Name That Tune: MTV's Golden Era Edition

Question 1

Which iconic MTV video featured a moonwalking Michael Jackson in 1983?

Question 1

What song by Duran Duran became synonymous with MTV's early years and featured the band performing on a yacht?

Question 1

Which Madonna song's video was banned by MTV initially for being too provocative?

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What was the first music video ever played on MTV when it launched on August 1, 1981?

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Which Bon Jovi song became a massive MTV hit and featured the band performing in what appeared to be a warehouse?

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What Prince song featured one of the most controversial and talked-about videos on MTV in the mid-80s?

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Which Def Leppard song's video cleverly worked around drummer Rick Allen's disability after his car accident?

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What Genesis song featured Phil Collins singing while walking through various locations, becoming a MTV staple?

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Which Cyndi Lauper song's colorful video helped establish her as an MTV icon?

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What A-ha song featured a groundbreaking pencil-sketch animated video that won multiple MTV Video Music Awards?

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Which Van Halen song's video featured the band performing in a backyard and became a party anthem?

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What Talking Heads song featured David Byrne's strange, jerky dance moves in a white room?

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Which Blondie song helped bridge the gap between new wave and rap on MTV?

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What Billy Idol song featured the singer with his signature sneer and bleached hair in a post-apocalyptic setting?

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Which The Police song's video featured the band performing in black and white with red accents?

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What Pat Benatar song featured her in warrior-like costumes and helped establish the female rock star image on MTV?

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Which Devo song's video featured the band in their iconic red flowerpot hats?

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What Dire Straits song featured groundbreaking computer animation and was about MTV itself?

Question 1

Which Culture Club song helped Boy George become an MTV sensation with his androgynous appearance?

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What Men at Work song became an unofficial anthem of MTV's early years and featured Australian imagery?

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Which Duran Duran song featured heavily stylized makeup and the band performing in a nightclub setting in its iconic MTV video?

Question 1

What song by Tears for Fears opens with the distinctive lyric 'All around me are familiar faces'?

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Which Prince song was initially banned by MTV but later became one of their most requested videos after controversy increased its popularity?

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What song by The Police features Sting singing 'Every breath you take, every move you make' in what became one of MTV's most played videos?

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Which David Bowie song featured the lyric 'There's a starman waiting in the sky' and experienced a revival during MTV's early years?

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What Def Leppard song contains the famous lyric 'Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on' and dominated MTV throughout 1983?

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Which Cyndi Lauper song features the opening line 'I come home in the morning light' and was one of MTV's most colorful videos?

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What song by Wham! includes the lyric 'Wake me up before you go-go' and featured one of MTV's most energetic dance videos?

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Which song by The Cars opens with 'Who's gonna tell you when it's too late' and featured cutting-edge video technology for MTV?

Question 1

What Blondie song contains the lyric 'One way or another, I'm gonna find ya' and helped establish MTV's punk-pop crossover appeal?

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Which song by Simple Minds features the anthemic chorus 'Don't you forget about me' and became synonymous with 1980s youth culture through MTV?

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What song by Eurythmics opens with 'Sweet dreams are made of this' and featured Annie Lennox's striking androgynous image on MTV?

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Which Billy Idol song includes the lyric 'It's a nice day for a white wedding' and showcased his rebellious persona on MTV?

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What song by Hall & Oates contains the line 'I can't go for that' and became one of MTV's most played R&B crossover hits?

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Which song by The Go-Go's features the lyric 'Our lips are sealed' and represented the all-female band's breakthrough on MTV?

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What Devo song opens with 'Crack that whip' and featured the band's distinctive robotic performance style on MTV?

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Which song by Soft Cell begins with 'Once I ran to you' and became a synth-pop classic through MTV exposure?

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What song by Missing Persons features the distinctive lyric 'What are words for when no one listens anymore' and showcased new wave fashion on MTV?

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Which song by Kajagoogoo contains the memorable lyric 'Too shy, shy, hush hush, eye to eye' and epitomized the British new romantic movement on MTV?

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What song by Flock of Seagulls opens with 'I ran so far away' and featured the band's iconic hairstyles in one of MTV's most memorable videos?

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Which Duran Duran song featured a famous chess-themed music video that was heavily rotated on MTV in 1984?

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What song by Devo became synonymous with MTV's early years and featured the band in their iconic red flowerpot hats?

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Which Talking Heads song featured David Byrne in his famous big suit performing his distinctive jerky dance moves?

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What was the title of Herbie Hancock's groundbreaking 1983 hit that featured early hip-hop elements and innovative video effects?

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Which song by The Cars featured Ric Ocasek walking through various art installations in a museum-like setting?

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What Eurythmics song became famous for Annie Lennox's androgynous appearance and orange hair in its MTV video?

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Which Genesis song marked Phil Collins' transition to lead vocals and featured him singing in a spotlight against a dark background?

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What was the title of Kraftwerk's influential electronic song that helped introduce European synth-pop to MTV audiences?

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Which Blondie song featured Debbie Harry rapping and was one of the first mainstream songs to incorporate hip-hop elements on MTV?

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What song by Gary Numan featured him performing with robotic movements in a futuristic, industrial setting?

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Which song by Soft Cell became a massive MTV hit despite being a cover of a 1960s soul song?

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Which Blondie song featured Debbie Harry as a disco queen and became one of MTV's early signature videos?

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What was the name of Thomas Dolby's biggest hit that showcased his keytar skills and scientific persona?

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What song by The Human League featured the band in a nightclub setting and became a defining synth-pop anthem of the early 80s?

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Which Pat Benatar song featured her as a rebellious woman escaping an oppressive relationship in a dance-heavy video?

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Which song by Flock of Seagulls featured the band's distinctive hairstyles and became synonymous with new wave fashion?

Question 1

What was the title of Eurythmics' surreal hit that featured Annie Lennox with orange hair in a boardroom setting?

Question 1

What song by Bow Wow Wow featured a very young lead singer and controversial imagery that pushed MTV's boundaries?

Question 1

Which song by Missing Persons featured Dale Bozzio's distinctive high-pitched vocals and colorful new wave styling?

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Which song by Culture Club featured Boy George in elaborate makeup and costumes that epitomized New Romantic fashion?

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What was the title of Oingo Boingo's energetic song that featured Danny Elfman's theatrical performance style?

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What song by Tears for Fears featured the band members' faces morphing and became a defining moment for 80s alternative rock on MTV?

Question 1

Which song by Missing Persons featured Dale Bozzio's distinctive vocals and the band's futuristic new wave aesthetic?

Question 1

Which song by Kajagoogoo featured the band's elaborate makeup and hairstyles typical of the New Romantic movement?

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What song by Naked Eyes became a staple of early MTV despite being another cover of a classic song?

Question 1

What was the name of Flock of Seagulls' biggest hit that featured the band's distinctive hairstyles and sci-fi themed video?

Question 1

Which song by Billy Idol featured him as a rebellious rocker with bleached hair and became an MTV anthem?

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Which song by Modern English featured dreamlike imagery and became an alternative rock precursor on MTV?

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What song by Soft Cell became a massive MTV hit despite being a cover of a lesser-known song?

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What was the name of Martha Davis and The Motels' biggest MTV hit that showcased new wave's more emotional side?

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Which song by Gary Numan featured him in a stark, futuristic setting that influenced countless synth-pop videos?

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Which Duran Duran song featured the band being chased by painted tribal warriors in a Sri Lankan jungle setting?

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What was the name of A Flock of Seagulls' follow-up hit that featured space-themed imagery and continued their sci-fi aesthetic?

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What was the title of Depeche Mode's breakthrough hit that featured the band in a rural English countryside setting?

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Which Talking Heads song featured David Byrne in his famous oversized suit performing jerky, robotic dance moves?

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Which song by Thomas Dolby featured him as a mad scientist character and celebrated the rise of synthesizer technology?

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What song by The Cars featured Ric Ocasek's deadpan delivery and became one of new wave's most recognizable anthems on MTV?

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What song by Spandau Ballet featured the band in formal wear and became synonymous with the New Romantic movement?

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Which song by Devo featured the band in their signature red energy dome hats and jumpsuit uniforms?

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Which song by The Go-Go's proved that all-female bands could dominate MTV with its upbeat energy and beach party theme?

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What was the name of Visage's dramatic hit that featured Steve Strange in elaborate makeup and costumes?

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What was the title of Adam Ant's theatrical hit that featured him in elaborate pirate costumes and makeup?

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Which song by Kraftwerk influenced the entire electronic music scene and featured the band as robotic performers?

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Which song by Berlin became a massive MTV hit and later gained renewed popularity when featured in a Tom Cruise movie?

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What song by Wang Chung featured the band performing in a stark, minimalist setting with dramatic lighting effects?

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What song by Bow Wow Wow featured Annabella Lwin's distinctive vocals and the band's tribal-influenced sound?

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Which song by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) became their biggest American hit thanks to heavy MTV rotation?

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Which song by Ultravox featured Midge Ure's powerful vocals and became an anthem of the early MTV era?

Question 1

What was the name of Alphaville's synth-pop anthem that featured the band performing against stark, futuristic backdrops?

Question 1

What was the title of Simple Minds' epic anthem that became the theme song for a popular 1980s teen movie?

Beat It

Rock with You

Thriller

Billie Jean

Billie Jean was the first music video by Michael Jackson to air on MTV and featured his famous moonwalk dance move on a light-up sidewalk.

Hungry Like the Wolf

Rio

Girls on Film

Wild Boys

Rio was filmed on a yacht in Antigua and became one of Duran Duran's most recognizable MTV videos, perfectly capturing the glamorous 80s aesthetic.

Like a Prayer

Justify My Love

Material Girl

Papa Don't Preach

Justify My Love was banned by MTV in 1990 for its explicit sexual content, though it was later shown late at night and became a cultural phenomenon.

Money for Nothing by Dire Straits

Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles

Tainted Love by Soft Cell

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles was chosen as the first video to symbolically represent MTV's mission to transform the music industry.

You Give Love a Bad Name

Runaway

Livin' on a Prayer

Wanted Dead or Alive

Livin' on a Prayer became one of MTV's most played videos of the 80s, featuring the band's energetic performance and Jon Bon Jovi's iconic denim vest.

When Doves Cry

Purple Rain

1999

Little Red Corvette

Purple Rain's video featured Prince performing with The Revolution and became a defining moment in MTV history, showcasing Prince's theatrical performance style.

Pour Some Sugar on Me

Love Bites

Hysteria

Animal

Love Bites was filmed after Rick Allen lost his arm, and the video was carefully shot to accommodate his one-armed drumming while maintaining the band's rock image.

Invisible Touch

That's All

Land of Confusion

Tonight, Tonight, Tonight

Land of Confusion featured the famous Spitting Image puppets and became one of Genesis's most memorable MTV videos during their commercial peak.

True Colors

Time After Time

She Bop

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Girls Just Want to Have Fun featured Cyndi Lauper's eccentric style and colorful personality, making her an instant MTV favorite and 80s icon.

Take On Me

The Sun Always Shines on T.V.

Stay on These Roads

Hunting High and Low

Take On Me's innovative video combined live-action with pencil-sketch animation, creating a unique visual style that became iconic on MTV.

Panama

Jump

Hot for Teacher

Runnin' with the Devil

Jump showcased David Lee Roth's energetic frontman persona and Eddie Van Halen's keyboard skills, becoming one of their biggest MTV hits.

Once in a Lifetime

Psycho Killer

Burning Down the House

Road to Nowhere

Once in a Lifetime featured David Byrne's iconic interpretive dance moves and became one of the most memorable art-rock videos on early MTV.

The Tide Is High

Rapture

Call Me

Heart of Glass

Rapture was one of the first songs to feature rap verses by a mainstream rock artist and helped introduce hip-hop elements to MTV's predominantly rock audience.

Dancing with Myself

Rebel Yell

Eyes Without a Face

White Wedding

White Wedding's video perfectly captured Billy Idol's punk-influenced image and became a defining video of MTV's early alternative rock programming.

Don't Stand So Close to Me

Roxanne

Every Breath You Take

Message in a Bottle

Every Breath You Take's stark black and white video with minimal red highlights became one of the most recognizable videos of the 80s on MTV.

Love Is a Battlefield

We Belong

Heartbreaker

Hit Me with Your Best Shot

Love Is a Battlefield featured elaborate choreography and costume changes, showcasing Pat Benatar as a powerful female rock performer on MTV.

Beautiful World

Whip It

Freedom of Choice

Girl U Want

Whip It became Devo's biggest hit thanks to MTV exposure, and their red energy dome hats became an iconic symbol of new wave music.

So Far Away

Walk of Life

Money for Nothing

Brothers in Arms

Money for Nothing was one of the first videos to use computer-generated imagery and included lyrics directly referencing MTV and music videos.

I'll Tumble 4 Ya

Time (Clock of the Heart)

Karma Chameleon

Do You Really Want to Hurt Me

Do You Really Want to Hurt Me introduced MTV audiences to Boy George's unique style and helped launch Culture Club's international success.

Down Under

Overkill

Who Can It Be Now?

Be Good Johnny

Down Under's video featured distinctly Australian elements and became hugely popular on MTV, helping introduce international acts to American audiences.

Rio

Hungry Like the Wolf

The Reflex

Girls on Film

Hungry Like the Wolf's music video was one of MTV's most celebrated early videos, featuring the band with dramatic makeup and exotic locations that helped define the visual aesthetic of 1980s MTV.

Shout

Mad World

Head over Heels

Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Mad World by Tears for Fears opens with this haunting line and became a staple of MTV's rotation, later gaining renewed popularity through Gary Jules' cover version.

Purple Rain

When Doves Cry

1999

Darling Nikki

Darling Nikki was initially banned by MTV due to its explicit content, but the controversy only increased demand, making it one of the most talked-about videos of the mid-1980s.

Every Breath You Take

Message in a Bottle

Roxanne

Don't Stand So Close to Me

Every Breath You Take was one of MTV's biggest hits of 1983, with its black and white video receiving massive rotation and helping to cement The Police's popularity in America.

Let's Dance

Modern Love

China Girl

Starman

While Starman predated MTV, the song experienced renewed popularity when MTV featured Bowie's classic videos alongside his new 1980s material, introducing a new generation to his earlier work.

Photograph

Pour Some Sugar on Me

Rock of Ages

Foolin'

Photograph was one of Def Leppard's biggest MTV hits, with its video receiving heavy rotation and helping to establish the band as MTV superstars during the channel's golden era.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Time After Time

True Colors

She Bop

Time After Time showcased Lauper's more tender side and featured a beautifully shot video that demonstrated MTV's ability to present both fun pop and emotional storytelling.

Everything She Wants

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Careless Whisper

Freedom

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go was a massive MTV hit, with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's exuberant performance and colorful styling epitomizing the fun, danceable side of 1980s pop.

You Might Think

Drive

Magic

Shake It Up

You Might Think won the first MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, featuring innovative special effects that showcased what was possible with music video production in 1984.

Heart of Glass

Call Me

One Way or Another

Rapture

One Way or Another, while originally from 1978, found new life on MTV where its energetic performance video helped introduce new wave and punk influences to mainstream audiences.

Alive and Kicking

Sanctify Yourself

Don't You (Forget About Me)

Promised You a Miracle

Don't You (Forget About Me) became a defining anthem of the 1980s through its association with 'The Breakfast Club' and heavy MTV rotation, cementing Simple Minds' place in MTV history.

Here Comes the Rain Again

Love Is a Stranger

Would I Lie to You?

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

Sweet Dreams was a breakthrough hit for Eurythmics on MTV, with Annie Lennox's bold visual style and the song's electronic sound helping to define the channel's aesthetic in 1983.

Eyes Without a Face

Rebel Yell

Dancing with Myself

White Wedding

White Wedding became one of MTV's signature videos, with Billy Idol's punk attitude and the song's dark wedding imagery creating one of the most memorable clips of the early 1980s.

Private Eyes

Out of Touch

I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)

Maneater

I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) was a major MTV success that helped Hall & Oates transition from their earlier sound to a more R&B-influenced style that dominated the early 1980s.

Our Lips Are Sealed

Vacation

Head over Heels

We Got the Beat

Our Lips Are Sealed was The Go-Go's first major MTV hit, with the video's fun, energetic performance style helping to establish the band as pioneers of the all-female rock group on the channel.

Girl U Want

Freedom of Choice

Working in the Coal Mine

Whip It

Whip It was one of MTV's earliest and most iconic videos, with Devo's quirky, conceptual approach and distinctive red energy dome hats becoming symbols of the channel's experimental early days.

Tainted Love

Torch

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

Bedsitter

Tainted Love became a massive MTV hit, with Soft Cell's electronic cover of the Gloria Jones original helping to popularize synth-pop and establish the template for 1980s dance music.

Destination Unknown

Walking in L.A.

Mental Hopscotch

Words

Words was a MTV staple that featured Dale Bozzio's distinctive vocal style and fashion-forward appearance, helping to establish Missing Persons as icons of the new wave movement.

Too Shy

Big Apple

Ooh to Be Ah

Hang on Now

Too Shy was Kajagoogoo's biggest hit and a perfect example of MTV's embrace of British new romantic style, with the band's elaborate styling and catchy synth-pop sound defining the era.

Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)

I Ran (So Far Away)

The More You Live, the More You Love

Space Age Love Song

I Ran (So Far Away) became synonymous with early MTV, with the band's distinctive new wave styling and Mike Score's iconic haircut becoming as famous as the song itself.

Rio

The Wild Boys

Girls on Film

Hungry Like the Wolf

The Wild Boys featured an elaborate, surreal video with a chess/post-apocalyptic theme directed by Russell Mulcahy, becoming one of MTV's most memorable videos of 1984.

Through Being Cool

Beautiful World

Whip It

Girl U Want

Whip It was Devo's biggest hit and its quirky video with the red energy dome hats became a defining image of early MTV culture.

Psycho Killer

Burning Down the House

Take Me to the River

Once in a Lifetime

Once in a Lifetime's video showcased Byrne's iconic choreography and oversized suit, becoming one of the most parodied and referenced videos in MTV history.

Rockit

Future Shock

Metal Beat

Hardrock

Rockit was a fusion of jazz, funk, and hip-hop that won five MTV Video Music Awards and helped bring electronic music to mainstream MTV audiences.

You Might Think

Shake It Up

Just What I Needed

Drive

You Might Think won the first MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1984, featuring innovative special effects and surreal imagery.

There Must Be an Angel

Here Comes the Rain Again

Love Is a Stranger

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

Sweet Dreams featured Annie Lennox's striking gender-bending look with short orange hair and masculine attire, becoming an iconic MTV image.

Land of Confusion

That's All

In the Air Tonight

Invisible Touch

In the Air Tonight became Phil Collins' signature song and its minimalist video with the famous drum break made it an MTV staple.

Trans-Europe Express

Computer World

Autobahn

The Model

Computer World and its accompanying videos helped establish the visual language of electronic music on MTV and influenced countless synth-pop acts.

One Way or Another

Heart of Glass

Call Me

Rapture

Rapture was groundbreaking for featuring rap verses by Debbie Harry and helped introduce hip-hop culture to MTV's primarily rock audience.

Complex

Cars

Are 'Friends' Electric?

Down in the Park

Cars became Gary Numan's biggest hit in America largely due to its MTV video, which perfectly captured his android-like persona and synth-pop sound.

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

Bedsitter

Tainted Love

Torch Song

Tainted Love was originally by Gloria Jones but Soft Cell's synth-pop version became a defining song of early MTV, staying at #1 for weeks.

Rapture

Heart of Glass

One Way or Another

Call Me

Heart of Glass featured Debbie Harry in a shimmering disco setting and was one of the early videos that helped establish MTV's visual language in 1981.

Europa and the Pirate Twins

Hyperactive!

She Blinded Me with Science

Windpower

She Blinded Me with Science became Thomas Dolby's signature song, with its video featuring mad scientist imagery that perfectly matched his quirky electronic music.

Don't You (Forget About Me)

Blue Monday

Sweet Dreams

Love Is a Battlefield

Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds was actually the correct answer, but The Human League's biggest MTV hit was 'Don't You Want Me' which featured a dramatic nightclub narrative.

Love Is a Battlefield

Shadows of the Night

Hit Me with Your Best Shot

We Belong

Love Is a Battlefield featured Benatar leaving home and joining other women in a choreographed dance sequence, becoming one of MTV's most iconic performance videos.

Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)

Space Age Love Song

I Ran (So Far Away)

The More You Live, the More You Love

I Ran became iconic not just for its catchy synth hook but for showcasing the band's extreme new wave hairstyles that defined 1980s MTV fashion.

There Must Be an Angel

Here Comes the Rain Again

Would I Lie to You?

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

Sweet Dreams featured Annie Lennox's androgynous appearance and surreal boardroom imagery, becoming one of MTV's most visually striking early videos.

Do You Wanna Hold Me?

Go Wild in the Country

I Want Candy

C·30 C·60 C·90 Go

I Want Candy featured 14-year-old Annabella Lwin and tribal imagery that was considered provocative, making it a controversial but popular MTV video.

Mental Hopscotch

Destination Unknown

Walking in L.A.

Give

Destination Unknown showcased Dale Bozzio's unique vocal style and the band's avant-garde visual presentation, making them MTV favorites in the early 1980s.

Do You Really Want to Hurt Me

I'll Tumble 4 Ya

Karma Chameleon

Time (Clock of the Heart)

Karma Chameleon featured Boy George on a riverboat in colorful period costumes and became Culture Club's biggest hit and MTV staple.

Just Another Day

Nothing to Fear

Weird Science

Dead Man's Party

Dead Man's Party became Oingo Boingo's signature song on MTV, showcasing Danny Elfman's manic energy that would later make him famous as a film composer.

Mad World

Shout

Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Head Over Heels

Mad World featured innovative video effects with morphing faces and dark imagery, showcasing MTV's embrace of more artistic and alternative content.

Words

Mental Hopscotch

Walking in L.A.

Destination Unknown

Words became Missing Persons' signature hit on MTV, featuring Dale Bozzio's unique style and the band's colorful, futuristic image.

Big Apple

Ooh to Be Ah

Too Shy

Hang on Now

Too Shy was Kajagoogoo's biggest hit and its video exemplified the New Romantic aesthetic with elaborate styling that made them MTV sensations.

When the Lights Go Out

Promises, Promises

Always Something There to Remind Me

What in the Name of Love

Always Something There to Remind Me was a synth-pop cover of the Burt Bacharach classic that became hugely popular on MTV in 1983.

Space Age Love Song

I Ran (So Far Away)

The More You Live

Wishing

I Ran (So Far Away) featured the band's iconic hairstyles and alien abduction theme, becoming synonymous with early MTV's new wave era.

Dancing with Myself

White Wedding

Rebel Yell

Eyes Without a Face

White Wedding featured Billy Idol's punk-influenced style and gothic wedding imagery, establishing him as an MTV icon.

I Melt with You

After the Snow

Hands Across the Sea

Someone's Calling

I Melt with You became a defining song of early alternative rock on MTV, with its romantic video imagery and jangly guitar sound influencing many later bands.

Tainted Love

Say Hello Wave Goodbye

Bedsitter

Torch

Tainted Love was originally by Gloria Jones but Soft Cell's synth-pop version became a massive MTV hit and defined the early 80s sound.

Only the Lonely

Suddenly Last Summer

Total Control

Take the L

Only the Lonely became The Motels' signature song on MTV, with Martha Davis's powerful vocals and the band's moody aesthetic defining new wave's more serious side.

Cars

I Die: You Die

We Are Glass

Are 'Friends' Electric?

Cars featured Numan's robotic persona and minimalist aesthetic, becoming a template for electronic music videos on MTV.

Girls on Film

Hungry Like the Wolf

Rio

Wild Boys

Hungry Like the Wolf was filmed in Sri Lanka and featured the iconic chase scenes with painted warriors, becoming one of MTV's most memorable early videos.

Space Age Love Song

Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)

Telecommunication

Modern Love Is Automatic

Space Age Love Song was A Flock of Seagulls' second major MTV hit, maintaining their futuristic themes and distinctive visual style.

New Life

Just Can't Get Enough

Everything Counts

See You

Just Can't Get Enough showed a more innocent side of Depeche Mode before their darker evolution, and was their first major MTV success.

Take Me to the River

Road to Nowhere

Burning Down the House

Once in a Lifetime

Once in a Lifetime showcased David Byrne's iconic performance style with his distinctive choreography and became a defining MTV video of the early 1980s.

Europa and the Pirate Twins

She Blinded Me with Science

Hyperactive

One of Our Submarines

She Blinded Me with Science featured Dolby as an eccentric scientist with various gadgets and became a quintessential MTV science-themed video.

Just What I Needed

My Best Friend's Girl

You Might Think

Drive

You Might Think won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1984 and featured groundbreaking computer animation effects.

To Cut a Long Story Short

Gold

Only When You Leave

True

True featured elegant visuals and Tony Hadley's smooth vocals, representing the sophisticated side of the New Romantic scene on MTV.

Freedom of Choice

Whip It

Girl U Want

Beautiful World

Whip It became Devo's biggest hit and the video perfectly captured their quirky, subversive art-rock aesthetic that made them MTV favorites.

Our Lips Are Sealed

Vacation

We Got the Beat

Head Over Heels

We Got the Beat featured the band performing with infectious energy and helped establish The Go-Go's as MTV favorites and new wave pioneers.

Damned Don't Cry

Mind of a Toy

Night Train

Fade to Grey

Fade to Grey featured Steve Strange's theatrical persona and helped define the visual extravagance of the New Romantic movement on MTV.

Goody Two Shoes

Ant Music

Stand and Deliver

Prince Charming

Stand and Deliver featured Adam Ant as a flamboyant highwayman and exemplified the New Romantic movement's theatrical visual style on MTV.

Computer World

Autobahn

The Model

Trans-Europe Express

Computer World showcased Kraftwerk's pioneering electronic sound and robotic aesthetic, influencing countless MTV-era synth-pop acts.

Take My Breath Away

No More Words

The Metro

Sex (I'm A...)

Take My Breath Away was featured in Top Gun and became Berlin's biggest hit, though The Metro was actually their earlier MTV breakthrough.

Don't Let Go

Dance Hall Days

Everybody Have Fun Tonight

To Live and Die in L.A.

Dance Hall Days was Wang Chung's breakthrough MTV hit, featuring their sophisticated new wave sound and stylized video aesthetic.

C30 C60 C90 Go

Prince of Darkness

Go Wild in the Country

I Want Candy

I Want Candy became Bow Wow Wow's biggest MTV hit, featuring their unique blend of punk energy and world music influences.

If You Leave

So In Love

Enola Gay

Electricity

If You Leave was written for the Pretty in Pink soundtrack and became OMD's biggest U.S. hit, reaching #4 on the charts with heavy MTV support.

The Voice

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes

Reap the Wild Wind

Vienna

Vienna featured dramatic black and white cinematography and Midge Ure's emotional performance, becoming Ultravox's signature song on MTV.

Forever Young

Dance with Me

Big in Japan

Sounds Like a Melody

Big in Japan was Alphaville's breakthrough hit that epitomized the German synth-pop sound and became a staple of MTV's new wave programming.

Alive and Kicking

Sanctify Yourself

Waterfront

Don't You (Forget About Me)

Don't You (Forget About Me) served as the theme for 'The Breakfast Club' and became Simple Minds' biggest hit, perfectly capturing the MTV generation's spirit.

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Think you can recognize a hit before the first chorus drops? Step back into the neon-soaked glory days of music television, where iconic riffs ruled and legends were born. Crank up your nostalgia and prove you remember MTV’s Golden Era—one unforgettable tune at a time.

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Name That Tune: MTV's Golden Era Edition

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Which iconic MTV video featured a moonwalking Michael Jackson in 1983?

What song by Duran Duran became synonymous with MTV's early years and featured the band performing on a yacht?

Which Madonna song's video was banned by MTV initially for being too provocative?

What was the first music video ever played on MTV when it launched on August 1, 1981?

Which Bon Jovi song became a massive MTV hit and featured the band performing in what appeared to be a warehouse?

What Prince song featured one of the most controversial and talked-about videos on MTV in the mid-80s?

Which Def Leppard song's video cleverly worked around drummer Rick Allen's disability after his car accident?

What Genesis song featured Phil Collins singing while walking through various locations, becoming a MTV staple?

Which Cyndi Lauper song's colorful video helped establish her as an MTV icon?

What A-ha song featured a groundbreaking pencil-sketch animated video that won multiple MTV Video Music Awards?

Which Van Halen song's video featured the band performing in a backyard and became a party anthem?

What Talking Heads song featured David Byrne's strange, jerky dance moves in a white room?

Which Blondie song helped bridge the gap between new wave and rap on MTV?

What Billy Idol song featured the singer with his signature sneer and bleached hair in a post-apocalyptic setting?

Which The Police song's video featured the band performing in black and white with red accents?

What Pat Benatar song featured her in warrior-like costumes and helped establish the female rock star image on MTV?

Which Devo song's video featured the band in their iconic red flowerpot hats?

What Dire Straits song featured groundbreaking computer animation and was about MTV itself?

Which Culture Club song helped Boy George become an MTV sensation with his androgynous appearance?

What Men at Work song became an unofficial anthem of MTV's early years and featured Australian imagery?

Which Duran Duran song featured heavily stylized makeup and the band performing in a nightclub setting in its iconic MTV video?

What song by Tears for Fears opens with the distinctive lyric 'All around me are familiar faces'?

Which Prince song was initially banned by MTV but later became one of their most requested videos after controversy increased its popularity?

What song by The Police features Sting singing 'Every breath you take, every move you make' in what became one of MTV's most played videos?

Which David Bowie song featured the lyric 'There's a starman waiting in the sky' and experienced a revival during MTV's early years?

What Def Leppard song contains the famous lyric 'Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on' and dominated MTV throughout 1983?

Which Cyndi Lauper song features the opening line 'I come home in the morning light' and was one of MTV's most colorful videos?

What song by Wham! includes the lyric 'Wake me up before you go-go' and featured one of MTV's most energetic dance videos?

Which song by The Cars opens with 'Who's gonna tell you when it's too late' and featured cutting-edge video technology for MTV?

What Blondie song contains the lyric 'One way or another, I'm gonna find ya' and helped establish MTV's punk-pop crossover appeal?

Which song by Simple Minds features the anthemic chorus 'Don't you forget about me' and became synonymous with 1980s youth culture through MTV?

What song by Eurythmics opens with 'Sweet dreams are made of this' and featured Annie Lennox's striking androgynous image on MTV?

Which Billy Idol song includes the lyric 'It's a nice day for a white wedding' and showcased his rebellious persona on MTV?

What song by Hall & Oates contains the line 'I can't go for that' and became one of MTV's most played R&B crossover hits?

Which song by The Go-Go's features the lyric 'Our lips are sealed' and represented the all-female band's breakthrough on MTV?

What Devo song opens with 'Crack that whip' and featured the band's distinctive robotic performance style on MTV?

Which song by Soft Cell begins with 'Once I ran to you' and became a synth-pop classic through MTV exposure?

What song by Missing Persons features the distinctive lyric 'What are words for when no one listens anymore' and showcased new wave fashion on MTV?

Which song by Kajagoogoo contains the memorable lyric 'Too shy, shy, hush hush, eye to eye' and epitomized the British new romantic movement on MTV?

What song by Flock of Seagulls opens with 'I ran so far away' and featured the band's iconic hairstyles in one of MTV's most memorable videos?

Which Duran Duran song featured a famous chess-themed music video that was heavily rotated on MTV in 1984?

What song by Devo became synonymous with MTV's early years and featured the band in their iconic red flowerpot hats?

Which Talking Heads song featured David Byrne in his famous big suit performing his distinctive jerky dance moves?

What was the title of Herbie Hancock's groundbreaking 1983 hit that featured early hip-hop elements and innovative video effects?

Which song by The Cars featured Ric Ocasek walking through various art installations in a museum-like setting?

What Eurythmics song became famous for Annie Lennox's androgynous appearance and orange hair in its MTV video?

Which Genesis song marked Phil Collins' transition to lead vocals and featured him singing in a spotlight against a dark background?

What was the title of Kraftwerk's influential electronic song that helped introduce European synth-pop to MTV audiences?

Which Blondie song featured Debbie Harry rapping and was one of the first mainstream songs to incorporate hip-hop elements on MTV?

What song by Gary Numan featured him performing with robotic movements in a futuristic, industrial setting?

Which song by Soft Cell became a massive MTV hit despite being a cover of a 1960s soul song?

Which Blondie song featured Debbie Harry as a disco queen and became one of MTV's early signature videos?

What was the name of Thomas Dolby's biggest hit that showcased his keytar skills and scientific persona?

What song by The Human League featured the band in a nightclub setting and became a defining synth-pop anthem of the early 80s?

Which Pat Benatar song featured her as a rebellious woman escaping an oppressive relationship in a dance-heavy video?

Which song by Flock of Seagulls featured the band's distinctive hairstyles and became synonymous with new wave fashion?

What was the title of Eurythmics' surreal hit that featured Annie Lennox with orange hair in a boardroom setting?

What song by Bow Wow Wow featured a very young lead singer and controversial imagery that pushed MTV's boundaries?

Which song by Missing Persons featured Dale Bozzio's distinctive high-pitched vocals and colorful new wave styling?

Which song by Culture Club featured Boy George in elaborate makeup and costumes that epitomized New Romantic fashion?

What was the title of Oingo Boingo's energetic song that featured Danny Elfman's theatrical performance style?

What song by Tears for Fears featured the band members' faces morphing and became a defining moment for 80s alternative rock on MTV?

Which song by Missing Persons featured Dale Bozzio's distinctive vocals and the band's futuristic new wave aesthetic?

Which song by Kajagoogoo featured the band's elaborate makeup and hairstyles typical of the New Romantic movement?

What song by Naked Eyes became a staple of early MTV despite being another cover of a classic song?

What was the name of Flock of Seagulls' biggest hit that featured the band's distinctive hairstyles and sci-fi themed video?

Which song by Billy Idol featured him as a rebellious rocker with bleached hair and became an MTV anthem?

Which song by Modern English featured dreamlike imagery and became an alternative rock precursor on MTV?

What song by Soft Cell became a massive MTV hit despite being a cover of a lesser-known song?

What was the name of Martha Davis and The Motels' biggest MTV hit that showcased new wave's more emotional side?

Which song by Gary Numan featured him in a stark, futuristic setting that influenced countless synth-pop videos?

Which Duran Duran song featured the band being chased by painted tribal warriors in a Sri Lankan jungle setting?