1980: THE 200 GREATEST SONGS. 
This post: #130-121. Continues: tomorrow.

Caffè Lattè presents…

1980

THE 200 GREATEST SONGS

 

In 1980, TV audiences tuned in for the answer to the question who shot J.R. on “Dallas”; Moscow hosted the Summer Olympic Games which were boycotted by many nations; war broke out between Iran and Iraq; Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States and the world mourned after John Lennon was assassinated outside his Dakota apartment in New York City.

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GOING UNDERGROUND The Jam

Paul Weller remains one of Britain’s most influential songwriters. He penned this single for his mod/ punk band The Jam. The disc debuted at #1 in the UK where it ruled for 3 weeks.

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SAIL AWAY SWEET SISTER Queen

An album track from ‘The Game’ album which was recorded in Munich, Germany. The song features Brian May, who also wrote it, on lead vocals.

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AND THE BEAT GOES ON The Whispers

This soul staple peaked at #2 in the UK. Billboard listed it as a #1 on the Soul and Disco charts. It reached #20 on the Pop Hot 100.

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SPECIAL LADY Ray, Goodman & Brown

This soul trio was initially known as The Moments before changing its name to Ray, Goodman & Brown in 1978. In America, the single topped Billboard’s Soul chart and reached #5 on the Hot 100.

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GOTTA PULL MYSELF TOGETHER The Nolans

Ireland’s Nolan sisters enjoyed Top 10 success with this upbeat single in Britain, Japan and Australia.

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OLD-FASHION LOVE The Commodores

Lionel Richie was destined to quit The Commodores soon. He cautiously preceded his departure with some solo projects. This was one of his last singles with the Motown group. The US Top 20 song was written by group member Milan Williams.

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MAGIC NIGHT Village People

‘Can’t Stop The Music’ barely made an impact in America. The album did, however, prove successful in Europe, Britain and Australia. “Magic Night” was the follow-up single to the title track.

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CAN’T HELP MYSELF The Flowers

This was the first single released by Australian group Icehouse, which at the time was known as The Flowers. The disc climbed to #10 on the domestic Top 40. It was the lead single from the band’s debut album ‘Icehouse’.

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ANGEL YOU Boz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs co-wrote most of the tracks, including “Angel You",  on ‘Middle Man’ with David Foster.

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ON AND ON AND ON Abba

This became the fifteenth ABBA single to reach the Australian Top 10. Sadly, it would also be the Swedish group’s last. In some territories, this was selected as the second single off the ‘Super Trouper’ album.