Still rockin!

I am a huge fan of 80’s music. That’s pretty common knowledge. But, it’s more than just liking the songs, or even a sense of nostalgia. It’s also about the artists of the time. And today I will point out the longevity of some of those favorites.

Within the last 10 years, three of my favorite 80’s acts have come out with all-new material that is just as good as their old stuff, if not even a bit better.

Bon Jovi – Have a Nice Day (2005)

This is arguably one of my favorite albums (are they still called albums? Or even CD’s?). Bon Jovi has come out with two new albums after this one, but Have a Nice Day is just so awesome. The sound is unmistakably Bon Jovi, but with some new kicks and great riffs. I actually got to see them in concert a few years later, and they sound awesome. Still one of my top-five bands of all time.


Billy Idol – Devil’s Playground (2005)

Nobody quite matches Billy Idol as an icon in rock music. Over the years, he hasn’t been afraid to try new things, musically. His album Cyberpunk was done completely with electronic music, and it’s very slick. But Devil’s Playground saw him return a bit to his signature sound, with a few twists. Also, he added some whimsy that just makes me giddy when I listen to songs like “Plastic Jesus” and “Yellin’ at the Christmas Tree.”



Rick Springfield – Songs For the End of the World (2012)
Although Rick never really left, he fell off the radar in the late 80’s. But that didn’t slow him down, as he continued to work on TV, in the studio, and most especially on tour almost constantly. Last fall he released his newest album, Songs For the End of the World, and it is amazing. Like Billy Idol and Bon Jovi, there is some signature Rick Springfield in there. But there is also some really great new sounds and some excellent vocals. He rocks out, and you can tell that he still just enjoys being a rock star.

These guys are all in their 50’s and 60’s, and yet they still rock on. All three of these are on my favorite playlist, and I listen to a lot of this music daily.