THE ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS OF THE 1980s. Updated: #20-11.

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

20 ONE

METALLICA -1988

 

This anti-war song helped Metallica break through. The group has been a leader in heavy rock & metal ever since; influencing other bands in its wake.

19 BEST DIS

BOMB THE BASS - 1988

 

Tim Simenon throws a feast of sound effects and samples into this landmark British House recording. It even featured the intro from "The Thunderbirds" TV series. The single peaked at #2 in the UK and #1 on Billboard's Dance Club Play chart.

18 BACK IN BLACK

AC/DC -1980

 

AC/DC stood out from the other heavy rock / metal acts with its raw sexual themes. "Back In Black" defined the sound of metal in the early 1980s as the band regrouped following the death of lead singer Bon Scott. It helped establish Brian Johnston as the new vocalist for the influential Australian group.

17 GOING UNDERGROUND

THE JAM - 1980

 

Paul Weller scored his 1st British #1 with "Going Underground", a classic from purveyors of punk, The Jam. With this song, the group became a key new wave band that has had a lasting impact on rock music ever since.

16 FIGHT THE POWER

PUBLIC ENEMY - 1988

"Fight The Power" was a seminal rap anthem used in the Spike Lee film 'Do The Right Thing'. 

15 PUMP UP THE VOLUME

M/A/R/R/S - 1987

 

This groundbreaking disc meshed hip-hop, dance and sampling in a way that demanded attention. 

14 BILLIE JEAN

MICHAEL JACKSON - 1982

R&B at its coolest; Michael Jackson penned 1 of his career-defining hit songs with "Billie Jean". Its release forced audiences to re-consider his 'Thriller' album, in turn catapulting it into record-breaking sales. 

13 BUFFALO GALS

MALCOLM McCLAREN - 1982

 

On "Buffalo Gals", Malcolm McClaren brings together centuries of music and sounds: ranging from an Appalachian square dance song to 1 of the 1st uses of "scratching" on a record. It's a cross-genre milestone that remains unique and hints at the musical possibilities of the ensuing decade.

12 WHEN DOVES CRY

PRINCE - 1984

 

Prince has created many outstanding songs, and "When Doves Cry" is his magnum opus. The neo-psychedelic hit from his 'Purple Rain' film and soundtrack album creates an aural euphoria that few can match. This is 1 of the milestones in 80s R&B.

11 PAID IN FULL

ERIK B. & RAKIM - 1987

 

"Paid In Full" helped shape the hip-hop we hear today. Is influence is still growing and will only be more evident with the passing of more time.

More songs added next week.