10 Perfect Rock Singles Of The 80s

Talking Heads introduced post punk to funk. By 1984 they were well established as a creative force to be reckoned with. They'd spent several years developing their distinctive sound with Brian Eno. By the time they released their fifth studio album they were masters of their craft. Experimental rhythms, erratic vocals and funked out bass melodies were their signature. No rock group could make you bust a move like this.

The Heads were something of funk connoisseurs and often attended live funk and soul concerts. Burning Down The House originated from a jam inspired by the energy of a Parliament-Funkadelic gig. The lyrical hook was taken from a chant the audience members participated in, as they waited for the band to start.

There's something to be said for the innovation of the group, when a song written almost 40 years ago, still sounds so contemporary. To this day, their sound has just as much sway on ones inhibitions as it did back then. When many '80s synth groups ended up drifting into the realms of nostalgia, the Heads only continued to influence and entertain.