TOP 200 MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS update #160-151.

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 first appeared –on an album or single- between Jan. 1980 and Dec. 1989

160 EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

THE POLICE -1983

 

Sting presented The Police with one of the best written songs of the decade. Misinterpreted as a love song, it is actually about stalking and surveillance. The haunting, creepy quality of the lyrics is enhanced by the trio’s skillful musicianship.

159 RAIN ON THE SCARECROW

JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP - 1985

 

This song is Mellencamp at his songwriting best: recounting the woes of small town middle America. Another insightful snapshot of the era.  

158 WHILE YOU SEE A CHANCE

STEVE WINWOOD -1980

 

Winwood plays all of the instruments on this majestic single. Its positive, uplifting message and mood kick-started the new (and more lucrative) phase of his musical career.

157 THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

ABBA - 1980

ABBA’s disintegration had begun by the time this poignant song was recorded for its ‘Super Trouper’ album. It’s a beautiful break-up song, but, given the drama going on within the legendary Swedish group, packs an extra dimension. Agnetha Faltskog’s lead increases the tension and impact of the lyrics. The track marks a growth in Bjorn Ulvaeus’ songwriting and silenced ABBA’s detractors.

156 CALL ME

BLONDIE - 1980

 

Disco married punk and new wave on this Blondie song. The group was aided by the genre’s best- Giorgio Moroder, who co-wrote this with lead singer Deborah Harry and produced it.

155 FORBIDDEN COLOURS

DAVID SYLVIAN & RYUICHI SAKAMOTO - 1983

This musically innovative song from the ‘Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence’ movie soundtrack fused elements of Asian and Western classic music with artistic ambience.

154 RUNNING UP THAT HILL

KATE BUSH - 1985

 

Kate explores the space between love and pain in her unique way. Her potent lyrics are augmented by the pounding beat of the music that envelops her vocal. A glorious jewel of 80s Pop.

153 SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM

GRACE JONES - 1985

Trevor Horn co-wrote this hit for the titan woman. His production incorporates a plethora of flourishes and styles, all helping to make the track stand out.

152 TALKING TO A STRANGER

HUNTERS & COLLECTORS - 1982

 

With hints of art rock, indie and funk mixed with sweat and hard-edged alternative rock; Hunters & Collectors dropped this groundbreaking song that was ahead of its time.

151 SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO

THE CLASH - 1982

 

The Clash deliver an enduring fun track with its relatable scenario: a man contemplating whether or not to remain with his current partner. The chords make it an infectious ode to garage rock.    

Another 10 songs will be added tomorrow.