Well, those songs were international hits in the early 1980s!
I liked the use of Peter Schilling's "Major Tom." I think it would have been better if the producers had used the German language version. "Major Tom" is so recognizable no matter what language.
Why not use music from that era?

I agree with you, way too many tv shows (alot more than simply this one) have become formulaic in that they think the best and in some cases only way to drive home what year it is is background music. Dont forget they also wedged aids in there. Its corny, let CNN and VH1 do their special documentaries about past years or decades. All the writers need is a quick title card to show the year, otherwise its become quote the eye roller

What did you want them to play?
Watch this and chill out.
"God made man. Then he rested. And on the 8th day, God created George O'Brien."

And why wouldn't they listen to the hit songs in '83?