Top 10 Songs of 1980
December 14th 2008 21:57
Video Killed the Radio Star
Without doubt, one of the most memorable and enduring aspects of the 80s is its music.
It’s what defined the generation and what brings people back to it more often than anything.
Over the next couple of months I will be looking at each separate year and picking my favourite ten songs (in no particular order) from the top singles of that year. I’ve tried to keep if varied and even – lest I just make it ten Van Halen songs.
Man, 1980 certainly wasn't a great year for music. There were a few great rock records and a stack of terrible first round new wave songs.
Some songs charted at slightly different years in different countries – so, depending on where you’re from...
And obviously, everyone’s list will be different, so feel free to add/subtract your own choices...
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SONGS OF 1980
Tom Petty – Refugee
The most underrated Tom Petty song ever.
I didn't fully get into Petty until a few years ago, in which this soon became my fav.
AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
The Acca Dacca classic from their Back in Black re-birth.
If you're Australian, then you've heard this too many times to hear it much more, but it is one of their highest charters. Personally, I preferred Hells Bells.
Queen – Another one bites the dust
Queen comes firing into the 80s with their biggest single ever. I remember hearing a DJ explain how he put in a Queen disc when he heard of Freddy's death and put it on random – it came up with this song, and well, he got a few calls...
The Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star
Few songs define the decade as well as this. It was the first video ever played on MTV.
It kind of reminds me of The Wedding Singer now, where PUSA did a cover version, which was fairly identical too.
The Clash – London Calling
One of their last great songs before the 80s turned them, well – 80s.
Can't go past this, great riff, great lyrics and an awesome swagger. Their peak.
The Romantics – What I Like About You
This is a surprisingly up-tempo pop-rocker. Weirdly, hairmetal band Poison just recorded it for a covers album and it even charted!
Irene Cara – Fame
This just says soundtrack and stageplay all over it. Pretty sweet chorus though.
Willie Nelson – On the Road Again
One of the greatest all time country songs by one of the greatest all time country singers. Love that kerosene voice.
The Vapors – Turning Japanese
One of those new wave one-hit-wonders that I usually hate, but can actually get into. Its just so upbeat!
Kool & The Gang – Celebration
If you were alive in Australia in 1988 – you were singing this song baby! Celebrate 88!
Other notable mentions:
Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Billy Joel - It's Still Rock And Roll To Me, The J. Geils Band - Love Stinks, Bob Seger - Against The Wind, Gary Numan - Cars, Christopher Cross - Sailing, Kenny Rogers - Lady, Kenny Loggins - I'm Alright, Journey - Any Way You Want It, Blondie - Call Me, Bruce Springsteen - Hungry Heart, Air Supply - Lost In Love, Devo - Whip It, Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart, Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train, AC/DC - Back in Black, Split Enz - I Got You, Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love, The Village People - Can't Stop the Music, Lipps Inc - Funkytown, Joe Dolce Music Theatre - Shaddap You Face, Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall, Motörhead - Ace of Spades, Van Halen - And the Cradle Will Rock.
Now I’ll leave you with some of that leftover disco-boogie by Kool & the Gang so you can party-down for the rest of the week.
'She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean – she was the best damn woman I had ever seen'
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Comment by Nomad
Awesome Food
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Shook Me All Night Long, is a little overplayed and overrated......but there's still something about it that grabs you!!!
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Now you are talking music... hard to think this was nearly 20 years ago now!
Lilla ...
Comment by Damo
The Clash made me appreciate Punk.
Now my kids love the song.
Timeless.
Comment by Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
Like I said -- I had to keep it varied.
Otherwise, you know it would have been all Ozzy, AC/DC and Van Halen.
Comment by Nomad
Awesome Food
Comment by Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly 20 years ago -- it was nearly 30!
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
My other pics have already been mentioned, many of which came out in '79 ... Whip It, Cars, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1979) and Another One Bites the Dust, Celebration, Funkytown, I Got You (1979), Video Killed the Radio Star (1979), Another Brick in the Wall (1979) ...
Comment by DDP
I was there. Just because a song was released in December 1979, doesn't mean that's when it was remembered for...
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile