Back in Time Today
Remember when synthesizers ruled the airwaves and shoulder pads were fashion statements? The 1980s brought us not just big hair and neon colors, but also some of the most memorable musical partnerships in pop history. Many of these dynamic duos created chart-topping hits that still get us dancing today, even though the pairs themselves have long since parted ways. Grab your cassette player as we reminisce about these iconic partnerships and dream about what could be!
1. Wham! (George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley)
Freedom! These British heartthrobs skyrocketed to fame with their infectious energy and catchy hooks. Their playful music videos and matching outfits became as iconic as their hits “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper.”
Though George’s 2016 passing makes a true reunion impossible, Andrew has kept their legacy alive through heartfelt tributes. The duo’s brief but brilliant career continues to influence pop music decades after their Christmas classic first played on MTV.
2. Eurythmics (Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart)
Sweet dreams are made of this powerhouse partnership. Annie’s androgynous style and haunting vocals paired perfectly with Dave’s innovative production techniques, creating a sound that was both futuristic and timeless.
Between Annie’s fierce orange crew cut and their groundbreaking videos, they redefined what pop stars could look and sound like. Though they’ve collaborated occasionally since their 1990 split, fans hunger for a full-scale return of the duo that gave us “Here Comes the Rain Again.”
3. Hall & Oates (Daryl Hall & John Oates)
The mustache-and-mullet combo that ruled the charts! These Philadelphia soul brothers blended rock, R&B, and pop into an irresistible cocktail that produced six #1 hits including “Maneater” and “Out of Touch.”
Daryl’s soaring vocals complemented John’s musicianship in a partnership that somehow never grew stale. While they technically haven’t broken up, their sporadic performances leave fans craving a dedicated reunion tour celebrating their unmatched catalog of smooth grooves and blue-eyed soul classics.
4. Tears for Fears (Roland Orzabal & Curt Smith)
Everybody wants to see this world-ruling duo back in full force! Roland and Curt crafted intelligent pop with psychological depth unusual for the era, giving us anthems like “Shout” and “Head Over Heels.”
Their harmonies blended perfectly despite their contrasting personalities. After a bitter split in 1991, they’ve reunited occasionally and even released new material in 2022, but ’80s fans dream of a tour focused on their glory days when their emotional lyrics and lush instrumentation dominated radio worldwide.
5. Pet Shop Boys (Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe)
Masters of irony wrapped in synth-pop perfection! While technically still active, fans yearn for these British electronic pioneers to embrace their ’80s roots with a dedicated retro tour celebrating their imperial phase.
Neil’s deadpan vocals and witty lyrics paired with Chris’s electronic wizardry created dance floor fillers like “West End Girls” and “It’s a Sin.” Their theatrical live shows featured elaborate costumes and staging that elevated pop concerts to art installations. A return to their early aesthetic would delight longtime admirers of their intellectual dance music.
6. Roxette (Marie Fredriksson & Per Gessle)
Sweden’s gift to power ballads captured hearts with Marie’s platinum blonde pixie cut and powerful vocals alongside Per’s songwriting genius. Their chemistry was undeniable on hits like “It Must Have Been Love” and “Listen To Your Heart.”
Marie’s stage presence was magnetic, drawing audiences into every emotional lyric. Her tragic passing in 2019 closed the door on future collaborations, but their legacy as one of Europe’s most successful pop exports remains secure, having sold over 75 million records worldwide.
7. Ashford & Simpson (Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson)
Soul’s royal couple wrote hits for others before claiming the spotlight themselves! This husband-wife team penned classics for Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross before striking gold with their own “Solid” in 1984.
Their romantic partnership enhanced their musical connection, creating performances filled with genuine affection and chemistry. Nick’s passing in 2011 silenced this dynamic duo forever, but their contributions to soul music extend far beyond their own recordings.
Their songwriting blueprint still influences R&B today, proving their musical marriage was truly solid as a rock.
8. Yaz/Yazoo (Vince Clarke & Alison Moyet)
Lightning struck twice when synth wizard Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode and found blues-voiced Alison Moyet. Their brief union produced only two albums but left an outsized impact on electronic music.
“Only You” and “Don’t Go” showcased the perfect tension between cold electronics and warm, soulful vocals. Despite a successful reunion tour in 2008, fans hunger for new material from this influential pair.
Their sound blueprint—emotional vocals over electronic backdrops—became the template for countless dance acts that followed in their pioneering footsteps.
9. Soft Cell (Marc Almond & David Ball)
These synth-pop provocateurs brought underground club culture to the mainstream with their cover of “Tainted Love,” creating one of the decade’s most recognizable intros. Marc’s theatrical vocals and David’s minimalist electronics formed a partnership that was both seedy and sophisticated.
Their music explored taboo subjects rarely touched in pop. Though they’ve reunited occasionally over the years, including for 2018’s “*Happiness Not Included” album, fans of their original sound still dream of a tour focused on their groundbreaking early material that merged electronic music with cabaret sensibilities.
10. Mel & Kim (Mel & Kim Appleby)
Sisterhood never sounded so fun! These British siblings burst onto the scene with their Stock Aitken Waterman-produced hits “Respectable” and “Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend).” Their matching outfits, hats, and infectious giggles made them instant favorites.
Tragedy struck when Mel died from cancer in 1990 at just 23. Kim continued as a solo artist but never recaptured their combined magic.
Their brief career left fans wondering what might have been if these charismatic sisters had continued their chart domination beyond their handful of perfect dance-pop confections.
11. Womack & Womack (Cecil & Linda Womack)
Family connections run deep in this soulful pair! Cecil (Bobby Womack’s brother) and Linda (Sam Cooke’s daughter) created the ultimate breakup anthem with “Teardrops,” a song that still packs dance floors today.
Their 1988 hit merged African rhythms with R&B sensibilities, creating a sound both timeless and distinctly ’80s. After discovering their ancestral roots, they moved to Africa and changed their name to The House of Zekkariyas.
Cecil’s passing in 2013 ended hopes for a proper reunion, but their signature song remains a testament to their unique musical chemistry.
12. The Communards (Jimmy Somerville & Richard Coles)
From the ashes of Bronski Beat rose this unlikely pair—a falsetto-voiced gay activist and a keyboard player who later became a vicar! Their cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” topped UK charts in 1986, becoming the year’s biggest-selling single.
Jimmy’s unmistakable voice soared over Richard’s classical-influenced arrangements. After just two albums, they split in 1988, with Richard eventually finding his calling in the church.
This dramatic career shift makes a reunion seem improbable, yet fans still dream of hearing their politically charged dance music once more.
13. Dollar (David Van Day & Thereza Bazar)
Romantic partners turned pop stars turned bitter enemies! This British duo’s behind-the-scenes drama often overshadowed their perfect pop confections like “Mirror Mirror” and “Give Me Back My Heart.”
Their producer Trevor Horn helped craft their sophisticated sound before working with bigger acts like Frankie Goes To Hollywood. The pair’s relationship collapsed spectacularly, with public feuds continuing long after their professional split.
Despite their personal differences, fans would love to see these blonde bombshells bury the hatchet for one last tour celebrating their underrated catalog of glossy pop gems.
14. Charles & Eddie (Charles Pettigrew & Eddie Chacon)
Would I lie about wanting these soul brothers back together? Their 1992 hit “Would I Lie to You?” technically came after the ’80s, but their Motown-influenced sound was rooted in the previous decade’s revival of classic R&B styles.
The duo met by chance on a New York subway when they noticed each other carrying the same R&B albums. This serendipitous meeting led to musical magic.
Charles’ tragic death from cancer in 2001 ended their partnership far too soon, leaving fans with just two albums of their smooth harmonies and authentic soul revival sound.
15. Ottawan (Jean Patrick Baptiste & Annette)
“D.I.S.C.O.” spelled out pure dance floor joy when this French-Caribbean duo took Europe by storm! Though technically formed in 1979, their biggest hits dominated early ’80s discos with irresistible hooks and simple, catchy lyrics designed for multilingual appeal.
Producer Daniel Vangarde (father of Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter) created their signature sound. The original members were replaced by session singers for their records, creating complicated questions about who might actually reunite.
Nevertheless, a comeback with any combination of performers would bring back the carefree spirit of Euro-disco.