10 Cheesy Synth Sounds That Ruined ’80s Songs

The 1980s brought a wave of synthesizer-heavy music that defined the decade. While synths gave many songs their charm, some over-the-top sounds made tracks feel dated and even cringeworthy. Here are ten examples where synth choices undermined otherwise decent songs.

“We Built This City” by Starship

This track’s synth horns were meant to feel futuristic but instead sounded overly artificial. The brass-like stabs felt more like a parody than a celebration of rock and roll. Despite its catchy chorus, the clunky instrumental breaks and the synthetic feel turned it into a prime example of overproduction.

While the lyrics aimed to highlight the spirit of music, the synthetic layers made the message feel hollow. The track remains memorable, but largely for the wrong reasons, as the synth choices overshadowed its intended impact.

“Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer

This instrumental theme from “Beverly Hills Cop” is iconic, but its high-pitched synth melody has aged poorly. The repetitive electronic sound, while innovative at the time, now feels grating. It dominated the track, leaving little room for subtlety or variation.

The song’s reliance on one lead synth tone makes it feel monotonous, despite its initial charm. While it suited the film’s vibe, listening to it today highlights how one-dimensional the composition became.

“Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco

Falco’s homage to Mozart had potential, but the cheesy synths turned it into a novelty. The overly dramatic stabs and computerized flourishes made the track feel gimmicky. Instead of blending classical influences with modern sounds, the synths felt out of place.

The song’s rhythm and vocal delivery held up, but the excessive reliance on digital effects dragged it down. It’s a fun listen, but the production choices feel more dated than timeless.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

While Whitney’s voice was flawless, the song’s synth backing hasn’t aged as well. The sharp, metallic tones in the instrumental felt unnatural. The upbeat tempo and digital drum patterns overshadowed the warmth in her vocal performance.

The song remains a favorite, but the production’s heavy-handed electronic approach feels stuck in its era. A more organic arrangement could have let Whitney’s vocals truly shine.

“Take On Me” by A-ha

The iconic opening riff might be memorable, but it’s also over-the-top. The synth tone, though catchy, leaned into a cartoonish quality that doesn’t always hold up. The glossy production made the song a product of its time.

While the track’s melody and vocals are still beloved, the synth-driven instrumental can feel excessive. It’s a reminder of how easily production choices can date a song.

“Tarzan Boy” by Baltimora

The jungle-like yelps were already a bold choice, but the thin, tinny synths didn’t help. The track’s danceable rhythm was undermined by an instrumental that lacked depth. The overreliance on repetitive electronic sounds made it feel more like a novelty than a serious pop hit.

Despite its catchy hook, the lack of variation in the synth arrangement made the song wear out its welcome quickly. It’s a fun nostalgia trip but hardly a timeless masterpiece.

“Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant

The synth bassline gave this track its groove, but the high-pitched embellishments detracted from its power. The repetitive, buzzing synths became more distracting as the song progressed. What could have been a gritty anthem felt watered down by its digital polish.

The song’s message about social unrest was strong, but the production choices softened its edge. A rawer approach could have made it more impactful.

“She Drives Me Crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals

The piercing, tinny synths in the intro were an immediate distraction. While the song had a great rhythm, the synthetic layers felt thin and overly processed. The contrast between the unique vocals and the uninspired instrumental didn’t do the track any favors.

With a less artificial arrangement, the song could have had a stronger presence. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity, buried under its own production.

“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

This upbeat track is undeniably catchy, but the synth choices made it feel shallow. The bright, almost shrill tones added a layer of cheesiness that overshadowed the song’s energetic vibe. It’s hard not to associate it with corny commercials and over-the-top optimism.

The song’s infectious rhythm deserved a more grounded production. Instead, it became a caricature of feel-good pop.

“Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes

The experimental synth effects in this track were bold, but not always in a good way. The random blips and distorted sounds felt jarring against the song’s rock foundation. While innovative, the synth choices didn’t always serve the song’s structure.

The track’s potential was undermined by its overindulgent production. A more restrained approach could have emphasized its strengths rather than its quirks.