TOP 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1980s update: #140 - 131.

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

140 WATCHING THE WHEELS

JOHN LENNON -1980

 

The gunning down of a former member of The Beatles shocked the world. That the man who sang songs such as “Imagine” and “Give Peace A Chance” would have his life snuffed out in such a way left us all dismayed. The event gripped the world the same way JFK’s assassination and Princess Diana’s tragic crash did in 1963 and 1997 respectively. That John Lennon’s murderer was a fan changed celebrity forever. “Watching The Wheels” finds the influential artist updating us on his reflections and life.

139 AFRICA

TOTO - 1982

 

Toto harnessed all of its strengths as a band of skilled musicians to create the blueprint sound for soft rock in the 1980s. “Africa” remains a popular souvenir of the decade. Sadly, the perfection for which they were exalted became a double edged sword for the group.

138 WAITING FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU

FOREIGNER -1981

 

The rock group Foreigner dropped 1 of the decade’s best ballads; far superior to the cheesy “I Want To Know What Love Is”, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” not only widened the band’s fan base but helped shape the power ballad sound of the 1980s.

137 WHO CAN IT BE NOW?

MEN AT WORK - 1982

 

Men At Work carved out its fresh new sound mixing elements of new wave, reggae and jazz. The Australian group dominated charts around the world in 1982.  

136 GENO

DEXY’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS - 1980

 

Along with later hit “Come On Eileen”, “Geno” ushered in Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ brand of pop; comprising new wave, Celtic folk and soul music as ingredients.

135 ENDLESS LOVE

DIANA ROSS & LIONEL RICHIE - 1981

 

“Endless Love” marked a turning point for both Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. This became not only her biggest hit, but the best seller for Motown. Richie, in the meantime, was testing the water before quitting The Commodores and launching s solo career that would prove to be lucrative throughout the remainder of the decade. Ross left Motown soon after, gaining greater control over her career. The song’s success soon eclipsed the movie for which it was created.

134 1999

PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION - 1982

 

Prince captured the mood of the Eighties, suggesting that if the apocalypse was nigh, we might as well party. “1999” became an anthem with resonance for the remainder of the century. His message was wrapped with a mighty funky beat.

133 ANTMUSIC

ADAM & THE ANTS - 1980

 

With a radio-friendly approach to punk and new wave, Adam & The Ants announced their arrival with “Antmusic”. With an incessant beat and the song’s chants, it established Adam Ant as 1 of the 1^st pop stars of the new decade.

132 YOU GOT IT (THE RIGHT STUFF)

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK - 1988

 

NKOTB ushered in a revival of the boy band. They were the modern precursors for Take That, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and One Direction.

131 REDEMPTION SONG

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - 1980

 

A fitting end to an enduring songbook from reggae’s greatest exponent; here, the legendary singer/ songwriter’s protest song deals with slavery and empowerment.  

Another 10 songs will be added tomorrow.