Cold Hearted – Paula Abdul
Released in June 1989 as the fifth single from Paula Abdul’s blockbuster debut album Forever Your Girl, “Cold Hearted” became one of the defining…
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– Pop
The Tide Is High – Blondie
Not every great hit begins as a chart-topping success. Sometimes a song quietly waits years before the right artist comes along and introduces it…
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Mickey – Toni Basil
Very few pop songs are recognizable from the very first shouted word. Yet all it takes is someone yelling “Oh Mickey!” and almost everyone…
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I Ran (So Far Away) – A Flock of Seagulls
When people think of the sound of the early 1980s, a handful of songs immediately come to mind. Among them is A Flock of…
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Crazy for You – Madonna
By 1985, Madonna had already established herself as one of pop music’s brightest new stars. Hits like “Holiday,” “Lucky Star,” “Borderline,” and “Material Girl”…
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True – Spandau Ballet
Certain songs instantly transport listeners to another time. A single piano chord or saxophone phrase is enough to evoke memories of slow dances, late-night…
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Islands in the Stream – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
Some duets sound good on paper. Others create magic the moment the singers step up to the microphone. “Islands in the Stream,” the unforgettable…
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Our House – Madness
Few songs capture the warmth, chaos, and charm of family life quite like Madness’ “Our House.” Released in 1982, the upbeat pop classic became…
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Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles
Few songs capture the playful spirit of the 1980s quite like The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian.” Released in 1986, the quirky pop hit…
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It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me – Billy Joel
Every generation believes it has discovered something completely new. Music changes, fashions evolve, and critics eagerly declare the latest trend to be the future.…
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The Power of Love – Huey Lewis and the News
Some songs become hit singles. Others become movie songs. Very few manage to become permanently linked with one of the greatest films ever made.…
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The Longest Time – Billy Joel
Some songs impress with dazzling guitar solos. Others rely on elaborate studio production or massive orchestras. Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” accomplished something entirely…
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Our Lips Are Sealed – The Go-Go’s
Some songs sparkle with an energy that instantly transports listeners to another time and place. The Go-Go’s “Our Lips Are Sealed” is one of…
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Manic Monday – The Bangles
Very few songs have managed to make the first day of the workweek sound fun, but “Manic Monday” accomplished exactly that. Released in 1986,…
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1999 – Prince
Long before the calendar actually turned to the year 1999, Prince had already made it one of the most famous dates in music history.…
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The Winner Takes It All – ABBA
By 1980, ABBA had already conquered the world. The Swedish quartet had spent most of the previous decade producing an incredible string of international…
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Straight Up – Paula Abdul
Before “Straight Up,” Paula Abdul was known primarily as one of the hottest choreographers in the music business. She had created memorable dance routines…
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Gloria – Laura Branigan
Some songs explode onto the charts and disappear just as quickly. Others slowly build a reputation before becoming cultural landmarks. Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” belongs…
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Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna
Madonna was already the biggest female pop star in the world by the summer of 1986, but she wasn’t interested in playing it safe.…
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Dirty Diana – Michael Jackson
When people think of Michael Jackson, they often picture infectious dance hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” or “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”…
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Whip It – Devo
Some songs become hits because they follow the rules. “Whip It” became a hit because it ignored nearly all of them. Released in 1980…
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Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
When most people think of Cyndi Lauper’s breakthrough album She’s So Unusual, energetic hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “She Bop”…
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Escape (The Pina Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes
Some songs are remembered for their unforgettable melodies. Others endure because they tell a story listeners never forget. “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by…
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Rock With You – Michael Jackson
Before Thriller became the biggest-selling album in history and before Michael Jackson transformed music videos into cinematic events, there was “Rock with You.” Released…
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