ESSENTIAL 200 of the 1980s update: #40-31. 
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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

40 BACK TO LIFE (HOWEVER DO YOU WANT ME)

SOUL II SOUL -1989

 

Soul II Soul incorporated ingredients that included neo-soul, hip-hop, funk and world music to create a rich new sound. Caron Wheeler's vocals augment the overall atmosphere on this ground-breaking track.

39 SWEET CHILD O' MINE

GUNS N' ROSES - 1987

 

This hit single propelled Guns N' Roses above the other pop-metal bands, challenging even the mighty Bon Jovi in terms of rock credentials. Its main arsenal lay with guitar god Slash. His unforgettable guitar work is a monumental asset, from the moment the intro blasts out, to the song's end.

38 SUPER FREAK

RICK JAMES -1981

 

The pinnacle moment of Rick James' "punk funk" style of music was this catchy R&B classic. It's a timeless staple to this day, especially as the song was sampled so effectively in MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This".

37 STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

N.W.A. - 1988

 

The controversial N.W.A. pushed gangsta rap (and most especially West Coast rap) into the mainstream with key songs such as this hip-hop classic. With scarce radio support, the group's records achieved platimun status. 

36 YOU SPIN ME ROUND (LIKE A RECORD)

DEAD OR ALIVE - 1984

 

As the 1st UK #1 produced by the legendary team of Stock / Aitken / Waterman team, this ushered in that trio's domination of the pop charts. Initially confined to Britain, SAW soon scored massive record sales all over the world; writing and/ or producing hits for the likes of Bananarama, Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, Samantha Fox and Donna Summer.

35 MY PREROGATIVE

BOBBY BROWN - 1988

 

Bobby Brown was the leading exponent of "new jack swing". With "My Prerogative", the former member of New Edition dropped a hip-hop anthem for independence and autonomy.

34 FRENCH KISS

LIL' LOUIS - 1989

 

This dance track by Lil' Louis was an influential watershed moment in the evolution of the Chicago house scene. The famous producer mapped out the possibilities of the genre and the club scene in general.

33 THEME FROM S'EXPRESS

S-EXPRESS - 1988

 

The British house scene was introduced to a mainstream audience by this pioneering track. Sampling Rose Royce's "Is It Love You're After" and TZ's "I Got The Hots For You", the new track reached #1 in the UK as well as scoring success in Europe, Australia and in the American club scene.

32 DOUBLE DUTCH

MALCOLM McLAREN - 1983

 

The famous ex-manager of The Sex Pistols scored success as a recording act in his own right during the 1980s. "Double Dutch" was a catchy pop hit with a unique blend of sounds. 

31 SWEET DREAMS (ARE MADE OF THIS)

THE EURYTHMICS - 1983

 

"Sweet Dreams" introduced the world to The Eurythmics. Annie Lennox was striking in the song's odd but unforgettable video clip. Her vocals are angelic here. Dave Stewart's keyboard magic is hypnotic and alluring throughout.

Another 10 songs added next weekend.