It’s a universal truth for any music lover: the soundtrack to your childhood becomes the playlist of your soul. That connection formed at an early age truly shapes your future love of music, guiding your ear toward certain sounds, rhythms, and feelings for life.
For me, few tracks capture that truth better than “Lessons in Love” by Level 42.
Released in 1986, this song is pure, sophisticated 80s brilliance. It’s more than just a pop hit—it’s a masterclass in musicianship. The track instantly hooks you with its driving, complex rhythm section. The drums are sharp and powerful, but what truly sets it apart is the legendary Mark King’s frantic, instantly recognizable slap-bass technique. It’s less a bassline and more a melodic, percussive force that propels the entire song forward.
Then you have the lush instrumentation: the clean, chiming guitars layering perfectly with that quintessential 80s sound—the synths. Ah, the synths! That warm, vibrant synth texture is a sound I truly adore, giving “Lessons in Love” its vibrant, airy polish.
It’s a track that stands as a perfect piece of evidence for the lasting power of early musical discovery. It’s danceable, technically impressive, and utterly unforgettable—a genuine piece of my personal ’80s Vault that I will love forever.