THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS update: #150-141.

THE ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS

OF THE

1980s

These are the songs that mattered most in terms of breaking new ground; changing the musical landscape and influencing the music that followed. These 200 songs helped shape the music of the present day and / or captured that timeless quality.

To be eligible for the list, a song had to have first appeared –on an album or single- between Jan. 1980 and Dec. 1989.

150 JUMP

VAN HALEN  -1989

 

Van Halen struck gold with “Jump”, the best result of combining keyboards and synthesizers to their rock sound.  

149 HARD TO SAY I’M SORRY

CHICAGO - 1982

 

Chicago established a new ballad style which resulted in a string of pre- power ballad hits such as this, “Hard Habit To Break” and “You’re The Inspiration”. “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” was from the ‘Summer Lovers’ film soundtrack.

148 OWNER OF A LONELY HEART

YES -1983

 

This single exposed a new generation to the group Yes. Miles away from its prog-rock sound, the US #1 hit featured a refreshing production from Trevor Horne as the band embraced synth-pop.

147 ALL OUT OF LOVE

AIR SUPPLY - 1980

 

The Australian group mined the American sound so well, it enjoyed 7 consecutive Top 5 singles during 1980-2. They enriched the Adult Contemporary genre as well as helped usher in the power ballad.

146 CELEBRATION

KOOL & THE GANG - 1980

 

Once this hit charted around the world, it became a perennial soundtrack for birthday parties and assorted other events.

145 WIND BENEATH MY WINGS

BETTE MIDLER - 1988

 

After audiences heard Midler’s interpretation of this ballad, it has been used in umpteen contexts; evolving into the ultimate tribute song.

144 ALONE

HEART – 1987 

“Alone” is one of the best examples of a 1980s power ballad. Its success marked a shift in the group’s sound (from rock tracks such as “Magic Man” and “Barracuda” in the 1970s).

143 I’LL FIND MY WAY HOME

JON & VANGELIS - 1981

 

Yes lead vocalist Jon Anderson collaborated with synth composer Vangelis (who would create the unforgettable score for the film ‘Chariots Of Fire’ a year later). “I'll Find My Way Home” was the duo’s biggest hit and explored an innovative electronic soundscape.  

142 THE POWER OF LOVE

JENNIFER RUSH - 1985

 

Before Celine Dion covered this mammoth ballad, Jennifer Rush enjoyed one of the decade’s lengthiest reigns atop the UK chart with her original version. She co-wrote the song which showcased the power of her voice. It helped shape the power ballad sound which was to be a chart constant during the 1980s. 

141 KISS

PRINCE - 1986

 

Prince woos us with his soulful lyrics and falsetto on “Kiss”, one of the coolest love songs of the decade. Throughout the 1980s, Prince was prolific and penned many outstanding singles, including this funky track.

Another 10 songs will be added Saturday.