the 200 MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS update 50- 41. Another 10 will be added next week.

 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

50 SEXUAL HEALING

MARVIN GAYE -1982

 

Not only did this soul hit revive Marvin Gaye's career, but it soon became 1 of his best known songs. "Sexual Healing" added to the flavours of R&B both lyrically and aurally.

49 ATOMIC DOG

GEORGE CLINTON - 1982

 

"Atomic Dog" has become 1 of the most sampled tracks in history, used for songs by Aaliyah, De La Soul, MC Hammer, Herbie Hancock, Ice Cube, Iggy Azalea, Ice T, Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Pitbull and Snoop Dogg.

48 DOCTORIN' THE HOUSE

COLDCUT featuring YAZZ & THE PLASTIC POPULATION -1988

 

This dance track features samples primarily from TV and movies in a novel way. With "Doctorin' The House", Coldcut ushered in acid house and had a major impact on the dance scene of the late 1980s and 1990s.

47 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

UB40 - 1980

This was the breakthrough hit for UB40. The group became 1 of the leading exponents of reggae in the wake of Bob Marley's crossover success. In its early incarnation, UB40 tackled social issues in its music; as was the case with "Food For Thought". 

46 ROCKIT

HERBIE HANCOCK - 1983

 

"Rockit" was soon adopted by breakdancers and grew into 1 of the key underground hits of the 1980s. It also introduced a mainstream audience to scratching. 

45 SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY

U2 - 1983

 

U2 created 1 of its most enduring hits with a timeless chant-like chorus. Impeccable musicianship, powerful lyrics and credible passion come together on this defining track. After this hit, U2's place among rock's pantheon of great groups was assured.

44 PUSH IT

SALT -N- PEPA - 1987

 

Until Salt-N-Pepa emerged, rap was justly criticised for its misogyny. Its male dominance came to an abrupt end when "Push It" exploded. Suddenly, the empowering hip hop act's assertive songs were on radio. This hit helped rap cross over and was even nominated for a Grammy.

43 GHOST TOWN

THE SPECIALS - 1981

 

The Specials dropped this song about urban decay and watched it rise to #1 in the UK. Its haunting and desolate atmosphere created the perfect mood for its lyrics and message. The group's approach to ska and reggae was so original, that this recording still stands out today.

42 ABOUT A GIRL

NIRVANA - 1989

 

This track from Nirvana's 'Bleach' album helped plant the seeds for the revolution the grunge band would spearhead in the ensuing decade. 

41 ORINOCO FLOW (SAIL AWAY)

ENYA - 1988

 

The lush beauty of Enya's vocals and the Celtic sonic delights offered by this majestic track helped popularize new age music.