THE ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS updated: #70-61.
-->

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.

MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS updated: #80-71.

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

80 RELAX

FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD -1983

 

Producer Trevor Horn pulls out all the stops on this influential camp dance pop hit from FGTH. It was a watershed moment in 80s pop culture.

79 WALKING ON THIN ICE

YOKO ONO - 1981

 

It was walking home from the studio after recording this song by Ono that John Lennon was gunned down in December 1980. The track was years ahead of its time and the avant garde artist's experimental catalogue paved the way for the likes of Bjork, The B-52s and Sia as well as punk / new wave.

78 DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE

PUBLIC ENEMY -1988

 

The anthemic track from the group that shook up hip-hop forever.

77 TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT

SPANDAU BALLET - 1980

 

"To Cut A Long Story Short" was one of the early synth pop hits of the 1980s and announced the emergence of the "New Romantic" sub-genre.

76 LOVE MISSILE F1-11

SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK - 1986

 

Most of "Love Missile F1-11" centres around assorted sound effects and hints of influences from rock's past (such as "Summertime Blues", Elton Motello and glam). It certainly was a unique recording; vastly different from other singles produced by Giorgio Moroder. 

75 THE ONE I LOVE

R.E.M. - 1987

 

With "The One I Love", R.E.M. crossed over to the mainstream. Its simplicity is its endearing strength, although the lyrics reveal a more sinister theme. Finally, this fine group had arrived.

74 WITH OR WITHOUT YOU

U2 - 1987

 

Bono's dreamy vocals soar, matching the stunning power of The Edge's guitar skill on this majestic track.

73 BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE

TALKING HEADS - 1983

 

Talking Heads proved they were still evolving as a band with this hit. The inventive song kept the group relevant during the 1980s.

72 (YOU GOTTA) FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT (TO PARTY)

BEASTIE BOYS - 1986

 

An early crossover rap hit when the genre was a long way from being as popular as it would become in the 1990s and beyond. The Beastie Boys would prove to be one of the leading influences on hip-hop.

71 JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH

DEPECHE MODE - 1981

 

Before Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode to form Yazoo (aka Yaz) and, later, Erasure; he constructed a synth pop classic that bounces its way into your brain. An unforgettable early 80s party favourite from the era.

Another 10 songs added tomorrow.

MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS update #90-81.

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.

90 SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU

WHITNEY HOUSTON - 1985

By the time this torch song reached #1 around the world, it established Houston as 1 of the leading pop stars (and a breathtaking vocalist) of the decade. Her chart success continued gaining momentum in the ensuing years.

89 BAGGY TROUSERS

MADNESS - 1980

 

Ska married pop as Madness took the lead on bringing the genre to the mainstream. Upbeat, jolly tracks like this kept the band on the chart with its string of hits.

88 SMALLTOWN BOY

BRONSKI BEAT -1984

 

A plea for tolerance wrapped around a contemporary dance beat. Jimmy Somerville's lead vocals soar as he narrates the plight of too many gay youths. Accompanied by a confronting music video that challenged public opinion, no pop song had previously addressed gay issues this way. 

87 PLANET EARTH

DURAN DURAN - 1981

 

Duran Duran's 1st hit drew from the suave attitude of Roxy Music and Chic and mixed in the exciting new synth possibilities of 80s pop. Its futuristic feel added extra excitement.

86 MAD WORLD

TEARS FOR FEARS - 1982

 

Tears For Fears presented its music in an inventive way. This song has retained its quality thanks also to the stark and clever lyrics. 

85 VIENNA

ULTRAVOX - 1980

 

The new wave synth pop of Ultravox never stood apart from the rest as it does on "Vienna"; a lush aesthetic delight that creates a sense of elegance, beauty and timelessness. It remains 1 of the most visionary epics of the decade.

84 WHERE IS MY MIND?

THE PIXIES – 1988

 

The indie/ alternative rock of The Pixies ushered in a sound that saw this group pass the torch on to the likes of Radiohead, Nirvana, Blur, Good Charlotte, Ben Folds Five and Weezer.  

83 TAINTED LOVE

SOFT CELL – 1981

 

A groundbreaking remake of the Gloria Jones R&B 1965 classic. The synth pop reworking proved electronic music could convey passion and emotion.

82 MADAM BUTTERFLY

MALCOLM McCLAREN - 1984

 

A visionary combination of opera and electronic dance beats with R&B and rap. McLaren plays off soprano Betty Ann White with soul vocalist Debbie Cole. Synthesizers and sequencers are thrown in to create a gorgeous and inspired version of the aria "Un Bel Di Vedremo".

81 THE BOY IN THE BUBBLE

PAUL SIMON - 1986

 

An adventurous recording from Paul Simon who exposed many in the West to the delights of South African rhythms; blending these elements into a novel approach to crafting rock songs. 

Another 10 songs will be added next weekend.

MOST ESSENTIAL 80s SONGS update: #100 - 91.

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

100 BEAT IT

MICHAEL JACKSON -1982

 

Others had mixed R&B and dance with rock before (eg. Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff" and Kiss' "I Was Made For Lovin' You") but this used fresh new 80s sounds with an iconic riff from Eddie Van Halen.  

99 TEEN AGE RIOT

SONIC YOUTH - 1988

 

This alternative rock track ushered in one of the dominant sounds of the 1990s; paving the way for acts like Beck, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Weezer.

98 OH YEAH

YELLO -1985

 

The Swiss duo opened up a new aural soundscape with a unique approach to beats and electronica. "Oh Yeah" has been mined ever since by techno artists.

97 LOCOMOTION

KYLIE MINOGUE - 1987

 

This song first exploded in Australia, where the cute singer was starring in the TV soap "Neighbours". It was reworked for the UK and beyond, using a production by the Stock, Aitken & Waterman team. By the end of the decade, Kylie was a bona fide pop sensation, amassing a further 3 British #1s among a total of 8 singles that finished in the Top 2 positions there.

96 SHE SELLS SANCTUARY

THE CULT - 1985

 

New wave and psychedelic heavy rock were fused in a novel way for the 1980s, opening doors for groups such as Creed, Stone Temple Pilots and Queens of the Stone Age.

95 LIVIN' ON A PRAYER

BON JOVI - 1986

 

The Springsteen-lite approach to rock only widened the appeal of Bon Jovi.  Audiences, still drawn to the tale of Tommy & Gina, have ensured "Livin' on a Prayer" remains an iconic crowd favourite.

94 CARELESS WHISPER

GEORGE MICHAEL - 1984

 

The success of this single proved George Michael as a soloist could surpass the popularity of Wham! He has been a major pop act in his own right since. His music matured and moved closer to blue-eyed soul / R&B.

93 LIKE A VIRGIN

MADONNA - 1984

 

Madonna had scored hit singles prior to "Like A Virgin"; but the song marked a line in the sand. This smash propelled her to superstar status, courting a new (higher) level of controversy which has followed her since. A key moment in 80s pop.

92 SUN CITY

ARTISTS UNITED AGAINST APARTHEID - 1985

 

George Harrison's 'Concert For Bangladesh' in the 1970s was a seminal charity project where musicians united to exercise their social conscience. This culminated in 1984-5 with Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas", USA for Africa's "We Are The World" and Live Aid. "Sun City" took another approach to musical activism. The artists involved not only protested South Africa's apartheid system but also declared their refusal to play for generous payments at the United Nations-boycotted resort. Led by Steven Van Zandt, others involved included Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Pat Benatar, Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, Peter Garrett, Bob Geldof, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Keith Richards, Run D.M.C., Lou Reed and Bonnie Raitt.

91 FAST CAR

TRACY CHAPMAN - 1988

 

Ushering in a revival of the introspective singer/ songwriter and folk music, Tracy Chapman's debut album was a provocative contrast to the excesses of 80s pop. "Fast Car" reflected the hopelessness of the era.

Another 10 songs will be added tomorrow.

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#29 FANTASY

EARTH, WIND & FIRE

(1977)

Writers: Maurice White; Eduardo del Barrio & Verdine White

Earth, Wind and Fire took its listeners on a celestial journey with the glorious hit single "Fantasy", a track lifted off the 1977 album 'All 'N All'. Recorded in Hollywood, California that same year, pivotal group member Maurice White produced the cut. The lofty vocals display Philip Bailey's immense talent as a singer. 
In the USA, the single climbed to #12 on the R&B chart and reached #32 Pop. On the British chart, it peaked at #14. It was also a hit single in Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden. In 1990, house act Black Box returned "Fantasy" to the charts with a remake. Its cover version fared even better, reaching the Top 5 in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Austria.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 2 new songs from the remaining Top 100 are added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1873 I WANNA SEX YOU UP Color Me Badd
"I Wanna Sex You Up", a blue-eyed soul hit by boy band Color Me Badd from the 'New Jack City' film soundtrack; was written and produced by Dr Freeze (aka Eliot Straite). In 1991, the single reached #1 in Britain and New Zealand. It peaked at #2 in the USA and 4 in Australia.

#1874 THE LEDGE Fleetwood Mac
"Ledge" was 1 of the songs contributed by group member Lindsey Buckingham for Fleetwood Mac to record as part of the double album 'Tusk'. That project was unleashed in 1979. "The Ledge" is a brief track, running for just over 2 minutes.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each other weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1871 JUST BE GOOD TO ME S.O.S. Band
A key song in 80s funk/ R&B, "Just Be Good To Me" was a hit on the American Dance & Soul charts in 1983. The influential track was written and produced by the team of Jimmy Jam (aka James Harris III) and Terry Lewis. 

#1872 LADY IN BLUE Joe Dolan
Irish singer Joe Dolan scored some hit singles such as "Lady In Blue"; sung in the style of Tom Jones and Tony Christie. The 1975 chart entry was written by Roberto Danova and Peter Yellowstone. The former also produced the camp recording.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1869 YOU GOTTA BE Des'ree
The smooth vocals of Des'ree create a special ambiance on her 1994 single "You Gotta Be". She co-wrote the lush track with its producer Ashley Ingram. This remains 1 of her signature pop/ soul songs.

#1870 FOREVER AUTUMN Jeff Wayne featuring Justin Hayward & Richard Burton
The touching ballad from the phenomenal 1978 musical adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic "The War of the Worlds" features Justin Hayward (from The Moody Blues) and narration from Richard Burton. The song was written by Wayne with Gary Osborne and Paul Vigrass.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each other weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#30 GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

ELTON JOHN

(1973)

Writers: Elton John & Bernie Taupin

Beautifully constructed, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is a wonderful song that serves as the title track to 1 of Elton John's best albums. Like the single, that LP was unleashed in 1973. Vocally, this is 1 of John's most difficult to deliver, with all the high notes. Members of his studio band (and touring musicians) assist on backing vocals.
The 1st track lifted off the album as a single was the rock song "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting". Its follow-up was "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". This single reached #1 in Canada. On the British chart, it peaked at #6. The disc proved more popular in the US, where it made the runner-up position. The single also made the Top 10 in Australia, Ireland, Norway and South Africa.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 2 new songs from the remaining Top 100 are added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.