The 1980s were an amazing decade for music, thanks to the rise of rock and pop during that time. Popular American girl bands were very prominent during this decade and are still popular today, although they have nowadays been overshadowed by newer acts.
The 1980s saw the rise of several popular girl bands, which were very well known during the decade. Two of the best-known and most successful bands from this decade were The Go-Gos and The Bangles. In addition to those two bands, several other notable girl groups came about during the 1980s.
Some of the best known bands from this decade include:
Bananarama
This band was known for their sweet and innocent image, which they cultivated through their music videos. They were also known for being extremely popular in the United Kingdom. They are one of the most successful girl bands of all time, selling over 40 million records worldwide. Their hits include: “Venus”, “Shy Boy”, and “Cruel Summer”.
The Bangles
This band helped pave the way for future girl bands, thanks to their unique sound and catchy songs. Not only that, but they had a very strong fan base in the US as well as many other European countries.
The Bangles became one of the most influential girl groups during the 1980s and still have a large following today because of it. Though they only sold over a million records worldwide, they were still very monumental in the development of girl bands. Their hits include: “Walk Like an Egyptian”, “Manic Monday” and “Eternal Flame”.
The Go-Go’s
This band was known for their distinct sound and image, which they cultivated through their sound and music videos. Formed in Los Angeles, CA in 1978, the lineup consisted of Belinda Carlisle as a lead vocalist, Gina Schock on drums, Kathy Valentine on bass guitar, Charlotte Caffey on lead guitar and keyboards, and Jane Wiedlin on rhythm guitar. Throughout the length of their career, they managed to successfully sell over 7 million records worldwide. Their hits include: “Our Lips Are Sealed”, “Cool Jerk” and “We Got the Beat”.
The Pointer Sisters
This girl group, consisting of Ruth, Anita, and Bonnie Pointers, was known for their unique sound and catchy songs. They dominated the R&B and soul scene, as well as cultivating a lot of jazz, disco, blues, and of course pop inspirations into their sound.
The Pointer Sisters have managed to sell over 2 million records worldwide. Their hits include: “Slow Hand”, “Fire” and “I’m So Excited”.
Expose
This girl group was known for their extremely catchy sound, and they ruled the dance club scene of the 80s. They were well-known primarily in the US and Canada during this decade.
They have been named as the eighth most influential girl bands of all time according to Billboard. Throughout their run from 1984 to 1993, they were one of the first groups to reach top ten for four tracks from their debut album on the Billboard Hot 100. Their hits include: “I’ll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me” and “Come Go With Me.”
