Top 10 80s Songs That Foretold the Future Welcome to , and today we're ranking our favorite selections for the top ten tracks from the 1980s that somehow managed to make eerie predictions about the world that turned out to be remarkably precise.
#10: “Major Tom (Coming Home)”
Peter Schilling: As an unofficial follow-up to David Bowie's "Space Oddity," Peter Schilling reimagined the late-60s classic for a more cynical era. In his song, "Major Tom (Coming Home)," he reverses the narrative of the Bowie track, presenting a version of Major Tom who calmly accepts that he will stay in space. He has grown emotionally disconnected from Earth and its troubles, seeking a fresh beginning in the most dramatic way possible. Although his stay may not be long, Major Tom is already so far removed from life on Earth that it no longer affects him. The technology that brought him this far is now being rejected, a theme that resonates widely in today's world.
#9: "Everyone Wants to Take Control of the World"
Tears for Fears The human longing for control and superiority has remained significant for 1,000 years, just as it is today. However, Tears for Fears truly achieved success when they addressed greed and the desire for power in their iconic song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." If they believed we were abandoning Mother Nature in the 80s, the situation has become much worse. Corruption, control, and a widespread anxiety regarding global affairs are at the forefront here. While the song is one of the most memorable and impactful pop tracks of the decade, it also reflects a sentiment that has only continued to intensify since its release.
#8: "We Kill the World (Don't Kill the World)"
Boney M. Although Boney M was known for their consistently lively and upbeat style of disco-pop, in this case, they delivered a surprise. Protecting the Earth for coming generations is one of the most admirable topics to address. In the song "We Kill the World (Don't Kill the World)," the group portrays the world as a gift from God, which has unfortunately been overlooked. Given the current initiatives aimed at reversing the harm humans have caused to the planet over the past few centuries, it's reasonable to say that Boney M was correct in highlighting this issue in the 80s.
#7: “Protect and Survive”
Jethro Tull In the 1980s, the British government launched a public information initiative called "Protect and Survive," aimed at informing citizens on how to act during a nuclear attack. The issue? It really revealed how they perceived those who supported them. Only the most basic and truly helpful information is provided, while much of it includes useless and often ridiculous suggestions. Jethro Tull chose to compose a song that directly mocks this campaign. The overall message of the song is that possessing nuclear weapons is a terrible, terrible concept, and this message will remain relevant for another fifty years.
#6: "The Future Is So Glorious, I Need to Wear Sunglasses"
Timbuk 3: Although frequently misunderstood as being optimistic, "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" employs its title in an ironic manner to address concerns about nuclear conflict and global futures during the Cold War era. Indeed, the song was so filled with irony that some listeners took longer than anticipated to comprehend its actual message. Timbuk 3 managed to create a song that was both world-weary and still suitable as a pop hit. The sense of paranoia depicted in this track and its overall unease regarding nuclear weapons are expected to remain relevant in the future. However, if you only heard the song without truly focusing on its lyrics, it's quite easy to overlook the entire message.
#5: “O Superman”
Laurie Anderson: As one of the most unexpected hits of the decade, Laurie Anderson's experimental song "O Superman" was more of a reflection on the impact of technology rather than a forecast for what was to come. While it was initially inspired by the Iran hostage situation and the unsuccessful Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, Anderson's main message was straightforward. In her own words, "technology cannot save you." The humiliation the U.S. military faced during their failed rescue mission inspired this song, which unexpectedly became a top-charting hit, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Charts.
#4: “Machines (Or Returning To Humans)”
Queen: Nobody is suggesting that we have arrived at a stage of total war with machines. We are far from even having that conversation. Nevertheless, hearing Freddie Mercury and Queen discussing the importance of maintaining the human aspect in an ever more technological world is indeed unsettling. Although the actual battle scenario may seem a bit exaggerated, the idea of humans reclaiming their independence from machines and enhancing their lives in the process is certainly relevant today. It's a science fiction song with a strong dystopian feel, meant to be completely dramatic, but that doesn't mean the band didn't present some increasingly pertinent themes.
#3: “Computer Love”
Zapp Although it shares its name with a similarly forward-thinking Kraftwerk song from 1981, Zapp's "Computer Love" stands out on its own merits. This song explores the concept of searching for love and approval through a computer screen, utilizing technology as a means to fight against loneliness. Given that we now live in an age of dating apps, parasocial connections, and individuals looking for real connection with AI chatbots, it's remarkable how ahead-of-its-time this track truly was. Plus, the song is simply a fantastic example of 80s electro-funk.
#2: “Mr. Roboto”
Styx: Okay, we haven't reached the point of robot prison guards just yet, but the Styx classic "Mr Roboto" still serves as a pretty accurate prediction of where we might be headed. This song recounts the tale of a fugitive rock and roll musician who takes refuge inside a robot worker to avoid being caught. On the surface, it's a quirky story with an extremely memorable chorus. However, the metaphor explores the essence of low-level labor, and how many jobs make people feel like they're losing their humanity. While the robot concept might one day become reality, it's the broader message of the song that continues to have lasting impact.
#1: “Deeper Understanding”
Kate Bush - Featured on the penultimate album of Kate Bush's early mainstream career, "The Sensual World," the song "Deeper Understanding" resonates strongly with personal experiences. The lyrics depict an individual developing an obsessive relationship with a computer, essentially substituting human interaction with technology. Does this sound familiar? Although the internet was still in its early stages at that time, Bush's talent for creating distinctive narratives allowed her to craft a story that is more pertinent today than ever before. During the 1980s, there were probably many individuals already expressing concerns about increasing dependence on technology. To suggest that people rely on technology even more now would be an understatement of the century. But which song do you believe best captured where the world was heading? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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