1985 was a transformative year for music, especially in the realm of college rock. This genre, bridging the gap between post-punk and mainstream rock, was characterized by its DIY ethic and its appeal to the alternative music scene. College campuses across the United States were vibrant with this sound, offering a diverse array of tracks that were both innovative and influential. In this article, we explore the 20 best college rock songs from 1985, crafting a mixtape that underscores the eclectic spirit of the era.<\/p>\n The Replacements were a cornerstone of college rock in the 1980s, and \u201cBastards of Young\u201d from their album Tim<\/em> exemplifies their raw, rebellious energy. The song captures the frustration and yearning of youthful independence, making it a timeless anthem for college students everywhere.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n R.E.M. was a defining act in college rock, and \u201cDriver 8\u201d from their album Fables of the Reconstruction<\/em> showcases their distinctive jangle pop sound. With cryptic lyrics and a compelling melody, the song embodies the introspective yet adventurous spirit of the genre.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n From the album Flip Your Wig<\/em>, \u201cMakes No Sense at All\u201d by H\u00fcsker D\u00fc blends punk rock and melodic sensibilities. This track is a perfect example of the band’s ability to craft catchy, thought-provoking songs that resonated deeply with college audiences.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Smiths were icons in the alternative music scene, and \u201cThe Boy with the Thorn in His Side\u201d from the album The Queen Is Dead<\/em> is a testament to their lasting influence. With Morrissey’s poignant lyrics and Johnny Marr’s intricate guitar work, the song is a staple of college rock playlists.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cDeath Valley ’69\u201d is a collaboration between Sonic Youth and Lydia Lunch, featured on their album Bad Moon Rising<\/em>. The song’s experimental sound and dark themes exemplify the avant-garde edge of college rock, pushing boundaries and challenging listeners.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n From their album Little Creatures<\/em>, the Talking Heads’ \u201cRoad to Nowhere\u201d is a reflective, upbeat track that captures the band’s innovative approach to rock music. Its philosophical lyrics and catchy melody make it a favorite among college rock enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n This standalone single by Echo & the Bunnymen showcases their signature blend of post-punk and neo-psychedelia. \u201cBring on the Dancing Horses\u201d is known for its haunting atmosphere and evocative lyrics, resonating with the introspective nature of college rock.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cIn Between Days\u201d from The Cure’s album The Head on the Door<\/em> is a quintessential college rock track. Its upbeat tempo and melancholy lyrics reflect the duality often found in the genre, capturing the essence of youthful uncertainty and longing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n From their album The Big Express<\/em>, XTC’s \u201cWake Up\u201d is a dynamic track with a compelling rhythm and insightful lyrics. The band’s innovative sound and exploration of complex themes made them a staple in the college rock scene.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n New Order’s \u201cThe Perfect Kiss,\u201d from the album Low-Life<\/em>, blends electronic music with rock, creating a danceable yet introspective track. Its innovative production and emotive lyrics have cemented its place as a college rock classic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cJust Like Honey\u201d from Psychocandy<\/em> is a defining track by The Jesus and Mary Chain, known for its blend of noise pop and melodic elements. The song’s dreamy quality and evocative lyrics make it a standout in the college rock genre.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Featured on their debut album Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven<\/em>, \u201cKundalini Express\u201d by Love and Rockets combines psychedelic rock with post-punk influences. The track’s energetic vibe and experimental sound resonated with college audiences.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Cult’s \u201cShe Sells Sanctuary\u201d from the album Love<\/em> is a powerful fusion of hard rock and post-punk. Its driving rhythm and Ian Astbury’s commanding vocals made it a favorite on college radio stations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cHead Over Heels\u201d from Songs from the Big Chair<\/em> by Tears for Fears is a masterful blend of pop and rock. With its heartfelt lyrics and catchy chorus, the track became an anthem for the college crowd of the mid-’80s.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n From their album Rum Sodomy & the Lash<\/em>, \u201cSally MacLennane\u201d by The Pogues is a raucous blend of punk and traditional Irish folk music. The song’s lively spirit and Shane MacGowan’s gritty vocals captured the hearts of college rock fans.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cThe Whole of the Moon\u201d from This Is the Sea<\/em> is one of The Waterboys’ most celebrated tracks. Its anthemic sound and poetic lyrics have made it a timeless favorite among college rock aficionados.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n From the album Spleen and Ideal<\/em>, Dead Can Dance’s \u201cThe Carnival Is Over\u201d showcases their unique blend of world music, goth, and post-punk influences. Its atmospheric sound and haunting vocals captivated college audiences.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Simple Minds’ \u201cAlive and Kicking\u201d from Once Upon a Time<\/em> is an uplifting track that combines rock and new wave elements. Its optimistic tone and powerful chorus made it a staple on college radio.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u201cE=MC\u00b2\u201d from This Is Big Audio Dynamite<\/em> is a genre-blending track by Big Audio Dynamite, incorporating elements of rock, reggae, and hip-hop. Its innovative sound and cultural references appealed to the eclectic tastes of college students.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n From the album The Days of Wine and Roses<\/em>, \u201cTell Me When It’s Over\u201d by The Dream Syndicate is a key track in the Paisley Underground movement. Its mix of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics made it a favorite among college rock fans.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n The year 1985 was a watershed moment for college rock, with bands pushing musical boundaries and creating tracks that would resonate for decades. These 20 songs capture the spirit of an era defined by innovation and introspection, crafting a mixtape that any college rock aficionado would treasure. From the jangle pop of R.E.M. to the experimental soundscapes of Sonic Youth, these tracks showcase the diversity and depth of a genre that continues to influence musicians and listeners alike.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Introduction 1985 was a transformative year for music, especially in the realm of college rock. This genre, bridging the gap between post-punk and mainstream rock, was characterized by its DIY ethic and its appeal to the alternative music scene. College campuses across the United States were vibrant with this sound, offering a diverse array of tracks that were both innovative and influential. In this article, we explore the 20 best college rock songs from 1985,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Best College Rock Songs of 1985<\/h2>\n
\n
The Replacements \u2013 \u201cBastards of Young\u201d<\/h3>\n
R.E.M. \u2013 \u201cDriver 8\u201d<\/h3>\n
H\u00fcsker D\u00fc \u2013 \u201cMakes No Sense at All\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Smiths \u2013 \u201cThe Boy with the Thorn in His Side\u201d<\/h3>\n
Sonic Youth \u2013 \u201cDeath Valley ’69\u201d<\/h3>\n
Talking Heads \u2013 \u201cRoad to Nowhere\u201d<\/h3>\n
Echo & the Bunnymen \u2013 \u201cBring on the Dancing Horses\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Cure \u2013 \u201cIn Between Days\u201d<\/h3>\n
XTC \u2013 \u201cWake Up\u201d<\/h3>\n
New Order \u2013 \u201cThe Perfect Kiss\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Jesus and Mary Chain \u2013 \u201cJust Like Honey\u201d<\/h3>\n
Love and Rockets \u2013 \u201cKundalini Express\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Cult \u2013 \u201cShe Sells Sanctuary\u201d<\/h3>\n
Tears for Fears \u2013 \u201cHead Over Heels\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Pogues \u2013 \u201cSally MacLennane\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Waterboys \u2013 \u201cThe Whole of the Moon\u201d<\/h3>\n
Dead Can Dance \u2013 \u201cThe Carnival Is Over\u201d<\/h3>\n
Simple Minds \u2013 \u201cAlive and Kicking\u201d<\/h3>\n
Big Audio Dynamite \u2013 \u201cE=MC\u00b2\u201d<\/h3>\n
The Dream Syndicate \u2013 \u201cTell Me When It’s Over\u201d<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n