The ‘80s are back with a little help from Hasbro and Jem and the Holograms.

In celebration of nostalgia and empowerment, Hasbro has brought back the iconic ’80s animated band, Jem and the Holograms, marking their 40th anniversary with a fresh musical release. For the first time, fans of the animated musical TV series Jem and The Holograms, also known as simply Jem, will be able to stream newly remastered tracks from the original series, re-recorded by Britta Phillips, the original singing voice of Jem. This revival not only honours the legacy of the beloved series but also introduces its vibrant energy to a new generation.

“JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS are back and better than ever! And we’re celebrating JEM’s 40th anniversary in style,” Hasbro wrote on Instagram. “For the first time EVER, original music from the iconic 1980s series is making its debut on streaming platforms — fully remastered for a new generation! ⚡⚡️.”

“We reunited with Britta Phillips, original lead vocalist, to record six of the most beloved tracks from the series,” they continued. “With a blend of synth-pop, glam rock, and girl-power anthems, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS tap into 80s retro charm, bringing one of pop culture’s favorite animated bands into the digital age. This is more than a soundtrack — it’s a time capsule of empowerment, fashion, and fierce originality, ready to be rediscovered. ⭐️ .”

A glimpse into the glamorous past

Debuting in 1985, Jem and the Holograms was more than just an animated series; it was a cultural phenomenon. The show, which originally ran from 1985 to 1988, followed Jerrica Benton, a music executive who transforms into the glamorous rock star Jem with the help of a holographic computer named Synergy. Alongside her band, the Holograms (which included her younger sister Kimber, their foster sisters Aja and Shana and drummer Raya), Jem navigated the challenges of fame, friendship, and rivalry, particularly with the antagonistic band, The Misfits.

The original series was renowned for its catchy synth-pop tunes, bold fashion statements, and themes of female empowerment.

Jem and the Holograms received a live-action film adaptation in 2015 from director John M. Chu, with a cast that included Aubrey Peeples, Hayley Kiyoko, Juliette Lewis, Molly Ringwald and Kesha. That year, Hasbro also released a comic book series, Jem, which brought the band into the present day.

The 40th anniversary revival

To commemorate four decades since Jem‘s debut, Hasbro will release six reimagined tracks from the original series later this summer. Per Billboard, the full album will be released on all major streaming platforms in July 2025, alongside a vinyl release. The six songs included on the release are fan favourites “Only The Beginning,” “Truly Outrageous,” “Like A Dream,” “I Got My Eye On You,” “She’s Got The Power” and “Jem and the Holograms Theme (Reimagined),” which is out now.

Britta Phillips, now 61, returned to the studio to lend her voice once again, bringing a mature yet familiar tone to the beloved songs. She told Billboard that she took voice lessons before re-recording the Jem songs, since her voice has aged over the last four decades.

“Luckily, the sound of my voice and my vocal range hasn’t changed much. It’s still pretty girlish,” she said. “The biggest challenge was singing at such fast tempos (the original tempos), but it was very exciting and nostalgic for me, and I had a blast!”

Phillips also expressed her excitement about revisiting the music, stating, “Seriously, I was thrilled to be asked to sing these songs again.” She also mentioned that the experience was both emotional and nostalgic, bringing her back to the early days of her musical career.

One song, “Only the Beginning,” which appeared in the series’ pilot, was “the most emotional one to sing,” she added. “It brought me back to my beginning, and so it felt like a full circle of my life from the very beginning of my musical career to the present.”

Beyond the music

Of course, the 40th anniversary celebration extends beyond the catch pop music. Hasbro has also released a new Jem doll, delighting collectors and fans alike.

As fans old and new embrace the revived music and merchandise, Jem’s sparkle shines brighter than ever. But, it seem that at least some Jem fans are yearning for a few more songs already — and not just from the Holograms. One fan commented on Hasbro’s announcement of the new music, “Ok but what about The Misfits? Their songs were better.”