The 80s Mixtaper

I Completed 80s Music

Music EN ↓ 92 episodes

In 2016 I started listening to every single UK chart entry from January 1st 1980 to December 31st 1989. This is the story of that journey, the bands, the music and how 80s music unfolded through lots of lovely playlists. If you’re new to 80s music, consider this a great entry point. If you’re here for nostalgia, you’re in for a treat! Wham! Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, The Smiths - you name it, I have you covered. As midlife crises go, it could be worse! Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check him out at Unsplash!

Author

The 80s Mixtaper

Category

Music

Podcast website

completed80s.podbean.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Ep 21.5 Mar 81 Heaven 17, Phil Lynott, Hazel O'Connor, Light of the World, Sugar Minott, Bad Manners 25.06.2025

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, the podcast where we traverse the vibrant, eclectic world of 1980s pop. I'm your host, the 80s Mixtaper, and today we dive into the second half of Playlist 21.5, filled with synth-pop, reggae, and ska tunes. We embark on this journey with Heaven 17's politically charged anthem, "We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang," a protest wrapped in infectious synth b...

Ep 21 Mar 81 Phil Collins, The Who, Lene Lovich, Nolans, Whispers, New Order, Graham Bonnet 16.06.2025

In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes you back to March 1981, exploring the vibrant and eclectic tracks of Playlist 21. Join us as we unravel the stories behind some of the era's most iconic hits, including Phil Collins' pivotal "I Missed Again," a track marking his transition from Genesis' progressive rock legacy to a pop sensation. Discover how The Who grappled with...

Ep 20.5 Feb 81 Landscape, Shakin Stevens, Sharon Redd, Jacksons, Linx, Stevie Wonder 09.06.2025

In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes listeners on a journey through the eclectic sounds of the second half of Playlist 20. Dive into nerdy-themed tracks discussing zealotry and nuclear war, revel in a rockabilly classic, and groove to one of Stevie Wonder's finest records. The episode also features listener comments from TikTok and Instagram, sparking discussions on t...

Ep 20 Feb 81 Pretenders, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Kim Wilde, Kiki Dee, Roxy Music, Eddie Rabbitt 02.06.2025

Join the 80s mixtaper as we dive into the biggest musical hits of the 80s, crafted from a personal challenge to listen to every charting song from 1979 to 1989. In this captivating episode, the biggest so far, we're now mid february 1981 as explore the debut of iconic bands and artists like Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and revisit classic hits like "Jealous Guy" by Roxy Music and Dolly Parton's "9 to 5....

Ep 19.5 Feb 81 Freeez, The Jam, Joe Dolce, Boney M, Neil Diamond, Christopher Cross 26.05.2025

In this episode of I Completed 80s Music, the 80s Mixtaper takes us on a nostalgic journey back to February 1981, exploring the rich and diverse soundscape of the second half of Playlist 19. From the silky, summery jazz funk of Freeze’s ‘Southern Freeze’ to Joe Dolce’s light-hearted but controversial ‘Shut Up Your Face,’ the episode encapsulates the eclectic mix of genres that defined 1981. Listen...

Ep 19 Jan 81 John Lennon, MFSB, Teardrop Explodes, Passions, Rainbow, Talking Heads, Barry Manilow 19.05.2025

Join the 80s mixtaper as he takes you on a nostalgic journey through the eclectic music of the 1980s. It's late January 1981. This episode dives deep into the posthumous success of John Lennon with his heartwarming single "Woman," a tender tribute to love and a testament to his enduring legacy. Explore the vibrant chaos of The Teardrop Explodes with their biting track "Reward," and revel in Barry...

Ep 18.5 Jan 81 The Clash, XTC, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Cliff Richard, Blondie 12.05.2025

Join the 80s mixtaper as we navigate the vibrant musical landscape of early 1981, exploring a diverse range of tracks from the era. Dive into the world of The Clash and their politically infused "Hitsville UK" that celebrates the indie spirit amidst the chaotic backdrop of the Sandinista album. Experience XTC's quirky and controversial "Sergeant Rock Is Going to Help Me," a tune layered with new w...

Ep 18 Jan 81 David Bowie, Fassbender & Russell, Ultravox, Dire Straits, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Honey Bane 05.05.2025

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, your ultimate tour of the decade's most iconic sounds. Our host, the 80s Mixtaper, transports us from the threshold of 1980 to the vibrant sound energy of 1981. This episode explores not only two of the era's essential tracks but delves into narratives that defined music in those transformative years. Our sonic adventure kicks off with David Bowie and his aud...

Ep17 END 80 Queen, Police, Visage, Stevie Wonder, Yarbrough & Peoples, Year End Wrap up 28.04.2025

Hello and welcome back to "I Completed 80s Music" with your host, the 80s Mixtaper. In this milestone episode, we celebrate completing the first year of our 80s musical journey with the conclusion of 1980. Before diving into a year-end review, we explore the final five tracks left on playlist 17. Join us as we delve into a film hit from Queen, a whimsical tune by The Police, a classic synth track...

Ep 16.5 Nov 80 Madness, Jona Lewie, Chas & Dave, Siouxie, The Clash, Adam & The Ants 21.04.2025

Join the 80s mixtaper for a captivating musical exploration of late 1980 as we dive into some of the most iconic tracks of the era. This episode spotlights "Embarrassment" by Madness, a bold and deeply personal song that challenges societal norms and family dynamics. We also delve into Jonah Louie's unexpected Christmas hit "Stop the Cavalry," a protest song turned festive classic. Experience the...

Ep 16 Nov 80 Kenny Rogers, Spandau Ballet, Diana Ross, Abba, Devo, Bruce Springsteen, St Winifed's School Choir 07.04.2025

Join us as we delve into the eclectic world of 1980's music. It's November 1980 and we're starting with Kenny Rogers’ transformation into a pop sensation through his hit single "Lady," written by Lionel Richie. Next, we explore the beginnings of Spandau Ballet within the vibrant New Romantic scene, highlighting their breakthrough single "To Cut a Long Story Short." We discuss Diana Ross's timeless...

Ep 15.5 Nov 80 Rod Stewart, John Lennon, Roxy Music, Blondie, Neil Diamond, Hall & Oates 31.03.2025

Join the 80s Mixtaper as we delve into the second half of Playlist 15, exploring an exciting mix of music history from November 1980. First up is Rod Stewart's risqué exploration of desire with 'Passion', a track that reflects his ability to straddle the line between rock god and pop icon. We then turn our attention to John Lennon's emotionally charged comeback with 'Starting Over', a song full of...

Ep 15 Oct 80 Dennis Waterman, Olivia Newton-John, Sheena Easton, Kool & The Gang, Motorhead, UB40, David Bowie 24.03.2025

Join the 80s mixtaper in this episode as they dive into the vivid tapestry of 80s music, exploring the journey of Dennis Waterman's "I Could Be So Good For You," the unforgettable anthem of British TV series Minder. Listeners are taken back to when this iconic theme song took the UK charts by storm, embodying a blend of humor and drama that defined the early part of the decade in the UK. The episo...

Ep14.5 Oct 80 Kurtis Blow, Adam & The Ants, Status Quo, Gen X, Stephanie Mills, Japan 17.03.2025

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music with the 80s Mixtaper as we dive into the second half of Playlist 14, where we explore some pivotal moments in music history. We journey through the landscape of 1980 with Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks," a cornerstone that heralded the rise of rap music, and Adam Ant's "Dog Eat Dog," a breakthrough that reshaped pop stardom. Listeners' comments spark a nostalgic d...

Ep 14 Sep 80 Gilbert O'Sullivan, Bad Manners, Police, OMD, Kate Bush, Sweet People, Barbra Streisand 10.03.2025

Join the 80s mixtaper as we navigate through a pivotal moment in music history, exploring the autumn of 1980. This episode delves into the careers of iconic artists who defined an era, beginning with Gilbert O'Sullivan's introspective hit "What's In A Kiss," his last top 20 song in the UK during a transitional time in his career. Learn about the whimsical charm of Bad Manners' "Special Brew," a sk...

Ep13.5 Sep 80 AC/DC, Madness, Stevie Wonder, Specials, Diana Ross, Air Supply 03.03.2025

Join us as we delve into the monumental musical moments from the second half of Playlist 13, starting with the iconic track 'You Shook Me All Night Long' by AC DC. Discover the heart-wrenching story of how the band overcame the loss of their frontman, Bon Scott, and emerged with Brian Johnson to create one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. Next, we explore Madness's classic hit 'Baggy Trou...

Ep 13 Aug 80 Gary Numan, Robert Palmer, Queen, Bob Marley, Ozzy Osbourne, Ottawan, Odyssey 24.02.2025

Join us in this episode as we dive into Playlist 13, exploring the vibrant tapestry of 1980s music. Our host recounts a unique midlife crisis-inspired quest to listen to every UK charting single from the decade, revealing the era's standout tracks and fascinating stories behind them. This week we delve into early Autumn 1980, celebrate the artistic evolution of Gary Numan, delve into Robert Palmer...

Ep 12.5 Aug 80 Hazel O'Connor, Split Enz, David Bowie, The Jam, Level 42, Randy Crawford 17.02.2025

Welcome to "I Completed 80s Music," where we dive deep into the intriguing decade of the 1980s, exploring one captivating song at a time. In this episode, we delve into Hazel O'Connor's rise and artistic impact, scrutinizing her monumental track "Eighth Day" and its narrative on technological ambition. We also explore the musical evolution leading to Crowded House through Split Enz's "I Got You,"...

Ep 12 Aug 80 Piranhas, Adam & The Ants, Mike Berry, Abba, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Clash 10.02.2025

Join the 80s Mixtaper in Episode 12 as we continue the quest to revisit every UK chart entry of the vibrant 1980s era. From quirky underground hits to monumental anthems, this episode dives deep into musical history, exploring songs that defined a decade as we reach August 1980.   Kick off with the infectious ska-punk rhythms of The Piranhas and their enduring football chant favorite "Tom Hark." T...

Ep 11.5 Jul 80 Sheena Easton, Diana Ross, Bow Wow Wow, Magazine, George Benson, Kelly Marie 03.02.2025

Join us as we dive into the enchanted world of 80s music with the second half of Playlist 11. This episode features a delightful mix of chart-toppers and lesser-known gems that defined an era of musical innovation and exuberance. Discover the rise of Sheena Easton's bubblegum anthem "Morning Train" and the fascinating story behind its global success. Hear about Diana Ross's groundbreaking collabor...

Ep 11 Jun 80 Olivia Newton-John, Joy Division, Ultravox, Kate Bush, Undertones, Leo Sayer, Gap Band 27.01.2025

Welcome to another episode of 'I Completed 80s Music,' where we embark on a nostalgic journey through some of the most iconic tracks from the 1980s. Discover the fascinating stories behind songs like 'Xanadu,' a unique collaboration between Olivia Newton-John and ELO, reflecting the blend of film and music in its era. Dive deep into the haunting legacy of Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart,'...

Ep 10.5 Jun 80 Stacy Lattisaw, Joan Armatrading, Sex Pistols, Splodgenessabounds, Odyssey, Bob Marley 20.01.2025

In this episode of 'I Completed 80s Music,' explore the eclectic mix within Playlist 10's second half. Get ready for disco and funk anthems, including Stacey Lattisaw's 'Jump to the Beat,' and also Odyssey's 'Use it up Wear it out'. We reconnect with Joan Armatrading and her hit 'Me Myself I'. We uncover the layers of punk rock history with the Sex Pistols, delving into their unexpected 1980 relea...

Ep 10 May 80 Korgis, Gary Numan, Teena Marie, Hoyt Axton, Judas Priest, Hollies, Bad Manners 13.01.2025

Welcome back to 'I Completed 80s Music' where we embark on a captivating journey through the entire 1980s music chart. Hosted by the 80s Mixtaper, this podcast episode offers an in-depth look into some of the era's most memorable songs, fascinating stories, and unique artists. From Phil Collins' rise to superstardom to quirky tracks like Splodgenessabounds' "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Cris...

Ep 9.5 May 80 Spinners, OMD, Johnny Mandel, Lipps Inc, Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack, Thin Lizzy 06.01.2025

In this exciting episode of I Completed 80s Music, the 80s Mixtaper takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the second half of Playlist 9. The episode navigates the fascinating evolution of 80s music, delving into the disco era and its transition into synth-pop. Explore the stories behind iconic tracks like The Spinners' "Body Language", OMD's "Messages", and the impactful "Suicide is Painl...

Ep 9 Apr 80 Marti Webb, AWB, Whitesnake, Crown Heights Affair, The Beat, Michael Jackson, Jona Lewie 23.12.2024

Join the 80s mixtape adventure as we journey through the transformative musical landscape of early 1980. In this episode, our host dissects iconic tracks that mark the transition from the late 70s to the quintessential 80s sound. We start with Andrew LLoyd Webber and Marti Webb, with their evocative breakup song "Tell Me On A Sunday" from the musical of the same name. Encounter the evolving sounds...

Listen to the I Completed 80s Music podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.