1980: THE 200 GREATEST SONGS. 
This post: #20-11. 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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ONE DAY I’LL FLY AWAY Randy Crawford

The American jazz vocalist released the ‘Now We May Begin’ album in 1980. That LP contained this gorgeous ballad that reached #2 in Britain and reached #1 in some European countries.

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PROMISES Barbra Streisand

Written by Barry and Robin Gibb, this was the most upbeat track on ‘Guilty’.

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WITH YOU I’M BORN AGAIN Billy Preston & Syreeta

This Motown duet featured two performers on its roster: Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright. The ballad was used in the film ‘Fast Break’. Billboard listed it at #2 AC and #4 Pop respectively. In the UK, “With You I’m Born Again” peaked at #2. It also charted well in Canada, Europe and Australia.

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GIVE ME THE NIGHT George Benson

This jazz/pop crossover song was penned by Rod Temperton (who had previously written the Michael Jackson hits “Rock With You” and “Off The Wall”). Quincy Jones produced the track. The single topped the US Soul Chart, and also reached #2 Disco and #4 Pop. It was a Top 10 hit in Britain, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

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MILKSHAKE Village People

One of the fun tracks contributed by the disco group for the ‘Can’t Stop The Music’ movie soundtrack.

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NEVER GIVE UP Barbra Streisand

Barry Gibb co-write this defiant song from the ‘Guilty’ album with Albhy Galuten. The two also co-produced it with Karl Richardson.

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KISS ON MY LIST Hall & Oates

The American pop duo issued the ‘Voices’ album in 1980. This single was lifted from it as a single in the following year. In America, “Kiss On My List” became the second #1 for Daryl Hall & John Oates (following “Rich Girl” in 1977), enjoying a 3-week stay at the chart summit. Elsewhere, the disc reached #7 in Canada, #13 in Australia and #33 in the UK.

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MAGIC Olivia Newton-John

Written and produced by Australian John Farrar, this hit served as the lead single from the film ‘Xanadu’ which starred fellow (British born-) Australian Olivia Newton-John. It topped Billboard’s Pop Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. The single did the same in Canada. It was a Top 10 hit in Australia and New Zealand. In Britain, the single only climbed up to #32.

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CAN YOU FEEL IT The Jacksons

Since quitting Motown, the Jackson brothers had started flexing their creative muscle. This hit raised the group to a new level. Michael Jackson wrote this song with brother Jackie. The single peaked at #6 in Britain and also made the Top 10 in Australia, various European countries and South Africa.

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YOU MAKE MY DREAMS Hall & Oates

Hall and Oates were poised for greater chart success after the release of the ‘Voices’ album and this single.