1980: THE 200 GREATEST SONGS. 
This post: #110-101. 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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IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME Billy Joel

This was the biggest hit on the ‘Glass Houses’ album. The single topped the American and Canadian charts. It peaked at #10 in Australia and #14 in Britain.

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TURNING JAPANESE The Vapors

This song allegedly deals with masturbation. It reached #1 in Australia, peaked at #3 in the UK and climbed to #36 in America. The Vapors failed to match the success of this single with any follow-ups.

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BREAKDOWN Donna Summer

This track from ‘The Wanderer’ was written by Pete Bellotte and Harold Faltermeyer. The latter is best remembered for composing “Axel F” for the 1985 hit film ‘Beverly Hills Cop’.

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DON’T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME The Police

The British group unleashed its third album ‘Zenyatta Mondatta’ in 1980. This was its first single. The Grammy Award-winning hit shot to #1 in the UK. It was a Top 10 smash in America, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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I’M IN THE MOOD FOR DANCING The Nolans

This group consisting of Irish sisters danced into the #3 position in Britain. The single proved especially popular in parts of Europe and New Zealand.

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NO SECRETS The Angels

A hard rock/ pop hit from the Australian group. It was written by band members Graham “Buzz” Bidstrup and lead singer “Doc” Neeson. The single reached #8 in Australia.

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C’ETAIT TOI (YOU WERE THE ONE) Billy Joel

Billy Joel sings this love song from the ‘Glass Houses’ album in English and French.

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HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT Pat Benatar

The American female rocker scored a Top 10 smash with this single from her ‘Crimes Of Passion’ album.

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CRUISIN’ Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson co-wrote this Motown hit with Marv Tarplin. Both had been members of The Miracles. Smokey also produced the track which peaked at #4 in America.

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EMOTIONAL RESCUE Rolling Stones

The title track from the legendary English rock band’s 1980 album reached #3 in America and peaked at #9 in the UK.