- Photo:
- Bananarama
- Youtube
The Best Girl Bands From The 1980s
The '80s was a transformative decade for music, and when it comes to the best '80s girl bands, there's no shortage of iconic groups that left an undeniable mark on the scene. These bands brought a mix of catchy melodies, unforgettable fashion, and groundbreaking lyrics that not only defined the era but also inspired generations to come. Their influence can still be felt today, whether it’s through nostalgic playlists or new artists drawing inspiration from their sounds.
Take The Bangles, for example. With hits like "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Eternal Flame," they dominated the charts and became pop culture staples. Meanwhile, Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers in the hip-hop world, bringing their empowering and edgy style to hits like "Push It" and "Shoop." Then there are The Go-Go's, whose energetic tracks like "We Got the Beat" and "Vacation" made them one of the most successful all-female rock bands of the time. Each of these bands contributed something unique to the musical landscape of the '80s, proving that girl power was a force to be reckoned with.
Now, it’s your turn to weigh in. Vote on the best female bands from the 1980s and let us know which of these trailblazing groups tops your list. Your votes help celebrate the lasting legacy of these incredible artists and keep the spirit of '80s music alive.
- Photo:
- The Bangles / Sony / BMG
The Bangles stormed onto the music scene in the early 1980s, captivating audiences with their blend of infectious pop-rock tunes and tight vocal harmonies. Their timeless singles like "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Manic Monday" showcased a knack for catchy melodies that continue to reverberate with listeners to this day. Distinguished by their jangly guitars and distinctively retro fashion sense, this all-female quartet has carved out a lasting legacy through their creativity and undeniable charm. With their undeniable appeal and originality, The Bangles remain a shining example of one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From The Bangles
- "Walk Like an Egyptian"
- "Manic Monday"
- "Eternal Flame"Dive Into The Bangles' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Dover Beach"
- "Glitter Years"- Genres (Music): Jangle pop, Girl group, New Wave, Pop music, Rock music
- Albums: Manic Monday, Walk Like an Egyptian, Greatest Hits, Everything, All Over the Place
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- Aaron Rapoport / Corbis / Getty Images
As trailblazers of the new wave movement, The Go-Go's broke boundaries as the first all-women group to write, perform, and produce their own material – a rare feat in a male-dominated industry. With their punk-infused pop sound and exuberant live performances, these five talented musicians captured the spirit of the 1980s while proving that women could indeed rock just as hard as their male counterparts. From the effervescent "We Got the Beat" to the wistful "Our Lips Are Sealed," The Go-Go's left an indelible mark on the musical landscape with their unique brand of infectious, uninhibited pop. It's no wonder that they remain a quintessential 1980s girl band and an inspiration to countless artists that followed in their footsteps.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From The Go -Go's
- "Our Lips Are Sealed"
- "We Got the Beat"
- "Vacation"Dive Into The Go -Go's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "This Town"
- "Can't Stop The World"- Genres (Music): Pop punk, New Wave, Pop music, Rock music, Teen pop
- Albums: Beauty and the Beat, We Got The Beat / Our Lips Are Sealed, Vacation, God Bless The Go-Go's, Talk Show
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Bananarama's savvy fusion of post-punk, new wave, and dance-pop helped propel the British trio to superstardom throughout the 1980s, making them one of the era's defining girl bands. Blessed with a keen sense of style and attitude, the group churned out a string of catchy hits like "Cruel Summer," "Venus," and "I Heard a Rumour," which served as anthems for youthful rebellion and female empowerment. Their genre-defying sound, coupled with distinctive visuals that featured bold fashion choices and striking makeup, set them apart from their contemporaries and established Bananarama's enduring appeal. With their undeniable originality and innovative approach to music, it's no surprise that this trailblazing trio is considered one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Bananarama
- "Venus"
- "Cruel Summer"
- "Love in the First Degree"Dive Into Bananarama's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Doctor Love"
- "Aie a Mwana"- Genres (Music): Girl group, Synthpop, New Wave, Pop music, Dance-pop
- Albums: Cruel Summer, Greatest Hits Collection, Shy Boy, Pop Life, Please Yourself
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The Pointer Sisters' eclectic fusion of R&B, pop, rock, and soul made them stand out amongst their peers during the 1980s, showcasing the remarkable range and versatility of this talented sister act. Their exceptional harmonies and powerful vocals propelled hits like "Jump (For My Love)," "Automatic," and "I'm So Excited" to stratospheric heights, cementing their place in popular culture and music history. With an unmistakable flair for fashion and a penchant for elaborate choreography, The Pointer Sisters brought a theatricality to their performances that dazzled audiences and added a unique dimension to their artistry. As pioneers of their era, this iconic group undoubtedly ranks among the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From The Pointer Sisters
- "I'm So Excited"
- "Automatic"
- "Jump (For My Love)"Dive Into The Pointer Sisters' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Fire"
- "Freedom"- Genres (Music): Girl group, New Wave, Pop music, Rock music, Dance music
- Albums: Energy, Break Out, Slow Hand, That's a Plenty, Black & White
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- janet lackey
- Flickr
Salt-N-Pepa were pioneers in more ways than one, not only as a girl band but also as female trailblazers in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. They dominated the 1980s with their infectious beats, empowering lyrics, and indomitable personalities, producing timeless hits like "Push It," "Shoop," and "Whatta Man." Their unapologetic attitude, trendsetting style, and fearless advocacy for women's rights solidified Salt-N-Pepa's status as icons of the decade. As visionaries that broke boundaries and changed the face of hip-hop, this dynamic duo is undeniably one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Salt -N -Pepa
- "Push It"
- "Shoop"
- "Let's Talk About Sex"Dive Into Salt -N -Pepa's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Start Me Up"
- "Express Yourself"- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop rap, Dance music
- Albums: Very Necessary, Hot, Cool & Vicious, Blacks' Magic, Brand New
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Exposé burst onto the scene in the late 1980s with their powerful vocals and mesmerizing dance beats, quickly becoming one of the decade's most thrilling girl bands. Their chart-topping hits like "Point of No Return," "Come Go With Me," and "Seasons Change" showcased not only their vocal prowess but also their ability to captivate listeners with their emotive storytelling. The group's fusion of dance-pop, freestyle, and R&B marked a distinct sound that set them apart from their contemporaries, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the music industry. Exposé's impressive career and innovative musical approach have earned them a well-deserved place among the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Exposé
- "Point of No Return"
- "Seasons Change"
- "Let Me Be the One"Dive Into Exposé's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Exposed to Love"
- "Come Go with Me"- Genres (Music): Adult contemporary music, Pop music, House music, Dance music, Rhythm and blues
- Albums: Exposé, What You Don't Know, Exposure, Dance Mixes, Greatest Hits
Sister Sledge's disco-infused anthems and tight-knit harmonies established them as a force to be reckoned with during the 1980s. This talented sister act was responsible for some of the era's most memorable tracks, including the infectious "We Are Family" and the irresistible "He's the Greatest Dancer." Their uplifting songs, distinctive vocal arrangements, and vibrant stage presence helped define the sound of the decade while inspiring a new generation of female performers. As one of the most endearing and enduring acts of the era, Sister Sledge unquestionably deserves recognition as one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Sister Sledge
- "We Are Family"
- "He's the Greatest Dancer"
- "Frankie"Dive Into Sister Sledge's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Lost in Music"
- "Thinking of You"- Genres (Music): Disco, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues, Soul music
- Albums: We Are Family, Love Somebody Today, Original Album Series, All American Girls, And Now ... Sister Sledge ... Again
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- EMI
Vixen burst onto the male-dominated hair metal scene of the 1980s, making waves with their powerful instrumentals and soaring vocals. As an all-female rock band, they captivated audiences with their gritty sound, energetic live shows, and unforgettable tracks like "Edge of a Broken Heart" and "Cryin'." Their fierce determination and ability to conquer the rock world earned them a unique spot among the best girl bands from the 1980s, inspiring future generations of female rockers. Vixen's unyielding spirit and explosive sound have secured their enduring legacy as one of the most groundbreaking and influential girl bands of the decade.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Vixen
- "Edge of a Broken Heart"
- "Cryin'"
- "Love is a Killer"Dive Into Vixen's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Rev It Up"
- "Love Made Me"- Genres (Music): Glam metal, Rock music, Heavy metal, Pop rock, Hard rock
- Albums: Rev It Up, Vixen, Tangerine, Live & Learn, The Best of Vixen: Full Throttle
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- Metaweb (FB)
- Fair use
9L7's groundbreaking blend of punk, metal, and grunge carved out a unique space for the band on the 1980s music scene. Known for their fearless activism, powerful live performances, and uncompromising attitude, this all-female quartet helped redefine what it meant to be a girl band during the decade. With tracks like "Pretend We're Dead" and "Shove," L7 proved that women could not only rock just as hard as men but also forge their own path in the male-dominated world of alternative music. As a result, L7's trailblazing spirit and groundbreaking sound make them one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From L7
- "Pretend We're Dead"
- "Andres"
- "Shitlist"Dive Into L7's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Monster"
- "Mr. Integrity"- Genres (Music): Riot grrrl, Grunge, Heavy metal, Alternative rock, Punk rock
- Albums: Bricks Are Heavy, Hungry for Stink, Smell the Magic, The Best of L7: The Slash Years, Maneater
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The Cover Girls brought their signature brand of freestyle, dance-pop, and infectious melodies to the forefront of the music world throughout the 1980s. With a string of chart-topping hits such as "Show Me," "Because of You," and "My Heart Skips a Beat," this talented trio cemented their status as one of the decade's most iconic girl bands. Their unforgettable style and eye-catching fashion choices further distinguished them from their contemporaries, enabling them to carve out a unique niche in the ever-evolving world of 1980s pop. As a testament to their enduring appeal and influence, The Cover Girls remain a beloved addition to the list of best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From The Cover Girls
- "Show Me"
- "Wishing on a Star"
- "Because of You"Dive Into The Cover Girls' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Inside Outside"
- "Promise Me"- Genres (Music): Urban contemporary, Girl group, Pop music, Freestyle music
- Albums: We Can't Go Wrong, Here It Is, Show Me, Triple Threat DVD/CD Combo, Satisfy
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The Mary Jane Girls, handpicked and mentored by funk legend Rick James, made a powerful impact on the 1980s music scene with their distinctive brand of soulful R&B and funk-infused pop. Their sultry vocals and catchy tracks like "In My House" and "All Night Long" captivated listeners, while their provocative image and fearless approach to their artistry pushed boundaries in the industry. The group's fusion of various musical genres, coupled with their unforgettable style, made them trailblazers in their own right. As a result, the Mary Jane Girls undoubtedly earned their place among the best girl bands of the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Mary Jane Girls
- "In My House"
- "Candy Man"
- "All Night Long"Dive Into Mary Jane Girls' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Boys"
- "Jealousy"- Genres (Music): Disco, Pop music, Dance-pop, Contemporary R&B, Dance music
- Albums: Only Four You, In My House: The Very Best of the Mary Jane Girls, 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Mary Jane Girls, All Night Long (The Hustlers Convention Remixes), Mary Jane Girls
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12Klymaxx showcased a unique blend of R&B, funk, and pop that captivated fans throughout the 1980s. They broke barriers as one of the first all-female self-contained bands, each member playing their own instruments and contributing to the creative process. Their distinct sound and powerful ballads such as "I Miss You" and "Meeting in the Ladies Room" have left a lasting impression on the music industry, solidifying their status as one of the era's most influential girl bands. A trailblazer in their own right, Klymaxx's remarkable talent and unparalleled originality cemented their place in the pantheon of best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Klymaxx
- "I Miss You"
- "Meeting in the Ladies Room"
- "The Men All Pause"Dive Into Klymaxx's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Lock and Key"
- "Divas Need Love Too"- Genres (Music): Dance-pop, Rhythm and blues, Funk
- Albums: One Day, Meeting in the Ladies Room, The Maxx Is Back, Klymaxx, Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman
- Photo:
- Metaweb (FB)
- Fair use
Babes in Toyland, a fierce all-female punk rock band, emerged in the late 1980s as a powerful force of unapologetic female rebellion and raw energy. Their aggressive sound and uncompromising spirit created a unique niche in the male-dominated punk scene. Drawing inspiration from underground punk, noise rock, and riot grrrl movement, tracks like "Bruise Violet" and "Handsome and Gretel" showcased their ability to challenge the status quo while delivering unforgettable performances. As a trailblazer and inspiration for future generations of female musicians, Babes in Toyland undoubtedly earned their place on the list of best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Babes in Toyland
- "Bruise Violet"
- "Sweet '69"
- "He's My Thing"Dive Into Babes in Toyland's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Pearl"
- "Handsome and Gretel"- Genres (Music): Riot grrrl, Grunge, Alternative rock, Punk rock
- Albums: Collector's Item, Fontanelle, Spanking Machine, Amusia, Nemesisters
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- Company B.
- Atlantic
14Company B.
Company B's fusion of dance-pop, freestyle, and high-energy beats throughout the 1980s helped them carve out a memorable place in musical history. This energetic and charismatic trio delivered irresistible dance anthems like "Fascinated" and "Full Circle," captivating audiences with their infectious melodies and harmonies. Their eye-catching style, marked by bold colors and theatrical fashion choices, further distinguished them in the ever-evolving landscape of the 1980s girl bands. With their undeniable originality and spirited performances, Company B remains an iconic example of one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Company B.
- "Fascinated"
- "Full Circle"
- "Perfect Lover"Dive Into Company B.'s History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Signed in Your Book of Love"
- "I'm Satisfied"- Genres (Music): Adult contemporary music, Pop music, Latin American music, Dance-pop, Hi-NRG
- Albums: Gotta Dance, Fascinated, Company B, Full Circle
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- Sweet Sensation
- Atco
Sweet Sensation emerged in the late 1980s as purveyors of catchy dance-pop and freestyle tunes that resonated with fans across the globe. Their youthful energy, infectious melodies, and tight harmonies helped pave the way for countless girl bands to follow. Tracks like "Hooked on You" and "Take It While It's Hot" showcased their undeniable ability to create memorable and uplifting music, while their vibrant style and image set them apart from their peers. As a shining example of a talented and influential girl band, Sweet Sensation has more than earned their place among the best of the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Sweet Sensation
- "Hooked on You"
- "Take It While It's Hot"
- "Love Child"Dive Into Sweet Sensation's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Sincerely Yours"
- "Never Let You Go"- Genres (Music): Adult contemporary music, Pop music, Latin American music, Dance music, Rhythm and blues
- Albums: Love Child, Take It While It's Hot, Sad Sweet Dreamer, Sweet Sensation
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- Columbia
The Chicks, initially known as the Dixie Chicks, is an influential country music group that arose from the Texas music scene, formed in 1989 by sisters Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Strayer, along with lead singer Natalie Maines. Their dynamic blend of bluegrass, pop, and country elements, along with their powerful vocal harmonies, propelled them to fame with seminal albums such as "Wide Open Spaces" and "Fly." They've become known for their candid, thoughtful lyrics and willingness to address social and political themes head-on.
Throughout their career, The Chicks have garnered widespread acclaim, amassing multiple prestigious awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, cementing their legacy as one of the most awarded country groups in history. Their bold stance on various issues has not only won them fans but also critical recognition, as seen with their Album of the Year win for "Taking the Long Way," demonstrating their significant impact on the landscape of modern country music.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From The Chicks
- "Wide Open Spaces"
- "Goodbye Earl"
- "Not Ready to Make Nice"Dive Into The Chicks' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Sin Wagon"
- "Long Time Gone"- Genres (Music): Country pop, Pop music, Rock music, Folk music, Country rock
- Albums: Taking the Long Way, Home, Wide Open Spaces, Fly, There's Your Trouble
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Shakespears Sister, formed by Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit, made an indelible impression on the 1980s music scene with their unique fusion of gothic pop, punk, dance, and indie rock. Their ethereal sound and haunting melodies, as showcased in their hit "Stay," set them apart from other girl bands of the era. The duo's enigmatic style, darkly romantic lyricism, and captivating visuals cemented their distinct identity, making Shakespears Sister a standout among 1980s girl bands. Their artistic vision and innovative approach to music solidified their status as one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Shakespears Sister
- "Stay"
- "You're History"
- "Hello (Turn Your Radio On)"Dive Into Shakespears Sister's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "I Don't Care"
- "Catwoman"- Genres (Music): Adult contemporary music, Synthpop, Pop music, Rock music, Dance music
- Albums: #3, Sacred Heart, Hormonally Yours, Best of, Songs From the Red Room
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Girlschool, a groundbreaking all-female British heavy metal band, made their mark in the late 1970s and 1980s with their raw, powerful sound and unyielding spirit. Their hard-hitting tracks like "Race with the Devil," "C'mon Let's Go," and "Emergency" showcased their fierce instrumentals and commanding vocals, proving that women could rock just as hard as their male counterparts. With their trailblazing attitude, uncompromising talent, and steadfast dedication to their craft, Girlschool stands as a shining example of one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Girlschool
- "Race with the Devil"
- "Please Don't Touch"
- "Emergency"Dive Into Girlschool's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "C'mon Let's Go"
- "Demolition Boys"- Genres (Music): New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Heavy metal, Punk rock, Hard rock
- Albums: St Valentine's Day Massacre, Hit and Run, Screaming Blue Murder, Girlschool, Legacy
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19Pepsi & Shirlie
Pepsi & Shirlie, the dynamic British duo, emerged in the mid-1980s as an offshoot of the legendary group Wham!, captivating audiences with their infectious pop sound and vibrant personalities. Hits like "Heartache" and "Goodbye Stranger" showcased their ability to create memorable melodies and harmonies, while their distinctive style and fashion sense quickly set them apart from other girl bands of the era. With their undeniable charm, catchy tunes, and unforgettable performances, Pepsi & Shirlie have earned their place in music history as one of the best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Pepsi & Shirlie
- "Heartache"
- "Goodbye Stranger"
- "All Right Now"Dive Into Pepsi & Shirlie's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Dreams"
- "Someday"- Genres (Music): Pop music
- Albums: All Right Now, Heartache, Change
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Shonen Knife, the pioneering all-female Japanese punk trio, made a lasting impact on the 1980s alternative music scene with their quirky lyrics, infectious hooks, and relentless energy. Inspired by punk rock, pop, and garage rock, the band created a unique and endearing sound that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Tracks like "Twist Barbie" and "Riding on the Rocket" showcased their undeniable knack for crafting catchy tunes, while their colorful and eclectic style set them apart from other acts of the era. Shonen Knife's trailblazing spirit and memorable music make them a standout addition to the list of best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Shonen Knife
- "Twist Barbie"
- "Riding on the Rocket"
- "Banana Chips"Dive Into Shonen Knife's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "E.S.P."
- "Antonio Baka Guy"- Genres (Music): Pop punk, Indie pop, Garage rock, Alternative rock, Punk rock
- Albums: All I Want for Christmas, Let's Knife, Genki Shock, 712, Brand New Knife
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21Vanity 6 made their mark on the 1980s with a unique blend of sultry funk, pop, and new wave that was as seductive as it was innovative. The trio, initially formed and mentored by the legendary Prince, took the music world by storm with their provocative style and sensual, danceable tracks like "Nasty Girl." Their fearless approach to tackling taboo subjects, combined with their cutting-edge fashion choices, cemented Vanity 6's place in the annals of 1980s pop culture. As pioneers of both music and style, Vanity 6 remains an unforgettable addition to the list of best girl bands from the 1980s.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Vanity 6
- "Nasty Girl"
- "Drive Me Wild"
- "He's So Dull"Dive Into Vanity 6's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "Wet Dream"
- "3 x 2 = 6"- Genres (Music): New Wave, Pop music, Rock music, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues
- Albums: Vanity 6, Girl 6
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22Seduction
Seduction, a dance-pop vocal trio from the late 1980s, left their mark on the music scene with their energetic beats and catchy hooks. With hits like "Two to Make It Right" and "It Takes Two," the group showcased impressive vocal talents and a flair for creating infectious dance anthems. Their distinctive style and vibrant performances helped establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the dance-pop world, making them a worthy contender among the best girl bands of the 1980s. Seduction's unique blend of talent, style, and charisma has ensured their lasting impact on the musical landscape.
Rock Out To Some of The Most Popular Songs From Seduction
- "Two to Make It Right"
- "You're My One and Only (True Love)"
- "Heartbeat"Dive Into Seduction's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts
- "(You're My One and Only) True Love"
- "Could This Be Love"- Genres (Music): Urban contemporary, Pop music, Dance-pop, House music, Freestyle music
- Albums: Nothing Matters Without Love
