Tag Archives: tb80s

by

Song of the Day #6,195: ‘Sussudio’ – Phil Collins

The week of June 22, 1985, found Bryan Adams topping the Hot 100 with ‘Heaven.’ It was Adams’ first #1 hit, one of four in his career. Interestingly, the other three were all movie themes: ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, ‘All for Love‘ from The Three Musketeers, and ‘Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?’ from Don Juan DeMarco.

Alas, I featured ‘Heaven’ ten years ago during a week of songs by Canadians tied to a family vacation, so you don’t get to hear that banger of a power ballad today.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,181: ‘Suddenly’ – Billy Ocean

A trio of songs I mentioned a couple of weeks ago were still crowding the top of the Hot 100 the week of June 8, 1985: Tears For Fears’ ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World,’ Wham!’s ‘Everything She Wants,’ and Harold Faltermeyer’s ‘Axel F.’

At #4 that week was Billy Ocean’s ‘Suddenly,’ the title track of his fifth — and most successful — album.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,167: ‘Axel F’ – Harold Faltermeyer

It has become commonplace for people of my generation to celebrate the 80s as the last great decade for music, and in conversation for the greatest musical decade, period. I tend to lean that way myself.

It makes sense that the music that scored your coming of age will hold a special place in your heart. I’m sure every generation feels that way about its formative decade.

But take a look at the Hot 100 top five the week of May 25, 1985, and tell me the 80s shouldn’t be in the conversation.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,153: ‘One Night in Bangkok’ – Murray Head

The top four of the Hot 100 was pretty locked in the week of May 11, 1985. I’ve featured all four already: Madonna’s ‘Crazy For You,’ ‘We Are the World,’ Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me),’ and DeBarge’s ‘Rhythm of the Night.’

That brings us to #5, where the unlikely New Wave/hip-hop hit ‘One Night in Bangkok’ sat, on its way to peaking at #3. This was a single from the concept album Chess, released by Broadway songwriter Tim Rice and ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The album was later turned into a hit musical in both England and the United States.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,140: ‘Rhythm of the Night’ – DeBarge

The week of April 27, 1985, found charity single ‘We Are the World‘ holding on to its #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, with Madonna’s ‘Crazy For You‘ right on its heels at #2.

In the third spot was R&B group DeBarge with their most successful song, ‘Rhythm of the Night.’ It peaked in that position, unable to overtake the formidable duo above it.

Continue reading →