THE ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS updated: #70-61.
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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 had to have first appeared –on an album or single- between Jan. 1980 and Dec. 1989.

70 BLISTER IN THE SUN

VIOLENT FEMMES - 1983

 

In the years since, "Blister in the Sun" has grown in stature; embraced first by alternative rock audiences and now the mainstream as a key 1980s song.

69 CONTROVERSY

PRINCE - 1981

 

Prince continued crafting his own brand of funk. On "Controversy", he redefines his sound while also dealing with social issues. A preview of what his blooming talent would offer.

68 I'M SO EXCITED

POINTER SISTERS -1982

 

The trio of sisters co-wrote this floor-filler with Trevor Lawrence; creating one of the most influential dance hits of the 1980s. "I'm So Excited" not only led the siblings towards a new market and sound; but helped re-define the genre in the post-disco years.

67 PRIDE (IN THE NAME OF LOVE)

PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION - 1984

U2 shine here: Bono's vocals stir our emotions while The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. fill this track with a beautiful strength. Dealing with the heroic efforts of Martin Luther King, U2 show how to turn a song into a special occasion. 

66 DIAMONDS ON THE SOLES OF HER SHOES

PAUL SIMON - 1986

 

Paul Simon had been integrating music from an array of cultures throughout his solo career and was best exemplified on the landmark 'Graceland' album. "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes" remains the best marriage of African sounds with Western rock music.

65 ROCK THE CASBAH

THE CLASH - 1982

 

This bouncy crossover hit exposed the group to a mainstream audience. It has remained an enduring favourite from the important group's catalogue. On this, the new wave band added some dance-punk into the mix and created a fun track.

64 I FEEL FOR YOU

CHAKA KHAN – 1984

 

The Prince composition "I Feel For You" was given a makeover; retaining its funk and groove while incorporating a rap courtesy of Melle Mel and with Stevie Wonder guesting on harmonica, it helped introduce mainstream audiences to rap and sampling.  

63 LOVE MY WAY

PSYCHEDELIC FURS – 1982

 

This early 80s hit set The Psychedelic Furs apart from other British New Wave acts. On this the band -and producer Todd Rundgren- create an entrancing combination of sounds that float around Richard Butler's tempered vocal. 

62 PHOTOGRAPH

DEF LEPPARD - 1983

 

Pop-metal dominated in the 1980s and it was spearheaded by "Photograph". Def Leppard would create other chart hits, but this was where it began.

61 LOVE SONG

SIMPLE MINDS - 1981

Simple Minds' major breakthrough came via this synth pop/ New Wave hit single that swiftly gained the public's attention. The group went on to craft a string of chart entries during the decade.

Another 10 songs added next weekend.