International Hits of the ’80s | Falco, Kraftwerk, Trio and More

The 1980s may have been dominated by MTV and English-language pop music, but some of the decade’s most memorable songs came from artists singing in entirely different languages. Whether through infectious hooks, groundbreaking electronic sounds or pure cultural curiosity, these international hits somehow crossed borders and became part of the shared soundtrack of Gen X life. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Spearsy and special guest co-host Chuck Coverly celebrate the foreign-language songs that broke through during the MTV era and left a lasting impression on music fans everywhere.

The episode revisits artists like Falco, whose global smash Rock Me Amadeus proved that a German-language song could dominate American radio and MTV. Spearsy and Chuck also explore the influence of pioneering electronic group Kraftwerk, whose robotic rhythms and futuristic sound helped shape synth-pop, hip-hop and electronic music for decades to come.

Along the way, the conversation highlights quirky and unforgettable tracks like Da Da Da by Trio and the infectious Italo-disco anthem Vamos a la Playa by Righeira. The gang reflects on how hearing songs in different languages somehow made the world feel bigger and stranger during the 1980s — especially at a time when discovering international music often meant stumbling across it accidentally on radio, MTV or movie soundtracks.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s music episodes, the discussion becomes less about chart statistics and more about memory, discovery and the emotional connection fans still have with songs that sounded unlike anything else on American radio at the time. Spearsy and Chuck also revisit the broader influence international artists had on fashion, electronic music and alternative culture throughout the decade.

If you love synth-pop, new wave, international music and revisiting the wonderfully weird corners of 1980s pop culture, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.