1980s
1982 in British Music
Thriller begins its reign, Dexy's 'Come On Eileen', and synthpop rules.
The Story of 1982
The Second British Invasion of America began, and British pop was the most exciting it had been since the mid-Sixties. The Human League, Culture Club, ABC and Duran Duran were all breaking America. Culture Club's 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' made Boy George a global star – androgynous, witty and utterly British. Duran Duran's 'Rio' was the sound of yacht-rock meets new wave, their videos making them MTV darlings. ABC's 'The Lexicon of Love' was pop perfection. Dexys Midnight Runners' 'Come On Eileen' was the year's biggest seller, a Celtic soul stomp that no one predicted. The Jam split at their peak, 'Beat Surrender' their farewell. Paul Weller immediately formed The Style Council. The Smiths formed in Manchester, Morrissey and Marr beginning their collaboration. New Order released 'Temptation', bridging their post-punk past with dance future. The Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' was a global smash for Annie Lennox. The Falklands War dominated the news, creating a patriotic fervour that the pop charts largely ignored. Synth-pop, New Pop and indie were all flourishing. British music had never been more diverse or more successful globally.
Key Events
Michael Jackson's Thriller released — becomes the biggest-selling album of all time
Dexy's Midnight Runners' 'Come On Eileen' — the song of the summer
The Smiths play their first gig — Morrissey and Marr begin an era
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →The pop video becomes an art form and marketing necessity
- →Independent labels (Rough Trade, Factory) build alternative infrastructure
- →British pop dominates globally — Culture Club, Wham!, Duran Duran
Key Artists of 1982
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