1980: THE 200 GREATEST SONGS. 
This post: #170-161. 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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SOMETIMES A FANTASY Billy Joel

The final single lifted off ‘Glass Houses’, it reached #36 in America and #21 in Canada.

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TWO FACES HAVE I Ol’ 55

Lou Christie released the original hit version of this song in 1963. Australian group Ol’ 55 revived the sounds of 1950s rock. The band’s remake peaked 5 places higher in Australia than the original which climbed to #20.

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ISN’T IT TIME Boz Scaggs

This self-penned song was included on the ‘Middle Man’ album.

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DEEP INSIDE MY HEART Randy Meisner

As well as enjoying solo success, Randy Meisner was a member of the groups Eagles and Poco. This #22 US Hot 100 single features Kim Carnes on backup vocals. The track was produced by Val Garay who also handled production of her 1981 global smash “Bette Davis Eyes”.

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CARRIE Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard had been hitting the charts since the 1950s. He continued his impressive string of chart entries with this song. The single peaked at #4 in Britain and reached #34 in America. He co-produced the track with Terry Britten (who had co-written the song).

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INTO THE NIGHT Benny Mardones

This remains the only chart hit for the singer who passed away in 2020. On the Billboard US Hot 100, the single made the Top 20 twice: in 1980 and 1989.

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WALLS The Flowers

At the time, this Australian group was named The Flowers. The single was a Top 20 hit in Australia. Soon after its chart run, the group was renamed Icehouse (the same name as its parent album).

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GIVE ME A BREAK The Ritchie Family

This empowering song by the disco group was included on the ‘Can’t Stop The Music’ soundtrack album.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR Abba

This song from the Swedish group’s ‘Super Trouper’ album marked the end of the 1970s and the start of a new decade.

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SHE’S EVERYWHERE John Farnham

From the popular Australian performer’s first album in 5 years 'Uncovered', this single reflected his change of fortune. It seemed he was out of favour with the Australian public. He would persevere until a triumphant return to the top in 1986.