wonder status doesn’t reflect the depth of talent he showed early on—a forgotten teen idol worth remembering.

14. Yazoo (Yaz in the U.S.)

This British duo, made up of Vince Clarke (ex-Depeche Mode) and powerhouse vocalist Alison Moyet, crafted deeply moving synth-pop with hits like “Only You” and “Don’t Go”. Their sound was both minimal and emotionally rich.

Though they released only two albums before parting ways, Yazoo had an outsized influence on the electronic music scene. Clarke went on to form Erasure, while Moyet launched a successful solo career, leaving their duo work somewhat obscured.

Their short-lived partnership left a lasting mark—yet Yazoo is often forgotten among their longer-running peers.

15. The Belle Stars

Emerging from the ashes of ska band The Bodysnatchers, The Belle Stars delivered a unique mix of new wave and ska-pop. Their cover of “Iko Iko” gained widespread recognition thanks to its inclusion in the Rain Man soundtrack.

They were a stylish, all-female band with infectious energy and a flair for rhythm-heavy tracks. Though they never broke into major superstardom, they brought a needed burst of diversity to the ’80s music scene.

Today, The Belle Stars are rarely name-dropped—yet their catchy, upbeat vibe and trailblazing presence deserve to be dusted off and celebrated once more.