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A brief daily refuge from the extreme darkness of the current moment. Counting down the 365 Best Songs of the 80s, one day at a time.
BEST 80s #1 “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Sex, paranoia & a throbbing beat. Jackson moonwalked to mega-stardom with his Quincy Jones-produced pop-disco smash inspired by a deranged stalker. “Billie Jean” paces the shadowy edges of the dance floor but can’t avoid the spotlight: it’s #1 of the 80s!
Sex, paranoia & a throbbing beat. Jackson moonwalked to mega-stardom with his Quincy Jones-produced pop-disco smash inspired by a deranged stalker. “Billie Jean” paces the shadowy edges of the dance floor but can’t avoid the spotlight: it’s #1 of the 80s!
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (Official Video)
YouTube video by michaeljacksonVEVO
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December 31, 2025 at 12:38 PM
BEST 80s #1 “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Sex, paranoia & a throbbing beat. Jackson moonwalked to mega-stardom with his Quincy Jones-produced pop-disco smash inspired by a deranged stalker. “Billie Jean” paces the shadowy edges of the dance floor but can’t avoid the spotlight: it’s #1 of the 80s!
Sex, paranoia & a throbbing beat. Jackson moonwalked to mega-stardom with his Quincy Jones-produced pop-disco smash inspired by a deranged stalker. “Billie Jean” paces the shadowy edges of the dance floor but can’t avoid the spotlight: it’s #1 of the 80s!
BEST 80s #2 “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Sting wrote and delivered the lyrics with sinister intent but many in the public heard a love song. Andy Summers’ guitar riff, alongside Steward Copeland’s sharp drumming, creates a hypnotic effect; a filling dish from just a few perfect ingredients.
Sting wrote and delivered the lyrics with sinister intent but many in the public heard a love song. Andy Summers’ guitar riff, alongside Steward Copeland’s sharp drumming, creates a hypnotic effect; a filling dish from just a few perfect ingredients.
The Police - Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by ThePoliceVEVO
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December 30, 2025 at 12:05 PM
BEST 80s #2 “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Sting wrote and delivered the lyrics with sinister intent but many in the public heard a love song. Andy Summers’ guitar riff, alongside Steward Copeland’s sharp drumming, creates a hypnotic effect; a filling dish from just a few perfect ingredients.
Sting wrote and delivered the lyrics with sinister intent but many in the public heard a love song. Andy Summers’ guitar riff, alongside Steward Copeland’s sharp drumming, creates a hypnotic effect; a filling dish from just a few perfect ingredients.
BEST 80s #3 “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
The greatest debut of the 80s, “Girls” is an amusement park ride on record, a party celebrating sunny equality. From its opening synthesizer skid, the song soars skyward; Lauper’s vocals wild with abandon atop a thick, riotous pogo-stick beat.
The greatest debut of the 80s, “Girls” is an amusement park ride on record, a party celebrating sunny equality. From its opening synthesizer skid, the song soars skyward; Lauper’s vocals wild with abandon atop a thick, riotous pogo-stick beat.
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Official Video)
YouTube video by CyndiLauperVEVO
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December 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
BEST 80s #3 “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
The greatest debut of the 80s, “Girls” is an amusement park ride on record, a party celebrating sunny equality. From its opening synthesizer skid, the song soars skyward; Lauper’s vocals wild with abandon atop a thick, riotous pogo-stick beat.
The greatest debut of the 80s, “Girls” is an amusement park ride on record, a party celebrating sunny equality. From its opening synthesizer skid, the song soars skyward; Lauper’s vocals wild with abandon atop a thick, riotous pogo-stick beat.
BEST 80s #4 “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
Announced with ‘galactic’ gong sounds from a Synclaver synthesizer, “Beat It” is an event from beginning to end. Jackson delivers a layered vocal, threatening & fearful, over a scorching Eddie Van Halen guitar showstopper & a rock-hard dance beat from Toto.
Announced with ‘galactic’ gong sounds from a Synclaver synthesizer, “Beat It” is an event from beginning to end. Jackson delivers a layered vocal, threatening & fearful, over a scorching Eddie Van Halen guitar showstopper & a rock-hard dance beat from Toto.
Michael Jackson - Beat It (Official 4K Video)
YouTube video by michaeljacksonVEVO
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December 28, 2025 at 1:52 PM
BEST 80s #4 “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
Announced with ‘galactic’ gong sounds from a Synclaver synthesizer, “Beat It” is an event from beginning to end. Jackson delivers a layered vocal, threatening & fearful, over a scorching Eddie Van Halen guitar showstopper & a rock-hard dance beat from Toto.
Announced with ‘galactic’ gong sounds from a Synclaver synthesizer, “Beat It” is an event from beginning to end. Jackson delivers a layered vocal, threatening & fearful, over a scorching Eddie Van Halen guitar showstopper & a rock-hard dance beat from Toto.
BEST 80s #5 “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
A riveting folk song that freezes time to share desperate dreams rarely confessed on pop radio. Chapman was an immediate sensation with her simple, direct delivery and heartfelt hopes: a job, a home, a chance to “be someone” before we “live and die this way.”
A riveting folk song that freezes time to share desperate dreams rarely confessed on pop radio. Chapman was an immediate sensation with her simple, direct delivery and heartfelt hopes: a job, a home, a chance to “be someone” before we “live and die this way.”
Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Tracy Chapman
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December 27, 2025 at 12:53 PM
BEST 80s #5 “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
A riveting folk song that freezes time to share desperate dreams rarely confessed on pop radio. Chapman was an immediate sensation with her simple, direct delivery and heartfelt hopes: a job, a home, a chance to “be someone” before we “live and die this way.”
A riveting folk song that freezes time to share desperate dreams rarely confessed on pop radio. Chapman was an immediate sensation with her simple, direct delivery and heartfelt hopes: a job, a home, a chance to “be someone” before we “live and die this way.”
BEST 80s #6 “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Straddling the sacred and the sensual, the track begins with a jagged guitar riff by Prince & then abruptly transforms into a sweet hymn. Madonna’s broken & affecting take on the word “home” makes the arrival of the supportive choir feel like a rescue mission.
Straddling the sacred and the sensual, the track begins with a jagged guitar riff by Prince & then abruptly transforms into a sweet hymn. Madonna’s broken & affecting take on the word “home” makes the arrival of the supportive choir feel like a rescue mission.
Madonna - Like A Prayer (Official Video)
YouTube video by Madonna
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December 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
BEST 80s #6 “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Straddling the sacred and the sensual, the track begins with a jagged guitar riff by Prince & then abruptly transforms into a sweet hymn. Madonna’s broken & affecting take on the word “home” makes the arrival of the supportive choir feel like a rescue mission.
Straddling the sacred and the sensual, the track begins with a jagged guitar riff by Prince & then abruptly transforms into a sweet hymn. Madonna’s broken & affecting take on the word “home” makes the arrival of the supportive choir feel like a rescue mission.
BEST 80s #7 “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns ‘n Roses
Axl Rose sings a virtuoso tribute to girlfriend Erin Everly. Noodling on the guitar, Slash came up with the opening earworm & the band built a beast around it, including the “where do we go now?” breakdown/breather that follows a 2nd Slash ripper.
Axl Rose sings a virtuoso tribute to girlfriend Erin Everly. Noodling on the guitar, Slash came up with the opening earworm & the band built a beast around it, including the “where do we go now?” breakdown/breather that follows a 2nd Slash ripper.
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by GunsNRosesVEVO
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December 25, 2025 at 11:44 AM
BEST 80s #7 “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns ‘n Roses
Axl Rose sings a virtuoso tribute to girlfriend Erin Everly. Noodling on the guitar, Slash came up with the opening earworm & the band built a beast around it, including the “where do we go now?” breakdown/breather that follows a 2nd Slash ripper.
Axl Rose sings a virtuoso tribute to girlfriend Erin Everly. Noodling on the guitar, Slash came up with the opening earworm & the band built a beast around it, including the “where do we go now?” breakdown/breather that follows a 2nd Slash ripper.
BEST 80s #8 “When Doves Cry” by Prince
The guitar writhes against an insistent beat. Prince enters, briefly agonized, then sharply focused: we’ll dream our way out of the darkness. To a militant rhythm, he seduces, he reveals, he accuses, he begs, he spins a tornado of emotion & he coolly departs.
The guitar writhes against an insistent beat. Prince enters, briefly agonized, then sharply focused: we’ll dream our way out of the darkness. To a militant rhythm, he seduces, he reveals, he accuses, he begs, he spins a tornado of emotion & he coolly departs.
Prince and the Revolution - When Doves Cry (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Prince
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December 24, 2025 at 12:33 PM
BEST 80s #8 “When Doves Cry” by Prince
The guitar writhes against an insistent beat. Prince enters, briefly agonized, then sharply focused: we’ll dream our way out of the darkness. To a militant rhythm, he seduces, he reveals, he accuses, he begs, he spins a tornado of emotion & he coolly departs.
The guitar writhes against an insistent beat. Prince enters, briefly agonized, then sharply focused: we’ll dream our way out of the darkness. To a militant rhythm, he seduces, he reveals, he accuses, he begs, he spins a tornado of emotion & he coolly departs.
BEST 80s #9 “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen
A punchy pep-talk from deep inside a rut, “Dancing” lifts its downcast hero closer and closer to happy, thanks to Springsteen’s steadily more hopeful vocals, a Clarence Clemons subtly celebratory sax, and that inspiring, recurring synth riff.
A punchy pep-talk from deep inside a rut, “Dancing” lifts its downcast hero closer and closer to happy, thanks to Springsteen’s steadily more hopeful vocals, a Clarence Clemons subtly celebratory sax, and that inspiring, recurring synth riff.
Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In the Dark (Official Video)
YouTube video by BruceSpringsteenVEVO
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December 23, 2025 at 12:29 PM
BEST 80s #9 “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen
A punchy pep-talk from deep inside a rut, “Dancing” lifts its downcast hero closer and closer to happy, thanks to Springsteen’s steadily more hopeful vocals, a Clarence Clemons subtly celebratory sax, and that inspiring, recurring synth riff.
A punchy pep-talk from deep inside a rut, “Dancing” lifts its downcast hero closer and closer to happy, thanks to Springsteen’s steadily more hopeful vocals, a Clarence Clemons subtly celebratory sax, and that inspiring, recurring synth riff.
BEST 80s #10 “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
Theatrical & bombastic, Bonnie Tyler sinks her teeth and her rasp into Jim Steinman’s stormy melodrama. Lonely piano, crashing drums, booming synths, & Rory Dodd’s eerie back-up creates a howling romantic implosion - and a singular smash.
Theatrical & bombastic, Bonnie Tyler sinks her teeth and her rasp into Jim Steinman’s stormy melodrama. Lonely piano, crashing drums, booming synths, & Rory Dodd’s eerie back-up creates a howling romantic implosion - and a singular smash.
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart (Turn Around) (Official Video)
YouTube video by bonnietylerVEVO
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December 22, 2025 at 12:40 PM
BEST 80s #10 “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
Theatrical & bombastic, Bonnie Tyler sinks her teeth and her rasp into Jim Steinman’s stormy melodrama. Lonely piano, crashing drums, booming synths, & Rory Dodd’s eerie back-up creates a howling romantic implosion - and a singular smash.
Theatrical & bombastic, Bonnie Tyler sinks her teeth and her rasp into Jim Steinman’s stormy melodrama. Lonely piano, crashing drums, booming synths, & Rory Dodd’s eerie back-up creates a howling romantic implosion - and a singular smash.
BEST 80s #11 “Purple Rain” by Prince & the Revolution
Prince visualized purple rain falling at world’s end and composed an anthem for those final moments: hypnotic, cathartic, and grand. It’s a masterful 8:42 that grew out of a six-hour Revolution recording session, and every second feels essential.
Prince visualized purple rain falling at world’s end and composed an anthem for those final moments: hypnotic, cathartic, and grand. It’s a masterful 8:42 that grew out of a six-hour Revolution recording session, and every second feels essential.
Prince - Purple Rain (Official Video)
YouTube video by The Codfather
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December 21, 2025 at 11:55 AM
BEST 80s #11 “Purple Rain” by Prince & the Revolution
Prince visualized purple rain falling at world’s end and composed an anthem for those final moments: hypnotic, cathartic, and grand. It’s a masterful 8:42 that grew out of a six-hour Revolution recording session, and every second feels essential.
Prince visualized purple rain falling at world’s end and composed an anthem for those final moments: hypnotic, cathartic, and grand. It’s a masterful 8:42 that grew out of a six-hour Revolution recording session, and every second feels essential.
BEST 80s #12 “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley
Guitar chords sketch a melancholy late-fall vibe, summer a distant memory. Heartbreaker Mike Campbell wrote it with Henley, whose performance won a Grammy and whose sighting of a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac became a lasting symbol of time’s cruelty.
Guitar chords sketch a melancholy late-fall vibe, summer a distant memory. Heartbreaker Mike Campbell wrote it with Henley, whose performance won a Grammy and whose sighting of a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac became a lasting symbol of time’s cruelty.
Don Henley - The Boys Of Summer
YouTube video by DonHenleyVEVO
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December 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM
BEST 80s #12 “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley
Guitar chords sketch a melancholy late-fall vibe, summer a distant memory. Heartbreaker Mike Campbell wrote it with Henley, whose performance won a Grammy and whose sighting of a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac became a lasting symbol of time’s cruelty.
Guitar chords sketch a melancholy late-fall vibe, summer a distant memory. Heartbreaker Mike Campbell wrote it with Henley, whose performance won a Grammy and whose sighting of a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac became a lasting symbol of time’s cruelty.
BEST 80s #13 “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” by Tina Turner
The song arrives with a pulsing beat & quizzical flourishes: the stage set for Tina, wise & weary. With a heartbroken rasp, she denies that what she’s feeling could be healing. A stellar blend of backstory & performance; a comeback smash.
The song arrives with a pulsing beat & quizzical flourishes: the stage set for Tina, wise & weary. With a heartbroken rasp, she denies that what she’s feeling could be healing. A stellar blend of backstory & performance; a comeback smash.
Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]
YouTube video by Tina Turner Videos
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December 19, 2025 at 12:07 PM
BEST 80s #13 “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” by Tina Turner
The song arrives with a pulsing beat & quizzical flourishes: the stage set for Tina, wise & weary. With a heartbroken rasp, she denies that what she’s feeling could be healing. A stellar blend of backstory & performance; a comeback smash.
The song arrives with a pulsing beat & quizzical flourishes: the stage set for Tina, wise & weary. With a heartbroken rasp, she denies that what she’s feeling could be healing. A stellar blend of backstory & performance; a comeback smash.
BEST 80s #14 “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
Over a soothing music bed with a subtle tick-tock rhythm, Cyndi Lauper delivers a heartfelt message with charisma & sincerity. Co-written with Hooter Rob Hyman, the track, with its memorable “suitcase of memories,” is timeless. It was her first #1 hit.
Over a soothing music bed with a subtle tick-tock rhythm, Cyndi Lauper delivers a heartfelt message with charisma & sincerity. Co-written with Hooter Rob Hyman, the track, with its memorable “suitcase of memories,” is timeless. It was her first #1 hit.
Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (Official HD Video)
YouTube video by CyndiLauperVEVO
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December 18, 2025 at 11:47 AM
BEST 80s #14 “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
Over a soothing music bed with a subtle tick-tock rhythm, Cyndi Lauper delivers a heartfelt message with charisma & sincerity. Co-written with Hooter Rob Hyman, the track, with its memorable “suitcase of memories,” is timeless. It was her first #1 hit.
Over a soothing music bed with a subtle tick-tock rhythm, Cyndi Lauper delivers a heartfelt message with charisma & sincerity. Co-written with Hooter Rob Hyman, the track, with its memorable “suitcase of memories,” is timeless. It was her first #1 hit.
BEST 80s #15 “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys
An eerie dance mood piece from former music critic Neil Tennant & synth whiz Chris Lowe. Packed with atmosphere from its opening lines, “West End Girls” launched one of the longest-running quality careers in pop history, even if America bailed early.
An eerie dance mood piece from former music critic Neil Tennant & synth whiz Chris Lowe. Packed with atmosphere from its opening lines, “West End Girls” launched one of the longest-running quality careers in pop history, even if America bailed early.
Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls (Official Video) [HD REMASTERED]
YouTube video by PetShopBoys Parlophone
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December 17, 2025 at 11:41 AM
BEST 80s #15 “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys
An eerie dance mood piece from former music critic Neil Tennant & synth whiz Chris Lowe. Packed with atmosphere from its opening lines, “West End Girls” launched one of the longest-running quality careers in pop history, even if America bailed early.
An eerie dance mood piece from former music critic Neil Tennant & synth whiz Chris Lowe. Packed with atmosphere from its opening lines, “West End Girls” launched one of the longest-running quality careers in pop history, even if America bailed early.
BEST 80s #16 “Don’t You Want Me?” by Human League
Philip Oakey thought his “Star Is Born” inspired duet with Susan Ann Sulley was a throwaway & fought its release as the 4th single from the “Dare” LP. Today, he allows he might have been wrong. The booming, biting synth track was a cinematic smash.
Philip Oakey thought his “Star Is Born” inspired duet with Susan Ann Sulley was a throwaway & fought its release as the 4th single from the “Dare” LP. Today, he allows he might have been wrong. The booming, biting synth track was a cinematic smash.
The Human League - Don't You Want Me (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by TheHumanLeagueVEVO
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December 16, 2025 at 11:40 AM
BEST 80s #16 “Don’t You Want Me?” by Human League
Philip Oakey thought his “Star Is Born” inspired duet with Susan Ann Sulley was a throwaway & fought its release as the 4th single from the “Dare” LP. Today, he allows he might have been wrong. The booming, biting synth track was a cinematic smash.
Philip Oakey thought his “Star Is Born” inspired duet with Susan Ann Sulley was a throwaway & fought its release as the 4th single from the “Dare” LP. Today, he allows he might have been wrong. The booming, biting synth track was a cinematic smash.
BEST 80s #17 “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘n Roses
Melodic metal with a manic beat, “Jungle” is about arriving in a city where you’re the welcome mat. The lyrics commemorate a homeless man’s greeting when Axl Rose got to L.A.: “You know where you are? You’re in the jungle baby, you’re gonna die!”
Melodic metal with a manic beat, “Jungle” is about arriving in a city where you’re the welcome mat. The lyrics commemorate a homeless man’s greeting when Axl Rose got to L.A.: “You know where you are? You’re in the jungle baby, you’re gonna die!”
Guns N' Roses - Welcome To The Jungle
YouTube video by GunsNRosesVEVO
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December 15, 2025 at 11:51 AM
BEST 80s #17 “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘n Roses
Melodic metal with a manic beat, “Jungle” is about arriving in a city where you’re the welcome mat. The lyrics commemorate a homeless man’s greeting when Axl Rose got to L.A.: “You know where you are? You’re in the jungle baby, you’re gonna die!”
Melodic metal with a manic beat, “Jungle” is about arriving in a city where you’re the welcome mat. The lyrics commemorate a homeless man’s greeting when Axl Rose got to L.A.: “You know where you are? You’re in the jungle baby, you’re gonna die!”
BEST 80s #18 “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes
Spooky, rippling synths & a driving beat set the stage for a captivating temptress, “pure as New York snow.” Keyboard player Bill Cuomo came up with the shimmering riff; Carnes’ raspy vocal is filled with teasing admiration. The screen legend sent roses.
Spooky, rippling synths & a driving beat set the stage for a captivating temptress, “pure as New York snow.” Keyboard player Bill Cuomo came up with the shimmering riff; Carnes’ raspy vocal is filled with teasing admiration. The screen legend sent roses.
Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
YouTube video by KimCarnesVEVO
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December 14, 2025 at 11:49 AM
BEST 80s #18 “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes
Spooky, rippling synths & a driving beat set the stage for a captivating temptress, “pure as New York snow.” Keyboard player Bill Cuomo came up with the shimmering riff; Carnes’ raspy vocal is filled with teasing admiration. The screen legend sent roses.
Spooky, rippling synths & a driving beat set the stage for a captivating temptress, “pure as New York snow.” Keyboard player Bill Cuomo came up with the shimmering riff; Carnes’ raspy vocal is filled with teasing admiration. The screen legend sent roses.
BEST 80s #19 “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
Lou Gramm’s ardent vocal is a lighthouse calling the lonely & when he’s joined by the New Jersey Mass Choir & Jennifer Holliday, the surge of emotion is hard-earned. Mick Jones wrote it at 3 a.m. & deems it a gift delivered from another realm.
Lou Gramm’s ardent vocal is a lighthouse calling the lonely & when he’s joined by the New Jersey Mass Choir & Jennifer Holliday, the surge of emotion is hard-earned. Mick Jones wrote it at 3 a.m. & deems it a gift delivered from another realm.
Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by RHINO
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December 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM
BEST 80s #19 “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
Lou Gramm’s ardent vocal is a lighthouse calling the lonely & when he’s joined by the New Jersey Mass Choir & Jennifer Holliday, the surge of emotion is hard-earned. Mick Jones wrote it at 3 a.m. & deems it a gift delivered from another realm.
Lou Gramm’s ardent vocal is a lighthouse calling the lonely & when he’s joined by the New Jersey Mass Choir & Jennifer Holliday, the surge of emotion is hard-earned. Mick Jones wrote it at 3 a.m. & deems it a gift delivered from another realm.
BEST 80s #20 “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics
“Everybody’s looking for something” on the Eurythmics’ massive debut hit. Dave Stewart, who composed the relentless synthesizer riff, thought it needed hope, so Annie Lennox added the encouraging tip “hold your head up, keep your head up.”
“Everybody’s looking for something” on the Eurythmics’ massive debut hit. Dave Stewart, who composed the relentless synthesizer riff, thought it needed hope, so Annie Lennox added the encouraging tip “hold your head up, keep your head up.”
Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Official Video)
YouTube video by EurythmicsVEVO
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December 12, 2025 at 11:40 AM
BEST 80s #20 “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics
“Everybody’s looking for something” on the Eurythmics’ massive debut hit. Dave Stewart, who composed the relentless synthesizer riff, thought it needed hope, so Annie Lennox added the encouraging tip “hold your head up, keep your head up.”
“Everybody’s looking for something” on the Eurythmics’ massive debut hit. Dave Stewart, who composed the relentless synthesizer riff, thought it needed hope, so Annie Lennox added the encouraging tip “hold your head up, keep your head up.”
BEST 80s #21 “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
Like Stevie Wonder’s “Living in the City” coda expanded to full-length feature. Over a hypnotic rhythm track, Melle Mel & Duke Bootee trade you-are-there horrors. The refrain says it all: “Don’t push me, cause I’m close to the edge.”
Like Stevie Wonder’s “Living in the City” coda expanded to full-length feature. Over a hypnotic rhythm track, Melle Mel & Duke Bootee trade you-are-there horrors. The refrain says it all: “Don’t push me, cause I’m close to the edge.”
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - The Message (Official Video)
YouTube video by UPROXX
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December 11, 2025 at 11:46 AM
BEST 80s #21 “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
Like Stevie Wonder’s “Living in the City” coda expanded to full-length feature. Over a hypnotic rhythm track, Melle Mel & Duke Bootee trade you-are-there horrors. The refrain says it all: “Don’t push me, cause I’m close to the edge.”
Like Stevie Wonder’s “Living in the City” coda expanded to full-length feature. Over a hypnotic rhythm track, Melle Mel & Duke Bootee trade you-are-there horrors. The refrain says it all: “Don’t push me, cause I’m close to the edge.”
BEST 80s #22 “Whip It” by Devo
A motivational pep talk from outer space with spaced-out lyrics and an insanely catchy guitar-synth hook, “Whip It” was inspired by Devo’s wish to inspire Jimmy Carter in his doomed presidential race against Ronald Reagan, but rumors of a self-pleasure theme dominated.
A motivational pep talk from outer space with spaced-out lyrics and an insanely catchy guitar-synth hook, “Whip It” was inspired by Devo’s wish to inspire Jimmy Carter in his doomed presidential race against Ronald Reagan, but rumors of a self-pleasure theme dominated.
Devo - Whip It (Official Music Video) | Warner Vault
YouTube video by Warner Records Vault
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December 10, 2025 at 11:52 AM
BEST 80s #22 “Whip It” by Devo
A motivational pep talk from outer space with spaced-out lyrics and an insanely catchy guitar-synth hook, “Whip It” was inspired by Devo’s wish to inspire Jimmy Carter in his doomed presidential race against Ronald Reagan, but rumors of a self-pleasure theme dominated.
A motivational pep talk from outer space with spaced-out lyrics and an insanely catchy guitar-synth hook, “Whip It” was inspired by Devo’s wish to inspire Jimmy Carter in his doomed presidential race against Ronald Reagan, but rumors of a self-pleasure theme dominated.
BEST 80s #23 “Call Me” by Blondie
No one mixed rock aggression & disco hedonism better than Giorgio “Hot Stuff” Morodor, and for the “American Gigolo” theme, he built a monster track to unleash Blondie’s Debbie Harry upon. Electrifying and fearless, she drove the track to the top of the charts.
No one mixed rock aggression & disco hedonism better than Giorgio “Hot Stuff” Morodor, and for the “American Gigolo” theme, he built a monster track to unleash Blondie’s Debbie Harry upon. Electrifying and fearless, she drove the track to the top of the charts.
Blondie - Call me
YouTube video by BlondieVEVO
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December 9, 2025 at 11:31 AM
BEST 80s #23 “Call Me” by Blondie
No one mixed rock aggression & disco hedonism better than Giorgio “Hot Stuff” Morodor, and for the “American Gigolo” theme, he built a monster track to unleash Blondie’s Debbie Harry upon. Electrifying and fearless, she drove the track to the top of the charts.
No one mixed rock aggression & disco hedonism better than Giorgio “Hot Stuff” Morodor, and for the “American Gigolo” theme, he built a monster track to unleash Blondie’s Debbie Harry upon. Electrifying and fearless, she drove the track to the top of the charts.
BEST 80s #24 “Jump” by Van Halen
A synthesizer hook could’ve been a leap too far for the guitar-focused rockers, but it was Eddie himself who came up with the central “Jump” riff. David Lee Roth credits roadie Larry Hostler with helping him shape the song’s rousing ‘just get up and do it!’ message.
A synthesizer hook could’ve been a leap too far for the guitar-focused rockers, but it was Eddie himself who came up with the central “Jump” riff. David Lee Roth credits roadie Larry Hostler with helping him shape the song’s rousing ‘just get up and do it!’ message.
Van Halen - Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]
YouTube video by Van Halen
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December 8, 2025 at 11:44 AM
BEST 80s #24 “Jump” by Van Halen
A synthesizer hook could’ve been a leap too far for the guitar-focused rockers, but it was Eddie himself who came up with the central “Jump” riff. David Lee Roth credits roadie Larry Hostler with helping him shape the song’s rousing ‘just get up and do it!’ message.
A synthesizer hook could’ve been a leap too far for the guitar-focused rockers, but it was Eddie himself who came up with the central “Jump” riff. David Lee Roth credits roadie Larry Hostler with helping him shape the song’s rousing ‘just get up and do it!’ message.
BEST 80s #25 “I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan
A four-star all-star affair: Chaka’s version of Prince’s song has soaring, sunny vocals, a popping-and-locking break-beat, Stevie’s harmonica & “Fingertips,” and Melle Mel’s rap & his iconic intro - an Arif Mardin production error turned perfect mistake.
A four-star all-star affair: Chaka’s version of Prince’s song has soaring, sunny vocals, a popping-and-locking break-beat, Stevie’s harmonica & “Fingertips,” and Melle Mel’s rap & his iconic intro - an Arif Mardin production error turned perfect mistake.
Chaka Khan - I Feel for You (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]
YouTube video by Chaka Khan
m.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:45 PM
BEST 80s #25 “I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan
A four-star all-star affair: Chaka’s version of Prince’s song has soaring, sunny vocals, a popping-and-locking break-beat, Stevie’s harmonica & “Fingertips,” and Melle Mel’s rap & his iconic intro - an Arif Mardin production error turned perfect mistake.
A four-star all-star affair: Chaka’s version of Prince’s song has soaring, sunny vocals, a popping-and-locking break-beat, Stevie’s harmonica & “Fingertips,” and Melle Mel’s rap & his iconic intro - an Arif Mardin production error turned perfect mistake.