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B-Sides Defined 1980s Music: Underground Hits Rise

3/8/2026

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Story summary
  • The 1980s saw music consumption evolve as B-sides gained popularity with A-sides.
  • Listeners cherished New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" and often favored B-sides like Joy Division's "These Days."
  • College radio helped underground hits reach wider audiences.
  • Notably, Madonna's "Into The Groove" was a B-side to "Angel," despite its appeal.
  • These B-sides collectively shaped the decade's soundtrack across clubs and MTV.