Final answer:
During the 1980s, vinyl records were the prominent medium for music, preferred for their sound quality and the emotional connection they offered. Despite the popularity of new technologies like the Sony Walkman, vinyl had a significant impact in the arts and music scene. However, the Compact Disc (CD) began to surpass vinyl in popularity as the decade came to a close.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vinyl records placed as the most popular medium for recorded music in the 1980s. Despite the introduction of new technology during this time, such as the Sony Walkman, which brought portable cassette players into widespread use, vinyl maintained a hold on the music industry.
Artists and consumers favored vinyl for its high-fidelity sound and the tactile experience it provided. Furthermore, the versatility of vinyl allowed a wide range of genres to thrive, as seen in artist Christian Marclay's installations that used LP records to challenge perceptions of music's impermanence and highlight its diversity.
However, as the decade progressed, the music industry saw a shift towards more compact and user-friendly formats. The microchip technology that was revolutionizing consumer products also led to the CD (Compact Disc), which began to overtake vinyl records in popularity towards the end of the 1980s due to its smaller size, greater durability, and the ability to hold more music.