Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
4 Songs From the 80s That Used the Legendary Yamaha DX7
American Songwriter highlights four hit songs from the 1980s that showcased the Yamaha DX7, the pioneering digital synthesizer launched in 1983. The instrument quickly became a defining sound of the decade's pop music, appearing on numerous chart-topping tracks and cementing its place as one of the era's most influential pieces of studio technology.
The article picks out Berlin's Oscar and Golden Globe-winning "Take My Breath Away" (1986), whose distinctive bass line came from the DX7; Prince's "When Doves Cry" (1984), notable for lacking a traditional bass line; Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" from Bad (1987), which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100; and A-ha's "Take On Me", which used the synth's "15-Bass 1" patch for its signature bass sound.
In short
- Yamaha DX7 synth shaped iconic 1980s pop hits
- Featured songs: Berlin, Prince, Michael Jackson, A-ha
- "Take My Breath Away" won an Oscar and Golden Globe
Explained simply
The Yamaha DX7 was a digital synthesizer introduced in 1983. It made a crisp, distinctive sound and offered preset tones musicians could use in recordings and live performances.
The instrument became closely associated with 1980s pop. Berlin used its bass sound in “Take My Breath Away”, while A-ha used a DX7 preset for “Take On Me”. Prince’s “When Doves Cry” is known for its lack of a conventional bass line, and Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” was another hit from the period.
These songs show how one instrument could contribute to very different arrangements. The DX7’s popularity helped shape the sound of the decade and marked a wider shift towards digital instruments in pop music.