1983 = New-Wave + Techno-Pop + Polished Rock (a very simple formula).  ‘Nuff said!

Plenty of high-energy, heavy production, and repetition of hooks and catchy riffs made up for whatever creativity might have been lacking in musical compositions that year.  And some of Progressive Rock’s most established acts were forced to adapt their sound.

As a result, many ended up having a banner year in 1983 — including The Police, Genesis, The Moody Blues, ZZ Top and Yes, among others. It was certainly a “generational” turning point for several bands who had cut their original teeth back in the 70s. Many laid-back fans complained that the sound of the early 80s was just too polished and way over-produced.

Also In 1983:

• Minimum wage in the U.S. was $3.35 per hour
• The average annual income was $21,073
• The Dow Jones Average was 1,260
• A new car sold for $8,577
• You could build a new house for $82,600
• A loaf of bread was 89 cents
• A gallon of gas was $1.17
• First Class postage was only 20 cents!

1983 World News Headlines:

• 216 U.S. Marines were killed in Beirut by a terrorist truck bombing
• The U.S. stormed the island of Grenada, defeated Cuban forces, and restored democracy
• Millions protested in Europe as NATO deployed intermediate-range cruise missiles in Britain and West Germany
• The Soviets shot down a South Korean jetliner, 269 were killed
• The world’s population was estimated to be 4.72 billion

1983 U.S. News Headlines:

• President Ronald Reagan proposed the “Star Wars Defense Plan”
• The space shuttle Challenger, the 2nd U.S. shuttle, made it’s maiden voyage
• Sally Ride became the first American woman in space
• Nutrasweet was introduced as a synthetic sweetener by Searle Pharmaceuticals
• Cabbage Patch dolls became an overnight sensation as highly sought-after collectibles

The top TV shows in 1983:  Who’s The Boss?, The A-Team, Charles In Charge, Hunter, Webster, Inspector Gadget, Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, and Gimme A Break

Favorite movies from 1983:  Star Wars – Return of the Jedi, A Christmas Story, Scarface, The Right Stuff, War Games, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, Vacation, Trading Places, Risky Business, Octopussy, Terms of Endearment, The Big Chill, Cujo, Educating Rita, Eddie and the Cruisers, Flashdance, Gorky Park, Mr. Mom, Silkwood, Smokey and the Bandit, Tender Mercies, Valley Girl, and Yentl

Hear some musical gems, rare tracks and lifestyle memories from 1983 on-the-air right now on both Live365 and TuneIn apps!

Thanks for listening…

– Fred