As promised in an earlier post I have created a YouTube playlist with all 101 songs on the list. Here's the link: Bill and TexCube's 101 Greatest Songs of the 80's This list is in the same exact numbered order. Only it starts with number 1 and goes down to song 101. I hope you enjoy the list. Let me know in the comments below if you'd like for me to continue this blog with an 80's theme or move on to other decades for additional countdowns. Thanks again for visiting ...
Recently I started thinking about doing a top ten list of 80's songs. When I went to create my list it quickly grew and before I knew it, I had 50 songs. It wasn't long after that, I realized I was steamrolling to 100.
Even though I've seen many lists like mine, that are personal opinions of what constitutes a favorites list, I actually created a few rules for myself.
RULE NUMBER 1: There are many bands that I like from the 80's, some more than others, I wanted to follow this rule closely. No band can be on the list twice. They can be on the list if they appear as a solo act or with another band, but those can only appear once too. I did this because while I enjoy reading other's lists it's a little off putting at times to see bands like Husker Du listed 10 times in a top 100. Again, that's just an opinion, but the vast majority of 80's people can't tell you even one Husker Du song.
RULE NUMBER 2: The second rule I tried hard to follow, and was successful for the most part. I wanted to stay away from songs that got too much radio airplay or MTV time. I could have easily plugged in Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Men at Work, U2, and The Police and just called it a day. But everyone knows those songs. I wanted a list that represented the other stuff I listened to. The stuff I'd still listen to today if it were to come on a radio or be stored on my phone. That's how this list was determined. What songs have stuck in my mind, that bring back memories, that I'd take with me to a desert island to help pass the time. The songs I truly identified with, when I found myself alone with nothing but the song to listen to. RULE NUMBER 3:PLEASE IGNORE THE DATE POSTED. I'VE HAD TO PUT OLDER DATES ON THE NEWER POSTS. I've done this because all new posts will automatically be placed at the bottom of the page. Since this is a countdown I wanted 101 to 91 to be first, followed by 90 to 81 and so on. This format is a little strange since new posts on a blog are typically placed at the top of the page. This can only be accomplished by forcing the new posts to have older dates.
Lists are a picture in time and are completely subjective. Chances are that I could make this list next week and many of these songs might still be here or they could easily be left off because I remembered some that had special meaning. You may not agree with the list and what is missing. That's OK, because I urge you to make your own list and share it with the world. I want to see your list, and travel down memory lane. Hopefully finding a musical gem that I've never been lucky enough to hear. That's what I hope happens for you when you look over my list. That you either say "Wow I forgot about that song." or "I have to add that song to my playlist because it's pretty cool." Regardless, I hope you enjoy this list.
As mentioned above, the following posts will be presented as a countdown to number 1. Starting with the first ten songs representing songs 100 through 91. Each post will bring 10 more songs until we reach number 1, that one song that still resonates in me today almost 30 years later. If I have something to say about a particular song I'll post a comment above each one.
Feel free to post a comment. I've turned off the need to sign in or sign up, so if you wish you can post anonymously. Without further adieu ... Here's my definitive list of 80's songs that shaped my decade. Enjoy.
Before I post any of the
songs, I wanted to explain my process for choosing
certain songs. A friend of mine mentioned that he was surprised Michael Jackson
wasn't going to be on the list. In fact not only is he not on the list, but you won't find
U2, Pat Benatar, Journey, Cyndi Lauper, The Eurythmics, Corey Hart, a-ha,
Madonna, or countless hair bands ... Just to name a few. That's
not to say that I didn't like those artists, because I did. In fact, I
struggled because I had to leave some artists off the list simply
because I only gave myself 101 slots to fill. That's my only shortcoming on this idea of a list. You have to choose a point to cut it off or you could have 3000 songs on the list. As for the choices ... You know, I could have easily gone to Billboard.com and just picked all of the number one songs from the 80's and then just phoned it in. But that would have been so boring and in no way would it have been representative of me. But this list was never about what was the most popular. This list was meant to introduce people to some of the songs they may have missed, even if they were teenagers during that time. For example, I didn't always choose the song some artists were most famous for. The reason for that is simple, I may have felt that another song of theirs was much better, even if it didn't quite get the same attention and airplay as their biggest hit.
The influence on my
choices will be clear to see. I liked the tunes that led to today's Alternative music. In fact I will only mention that about 1000 times in my commentary. Most of
these songs never got old, because you didn't hear them 20 times a day on the
radio and MTV. But not all of my choices fit into that way of thinking. For
example ... Bon Jovi's You Give Love a Bad Name, Def Leppard's Love Bites, or
Spandau Ballet's True ... Represent just a few songs on my list that got
widespread airplay on radio and MTV. So there are some popular music choices
inside this list of 101. Just take a second and look real close, and you will find them.
I want to make it
clear that I'm not typing this to make excuses, because I'm happy with all of
my choices. Again, these were the songs that shaped my decade. Besides, I can
honestly say that we never drove down the road screaming Michael Jackson or
Madonna songs at the top of our lungs. It just didn't happen for us. But that's
not to say it didn't happen for you. This is another reason I've asked others
to share their favorites. To show me their top ten songs so that I can see just
how different we all are. Start a blog and give us a place to view some of the things
that made you who you are today. Share that blog in the comments below, and I
promise it will not be removed. Some people will be
old enough to remember the days of creating mix tapes. Maybe even sharing those
tapes with others. Later they became mix CDs. Today they are playlists. Many of
which you can find by doing a search on Google or YouTube. These mix tapes, mix
CDs, and playlists aren't just so we can share songs with others. They are
created so we can share with the world who we are. So we can say ... This is
what makes me into me. I guess that's what I like best about my 101 songs, is
that they create a definitive picture of who I am in a language we can all
understand. They prove that music shapes our lives, just as these songs have
shaped me.
Music is in our
blood, it's part of our DNA. If you don't believe me then look at a baby when
music is played. That's when you will see a very young infant do something
unprovoked by his or her parents. They will start to bounce, doing their
version of dancing. That's because from the moment we take our first breath, to
the moment we take our last ... Music plays a role in every aspect of our
lives. It breaks down barriers and unifies each and every one of us. Music brings us
together and makes us social. It can also make us want to spend time by
ourselves allowing us to be introspective. It makes us happier than we could
ever imagine, but it also makes us sad enough to cry at times. It becomes the
soundtrack of our journey through life. It's there in the background during all
of our triumphs, while it's also there during the times we're not sure if we
will make it through another day. It reminds us that we aren't alone in this
world. It speaks to us, and tells the story of our lives.
So when you see these
songs that populate my list, what you see is one solitary human being sharing a
piece of who they are. It's my version of a gift from me to you. You won't
always like the choices, but who knows, you might find out you like some of the
songs. It is also my hope you'll read the comments to gain a better
understanding of why some of these songs are deserving of a spot on this
particular list. I said in the beginning that top ten, top twenty, or even top
101 lists are very subjective. Again, that's why I love reading other's opinions
and choices, because I get a chance to peek behind the curtain to see what
makes others into the person they are. Whatever the choices
may be on this list. Whether you agree with them or not. The plain truth is
that at least we are still talking about something that is near and dear to all
of us across this wonderful planet. We are talking about the one thing that
ties us together as human beings, and soothes our souls. That doesn't separate
us because of our nationality, race, sexual orientation, religion, or geography. That defines every step we
take, and lends meaning to the emotions each of us feel. It's the one single
thread that holds us all together as one. That assures us that tomorrow might
be better than today, and that everything will be OK. It's music, and isn't
that a beautiful thought?
You will notice that this first list is actually 11 songs starting with song number 101. Why is there a song 101 on a top 100 list? Because no 80's list of music can truly exist without the granddaddy of all 80's songs. It's the one song that defined a decade of music and although it's been played more than most songs, it deserves a place at the head of my 80's music table.
The first thing you'll notice about this starting list is that I've decided to post the first 11 songs without any additional commentary. The next 90 songs, however, will have pertinent info about the reason it was chosen, or just some fact about the band or my experience related to the song. To me it's important to say something, especially as the list gets closer to my top choice. Feel free to skip over my comments, because I promise you they will get longer and longer as we approach number 1 on the list. Feel free to post a comment. I've turned off the need to sign in or sign up, so if you wish you can post anonymously. Without further adieu ... Here's my definitive list of 80's songs that shaped my decade. Enjoy.
Here we are ready to move into the next 10. Following you will find songs 90 down to 81. While my entire list is complete there's still a lot of jockeying for position on some of these higher listed songs. I've been constantly reviewing the list only to realize the positions of some of the songs are incorrect. I guess that truly shows how subjective they can be. In the end this is a trip down memory lane, so the real reason for such a list is to make you smile. I have but one favor to ask ... Please listen to the songs you may never have heard of, that's where the true fun will be had.
Drum roll please ... Here's 90 through 81.
Feel free to post a comment. I've turned off the need to sign in or sign up, so if you wish you can post anonymously. Without further adieu ... Here's my definitive list of 80's songs that shaped my decade. Enjoy.
The Ultimate 80's Music List - Songs 90 - 81
90 - Naughty Naughty by John Parr
Oh what can be said about this video. There's really not a lot of cool stuff going on, but the one thing I always loved was when John's Mustang turns the corner and the hubcap flies off the car. I do not think that was planned but I still think it's pretty cool. It fits with a video of a guy dreaming he's more than he is. The hubcap is that little bit of reality that says "Everything else is falling apart." Not that anyone would know this, but the girl who slaps him at the beginning of the song is a 22 year old Lisa Rinna formerly of the soap opera Days of Our Lives.
The hubcap comes off at 0:38 of the video below.
89 - What's on your Mind (Pure Energy) by Information Society
If you know this song then you'll know the voice of the person on the music sample who says "Pure Energy" ... It's none other than Leonard Nimoy as Spock from the Star Trek series.
88 - Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider
Although I had heard this song prior to the movie, I always think of the movie "Vision Quest" when I hear this tune. Sure it was a cheesy 80's sports movie about wrestling. But it always gets me when this song starts and Matthew Modine is all alone getting ready for the big wrestling match he's been preparing for. Then all of the sudden he hears his name and busts through the door to all of these people cheering as he makes his way to the mat. Cheesy yes ... But cool.
87 - Revenge by Ministry
Al Jourgensen really went on to be a freak, and he'd be very proud of that label. You can see he was already on his way in this early 80's video. Ministry would go on from the techno synthpop sound you hear in this video to being a very influential industrial band. Inspiring the likes of Nine Inch Nails front man Trent Reznor.
86 - Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol
There was a short time in the 80's when I really wanted to be Billy Idol. I just thought he was so cool. While Billy had a number of hits, Dancing With Myself is one of the few I could listen to today. I still love the lyric "So let's sink another drink, cause it'll give me time to think." We always called beer "Courage in a can" and this lyric reminds me of that.
85 - What is Love by Howard Jones
Just a cool song. One quick side note. A friend of mine would never call Howard Jones by his name. As the 80's moved on, Howard's hair got longer, and poofed up in the middle. That friend of mine would refer to him as Rooster Head. Well here's my favorite song from "Rooster Head" himself.
84 - Perfect Way by Scritti Politti
Scritti Politti deserves extra marks for having one of the coolest band names ever. While the song is tame I absolutely love the many changes of the music throughout this song. Take a listen and you'll understand what I mean.
83 - Turning Japanese by The Vapors
"No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women, no fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark." One of the best song lyrics ever. By the way ... What's a cyclone ranger?
82 - Jane's Getting Serious by Jon Astley
Jon Astley is not a name everyone remembers. He is best known for producing other artists. In fact he produced the Who album "Who Are You" and has remastered their entire back catalog. He's been a prolific producer of many artists. Two things about this song. First ... It came from the album "Everyone Loves the Pilot (Except the Crew)" which is an awesome album name that I've always loved. Second, the music from this song was used as the Heinz Ketchup jingle for many years.
81 - We Care a Lot by Faith No More
People like to look at bands like Nirvana and herald them as the group that changed music as the 1990's started. I'm not saying they weren't revolutionary. I'm just saying they didn't start the revolution. I count bands like Faith No More as one of the many late 80's bands that led the way for the early 90's paradigm shift into alternative music. They were grunge, before grunge was cool. Although I'm not a fan of hers ... Courtney Love was even a member of this San Francisco band for a short time in the 80's ... SORRY SEATTLE.
Well folks we've reached the next 10. Following you will find songs 80 down to 71. At this point I won't bog you down with a lot of extra and unneeded commentary before it begins. One thing is for sure though, the list is really getting good, so stay tuned.
Drum roll please ... Here's 80 through 71.
Feel free to post a comment. I've turned off the need to sign in or sign up, so if you wish you can post anonymously.
Without further adieu ... Here's my definitive list of 80's songs that shaped my decade. Enjoy.
The Ultimate 80's Music List - Songs 80 - 71
80 - American Soviets (The Cameron Paul Remix) by C.C.C.P.
If you want the poster child song of the mid 80's for a dance club, then this song is number one on that list. It was remixed by famed San Francisco DJ Cameron Paul. This is one of those rare songs that demands you get up and move. Especially after you've consumed massive amounts of alcohol. I absolutely love this song.
79 - Say It Isn't So by The Outfield
The Outfield. Most people want to talk about their song Your Love. For me, there is no better Outfield song than Say It Isn't So. The band never achieved much success after this album, and that always surprises me. They were truly a great little band.
78 - Slave to Love by Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry. His style was perfectly suited for the ME DECADE. I always felt like when I watched a Bryan Ferry video it could have easily been an advertisement for an 80's cologne commercial. So much style, and in this rare case, it actually has a lot of substance. This is a beautiful song that deserves a spot on my list.
77 - She's Tight by Cheap Trick
While its debatable on what song is Cheap Trick's best ... To me, no other tops this one. Cheap Trick was always made up of 4 guys that had faces made for radio. We've always joked that to be a good ROCK band, you gotta be pretty unspectacular to look at. Cheap Trick took that to a whole new level.
76 - Say What You Will by Fastway
This is an awesome song. Great vocals and an amazing guitar riff. Fastway was a one hit wonder. But in my book it would have been hard for them to ever top this song. Let's just say they quit while they were ahead and called it a day.
75 - Don't Tell Me by Blancmange
Blancmange. The first thing that will probably come to mind when you hear that name is ... WHO IN THE HECK IS BLANCMANGE? Regardless if you've ever heard of them, take a quick second to listen to the song. It's got that great 80's dance club vibe. Once you hear it, I think you'll understand why I included it on the list.
74 - Don't Say You Love Me by Billy Squier
One of the best things I can truly say about the video for this song is that at least it's not Rock Me Tonight. For those of you who may remember, Rock Me Tonight was a great song with one of the worst videos EVER MADE. Don't Say You Love Me puts Billy right where he should have always been ... Singing while playing his guitar. Although he had numerous hits I still to this very day do not think Billy Squier got the credit he deserved for having a very distinctive and unique rock and roll voice. Just for fun, if you haven't ever seen Rock Me Tonight, follow this link after you've watched the video below. Don't say I didn't warn you though. Click here ...If you are brave enough.
73 - Hot Girls in Love by Loverboy
I don't have a whole lot to say about this song, except that its a fun song full of energy. Never before had the genre of music videos driven so many people to copy lead singer Mike Reno by wearing his trademark head band. What can I say ... I did. Now if I can only find every picture ever taken of me with one on, then I can burn them all, and everything will be right with the world.
72 - No New Tale to Tell by Love and Rockets
Personally ... If you can't have the great goth band Bauhaus you can always have the next best thing which is Love and Rockets. Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins all came from Bauhaus. This is yet another 80's band that bridged the gap between Goth/New Wave to present day Alternative music. The beginning of this song would probably be in my top five if I ever did a list of the greatest song openings ever. Singer David J is never going to win any singing contests; but his delivery of lines like ... "Simple as a flower and that's a complicated thing" ... always puts a smile on my face.
71 - Drive by The Cars
I'm sure when it comes to The Cars, opinion is split on who the better singer is ... Is it Ric Ocasek or is it Benjamin Orr? My favorite of the two has always been Benjamin. Today I'm still sad when I think about Benjamin Orr's passing in October of 2000. He was so talented and many won't know this, but he had a fantastic solo album that was released back in the 1986 titled The Lace. As for his solo work, the truth of the matter was, The Cars were always bigger than the some of their parts. The song Drive is a Cars masterpiece. Never before and never again did they capture the same haunting lyric, music and visual that came together to make this beautifully sad song. Thanks Benjamin, you are missed.
Today we take 10 more steps towards reaching what I feel is the ultimate song of the 80's. Following you will find songs 70 down to 61. FYI: The top 40, when it is finally posted, will be filled with songs that, I feel, really tear things up. Even though I like these singers/groups, you won't find Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, or Dire Straits in that territory. On my Ultimate 80's Music List, they do not have a place ... So stay tuned as things get bigger, better, and much much much louder.
Drum roll please ... Here's 70 through 61.
Feel free to post a comment. I've turned off the need to sign in or sign up, so if you wish you can post anonymously.
Without further adieu ... Here's my definitive list of 80's songs that shaped my decade. Enjoy.
The Ultimate 80's Music List - Songs 70 - 61
70 - Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream) by Icicle Works
There seems to be quite a few songs on my list that could come from a John Hughes soundtrack. This however never appeared in one of his movies, surprisingly. This is yet another one hit wonder to make the list. One thing is for sure ... If you came of age in the 80's in England and you were named Ian (Like front man Ian McNabb) you were destined for 2 things. First is you would front a New Wave/Post Modern band. The second thing would be that you'd make my top 101 list.
69 - Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants
You might remember They Might Be Giants solely for their theme song for the TV show Malcolm in the Middle ("Boss of Me"). I remember them for having an awesome sense of humor. Their songs were quirky, and their videos were just totally bizarre. My belief is that they were heavily influenced by comedy, especially Monty Python. Although many people might find themselves saying "Who?" when they hear their name, it's important to note that they have won 2 Grammys and released over 15 albums along the way. Ana Ng (Pronounced ANG) was one of many 80's videos that I kept on a VHS cassette so I could watch and listen to the song whenever I pleased.
68 - Heart and Soul by T'Pau
I never really knew a lot about the band T'Pau; but I always thought they had one of the coolest names. Heart and Soul is just a great 80's song that still sticks in my mind today. When I listen to the 80's channel on XM Satellite Radio I can honestly say I have never heard them play this song in over 1.5 years. That surprises me, it's a really good song that is deserving of finding a new audience to appreciate it..
67 - Love Plus One by Haircut 100
Can you say PREPPIE? Haircut 100's Love Plus One video is more preppie than any other song released in the 1980's. With a volcano, cannibalism, surfing, Tarzan, and penny loafers ... This concept video makes absolutely no sense at all; but that's what can be said about 99% of the videos released in the 80's. Regardless of the video's cheesiness, that doesn't change the fact that the song has made it's way on to my list. You got love the way Nick Heyward sings "Aye ya ya ya ya ya, Aye ya ya ya ya ya ya ya ... Then I call."
66 - Desire by Gene Loves Jezebel
Talk about your dysfunctional siblings. 90's alternative band Oasis (With Noel and Liam Gallagher's constant fighting) has nothing on the 2 twin brothers of Gene Loves Jezebel. They each actually have rights to the use of the band's name on different continents. Like the old saying goes ... East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet. With lawsuits against each other, this is a band that will not be doing the fashionable 80's retro reformation any time soon. With that said, Desire is a great song that that shows how great a band could have been if not for petty indifference rearing its ugly head like it always seems to do in bands. It also shows why it's so hard for some siblings to get along. Because we can't choose who we are related to. I bet their family reunions are a blast to attend.
65 - Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
Joy Division is still one of those bands I always felt would have achieved the greatness and longevity of their contemporaries like Depeche Mode. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. On the eve of their first American tour in the early 80's, front man Ian (Yet another Ian on my list) Curtis sadly committed suicide. While the short lived Joy Division achieved cult status for their 2 albums. The remaining members reformed as a different and incredibly successful band that just happens to occupy the next spot on my list (at number 64) ... NEW ORDER. Love Will Tear Us Apart was Joy Division's masterpiece of pure 80's music. Rest in Peace Ian Curtis.
64 - True Faith by New Order
New Order is the true Phoenix rising from the ashes. Where some bands would have simply folded after losing their lead singer and friend to suicide ... The members of Joy Division came back even stronger and more determined as New Order. As one of the 80's more memorable bands New Order had their fair share of hits. My personal favorite is True Faith. Maybe it's fitting that a song with "Faith" in its title is my top choice for this great band.
63 - Fascination by The Human League
This choice is certainly subjective. I'm sure most people would pick "Don't You Want Me" as Human League's best. Well, I'm not most people and the song of choice for me when it comes to this band is Fascination. I always loved the use of color in this video. Not to mention that everyone takes a turn at singing. This is a group effort and my choice for their most memorable 80's song.
62 - Tenderness by General Public
There are few singers with Dave Wakeling's voice in this world. It's incredibly unique and you'd know it's him singing from the very first word. General Public was formed by 2 members (Along with Ranking Roger) of the English group known as The Beat. They were also known as The English Beat. They recorded one of my favorite 80's songs "Mirror in the Bathroom" (Click here to hear it). Mirror in the Bathroom almost made this list, but there's only 101 spaces so I will be including it in an honorable mention list after the top 101 has been posted. As for the song, it showcases Dave's voice and until this very day the upbeat nature of the song itself, along with the sweet video, really makes me happy when I hear it. It's a wonderful song ... Take a listen.
61 - Salt in My Tears by Martin Briley
Whether it's true or not, the story they used to tell about this song on MTV back in the day is that it got Martin Briley in a lot of trouble with his ex-wife's lawyers. Supposedly it was autobiographical and, if it was all true, I'd have to say it's one of the best put down songs ever written about a break up. What more does a person have to say then the lyric containing the title of this song "You ain't worth the salt in my tears" ... This is a fantastic song with a great set of lyrics. Today, I don't want to know if the story is true or not. I'm just perfectly happy believing in the mythology I have always associated with this song over the last 30 years.
With ten posts revealing a new set of 10 songs each time it's hard to keep the introductions fresh when the subject matter is the same. As we finish out the bottom 50 (51) with this post we are tipping over the edge and heading downhill through the 50 greatest songs coming out of the 1980's. This list was made possible by the greatest computer ever created ...The human brain. Today we take more steps towards reaching the ultimate song of the 80's. You won't like all of the choices, so I urge you to post your choices in the comment section below. Post the link to a video if it exists. I'd love to hear what you think.
Drum roll please ... Here's 60 through 51.
Feel free to post a comment. I've turned off the need to sign in or sign up, so if you wish you can post anonymously.
Without further adieu ... Here's my definitive list of 80's songs that shaped my decade. Enjoy.
The Ultimate 80's Music List - Songs 60 - 51
60 - That is Why by Jellyfish
I feel pretty darn confident that you are saying "Who in the heck is Jellyfish?" right at this moment. Well ... Let me tell you who Jellyfish is. In the 80's I was lucky enough to see them in concert as an opening act for a band I cannot remember (Alcohol anyone???). They performed at the famous Houston underground music club Numbers. What happened during that 1 plus hour set was simple. I realized that I was watching one of the best live bands I had ever seen. I'd still put their performance in my top 10 concerts today. Jellyfish was a band out of the San Francisco area that never found the fame that I believe was within their grasp. They broke up before the 80's ended. "That is Why" is one of those songs on my list that I sincerely hope you will listen to. After you hear it, I also hope you can say "Wow. They truly could have been a great band." Andy Sturmer's vocals and drumming make this song special. Gotta love the red hair too ... It just fits. Click that link and just listen, you won't be sorry.
59 - Der Kommissar by After the Fire
I remember exactly where I was the very first time I heard this song in 1983. The people I was surrounded by were singing the song, and I had no clue why. Then someone popped in the cassette and I understood exactly why they were singing this catchy tune. In less than a month after hearing that song I'd lose one of my best friends, who constantly sang this song, in a horrific accidental drowning. For those familiar with the tune, you'll know that the song was originally written and performed by Austrian music sensation Falco. I owned a few of his albums back in the day. I love Falco's version of this song; but After the Fire's version is the one I happened to hear first, so it sticks with me. Sadly Falco passed away at the age of 40 and I remember being upset because I understood how great of a musician he was. As for the song, After the Fire was another one hit wonder. Which is sad when you really think about it ... Considering they didn't even write the one hit they had. Needless to say ... Der Kommissar's in town, so please don't turn around.
58 - A Woman in Love (It's Not Me) by Tommy Petty & The Heartbreakers
"But it's not me" ... How many guys listened to that lyric about a woman being in love and could identify with it? We used to listen to this song and commiserate with Tom and the band. I don't have to tell you anything about Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. You already know how prolific they've been. But to me, out of all his songs, nothing captured the pain of love like this song. The pain of not understanding how things ended, and the utter confusion caused by it, is something we may never comprehend. "I don't understand the world today. I don't understand what she needed. I gave her everything, she threw it all away on nothing." What can I say ... This song is a masterpiece of heartbreak.
57 - How to be a Millionaire by ABC
ABC was a fun band. I loved their songs and thoroughly enjoyed their videos. Martin Fry always reminded me a little of Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music. Maybe that's one of the numerous reasons I loved this band. How to be a Millionaire is a tongue in cheek tune that actual pokes fun at being rich and uses the idea of gambling to punctuate how the rich might get richer. The title speaks of being materialistic, but the lyrics make a joke out of the whole thing. Especially when Martin sings "I've seen the future, I can't afford it. Tell me the truth sir, someone just bought it." This is a really cool song from a really cool band.
56 - Shock the Monkey by Peter Gabriel
Oh Mr. Gabriel, we all know one thing about you ... You sir, are a weirdo. But maybe that's why we love your music so much. This song is not about animal rights and laboratory testing like I heard it was many years ago. It has absolutely nothing to do with that. This song is about what jealousy feels like and how it sometimes has the power to take us over. The video was always a little disturbing and strange ... But it's truly perfect for this song. Shock the Monkey, in my opinion, is one of those songs that could be released today and still stand up. I absolutely love this song.
55 - Love Bites by Def Leppard
When it comes to harmony, no other band on the planet has done it better than the guys from Def Leppard. When they all sing a chorus together it's pure magic. I would be OK with using any of their hits on this list, but I've always had a soft spot for "Love Bites." Maybe because Joe sings about what we all feel at times. That love can be unforgiving and painful. But those of us who want to be part of love, continue on through the biting pain. When you listen to this song it's easy to understand that it should serve as the blueprint for making a successful rock ballad, plain and simple. In fact, if there ever was a college course on constructing one, this song would need to be the first one played in that class.
54 - Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
Who is Dexy and why are his or her people running at midnight? These are answers that we'll never find out. You know this song, admit it, you know the lyrics by heart and can even do the little dance they do while imagining them in their rolled up overalls. This is pure 80's and ranks up their with "Melt With You" for placing an exclamation point on the me decade. Come on Eileen is an infectious tune that still draws it's fans in today whenever they might hear it. Listening to this song is always like taking a step back in time. It's fun, and even though it too was a one hit wonder, it will always have a place on almost every top 100 list of 80's music.
53 - Hazy Shade of Winter by The Bangles
OK I'm just going to come out and say it even if it upsets people who were fans of this band ... I DON'T LIKE THE BANGLES. So what you might be wondering is "Why are they even on this list?" Well, let me explain. There are many actors and actresses I don't care for, but occasionally they appear in a role that surprises me with just how good they are in it. That's what The Bangles did when they remade the Simon and Garfunkel tune "Hazy Shade of Winter." This song is amazing, and in my opinion, is much better than the original. I also liked that it was recorded for the 80's movie "Less Than Zero" starring Andrew McCarthy and Robert Downey Jr. The movie was adapted from one of my favorite 80's books by Bret Easton Ellis of the same title. I especially love the 60's feel of this song with it's harmony and it's musical style. I may not like The Bangles, but I love their song. Enjoy.
52 - Rock of Life by Rick Springfield
Some people just don't get Rick Springfield. They immediately think of the song "Jessie's Girl" when his name comes up. I'm not ashamed to say I owned all of his 80's albums. What Rick displayed on those albums was simple. While most people saw him as a teen pinup, he really was a great musician and songwriter who never got the credit he deserved. Many of his unreleased songs bordered on what would be considered alternative music today. He was truly that good, but was saddled with that teen idol tag early on in his career and it destroyed any real chance he might get to obtain some credibility. Rock of Life is a great song, one of many great songs by this artist. It sits alone at the top of my Rick Springfield list and serves as a great reminder of what he could have done had he been taken more seriously. I'm happy to say that I totally got who Rick Springfield really was.
51 - True by Spandau Ballet
The video for "True" shows the band all dressed up in suits and ties. If my memory serves me correctly, I once read or heard that the band never wanted that look. They were talked into using it for the "True" video and I think that simple thing hurt them in the long run. It placed a stamp on them that stated that they were just a single moment in time, and nothing more. They had a few other modest hits, but "True" still stands out as a definitive 80's song and I knew going into making this list that it would occupy a space. I find it rather fitting that a line from this song was the inspiration for the title of my favorite book of all time ... Wally Lamb's "I Know This Much is True." Please enjoy the video below as it completes the bottom 50 songs and ushers us into the final 50 of The Ultimate 80's Music List.
