19. The Pretenders
Formed in 1978, and labeled as one of the first new wave groups, this band’s self-titled debut sizzled with hard rocking grooves like “Precious” and “Tattooed Love Boys.” The Pretenders had a string of gold and platinum albums through the 80s into the mid-90s. The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
18. Poison
Disparaged by critics, glam rock band Poison has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Formed in 1983, Poison is best known for their #1 single “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” They dominated the 1980s MTV era with 6 top ten singles and two others reaching the top 13. Lead singer Bret Michaels had a successful reality TV run.
17. The Cars
The Cars are considered a new wave band but the label didn’t exist when the band delivered their 1978 self-titled debut. They scored 4 top ten and 13 top 40 hits during the 1980s, including “Shake It Up” (#4) and “Drive”(#3 ). The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
16. Judas Priest
This pioneering heavy-metal group was formed in Birmingham in 1969, but the 1980s were their era. Their influence would set the template for every metal band that followed, particularly 1980s hair metal. Although not a radio singles-oriented band, they cracked the US top 10 in 1981 and 1982. Judas Priest has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
