80’s Australian Music, there’s a total authentic vibe that runs through our music in the ’80s – bold, no apologies and built to last (they’re all still played on the radio, our Spotify playlists and we dance to them drunk at 21st and weddings STILL). It was the decade where pub rock roared, synths shimmered and voices cut through with something real to say.
You can hear it in the voices straight away – the commanding presence of John Farnham, the raw fire of Jimmy Barnes, the cool and sexy magnetism of Michael Hutchence, and the fearless, ground-breaking edge of Chrissy Amphlett. Bands like Midnight Oil, Icehouse and Men at Work weren’t just throwing us some random songs, they were hits – and they were shaping identity, giving the country a sound that travelled far beyond its shores.
This was a time where songs meant something. Whether it was political urgency, late-night vulnerability or pure pub-floor energy, artists like Cold Chisel, Divinyls and I’m Talking brought personality front and centre. Every track carried its own pulse, its own attitude.
While there are a plethora more of anthems and torch songs, having this list at twelve isn’t limiting my love of the others – it only begins to open the exposure to more through exploring the story, and bringing in that raw, rebellious energy that made the era impossible to ignore.
So, let’s step into a moment where Australian music found its voice, turned it all the way up, and made sure the world heard it.
80’s forever!
1. Down Under – Men at Work
A global calling card wrapped in wit and groove. Still sounds like sunshine with a side of mischief. THIS says ‘Australia’
2. Beds Are Burning – Midnight Oil
Fierce and purposeful. This track doesn’t age – it stays relevant, loud and clear. The invention of Daggy-Dad-Dancing 😉
3. Never Tear Us Apart – INXS
Dark romance at its finest. Michael Hutchence turns vulnerability into something magnetic. No one can ever replace Michael.
4. Working Class Man – Jimmy Barnes
All grit, no gloss. A voice that feels like it’s lived every word. And a solo career was born muthers.
5. You’re the Voice – John Farnham
Arena-ready and emotionally charged. This is unity wrapped in a chorus.
6. Great Southern Land – Icehouse
Expansive and haunting. Iva Davies paints the landscape in sound.
7. Reckless – Australian Crawl
Cool, reflective and effortlessly smooth. A slow-burn classic. Epitome of laid-back style.
8. Khe Sanh – Cold Chisel
Rough-edged storytelling that still defines the pub rock blueprint. ICONIC. Freak me, which drunk aunty hasn’t danced to this with her heels off at the end of a party???
9. The Nips Are Getting Bigger – Mental As Anything
Offbeat charm with a wink. Playful, clever, and unmistakably Aussie.
10. What About Me – Moving Pictures
Direct, emotional, and still cutting through generations.
11. Boys in Town – Divinyls
Here’s where the edge sharpens. ‘Boys in Town’ struts in with attitude and bite, powered by Chrissy Amphlett’s fearless delivery. It’s gritty, rebellious, and dripping with character – a track that refuses to sit quietly. What Chrissy did for women in the music industry is undeniable. An artist that is missed deeply.
12. Trust Me – I’m Talking
A sleek slice of ’80s pop with serious groove. “Trust Me” blends funk, fashion, and attitude into something effortlessly cool, fronted by Kate Ceberano’s unmistakable vocal. It’s polished without losing personality – a reminder of how stylish Australian pop could be. Kate, of course, has gone on solo with a killer artist’s career.
Don’t feel cheated or think I don’t know that decade… Of course, there is AC/DC, The Vamps, Mondo Rock, Skyhooks, Marcia Hines, Renee Geyer, Noiseworks, the Hoodoos, Kylie Minogue etc, and they are coming in the next post, and/but twelve tracks in, what stands out is the confidence. These bangers don’t chase the desperation of validation – they own their fucking space, over and over again. That is why we are STILL playing them. There’s grit, glamour, politics, humour and heart all moving together, creating a sound that still feels alive. This isn’t just a thrown-together playlist you revisit – it’s one you feel in your bones every time it spins. Now I think I need to work on part two of this post.
Enjoy, Markus x
Michael Hutchence
