Out of every single era that has passed through time and space, the era that artists have stated is their most influence when they record albums is the 1980s. A time of pop revolution and boundary pushing looks, the '80s were an era that lives on through the sound of artists today. These are eight albums from the 21st century that are so '80s you will be busting out the Walkman and bright color headbands all over again:
1. Carly Rae Jepsen - "Emotion"
Known as one of the most underrated albums of 2015, this album is chock-full of songs that sound straight out of pop Top 40 in the year 1984. Her cheeky voice, use of synths and catchy lyricism; this is a dripping in sweet candy album that exploits the contemporary pop soul that inhabited the '80s. Some of these songs ring a bell to mall queen, Tiffany and most of these songs could have been sung by Belinda Carlisle.
Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: "Run Away With Me," "All That," "Boy Problems," "Your Type," and "When I Needed You."
2. Sky Ferreira - "Night Time, My Time"
No one lives and breathes '80s like Miss Sky Ferreira. This 2013 indie rock album features much for any wannabe Joan Jetts to jam hardcore to. This album took quite some time for her to make due to continuously being pushed back, but when this album came out it slayed all that listened. Ferreira does not just sing like she is from that generation, but her look also channels the punk rockers from the time. Using mostly '80s and some '90s influences at times, this album will have you wishing you were smoking a cigarette and turning the song up to forty in your 88 Monte Carlo.
Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: "24 Hours," "I Blame Myself," "You're Not the One," "I Will," and "Love In Stereo."
3. Empire of the Sun - "Walking On a Dream"
The '80s dance clubs are not safe from this band's album. Serving a Boy George circa 1985 look, this Australian two-piece band pushes the boundaries on their sleek pop sound. Released in 2008, this could be heard back then in the time of big hair and cassette tapes. Their music is something one would hear when shopping around a store nowadays, but if it were back then, this would dominate the charts.Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: "Walking On a Dream," "Half Mast," "Swordfish Hotkiss Night," "Tiger By My Side," and "Without You."
4. Mr. Hudson - "Straight No Chaser"
Mr. Hudson knew what he was doing in his 2009 album "Straight No Chaser." This Englishman writes songs about love and heartbreak with a digital sound which at the time in the '80s would be very experimental. His voice channels a mixture between Sting and The Outfield. This artist bathed himself in 1980s miracle water when making this album because somehow it has transported itself into the 21st century.Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: The whole album.
5. St. Lucia - "Manners"
The best part about the new year is new music being released throughout. Musician, St. Lucia, at the end of January 2016 released his second album, "Manners." After previewing his tracks last year, it's evident that this album hits the trifecta of '80s style. Giving songs that are reminiscent of Wham!, Bronski Beat and the Eurythmics, this artist is of the breed that wrote his album based on this era. His voice is killer '80s that will slaughter one's ears.
Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: The whole album.
6. Haim - "Days Are Gone"
This sibling, girl, indie pop group's 2013 debut album could easily be scattered tracks from the likes of Pat Benatar and The Bangles. Their sound is slow groove, with jam-worthy elements in their lyrics, guitars and drums. Even the girls will scat in between lines of their songs sounds so Michael Jackson. They also give them a sound at points that could pinpoint Fleetwood Mac. These girls give you the indie pop sound mixed with the influences from the 1980s.
Biggest 80s Influenced Songs: "Falling," "If I Could Change Your Mind," "Honey & I," "Days Are Gone," and "Go Slow."
7. Diamond Rings - "Free Dimensional"
This Canadian singer is '80s to a T. His unique voice is the key to his crafting, taking the spirit of the lead singer from The Human League. His music would mostly be heard in underground gay clubs in New York City in 1982. His simplistic lyricism and his sound is very similar to that of Stacey Q. The synths shred through his tracks like a grass cutter and his music will leave anyone dancing right back into the '80s. Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: The whole album.
8. Scissor Sisters - "Night Work"
This was the first band that I had ever heard that I mistakenly thought was from the '80s. One would hear this dance pop group and actually be in the time. Full of songs that would make dance but also give tongue-in-cheek, double meaning lyrics. Someone could hear their songs on the radio, in the clubs, and in any of your favorite '80s films, even though it was released in 2010. The best thing about this band is that they pushed the limits in music with their sexualized lyrics and blatant album cover, but they didn't care. And that is what the '80s, I believe, is about. Listening to the music and bringing it into your lives and not caring at all what anyone thought.Biggest '80s Influenced Songs: The whole album.