10 '80s Songs You Totally Forgot Were Great
5. Cameo: Word Up! (1986)
During the mid '70s, Cameo contained an ensemble of musicians, playing a mixture of hard funk and disco. As the '80s approached their vast crew shrunk, and their sound developed into a more pop-centric style. Cameo retained much of the earlier funk sound but incorporated all the elements that had become popular in '80s pop.
In 1986 they released the bass slappin' number Word Up! It soon became their biggest hit. By this point MTV had started playing more music by black artists - in part due to the popularity of Michael Jackson, as well as an infamous interview, which saw David Bowie call out MTV for their lack of black representation. MTV's near constant cycling of the Word Up! video helped Cameo gain the surge in popularity they deserved.
The distinctive electro beat and bass line have been sampled numerous times. And, artists from almost every genre have covered the track. From the uninspired dance-pop tale by Little Mix, to the harsh nu metal rendition by Korn, nothing hits the spot like the original '80s version.