70s And 80s Music Quiz Questions And Answers

Groovy Baby! A 70s and 80s Music Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Are you ready to transport yourself back to the era of bell bottoms, big hair, and unforgettable melodies? This comprehensive quiz will test your knowledge of 70s and 80s music, covering iconic artists, groundbreaking hits, and defining genres. Whether you were there to experience the disco inferno firsthand or discovered these classics later, get ready to dust off your air guitar and see how well you know the sounds of the decades that defined a generation. This quiz covers everything from disco anthems to power ballads, new wave sounds to synth-pop sensations, so let's get started!

Section 1: 70s Throwback – Disco Inferno and Beyond

This section focuses on the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of the 1970s. From the soulful grooves of Motown to the rise of disco, this era saw the birth of numerous iconic artists and unforgettable songs.

Question 1: Which iconic disco group was known for hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever"?

(a) The Bee Gees (b) Earth, Wind & Fire (c) Kool & the Gang (d) Chic

Answer: (a) The Bee Gees

Question 2: This Queen song, released in 1975, became an anthem for underdogs and featured a powerful guitar solo. What is it?

(a) Bohemian Rhapsody (b) We Are the Champions (c) Somebody to Love (d) Killer Queen

Answer: (a) Bohemian Rhapsody

Question 3: Which singer-songwriter, known for his melancholic lyrics and introspective style, released the album Tapestry in 1971?

(a) Elton John (b) Billy Joel (c) Carole King (d) James Taylor

Answer: (c) Carole King

Question 4: This funk band, known for their incredible horn section and dynamic stage presence, gave us hits like "September" and "Boogie Wonderland." Who are they?

(a) The Commodores (b) Earth, Wind & Fire (c) Kool & the Gang (d) Parliament-Funkadelic

Answer: (b) Earth, Wind & Fire

Question 5: Which progressive rock band, famous for their concept albums and complex musical arrangements, released The Dark Side of the Moon in 1973?

(a) Genesis (b) Pink Floyd (c) Yes (d) Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Answer: (b) Pink Floyd

Question 6: This soulful singer, known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, was a major force in the 70s music scene. Who is he?

(a) Marvin Gaye (b) Stevie Wonder (c) Al Green (d) Barry White

Answer: All of the above are correct. Each artist made significant contributions to 70s music.

Question 7: What iconic Fleetwood Mac album, released in 1977, featured the hits "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way," and "Don't Stop"?

(a) Rumours (b) Tusk (c) Mirage (d) Fleetwood Mac

Answer: (a) Rumours

Question 8: Which disco queen, known for her flamboyant style and energetic performances, had a string of hits in the 70s, including "Love Train"?

(a) Donna Summer (b) Gloria Gaynor (c) Chaka Khan (d) Diana Ross

Answer: (a) Donna Summer (While others had disco hits, Donna Summer is most synonymous with the queen title).

Question 9: This hard rock band known for their heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals released Physical Graffiti in 1975. Name the band.

(a) Led Zeppelin (b) Deep Purple (c) Black Sabbath (d) Aerosmith

Answer: (a) Led Zeppelin

Question 10: Which singer-songwriter, famous for his poignant storytelling and acoustic guitar playing, released Court and Spark in 1974?

(a) Joni Mitchell (b) Jackson Browne (c) Linda Ronstadt (d) Laura Nyro

Answer: (a) Joni Mitchell

Section 2: 80s Icons – Synth-Pop, Hair Metal, and More

The 1980s exploded with a diverse range of musical styles. From the synthesized sounds of new wave and synth-pop to the flamboyant energy of hair metal, this decade brought a fresh wave of innovation and iconic artists.

Question 11: Which synth-pop duo, known for their innovative use of synthesizers and quirky lyrics, released "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"?

(a) Eurythmics (b) Depeche Mode (c) The Human League (d) Duran Duran

Answer: (a) Eurythmics

Question 12: This pop superstar, known for her powerful vocals and iconic music videos, ruled the 80s with hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl." Who is she?

(a) Madonna (b) Whitney Houston (c) Janet Jackson (d) Cyndi Lauper

Answer: (a) Madonna

Question 13: Which hair metal band, known for their flamboyant image and anthemic power ballads, released Appetite for Destruction in 1987?

(a) Bon Jovi (b) Mötley Crüe (c) Guns N' Roses (d) Poison

Answer: (c) Guns N' Roses

Question 14: Which British new wave band, known for their dark and atmospheric sound, released "Bela Lugosi's Dead"?

(a) Joy Division (b) The Cure (c) Siouxsie and the Banshees (d) Echo & the Bunnymen

Answer: (a) Joy Division

Question 15: This pop artist, with her unique vocal style and energetic performances, achieved mega-stardom with hits like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Who is she?

(a) Cyndi Lauper (b) Debbie Gibson (c) Tiffany (d) Whitney Houston

Answer: (a) Cyndi Lauper

Question 16: Which synth-pop band, known for their romantic ballads and danceable hits, released "Don't You Want Me"?

(a) The Human League (b) Spandau Ballet (c) a-ha (d) Tears for Fears

Answer: (a) The Human League

Question 17: Which power ballad, released by Bon Jovi in 1986, became a massive hit and remains a staple of 80s rock?

(a) Livin' on a Prayer (b) Wanted Dead or Alive (c) You Give Love a Bad Name (d) Bad Medicine

Answer: (a) Livin' on a Prayer

Question 18: Which female artist, known for her incredible vocal range and powerful ballads, had numerous hits throughout the 80s, including "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"?

(a) Whitney Houston (b) Mariah Carey (c) Tina Turner (d) Aretha Franklin

Answer: (a) Whitney Houston

Question 19: Which band, known for their experimental soundscapes and innovative use of synthesizers, released Violator in 1990 (though considered a late 80s influence)?

(a) Depeche Mode (b) New Order (c) The Pet Shop Boys (d) Erasure

Answer: (a) Depeche Mode

Question 20: Which iconic song, featuring a memorable bassline and infectious rhythm, became a defining anthem of the 80s dance scene?

(a) Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves (b) Tainted Love – Soft Cell (c) Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley (d) Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Answer: All are correct. These songs represent different facets of the 80s dance scene.

Section 3: Genre Identification

This section tests your ability to identify the musical genre of various 70s and 80s hits.

Question 21: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973) belongs to which genre?

(a) Disco (b) Southern Rock (c) Glam Rock (d) Progressive Rock

Answer: (b) Southern Rock

Question 22: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982) is a prime example of which genre?

(a) Funk (b) R&B (c) Pop (d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above

Question 23: "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses (1987) exemplifies which genre?

(a) Hair Metal (b) Hard Rock (c) Glam Metal (d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above

Question 24: "I Want to Break Free" by Queen (1984) incorporates elements of which genre?

(a) Arena Rock (b) Pop Rock (c) Hard Rock (d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above. It transcends simple categorization.

Question 25: "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1983) is best classified as which genre?

(a) Synth-Pop (b) New Wave (c) Post-Punk (d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above.

Section 4: Bonus Round – Lyrical Trivia

This final section tests your knowledge of specific lyrics from some of the most iconic songs of the 70s and 80s.

Question 26: Complete the famous line from "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen: "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from _____________."

(a) Reality (b) The truth (c) This despair (d) Reality

Answer: (d) Reality

Question 27: From "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, fill in the blank: "It doesn't make a difference if we're naked or ______________."

(a) Famous (b) In love (c) Dressed to the nines (d) Alone

Answer: (c) Dressed to the nines

Question 28: What's the opening line of "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses?

(a) Where do we begin? (b) She's got a smile that it seems to melt your soul (c) Welcome to the jungle (d) Paradise city where the grass is green

Answer: (b) She's got a smile that it seems to melt your soul

Question 29: From "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, complete this line: "Hold on to that feelin', streetlight people, oh-oh-oh _______."

(a) Never surrender (b) Don't stop believing (c) Keep on dancing (d) Keep the faith

Answer: (b) Don't stop believing

Question 30: What is the final line of "Blinded by the Light" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band?

(a) Wrapped up like a douche (b) Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night (c) Mama told me not to come (d) Gimme Gimme Gimme

Answer: (b) Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night

Conclusion: How Did You Do?

This quiz has hopefully taken you on a nostalgic journey through the sounds of the 70s and 80s. Whether you aced the quiz or missed a few, remember that music is a powerful force that connects us all. These songs, artists, and genres continue to inspire and influence musicians and listeners today, proving their timeless appeal. So crank up the volume, grab your headphones, and keep on grooving! Remember to share your score and favorite musical memories in the comments below!