I wasn't around but I'd say 1985.  I don't know, with the Breakfast Club, a-ha, Tears for Fears, it just seemed like a good year.  Really '83 to '87 is all good. 

As for most definitive, I'd say 1984 for the entire decade but 1982-1983 for the early 80s and 1987-1988 for the late 80s.

I would say 1984 would be my pick. I just have so many fond memories from that year.  If I had to attach a certain "feeling" that would be uniquely 80s, for me, 1984 would be it.  If you look at the culture of that year:  "Footloose" and "Purple Rain" were tearing up the box offices and the album charts.  Cyndi Lauper and Madonna both debuted, and Duran Duran and Van Halen were on top of the world.

We shopped at Chess King and ate Big Macs from styrofoam containers.  Nike Legend shoes and Tiger wrestling boots were all the rage, and there was nothing like a good old pair of Levi's (well some things don't change).

Ronald Reagan was president, gas was about $.85 per gallon (my dad said that was outrageous).  I graduated from high school and our class song was "My Friends, My Friends" by Eddie Money.  I fell in love for the first time and had my heart broken for the first time too.  That was the year that I came of age, and I don't regret one moment! 

The 80s were great, I loved every year, but 1984 was the BEST!!!  ;)

^ I agree with all this - I might've been 2 in 1984, but I always had a fond feeling of it (I actually do have a few memories back that far, LOL - maybe that's why it's my favorite since that's the first one I recall). ;D

Just like how the 90's culture peaked in 1993/94, I think the biggest feel of the 80's was in 1984 and '85 (okay, I'm slightly biased 'cause BTTF came out in '85!).

Case in point, I just re-watched Wedding Singer the other night, and even though it does kind of cram alot of the 80's into the whole movie, it "feels" very late 1984/early '85. References to Miami Vice, Billy Idol's appearence in the end, even a DeLorean.:) (The one Glen is driving when Julia gets drunk in the bar.)

However, I'd say it could've passed for taking place in '83 or as late as '86 (the "$700 CD player" for instance).

In any case, I think every year up to (and including) 1986 were the "main" 80's (1987 is a fringe year), and 1987/88 to 1991 were more that "late 80s" feel. MTV was also, I'd say, in its biggest year in '84 (I think Thriller exploded at the end of '83).

I went for 1984 too, very influencial young years followed by 1986.  :)

1984

1984


Exactly! So much was happening in music, film, culture, etc that I was proud to be there!

Tanya

loved them all but i went with '87(my graduation year)..lots of great dance music that year  8)

some of them were ok but i really love tha 80's with motley crue and poison and other groups like that.

                                            Samantha

1984

It was a tough call between 1982 & 1983, but I went with 1982.

1985

I would have to say 1984.  Wasn't that the year that "I Can Dream About You" song was being aired everywhere on the radio?  I remember walking across this stair-like brick wall at the Country Club swimming pool in Cynthiana, Kentucky (was 12 years old) and hearing that song.  Anybody that likes to travel, you should go to that swimming pool and you can then trace the steps of a 12 year old in 1984.  ;)

Yep, my vote goes to 1984 also. Graduated. Fell in love. Great music. Good movies. Ronny as President. Fun times. Great memories.

I would have to say 1984. Wasn't that the year that "I Can Dream About You" song was being aired everywhere on the radio? I remember walking across this stair-like brick wall at the Country Club swimming pool in Cynthiana, Kentucky (was 12 years old) and hearing that song. Anybody that likes to travel, you should go to that swimming pool and you can then trace the steps of a 12 year old in 1984. ;)


Sounds like a cool experience - I love the Dan Hartman song as well, it's just one of those instant "put you in a good/happy mood"-type songs, isn't it? :)

Although instead of being 12, I was 2 when it came out (liked it then too, but I didn't own it until I bought an 80's compilation tape that included it - in 1994 when I was 12, LOL!).

PS: I know people commonly refer to it as 'blue-eyed soul' but I never made that connection myself - always seemed alot more pop/rock-ish to me, like a Toto/Journey/Foreigner sound.

1985

I was torn between 1982 and 1983, but finally went with 1983.  Cool music, cool movies, cool times with my friends!!  8)

1988 which saw the emergence of Enya as a solo artist.

1984. Blaine was born in January and I was in Arizona at the time. I came back to Colorado, worked and had an apartment. Summer I moved to Denver and dated Casey. August we broke up and I had a breakdown. I lived in my car from September until the end of December. Okay, not the most glamorous stuff but it made me stronger...AND the music was great!
Go Insane by Lindsey Buckinham
Missing You by John Waite
I Can Dream About You by Dan Hartmen
Drive by The Cars
The entire 1984 LP by Van Halen...etc.

1988 which saw the emergence of Enya as a solo artist.


I'm in agreement.  I turned 16 in '88, and worked my first on-the-books job that summer.  I'd say more songs "speak to me" from that year than any other.  One More Try.  Behind The Wheel.  Hands To Heaven.  Seasons Change. Givin' You The Best That I've Got.  Yeah, a coupla those albums came out in 87 but the singles were released in '88.  And yup, Orinoco Flow on our local college radio station (WXCI)...The Cover Girls "Promise Me" and Noel "Like A Child" on the "new" Hot 97...'twas a very good year.

I'm in agreement.  I turned 16 in '88, and worked my first on-the-books job that summer.  I'd say more songs "speak to me" from that year than any other.  One More Try.  Behind The Wheel.  Hands To Heaven.  Seasons Change. Givin' You The Best That I've Got.  Yeah, a coupla those albums came out in 87 but the singles were released in '88.  And yup, Orinoco Flow on our local college radio station (WXCI)...The Cover Girls "Promise Me" and Noel "Like A Child" on the "new" Hot 97...'twas a very good year.


1988 all the way cause thats the Year i was born in  :)

1988 all the way cause thats the Year i was born in  :)


OK, seeing THAT response to MY quote has made me feel TOTALLY old!!!!! :)

OK, seeing THAT response to MY quote has made me feel TOTALLY old!!!!! :)


i checked your profile out 32 is not old thats even no were near old if your 60 then your old your no were near that lol kinda feel the same way when people talk about stuff from the 90s

I voted for 1986

Every year was a good year for me during the 80s.