The 1980s were a decade of vibrant music and iconic hits. However, some of the songs from this era, while popular at the time, are now considered offensive by modern standards. Here are 16 of the 1980s’ most popular songs that are now considered offensive.
“One in a Million” by Guns N’ Roses (1988)
The lyrics to this song contain explicit and derogatory language targeting racial and sexual minorities. Even at its release, the song received significant criticism for its offensive content, though it still became a hit. The band attempted to clarify the intent behind the lyrics, though they remain controversial.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid (1984)
The writers of this song are accused of portraying Africa with sweeping generalizations about poverty and disease. According to the BBC, some people claim “the song portrays the fantasy of an Africa filled with victims waiting to be saved.” Despite aiming to raise awareness and funds for famine relief, the song’s wording is seen as demeaning.
“Darling Nikki” by Prince (1984)
The sexual innuendos and vivid descriptions in this song shock listeners. It even became a target for the Parents Music Resource Center, which sought to limit its reach to young audiences. Despite its controversies, the song remains a notable example of Prince’s boundary-pushing in pop music.
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John (1981)
The lyrics of “Physical” are filled with double entendres about physical fitness and attraction. Despite its suggestive lyrics, it was once a massive hit and was widely played across radio stations. While controversial, it also helped to redefine societal norms around discussing sex and physicality.
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna (1984)
The song is both viewed as a bold expression of female sexuality and inappropriate, especially for young children. The sexual innuendos in the lyrics mean it’s very controversial, though Madonna’s performance and the song’s themes were pivotal in shaping her career and pop culture.
“Island Girl” by Elton John
This song was released in 1975, though it peaked in the charts through the early ’80s. While a hit at the time, it’s now considered offensive due to its lyrics, that contain stereotypical depictions of a Jamaican woman. It’s viewed as culturally insensitive by today’s standards, often critiqued for its portrayal of race and gender.
“I Want Your Sex” by George Michael (1987)
The direct lyrics and frank discussions of sexuality were rare for the time, but this song is also considered explicit by today’s standards, especially due to the shock of the title. It was banned from radio at the time and is now critiqued for how it portrays sexual consent and objectification.
“China Girl” by David Bowie (1983)
The lyrics and music video of “China Girl” depict a stereotypical and sexualized view of Asian women. The song is now criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes and fetishizing Asian culture. Bowie did, however, later expressed regret about some aspects of the song’s presentation.
“Illegal Alien” by Genesis (1983)
The lyrics and music video for “Illegal Alien” mock the struggles of Mexican immigrants, and the song is seen as making light of serious issues. It’s widely regarded as insensitive and inappropriate by modern standards. According to the Tampa Bay Times, however, “Phil Collins and his bandmates would argue that the song was just a light-hearted look at the frustrations facing Mexican immigrants.”
“Let Me Put My Love Into You” by AC/DC (1980)
The song’s title and lyrics are straightforward in discussing sexual themes. It became part of the broader debate on the appropriateness of sexual content in rock music and reflects the era’s more permissive attitudes towards sexual expression in rock. Today, it’s considered controversial in terms of consent.
“Janie’s Got a Gun” by Aerosmith (1989)
This song discusses the serious issue of child abuse and violent retaliation. It’s now praised for addressing important issues but also critiqued for how it handles the topic of violence against women, seen as a powerful but controversial narrative on trauma and revenge.
“Under My Thumb” by The Rolling Stones (1981)
It’s said that the lyrics of this song are misogynistic, describing controlling a woman using demeaning language. It’s now seen as perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and reflects the era’s less enlightened attitudes towards gender relations.
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits (1985)
“Money for Nothing” is considered offensive due to its problematic language, as it uses a homophobic slur in its lyrics. The song critiques the music video culture of the 1980s, yet its language has overshadowed its satirical intent in contemporary discussions.
“Fat” by Weird Al Yankovic (1988)
This song parodies Michael Jackson’s “Bad” with lyrics and visuals that mock obesity. While popular at the time, it’s now seen as promoting harmful stereotypes about body image, and critics argue it contributes to body shaming and lacks sensitivity toward weight issues.
“She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper (1984)
“She Bop” is pretty infamous for its subject matter, dealing with sexual themes which were quite bold and controversial even at the time of its release. The song was even included on the Parents Music Resource Center’s “Filthy Fifteen” list due to its sexual content, and it’s unlikely it’d be played today either.
“Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles (1986)
In the ’80s, the “Walk Like an Egyptian” dance created to The Bangles new song was all the rage, making people mimic poses from ancient Egyptian art. However, the dance likely didn’t amuse actual Egyptians, who, of course, never walked like this. A cultural misstep? Absolutely.