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Canciones icónicas con LinnDrum machine

Explore a collection of legendary songs that defined the sound of the 1980s thanks to the iconic LinnDrum drum machine. Discover how this instrument revolutionised pop, rock, and electronic music, being fundamental in hits by world-renowned artists. From funk and synth-pop classics to pop anthems, this list celebrates the enduring influence of the LinnDrum in music history. Immerse yourself in the rhythms that marked an era and continue to resonate today.

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  1. 1

    Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) (1985)

    498 Global Votes

    This song is a prime example of the innovative use of the LinnDrum drum machine in 1980s pop music. Its distinctive beat, programmed by Del Palmer, is fundamental to the atmospheric and experimental sound that defines Kate Bush's production. The LinnDrum's integration contributed to its timeless sound and its status as a masterpiece.

  2. 2

    The Human League - "Don't You Want Me" (1981)

    68 Global Votes

    This song is a seminal example of the LinnDrum machine's use in pop music, helping to define the sound of the 1980s. Its distinctive rhythm and innovative production showcase how drum machine technology integrated into global hit-making. The Linn LM-1 was instrumental in creating its iconic beat.

  3. 3

    1999 (Prince)

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a foundational example of Prince's innovative use of the Linn LM-1 drum machine, which characterized his sound on the eponymous album. Its distinctive rhythmic pattern, crafted with the Linn LM-1, was crucial to the song's success and to establishing a new direction in pop and funk music.

  4. 4

    I Would Die 4 U

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a foundational example of Prince's innovative sound, driven by the use of the Linn LM-1 drum machine. Its distinctive rhythm and real samples were crucial in defining the artist's musical style in the 1980s, making it an iconic piece of his discography.

  5. 5

    Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a foundational example of the LinnDrum machine's use, which defines its distinctive and powerful dance rhythm. Its innovative production and cultural impact solidify it as a key piece in pop music history and the evolution of electronic instrumentation in the 1980s.

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  7. 6

    Dress You Up - Madonna

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a prime example of the LinnDrum machine's use, an instrument that defined the sound of 1980s pop. Its production incorporates the programmed rhythms of the LinnDrum, giving it its characteristic electronic and danceable pulse. The song demonstrates how the LinnDrum was instrumental in creating the innovative and distinctive sound that propelled Madonna to stardom.

  8. 7

    Shout - Tears For Fears

    0 Global Votes

    Tears for Fears' “Shout” is a prime example of the LinnDrum machine's use, which was fundamental to the song's rhythmic construction. Chris Hughes' production integrated the drum machine with other percussion elements and synthesizers, creating a distinctive and powerful sound that defined the era. The song was built from Roland Orzabal's original drum box and synthesizer idea, demonstrating the influence of these machines in its composition.

  9. 8

    I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)

    0 Global Votes

    This song is an early and successful example of drum machine use in pop music, notable for its innovative deployment of the Roland CompuRhythm CR-78. Its distinctive electronic rhythm, which became a hallmark of 80s production, positioned it as a benchmark in integrating technology into funk and pop.

  10. 9

    New Order - Blue Monday (Official Video)

    0 Global Votes

    This track is a seminal example of drum machine use in electronic music, with its rhythm driven by the iconic Oberheim DMX. Its distinctive semiquaver kick drum pattern and unconventional structure made it a landmark that profoundly influenced the genre.

  11. 10

    Take Me Home – Phil Collins

    0 Global Votes

    The song prominently features the LinnDrum machine, which establishes the initial beat before blending with acoustic drums, creating a distinctive sonic texture. Its innovative production and use of the drum machine make it a prime example of how this technology defined the sound of 80s pop and rock.

  12. 11

    Sexual Healing

    0 Global Votes

    Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" is a seminal example of the Roland TR-808 drum machine's use, defining its distinctive rhythm and groove. Its innovative production, blending soul with electronic elements, makes it a key track for understanding the influence of drum machines in 1980s pop and R&B music.

  13. 12

    Axel F

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a prime example of the LinnDrum machine's use, as its distinctive drum beat was entirely programmed with this iconic instrument. The LinnDrum was fundamental in defining the electronic, danceable sound that propelled 'Axel F' to global fame as the theme for 'Beverly Hills Cop'.

  14. 13

    Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a prime example of LinnDrum usage, with its distinctive drum pattern defining much of its atmosphere. The LinnDrum machine significantly contributed to its unique sound and commercial success, making it a benchmark for 1980s music production.

  15. 14

    Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

    0 Global Votes

    Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Relax" is a prime example of the LinnDrum machine's pivotal role in its production. Trevor Horn built much of the track using a LinnDrum for the drums, which provided its distinctive, powerful rhythm. This element was key to the innovative, danceable sound that characterized the song's success in the 1980s.

  16. 15

    Primitive Man - Icehouse

    0 Global Votes

    This album is a seminal example of LinnDrum usage, with Iva Davies incorporating the drum machine he brought back from America to craft its distinctive sound. The album's production heavily relied on the LinnDrum and Prophet-5 synthesizer, making it a benchmark for 1980s synth-pop.

  17. 16

    Go Insane - Lindsey Buckingham

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a prime example of the LinnDrum machine's use in 80s music, with Lindsey Buckingham programming the drums to create its distinctive sound. Its innovative production and the employment of synthesized percussion make it a key piece for understanding the influence of this drum machine on the pop and rock music of the era.

  18. 17

    I've Got the Cure - Stephanie Mills

    0 Global Votes

    This Stephanie Mills album is a prime example of the LinnDrum machine's use, an iconic 80s instrument that defined the era's sound. Its production incorporates the distinctive sampled drum sounds of the LinnDrum, offering a realistic and fresh alternative to the electronic rhythms of the time. The record encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop and funk/soul, where the LinnDrum was fundamental in creating its rhythmic atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates and highlights songs that made iconic use of the LinnDrum drum machine, including the Linn LM-1, LinnDrum LM-2, or Linn 9000 models, which defined the sound of 80s music.
Songs are selected based on their prominent use of the LinnDrum, their cultural impact in the 1980s, and their recognition as classic examples of this drum machine's distinctive sound.
Currently, this ranking is editorial. However, we value community feedback and are always looking to expand our understanding of the songs that defined an era.
The LinnDrum became iconic for its realistic sampled drum sounds, its versatility (including three snare dynamics), and its widespread presence in countless 80s pop hits, earning it the moniker 'the sound of the 80s'.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

This ranking is an editorial curation celebrating songs that memorably incorporated the LinnDrum drum machine, a pivotal instrument that shaped the sonic landscape of 80s music. Our approach aims to acknowledge the machine's influence on music production and its lasting impact on pop culture.

  • The prominence of the LinnDrum's use in the song is considered, looking for examples where its sound is a defining and recognizable feature.
  • The cultural impact and popularity of the song are valued, prioritizing those that became international hits or enduring classics of the 1980s.
  • Songs demonstrating the versatility of the LinnDrum are included, either through its distinct snare dynamics or its integration into different music genres of the era.
  • Information is drawn from curated playlists, community discussion threads, and articles highlighting the LinnDrum's use by influential artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Kate Bush.
  • The song must verifiably and prominently feature a LinnDrum drum machine (LM-1, LM-2, or 9000).
  • The song must have been primarily released or recorded during the 1980s, the period when the LinnDrum had its most significant impact.
  • Songs that are widely recognized and contributed to defining the characteristic sound of the 80s are prioritized.
  • The artist's influence and the song's relevance in the history of electronic and pop music are considered.