Eighties Solitary Hitlist Quiz

100 questions · by Qwiz Rush

Eighties Solitary Hitlist Quiz is a free 100-question multiple choice, letters and numbers quiz on Qwiz Rush, made by Qwiz Rush, split into 10 rounds. Test your knowledge of the artists who defined the sound of the nineteen eighties with just one massive chart-topping single.

Host it live for friends, family, a class or a quiz night: everyone joins with a game code on their own device, no app needed. Or play it solo with Free Play and see how many you get right.

Every question runs on a 10-second countdown and the fastest correct answers score the most. All the questions and their choices are listed below so you can see what the quiz covers; the answers are revealed in the game. Want to change something? Make your own copy and edit it in your library.

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The 100 questions

Soft Cell's massive 1981 synthpop breakthrough 'Tainted Love' was originally recorded by which American soul singer in 1964?
- Gloria Jones
- Aretha Franklin
- Diana Ross
- Martha Reeves
Which British synthpop band had a massive international breakthrough in 1981 with the chart-topping single 'Don't You Want Me'?
- The Human League
- Heaven 17
- Depeche Mode
- Yazoo
What was the title of the 1980 self-titled debut album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, which featured the breakthrough single 'Electricity'?
- Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
- Organisation
- Architecture & Morality
- Dazzle Ships
Which German synthpop band achieved international fame with their 1984 breakthrough hit 'Big in Japan'?
- Alphaville
- Kraftwerk
- Camouflage
- Propaganda
Which synthpop band, fronted by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, released their breakthrough debut album 'Wonderland' in 1986?
- Erasure
- Yazoo
- Depeche Mode
- Bronski Beat
The 1983 synthpop breakthrough 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' was the title track of the second studio album by which British duo?
- Eurythmics
- Tears for Fears
- Pet Shop Boys
- Soft Cell
In what year did New Order release 'Blue Monday', their breakthrough synthpop masterpiece that went on to become the best-selling 12-inch single of all time?

Answer with a number.
How many members made up the classic lineup of the synthpop group Depeche Mode during their 1980s peak years following the departure of Vince Clarke and the addition of Alan Wilder?

Answer with a number.
Name the Scottish new wave band that scored a massive 1983 breakthrough hit with the self-titled single 'In a Big Country', notable for using guitar effects that mimicked bagpipes.

Answer with a letter.
Identify the synthpop band fronted by Gary Numan that reached number one on the UK charts in 1979 with the breakthrough hit 'Are Friends Electric?'.

Answer with a letter.
Which arcade classic was the subject of Buckner & Garcia's top-10 Billboard novelty hit in 1982?
- Space Invaders
- Donkey Kong
- Pac-Man
- Asteroids
Who directed the famous, surreal music video for the 1980 novelty song "Fish Heads" by Barnes & Barnes?
- Weird Al Yankovic
- Bill Paxton
- David Lynch
- Tim Burton
Which Italian-Australian singer kept Ultravox's synth-pop masterpiece "Vienna" off the UK Number 1 spot in 1981 with the novelty hit "Shaddap You Face"?
- Joe Dolce
- Renato Carosone
- Lou Bega
- Keith Harris
Which Canadian synth-pop band scored a major 1983 international hit with the quirky medieval-themed video for "The Safety Dance"?
- Trans-X
- Men Without Hats
- Payolas
- Rational Youth
Which sci-fi franchise was lovingly parodied in the 1987 UK number-one novelty song "Star Trekkin'" by The Firm?
- Star Trek
- Star Wars
- Doctor Who
- Battlestar Galactica
Which hip-hop trio was parodied by Morris Minor and the Majors in their 1988 novelty rap hit "Stutter Rap (No Sleep 'Til Bedtime)"?
- Run-D.M.C.
- Public Enemy
- The Fat Boys
- Beastie Boys
How many red balloons are released into the sky in the title of Nena's famous 1983 German-language anti-war novelty hit?

Answer with a number.
What was the average age of the combat soldier in Vietnam according to the spoken-word vocals of Paul Hardcastle's 1985 synth-pop novelty hit?

Answer with a number.
What is the surname of the famous American parody artist who scored a major 1984 hit with "Eat It", a food-themed spoof of Michael Jackson's "Beat It"?

Answer with a letter.
Which American vocal virtuoso performed the entirely a cappella 1988 novelty hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy", which became the first a cappella song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100?

Answer with a letter.
German pop band Nena scored a massive global hit in 1983 with '99 Luftballons'. What color were the balloons in the English-language version of the song?
- Red
- Blue
- Yellow
- Green
Austrian artist Falco topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1986 with 'Rock Me Amadeus'. Which classical composer's life and legacy inspired this synth-pop track?
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Johann Sebastian Bach
- Franz Schubert
The minimalist German New Wave band Trio had a massive international hit in 1982 with 'Da Da Da'. What is the English translation of the song's parenthetical subtitle?
- I Don't Love You You Don't Love Me Aha Aha Aha
- You Love Me I Love You Aha Aha Aha
- We Do Not Care About the Music
- Say Goodbye to the Beautiful Days
In 1987, Guinean singer Mory Kanté released 'Yéké Yéké', which became one of Africa's best-selling singles of all time and topped several European charts. Which traditional West African 21-stringed harp-lute did Kanté play on the track?
- Kora
- Djembe
- Balafon
- Ngoni
Israeli singer Ofra Haza achieved a massive European crossover hit in 1988 with 'Im Nin'alu'. The lyrics of this song are derived from a 17th-century poem written by which famous Hebrew poet?
- Shalom Shabazi
- Yehuda Alharizi
- Dunash ben Labrat
- Solomon ibn Gabirol
The 1989 global dance craze 'Lambada' by French-Brazilian group Kaoma was an unauthorized cover of the song 'Llorando se fue' by Los Kjarkas. From which South American country did Los Kjarkas originate?
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Swiss electronic duo Yello released their famous, deep-voiced crossover hit 'Oh Yeah' (famously featured in the movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off') in which year of the 1980s?

Answer with a number.
In 1987, Los Lobos reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with their cover of 'La Bamba'. How many weeks did this Spanish-language track spend at the number one spot on the US Hot 100 chart?

Answer with a number.
Which French-based band of Spanish Romani heritage achieved massive global success in 1987 with their self-titled album featuring the hit singles 'Bamboléo' and 'Djobi Djoba'?

Answer with a letter.
Which Belgian studio project, fronted by Congolese-born model Felly and featuring vocals by Ya Kid K, conquered global charts in 1989 with the pioneering hip-house hit 'Pump Up the Jam'?

Answer with a letter.
Which American glam metal band scored their signature and only major Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit in 1984 with the anthem "Turn Up the Radio"?
- Autograph
- Kix
- Helix
- Giuffria
Fronted by Mike Patton, which influential band scored their only US Top 10 hit in 1990 with the genre-blending rap-metal track "Epic", recorded in 1989?
- Faith No More
- Living Colour
- Jane's Addiction
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Which British heavy metal band, fronted by Steve Grimmett, became MTV staples in 1983 with the screaming title track of their debut album "See You in Hell"?
- Grim Reaper
- Witchfinder General
- Satan
- Diamond Head
Though they had a few minor chart entries, which band became the first heavy metal group to top the Billboard 200 album chart in 1983 with "Metal Health"?
- Quiet Riot
- Twisted Sister
- Ratt
- W.A.S.P.
Which German heavy metal band achieved their defining international breakthrough and signature anthem in 1983 with the title track of their album "Balls to the Wall"?
- Accept
- Helloween
- Kreator
- Scorpions
Which American hard rock band, often compared to Van Halen due to Ted Templeman's production, scored their biggest hit in 1988 with the bluesy metal track "Smooth Up in Ya"?
- BulletBoys
- L.A. Guns
- Faster Pussycat
- Dangerous Toys
In what year did the Swedish glam metal band Europe release their massive global number-one hit single "The Final Countdown"?

Answer with a number.
In what year did the heavy metal band Queensrÿche release their landmark conceptual album "Operation: Mindcrime"?

Answer with a number.
Identify the American/Danish glam metal band that achieved massive success in 1987 with their hit power ballad "When the Children Cry" and the fast-paced track "Wait".

Answer with a letter.
Identify the all-female glam metal band that earned a major hit in 1988 with the power ballad "Edge of a Broken Heart", written and produced by Richard Marx.

Answer with a letter.
Which American synth-funk group scored a massive international dance-floor hit in 1982 with 'Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life'?
- Indeep
- Rockers Revenge
- Freeez
- Shannon
Widely considered a seminal track in the development of freestyle and dance-pop, 'Let the Music Play' was a 1983 hit for which American singer?
- Shannon
- Taylor Dayne
- Nayobe
- Lisa Lisa
Which R&B singer topped the Billboard R&B chart in 1986 with the dramatic, spoken-word-infused hit 'The Rain'?
- Oran Juice Jones
- Gregory Abbott
- Alexander O'Neal
- Glenn Jones
The influential 1987 acid house hit 'Pump Up the Volume' was the sole release by which collaborative British music project?
- MARRS
- Bomb the Bass
- S'Express
- Coldcut
Which artist, the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, had a massive 1984 hit with 'Somebody's Watching Me' featuring backing vocals by Michael Jackson?
- Rockwell
- Jermaine Jackson
- Al B. Sure!
- DeBarge
Which British pop-dance singer reached number one in several countries in 1988 with the uplifting club anthem 'The Only Way Is Up'?
- Yazz
- Sonia
- Sybil
- Hazell Dean
In which year did the disco-synth-pop crossover hit 'Funkytown' by Lipps Inc. spend four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100?

Answer with a number.
In what year did the Italian house music group Black Box release their massive worldwide dance-floor hit 'Ride on Time'?

Answer with a number.
Name the American R&B singer and multi-instrumentalist whose 1982 post-disco hit 'Forget Me Nots' was famously sampled by Will Smith for the 'Men in Black' theme.

Answer with a letter.
What is the name of the American soul singer who scored a major Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit in 1986 with 'Shake You Down'?

Answer with a letter.
Giorgio Moroder co-wrote and produced which iconic 1986 Kenny Loggins hit for the soundtrack of the film *Top Gun*?
- Danger Zone
- Footloose
- I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)
- Playing with the Boys
Which Scottish rock band achieved their biggest US hit with "Don't You (Forget About Me)", written for the 1985 teen drama *The Breakfast Club*?
- Simple Minds
- Big Country
- The Waterboys
- Texas
Which American rock band was personally commissioned by Sylvester Stallone to write the 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger" for *Rocky III*?
- Survivor
- Journey
- Foreigner
- REO Speedwagon
Which synth-pop band performed the Oscar-winning 1986 ballad "Take My Breath Away" from the *Top Gun* soundtrack?
- Berlin
- Missing Persons
- Animotion
- Information Society
Who wrote and performed the chart-topping theme song for the 1984 supernatural comedy film *Ghostbusters*?
- Ray Parker Jr.
- Bobby Brown
- Rick James
- Rockwell
Which music superstar wrote and performed the entire soundtrack album for Tim Burton's 1989 film *Batman*, featuring the hit single "Batdance"?
- Prince
- Michael Jackson
- David Bowie
- Rick James
In what year was the movie *Flashdance* released, spawning the Irene Cara hit "Flashdance... What a Feeling"?

Answer with a number.
In what year did the movie *Footloose* release, featuring Kenny Loggins' chart-topping title track and Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear It for the Boy"?

Answer with a number.
Name the American pop-rock band that scored a massive number-one hit in 1985 with "The Power of Love" for the sci-fi comedy film *Back to the Future*.

Answer with a letter.
Name the American singer-songwriter who won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for her 1988 song "Let the River Run" from the film *Working Girl*.

Answer with a letter.
Soft Cell's massive 1981 hit was 'Tainted Love'. What was the title of their second studio album, released in 1983, which failed to match the massive commercial success of their debut?
- The Art of Falling Apart
- This Last Night in Sodom
- Cruelty Without Beauty
- Phantasmagoria
After the massive global success of 'Come On Eileen', Dexys Midnight Runners took three years to release their 1985 follow-up album, which famously underperformed. What was its title?
- Don't Stand Me Down
- Searching for the Young Soul Rebels
- Let's Get This Straight
- The Director's Cut
Nena became an international sensation with the 1983 hit '99 Luftballons'. In what year did the band officially split up after their subsequent albums failed to replicate that global success?

Answer with a number.
Men Without Hats had a global synth-pop hit with 'The Safety Dance'. Which of their follow-up albums featured the minor, guitar-heavy 1987 hit 'Pop Goes the World'?
- Pop Goes the World
- Rhythm of Youth
- Sideways
- Folk of the 80's (Part III)
Name the Scottish rock band whose sophomore album 'Steeltown' debuted at number one in the UK in 1984, serving as the follow-up to their debut 'The Crossing' which featured 'In a Big Country'.

Answer with a letter.
Thomas Dolby is best known for the quirky hit 'She Blinded Me with Science'. What was the title of his 1984 follow-up album, which featured the singles 'Hyperactive!' and 'I Scare Myself'?
- The Flat Earth
- The Golden Age of Wireless
- Astronauts & Heretics
- Aliens Ate My Buick
Toni Basil scored a historic Billboard #1 hit with 'Mickey'. Her self-titled 1983 follow-up album featured which lead single that failed to reach the Billboard Top 40?
- Over My Head
- Shopping from A to Z
- Street Beat
- Suspense
The supergroup Asia scored the best-selling album of 1982 with their self-titled debut. How many studio albums did they release in the 1980s in total, including their debut and subsequent follow-ups?

Answer with a number.
Name the English new wave band who followed up their iconic 1982 hit 'I Melt with You' with the album 'Ricochet Days' in 1984.

Answer with a letter.
Wall of Voodoo is famous for their 1982 hit 'Mexican Radio'. What was the title of their first studio album released after the departure of lead singer Stan Ridgway?
- Seven Days in Sammystown
- Happy Planet
- The Ugly Americans
- Dark Continent
Who designed the iconic red leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson in his groundbreaking 1983 "Thriller" music video?
- Deborah Landis
- Edith Head
- Colleen Atwood
- Patricia Field
Madonna performed "Like a Virgin" at the inaugural 1984 MTV Video Music Awards wearing a wedding dress and a belt buckle featuring which phrase?
- Boy Toy
- Lucky Star
- Material Girl
- Wild Child
In what calendar year did MTV first launch on cable television, forever changing the visual landscape of the music industry?

Answer with a number.
Which animation studio, later famous for creating Wallace and Gromit, collaborated with director Stephen R. Johnson to produce the stop-motion effects for Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer"?
- Aardman Animations
- Laika
- Rankin/Bass
- Will Vinton Studios
What is the name of the animation technique used in A-ha's "Take On Me" music video that combines live-action footage with pencil-drawn illustrations?

Answer with a letter.
In which Caribbean island nation did Duran Duran shoot the iconic, yacht-filled music video for their 1982 hit "Rio"?
- Antigua
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Bahamas
In what year did the Dire Straits music video for "Money for Nothing," famous for its early 3D computer animation, win Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards?

Answer with a number.
In Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love" music video, the identical-looking female backing band members are styled with slicked-back hair, pale skin, and which distinct makeup feature?
- Bright red lipstick
- Electric blue eyeshadow
- Black lipstick
- Neon pink blush
Name the British new wave band whose music video "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the very first to air on MTV.

Answer with a letter.
What is the name of the red, tiered plastic hats worn by the band Devo in their 1980 music video for "Whip It"?
- Energy Domes
- Flower Pots
- Power Pyramids
- Sonic Helmets
Which 1982 one-hit wonder by Dexys Midnight Runners features the spirited opening lyric, 'Poor old Johnny Ray, sounded sad upon the radio'?
- Come On Eileen
- Geno
- Jackie Wilson Said
- The Celtic Soul Brothers
What 1980 disco-synth crossover by Lipps Inc. features the repetitive plea to 'Keep me groovin' with some energy' and take them to a specific fictional destination?
- Funkytown
- Disco Town
- Electric Avenue
- Magic Town
Which 1983 synth-pop hit by Taco features the famous lyric, 'If you're blue and you don't know where to go to, why don't you go where fashion sits?'
- Puttin' on the Ritz
- Cheek to Cheek
- Singin' in the Rain
- Top Hat, White Tie and Tails
What 1982 song by Toni Basil features the cheerleader-style chant, 'Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind'?
- Mickey
- Tommy
- Johnny
- Billy
Which 1989 power ballad by Sheriff features a record-breaking, 20-second-long high note held by vocalist Freddy Curci at the end of the song?
- When I'm with You
- Deep in the Dark
- Forever and a Day
- Holding On
Which 1982 track by Trio consists almost entirely of the repeating, minimalistic chant 'Da Da Da'?
- Da Da Da
- La La La
- Boom Boom
- Na Na Hey Hey
How many total 'Luftballons' (balloons) are released in the title of Nena's 1983 German synth-pop hit?

Answer with a number.
In what year did the British synth-pop band Kajagoogoo reach the Top 5 of the US Billboard Hot 100 with their signature hit 'Too Shy'?

Answer with a number.
Identify the Canadian band that had a massive 1983 hit with 'Safety Dance', famous for its spelling chant 'S-A-F-E-T-Y'.

Answer with a letter.
What is the name of the post-punk band that had a 1982 hit with 'I Melt with You', featuring the lyric 'I'll stop the world and melt with you'?

Answer with a letter.
The band Nena, famous for the 1983 anti-war protest song "99 Luftballons", originated in which European country?
- West Germany
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
In which English city did the synth-pop duo Soft Cell, famous for their 1981 hit cover of "Tainted Love", form while attending polytechnic university?
- Leeds
- Manchester
- Sheffield
- Birmingham
The new wave group Men Without Hats, who scored a massive 1983 hit with "The Safety Dance", originated in which Canadian city?
- Montreal
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Calgary
Johann Hölzel, better known by his stage name Falco, achieved global fame with "Rock Me Amadeus" in 1985. Which European capital city was his birthplace?
- Vienna
- Berlin
- Zurich
- Budapest
Dexys Midnight Runners, who topped the charts with "Come On Eileen" in 1982, took the first part of their band name from which recreational substance popular in the Northern soul scene?
- Dexedrine
- Dextrose
- Diazepam
- Dexmethorphan
The indie new wave band Wall of Voodoo, famous for their 1982 hit "Mexican Radio", was formed in which US city?
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Austin
In what year did the synth-pop band Real Life release their iconic international debut hit single "Send Me an Angel"?

Answer with a number.
In what year did the Italian disco act Baltimora release their massive jungle-themed hit "Tarzan Boy"?

Answer with a number.
Identify the Scottish one-hit wonder band behind the 1983 bagpipe-infused hit "In a Big Country".

Answer with a letter.
Identify the American new wave band led by lead singer Patty Smyth that achieved a major 1984 hit with the song "The Warrior".

Answer with a letter.

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The 100 questions

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