1980: THE 200 GREATEST SONGS. 
This post: #100-91. 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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THE GLOW OF LOVE Change

The title track from funky/ disco group Change’s debut album features Luther Vandross on lead vocals.

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WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU / FORGIVE ME, GIRL The Spinners

As was the case with the group’s medley consisting of “Cupid” and “I’ve Loved You For A Long Time”, this single featured a remake of The Four Seasons’ 1966 hit “Working My Way Back To You” and new song “Forgive Me, Girl”, written by producer Michael Zager. The disc topped the UK chart and peaked at #2 in America.

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THE SECOND TIME AROUND Shalamar

American group Shalamar topped Billboard’s Soul and Disco charts with “The Second Time Around”. The single also peaked at #8 on the Pop Hot 100.

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THE RIVER Bruce Springsteen

The title track from Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 album release was written and co-produced by the American singer / songwriter.

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I GOT YOU Split Enz

Split Enz formed in New Zealand but relocated to Australia in order to reach a wider market. This single marked a shift for the band. Neil Finn had joined the line-up and contributed this song for the ‘True Colours’ album. It became the group’s biggest hit, reaching #1 in both Australia and New Zealand. The single reached #53 in America, #13 in Canada and #12 in Britain.

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LIFE AT THE OUTPOST Skatt Brothers

This single was only a hit in Australia. The group was formed in Los Angeles and was on the Casablanca label (also home to the similar group Village People). Interest in the song was brewing and requests for a music video proved unsuccessful, so a film clip was created for use in Australia. The video features individuals miming to the song and no actual members of The Skatt Brothers appear in it. The disc peaked at #13.

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CELEBRATION Kool & The Gang

This single reached #1 on Billboard’s US Pop, Soul and Disco charts. It also topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand. In Britain, the disc peaked at #7.

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BIGGEST PART OF ME Ambrosia

Penned by lead singer David Pack, this single peaked at #3 on the American Pop and Adult Contemporary charts.

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN Willie Nelson

Written and produced by country music legend Willie Nelson, this song was featured in the film ‘Honeysuckle Rose’. The song topped the US Country Chart and reached #20 on Billboard’s Pop Hot 100.

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PILOT OF THE AIRWAVES Charlie Dore

The English singer / songwriter wrote this hit song that reached #13 in America and #3 in Canada. Curiously, it only reached #66 in Britain. The song was produced by Bruce Welch (formerly of the Shadows) and Alan Tarney (who wrote / produced hits for Leo Sayer and Cliff Richard as well as “Take On Me” by A-Ha).