Top 10 Songs of 1985
April 6th 2009 22:00
We built this blog on rock n roll
In ‘85 we had USA for Africa, Live-Aid, Farm-Aid and even Hear n Aid – but, unfortunately most of those songs sucked. However, pop-rock seemed to come into its own around ’85 and we actually started to see some well-crafted and thoughtful songwriting creep into the charts. Here’s 10 of the best in no particular order...
SONGS OF 1985
Summer of '69 – Bryan Adams
This has to be one of the most recognisable songs in popular music. It might not be your favourite, but there are few that admit to not liking it just a little. This was the song that inspired me to start playing guitar back in the 80s.
You're the Voice – John Farnham
This was the Australian anthem in the 80s. I specifically remember bouncing on my trampoline singing this song, thinking it was the coolest thing out. Whispering Jack was huge down under, but somehow he never really managed to crack the international market. Probably deserves his own post.
The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & The News
Watching Marty McFLy skate to school with this song playing in the background inspired me for years to come. So much so that I skated to school in my highschool years...but this song never seemed to play in the background.
Broken Wings – Mr. Mister
This was just an awesome one-off song by Mr. Mister. Its multi-layered instrumentation and crystal-clear production made it stand out from the pack. This song is an absolute underrated masterpiece and featured heavily in the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Don't You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
The big soundtrack song from The Breakfast Club. Can’t help but think of John Bender holding his fist high in the air when it plays...
I’m on Fire – Bruce Springsteen
This is my favourite Boss song, and was featured in our Top 10 Bruce Springsteen Songs post (HERE).
The Boys of Summer – Don Henley
The Eagles have always been one of my favourite bands of all time, and Henley continued the gold with this brilliant single. Just makes me think of driving the coastline here at home.
You Belong to the City – Glenn Frey
While he didn’t quite live up to his other Eagles counterpart in the 80s, Glenn Frey still kicked out some great tunes and this is one of the best he ever wrote. It was heavily featured on Miami Vice and resurrected again for the movie a few years back.
We Built This City – Starship
Some say it’s one of the worst songs to ever chart, some say it’s the anthem for every rocker...either way, it’s got a few decent hooks. It was actually written by Bernie ‘Elton John’ Taupin and performed by the band that went from Jefferson Airplane to Jefferson Starship to just plain Starship.
Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
This album was an absolute monster and this song dominated MTV for years to come. I still remember the vinyl spinning at our house constantly – it was one of those albums that young and old alike seemed to dig. The Brothers in Arms single is a better song, but nothing was as big as this sucker.
Other notable mentions:
Take On Me – A-Ha, Material Girl – Madonna, Small Town – John Cougar Mellencamp, Shout – Tears For Fears, Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits, Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood, We Are The World – USA For Africa, Heaven – Bryan Adams, We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – Tina Turner, I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner, Into The Groove – Madonna, The Heat Is On – Glenn Frey, The Goonies 'R' Good Enough – Cyndi Lauper, Party All The Time – Eddie Murphy, St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion) – John Parr, Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves, All You Zombies – Hooters, Turn Up The Radio – Autograph, Do They Know It's Christmas? – Band Aid, Lay it Down – Ratt, Soldiers Under Command – Stryper, Wild Child – WASP, Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
“Now that aint workin’ that’s the way you do it – you play the guitar on the MTV. That aint workin’ – that’s the way you do it; money for nothin’ and your chicks for free.”
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Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
And apart from Nebraska, Born to Run, and the title Track on the River, I didn't like anything Bruce Springsteen did after those albums either.
Small Town by John Cougar is a personal favourite of mine. I remember hearing him interviewed once, and he said, "A lot of people don't realise this, but I've had more No 1 singles than Michael Jackson."
I think hype makes people like things they shouldn't like. They should be a bit more discerning. And a bit more honest. It's no big deal if people disagree on personal taste. We're humans.