Music, in all of its many forms, impacts so many aspects of our lives. Some of the most famous musicians and singers have gone on to become pop culture icons. Take this quiz to see how much you know about them and their music!
Which English singer/songwriter said “no, no, no” to rehab in 2006?
Amy Winehouse
Amy Jade Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter. The song “Rehab” won her a second Ivor Novello Award. At the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, she won five awards, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night and becoming the first British woman to win five Grammys, including three of the General Field “Big Four” Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (for “Rehab”), as well as Best Pop Vocal Album.
What beloved pop icon touched the hearts of a nation when she exclaimed “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”?
Cyndi Lauper
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is a song written, recorded and performed by American musician Robert Hazard, who released it as a single in 1979. It is best known for the version of American singer Cyndi Lauper, whose covered the song in 1983.
Taylor Swift has become a global phenomenon with a knack for creating tasteful music surrounding her personal life. Which country legend was Taylor’s first hit song named after?
Tim McGraw
Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. Borchetta signed Swift to his fledgling Big Machine label, and her first single, “Tim McGraw” (inspired by and prominently referencing a song by Swift’s favourite country artist), was released in the summer of 2006.
In 1983, the British new wave music duo Eurythmics taught us what sweet dreams are really made of. Can you name the missing word in these lyrics? “Sweet dreams are made of this. Who am I to _____?”
Eurythmics
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a song by British new wave music duo Eurythmics. It is the title track of their album of the same name (1983) and was released as the fourth and final single from the album in early 1983.
Pat Benatar was a bold artist who put out some of our favorite ’80s hits! What famous Pat Benatar song features the line: “Well you’re a real tough cookie with a long history of breaking little hearts like the one in me”?
Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Hit Me with Your Best Shot
“Hit Me with Your Best Shot” is a song recorded by American rock singer Pat Benatar and written by Eddie Schwartz. In 1980, it was released as the second single from her second album Crimes of Passion, which became her biggest-selling album. It hit No. 7 in Cash Box, and reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first Top 10 hit in the US.
Jon Bon Jovi taught us that money isn’t the key to happiness with his hit song “Livin’ On A Prayer”. Think you can fill in the lyrics to this glorious sing-along tune? “Tommy used to work on the _____, union’s been on strike. He’s down on his luck, it’s tough, so tough.”
“Livin’ on a Prayer”
“Livin’ on a Prayer” is a song by the American rock band Bon Jovi, and is the band’s second chart-topping single from their third album Slippery When Wet. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child, the single, released in late 1986, was well received at both rock and pop radio and its music video was given heavy rotation at MTV, giving the band their first No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and their second consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit.
What American hard rock band made us want to jump with these lyrics: “And I know, baby, just how you feel. You got to roll with the punches and get to what’s real”?
Van Halen
“Jump” is a song by American rock band Van Halen. It was released in December 1983 as the lead single from their album 1984. It is Van Halen’s most successful single, reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song differs from earlier Van Halen songs in that it is driven by a keyboard line, although the song does contain a guitar solo. David Lee Roth dedicated the song to martial artist Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, of whom he was a student.
Which ’70s song was written about Rod Stewart’s first sexual encounter with a woman?
The First Cut Is The Deepest
Maggie May
“Maggie May” is a song co-written by singer Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton, and performed by Rod Stewart on his album Every Picture Tells a Story, released in 1971. “Maggie May” expresses the ambivalence and contradictory emotions of a boy involved in a relationship with an older woman and was written from Stewart’s own experience.
“Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.” Sound familiar? Who sang this timeless tune?
Bee Gees
The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, lit up the disco world. While the song seems to be joyful, it really refers to the difficulties of living on New York’s streets.
What is the name of the Mississippi born rock ‘n’ roll icon, who in 1956, had his first number 1 single with “Heartbreak Hotel,” and signed a movie contract with Paramount Pictures?
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the “King of Rock and Roll”, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. “Heartbreak Hotel” is a song recorded by American singer Elvis Presley. It was released as a single on January 27, 1956, Presley’s first on his new record label RCA Victor.
This member of the Wu-Tang Clan has found success in both music and acting. What is the name of this performer who won a Grammy for his performance of “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” with Mary J. Blige?
Method Man
“I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” is a duet song by the American recording artists, rapper Method Man and singer Mary J. Blige who sings the intro, the choruses, and backing vocals. The song is a remix of Method Man’s “All I Need” (which appears on his 1994 debut album, Tical). All versions of this song contains an interpolation of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s hit, You’re All I Need to Get By.
Which album, containing the hit song “7 Things”, did Miley Cyrus release in 2008?
The Pride of Oklahoma 1999
Breakout
Breakout is the second studio album by American singer Miley Cyrus, released on July 22, 2008, by Hollywood Records. Three singles were released from Breakout. “7 Things” was released on June 17, 2008, as the lead single from the album; it was commercially successful, reaching the top ten on charts in various countries. The second single, “Fly on the Wall” was released on November 4, 2008, as the final single.
Who sang the upbeat tune with these timeless lyrics: “If you’ll be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal. I can call you Betty, and Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al”?
Paul Simon
“You Can Call Me Al” is a song by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the lead single from his seventh studio album, Graceland (1986), released on Warner Bros. Records. Written by Simon, its lyrics follow an individual seemingly experiencing a midlife crisis. Its lyrics were partially inspired by Simon’s trip to South Africa and experience with its culture.
What question is Meatloaf begged to answer in “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights”?
Will you love me forever?
Will you love me forever?
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is a song written by Jim Steinman. It was released in 1977 on the album Bat Out of Hell, with vocals by the American musician Meat Loaf alongside Ellen Foley. An uncommonly long song for a single, it has become a staple of classic rock radio[3][4] and has been described as the “greatest rock duet”.
This early ’90s rapper told us (over and over) that he was “Ice Ice Baby.” What flavor was he?
Vanilla Ice
Robert Matthew Van Winkle known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. “Ice Ice Baby” was the first hip hop single to top the Billboard charts and has been credited with helping to diversify hip hop by introducing it to a mainstream audience.
“Very superstitious, Writing’s on the wall, Very superstitious, Ladders ’bout to fall.” Who sang this hit song?
Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” is a song by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. It was released on October 24, 1972, as the lead single from his fifteenth studio album, Talking Book (1972), by Tamla. The lyrics describe popular superstitions and their negative effects.
Steve Winwood graced us with the hit “Higher Love” Can you finish these lyrics? “I could light the night up with my soul on fire. I could make the sun shine from pure _____.”
Steve Winwood
Stephen Lawrence Winwood is an English musician and songwriter whose genres include blue-eyed soul, rhythm and blues, blues rock and pop rock. His 1986 album Back in the High Life marked his career zenith, with hit singles including “Back in the High Life Again”, “The Finer Things” and the US Billboard Hot 100 number one hit “Higher Love”.
What well-known band produced the karaoke song of the century with the lyrics “Just a small town girl. Living in a lonely world. She took the midnight train. Going anywhere”?
Journey
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of Santana, Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch. Journey had their biggest commercial success between 1978 and 1987, when Steve Perry was lead vocalist; they released a series of hit songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin'” (1981), which in 2009 became the top-selling track in iTunes history among songs not released in the 21st century.
What is the name of this singer and Academy Award winning actress, who got her start as part of a singing act with her husband Sonny?
Cher
Cher is an American singer and actress who got her start as half of Sonny and Cher in the 1960s. She has since amassed international fame with an array of Top 10 hits and screen roles, winning an Oscar for her role in ‘Moonstruck.
Prince dazzled with his thoughtful lyrics and unique fashion choices. What classic Prince song contains the lyrics “You don’t have to be rich to be my girl. You don’t have to be cool to rule my world”?
What kind of love was the subject of synthpop duo Soft Cell’s top-selling 1981 single?
“Tainted Love”
“Tainted Love” is a song composed by Ed Cobb, formerly of American group the Four Preps, which was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964. It attained worldwide fame after being covered and reworked by British synthpop duo Soft Cell in 1981 and has since been covered by numerous groups and artists.
In their beautiful 1977 song, who responded “Yes, I feel wonderful tonight” when asked if they felt alright?
Eric Clapton
“Wonderful Tonight” is a ballad written by Eric Clapton. It was included on Clapton’s 1977 album Slowhand. Clapton wrote the song about Pattie Boyd. The female vocal harmonies on the song are provided by Marcella Detroit (then Marcy Levy) and Yvonne Elliman.
What eccentric ’80s band sang the song “Hungry Like the Wolf” with these lyrics: “Burning the ground I break from the crowd. I’m on the hunt down I’m after you”?
Duran Duran
“Hungry Like the Wolf” is a song by the British new wave band Duran Duran. Written by the band members, the song was produced by Colin Thurston for the group’s second studio album Rio. The song was released in May 1982 as the band’s fifth single in the United Kingdom. It reached no. 5 on the UK Singles Chart, and received a gold certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
They say in heaven, love comes first – Which ’80s beauty sang the iconic song “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”?
Belinda Carlisle
“Heaven Is a Place on Earth” is a song by American singer Belinda Carlisle from her second studio album, Heaven on Earth (1987). Written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, the song was released as the lead single from the Heaven on Earth album on September 14, 1987, and it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on December 5, 1987, becoming Carlisle’s only US chart-topper to date.
T.I.’s hit 2008 single “Live Your Life” featured which Grammy Award-winning artist?
Rihanna
“Live Your Life” is a song by American rapper T.I., featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna, from T.I.’s sixth studio album, Paper Trail (2008). It was released as the seventh single from the album on September 16, 2008. The song’s lyrics speak of T.I.’s rise to fame and optimism of the future. It also gives dedication to the American troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Who sang these seductive lyrics: “Baby, I’m hot just like an oven. I need some lovin’. And baby, I can’t hold it much longer. It’s getting stronger and stronger”?
Marvin Gaye
“Sexual Healing” is a song recorded by American singer Marvin Gaye from his album Midnight Love (1982). It was his first single since his exit from his long-term record label Motown earlier in the year, following the release of the In Our Lifetime (1981) album the previous year. It is listed at number 233 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and rose to 198 in the 2021 version of the list.
Which band’s groundbreaking 1985 music video for “Take On Me” enjoyed massive MTV airplay?
A-ha
“Take On Me” is a song by Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha. The original version, recorded in 1984, was produced by Tony Mansfield and remixed by John Ratcliff. The 1985 international hit version was produced by Alan Tarney for the group’s debut studio album, Hunting High and Low (1985). The recording combines synth-pop with a varied instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, keyboards, and drums.
Can you fill in the lyrics to this 1976 Boston tune: “When I’m tired and thinking cold. I hide in my music, forget the day. And dream of a girl I used to know. I closed my eyes _____“?
“More Than a Feeling”
“More Than a Feeling” is a song by the American rock band Boston, released as the lead single from the band’s 1976 debut album by Epic Records in September 1976, with “Smokin'” as the B-side. Tom Scholz wrote the whole song. The single peaked at No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Who did Dexys Midnight Runners tell to “Come On” in their 1982 hit single?
Eileen
“Come On Eileen” is a song by English group Dexys Midnight Runners (credited to Dexys Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express), released in the United Kingdom in June 1982 as a single from their album Too-Rye-Ay. It reached number one in the United States and was their second number one hit in the UK, following 1980’s “Geno”.
“It seemed like the real thing but I was so blind. Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind.” Which hit ’70s Blondie song are these lyrics from?
“Heart of Glass”
“Heart of Glass” is a song by the American new wave band Blondie, written by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. It was featured on the band’s third studio album, Parallel Lines (1978), and was released as the album’s third single in January 1979 and reached number one on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Which celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress has a poker face that can’t be read?
Lady Gaga
“Poker Face” is a song by American singer Lady Gaga from her debut studio album, The Fame (2008). It was released on September 23, 2008, as the album’s second single. It is a synth-pop song in the key of G♯ minor, following in the footsteps of her previous single “Just Dance”, but with a darker musical tone.
The ‘Rocky’ movies made “Eye of the Tiger” a worldwide sensation. Finish this iconic lyric: “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the _____.”
“Eye of the Tiger”
“Eye of the Tiger” is a song by American rock band Survivor. It was released as a single from their third album of the same name and was also the theme song for the 1982 film Rocky III, which was released a day before the single.
Queen changed the game with their strangely beautiful melodies and eccentric style as seen in the song “Bohemian Rhapsody”. What other beloved song includes these lyrics: “Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way down low. Ain’t no sound but the sound of his feet, machine guns ready to go”?
Another One Bites The Dust
“Another One Bites the Dust”
“Another One Bites the Dust” is a song by the British rock band Queen. Written by bassist John Deacon, the song was featured on the group’s eighth studio album The Game (1980). It was a worldwide hit, charting number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, from 4 October to 18 October (their second number-one single in the country).
Sum 41’s 2001 hit song “Fat Lip” states: “I don’t want to waste my time. Become another __.” Can you finish the verse?
“Fat Lip”
“Fat Lip” is a song by Canadian rock band Sum 41. It is the fourth track on their debut album, All Killer No Filler (2001), and was released as the lead single in April 2001. It is the band’s most successful single to date, topping the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at number eight on the UK Singles Chart.
The American rock band formed in 1977 L.A., Toto, blew our mind with the release of “Africa”. Finish this line: “As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the _.”
“Africa”
“Africa” is a song by American rock band Toto, the tenth and final track on their fourth studio album Toto IV (1982). It was released as a single in the US through Columbia Records in October 1982, the album’s third single overall and second in Europe. The song was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, produced by the band, and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Elliot Scheiner.
What Australian rock band blessed us with the eccentric lyrics “Buying bread from a man in Brussels. He was six-foot-four and full of muscles. I said, ‘do you speak-a my language?’ He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich”?
Men at Work
“Down Under” is a song recorded by Australian rock band Men at Work. It was originally released in 1980 as the B-side to their first local single titled “Keypunch Operator”, released before the band signed with Columbia Records. Both early songs were written by the group’s co-founders, Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. The early version of “Down Under” has a slightly different tempo and arrangement from the later Columbia release.
Which song celebrates womanly curves with the line “Thirty-six, twenty-four, thirty-six oh what a winning hand”?
“Brick House”
“Brick House” is a song from the Commodores’ 1977 self-titled album (released as Zoom in the UK). The single peaked at number 5 in the U.S. and number 32 in the UK Singles Chart.
Which dark and angsty rock band sang “Teenagers”, “I’m Not Okay”, and “Welcome to the Black Parade”?
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from Newark, New Jersey. The band’s current lineup consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way.
Name the Michael Jackson song that sent shockwaves around the world with its catchy dance moves and memorable lyrics including these: “And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike.”Name the Michael Jackson song that sent shockwaves around the world with its catchy dance moves and memorable lyrics including these: “And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike.”
“Thriller”
“Thriller” is a song by the American singer Michael Jackson. It was released as a single by Epic Records in November 1983 in the UK, and on January 23, 1984, in the US, as the seventh and final single from Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller (1982).
During the 2000s, Linkin Park was a standout rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Can you finish these lyrics: “I tried so hard. And got so far. But in the end _____“?
“In the End”
“In the End” is a song by American rock band Linkin Park. It is the eighth track on their debut album, Hybrid Theory (2000), and was released as the album’s fourth and final single. The song reached the top ten on numerous worldwide music charts and reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, the band’s highest peak on the chart, as well as their first song that peaked within the top 40 in early 2002, making it a sleeper hit.
You failed, but at least you tried!
*insert a sad song here*
You can try a little harder next time!
You’re score is almost there…
You deserve a Grammy Award!
YOU ROCK!!!
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