Lyric Quiz: 1987

by Amanda Flinner

1987 was a big year with even bigger hair. The Billboard charts got a makeover as rock got flashier, pop got sexier, and metal got heavier.

Old bands made daring comebacks, new bands made influential debuts, and some artists flew solo for the first time. See how well you remember the top songs of '87.
Here's our Songs from 1987.
More Music Quiz

Comments: 29

  • Danielle from DelawareI had a feeling I'd get all of these...something about 1987, not sure what it is, just something...great year.
  • Maria Now from Atlanta Georgia 80s child forever
  • Gruffdan from Tampa Just a tish better, not much.
  • Beverley from Johannesburg2 Wrong
  • Namie from LouisvilleGot them all!
  • Geri from N.z.Got every single one right. OMG I feel sooooo old :(
  • Jeff K from L.a.Big. Hair. Will. Always. Be. Cool.
  • Matt from KansasTwo wrong, and Prince was involved both times. It's a sign.
  • Bobby from Endwell, NyThe year 1987 has every date falling on the same day of the week as this year. I was in my mid-20s in 1987, so many of these songs are a bit after my time. I was leaning more toward adult contemporary music, though I still listened to a lot of pop. My personal favorites included Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," Janet Jackson's "Let's Wait Awhile," Bananarama's "I Heard a Rumour," Robert Cray's "Smoking Gun," and Madonna's "La Isla Bonita." Least favorites included Motley Crue's "Girls, "Girls, Girls," and Madonna's "Open Your Heart," as well as Samantha Fox's "Touch Me" and Dead or Alive's "Brand New Lover."
  • Eric Hinton from Peoria, IlGot em all, man!!!
  • Suzanne from Glen Burnie, MdGot them all correct :) I loved 1987.
  • Barstar from Waldorf Md2 wrong also
  • Jeremy from TnI got 2 wrong
  • Dennes Van Der Weide from Hollandall answers good!
  • Dean Vaz from India9 right!!!! Woohoo
  • Scott from Jasper Al.Keep um comin.I only missed one.Enjoyed the flashback.
  • Ray Lawrence from EnglandOnly got four right, I could do much better with 60s music.
  • Wendy from WisconsinI got two wrong. Pretty good, seeing as I hadn't heard of any of the songs for some of the questions. But you can make a pretty good guess matching the line to the title on a lot of them
  • Doug from Austin, Tx12 for 12! I rule the 80s!
  • Sara Jane Gorman from WolverhamptonI love 80s music
  • Mark from Lunenburg, Ma.Can we do this with songs from 1969? I'll do much better.
  • Josh from Vineland, NjGot the very last one wrong. Never been a prince fan though. Oh well.
  • Steve from WnyI got one wrong......I'm embarrassed I knew so many.
  • Ef from Georgia Good Job
  • Zeke from Muncie, InThis was fun. Thanks, Amanda
  • Michael from San Antonio, TxAll right!! Yay me!!
  • Terra from Watertown MaI got them all right!!!! I am so stuck in the eighties!!!
  • Dawn from OkI got one wrong
  • Jim from North Billerica, MaI got two wrong. I guessed on one
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.