THE MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS. Update: #130-121.

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.

130 MONEY FOR NOTHING

DIRE STRAITS - 1985

Unfortunate use of a homophobic term aside, this rocker from Dire Straits begins with a nod to MTV via a guest vocal from Sting. The rest of the lyrics lampoon rock stars, complemented by 1 of the most memorable guitar riffs of the decade.

129 WHAT YOU NEED

INXS - 1985

INXS seemingly created its own brand of pop by thrashing around in a bed with rock, funk and a whole lot of sex (via Michael Hutchence’s vocals and a mighty sax solo from Kirk Pengilly).

128 I RAN

A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS -1982

 

Despite its simplistic lyrics, this hit helped establish synth-pop as the new dominant sound of the early 80s.

127 ORANGE CRUSH

R.E.M. - 1988

 

Guitars power this R.E.M. choice track from ‘Green’, an album which found the band sharpening its song craft and musicial skills.

126 UNDER PRESSURE

QUEEN & DAVID BOWIE - 1981

 

The meeting of 2 British rock giants: Queen and Bowie, results in 1 of the coolest collaborations ever. Every instant sees the 2 legendary acts complement, and draw out the best, from the other. It later inspired Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”,  

125 DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’

JOURNEY - 1981

This rock track’s theme made it an anthem for anyone needing empowerment. It created a new mould for American pop/ rock and paved the way for similar anthems from the likes of Bon Jovi and Survivor.

124 WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY

JANET JACKSON – 1986 

 

Janet emerged from out of the shadow of older brother Michael to assert herself as 1 of the major artists in R&B and Pop. This song from her hit album ‘Control’ was 1 of the best results from her work with the songwriting / production team of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It introduced a fresh approach to both genres.

123 KARMA CHAMELEON

CULTURE CLUB - 1983

This worldwide chart-topping single was the group at its zenith; with sunshine shining from its grooves. Culture Club enjoyed consistent chart success around the time of its release. Lead singer Boy George challenged and shaped attitudes with his cross-dressing androgyny as well as influencing 80s fashion.

122 I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY 

(WHO LOVES ME)

WHITNEY HOUSTON - 1987

 

This single marked the moment when Whitney proved her debut album was no fluke: achieving even greater success with this and her 2^nd LP ‘Whitney’. Whitney was now an indisputable star and 1 of the biggest acts of 80s pop.

121 WHIP IT

DEVO - 1980

 

Devo developed its unique approach to music and it all came together best on this catchy single. “Whip It” deceptively sounds like a novelty song, but the track added to the synth-pop canvas.

10 new songs will be added next Saturday.