Top 200 Songs of the '80s

1. Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)

2008-04-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Found On: Speaking In Tongues (1983)

What does it mean to feel at home? Talking Heads manage to answer the question by being charmingly oblique and disarmingly direct all at once. Musically, the song feels like home should: warm, relaxed and familiar.

2. Madonna - Borderline

2008-04-15T15:07:00.002-07:00

Found On: Madonna (1983)
Picked By: MT

Something in the way this song sounds just won't let me be. I don't want to be its prisoner, but I don't really want to be free either.

3. O.M.D. - If You Leave

2008-04-15T15:07:00.001-07:00

Found On: Pretty In Pink (1986)

Duckie and Andy at the prom, the fateful reunion with Blaine in the parking lot, "I always believed in you." Nuff said.

4. B-52s - Roam

2008-04-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Found On: Cosmic Thing (1989)

Though it’s a far cry from their Rock Lobster roots and doesn’t even feature signature hype man Fred Schneider on vocals, this is a beauty. With Debbie and Cindy harmonizing over a hand-clappy arrangement, the song could easily have been a ‘60s hit. And you'll not find a better road trippin' song.

5. Dire Straits - Romeo & Juliet

2008-04-15T15:05:00.002-07:00

Found On: Making Movies (1980)

When you listen to the lyrics of this song you see a love affair play out before your eyes. The melody is all over the place, but somehow completely in synch with the story the song tells. It’s tried and true, worth singing and swaying to every time, a fact displayed by the many artists that have covered it. - SB

6. U2 - With Or Without You

2008-04-15T15:05:00.001-07:00

Found On: The Joshua Tree (1986)

This is what it’s like to fall for someone you know is bad news.

7. They Might Be Giants - Don't Let's Start

2008-04-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Found On: They Might Be Giants (1986)
Picked By: SA

Jittery nerd rock at its finest. Beside fun nonsense lyrics like “wake up and smell the cat food in your bank account” stands a surprisingly dark sentiment: “No one in the world ever gets what they want and that is beautiful / Everybody dies frustrated and sad, and that is beautiful.”

8. Squeeze – Tempted

2008-04-15T15:03:00.001-07:00

Found On: East Side Story (1981)
Picked By: EV

So Paul Carrack steps in on two very talented vocalists (Difford and Tilbrook) and gives Squeeze their most soulful, memorable and beloved song ever. Not quite fair, but there’s no crying in rock ‘n’ roll.

9. Prince and the Revolution - Raspberry Beret

2008-04-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Found On: Around The World In A Day (1985)

A Dylanish story song about Prince’s first time getting it on. I wouldn’t change a note, ‘cause, baby, it’s the most.

10. Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine

2008-04-15T14:59:00.002-07:00

Found On: Appetite For Destruction (1987)
Picked By: SB

Oh Axel, you old softie. We’d never hear that crazy mo-fo be more honest, open, nostalgic, romantic and vulnerable than he was on this super-ballad. And that part at the end where Slash solos for about two minutes and Axel starts moaning “Where do we go now?” helped them keep their street cred.

11. Bangles - Manic Monday

2008-04-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

Found On: Different Light (1985)

Legend has it that Prince was so smitten with Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs that he gave this song to them. The Bangles' girl - group sound just happened to dovetail exactly with the Beatley style The Artist was writing in at that time and the combination was as nice as a kiss by a crystal blue Italian stream.

12. Elton John - I'm Still Standing

2008-04-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Found On: Too Low For Zero (1983)

He’s had a few comebacks in his career, but no song reintroduced Sir Reginald Dwight better than this one. It’s not just an ‘80s I Will Survive, it’s a declaration of purpose and strength. And is there any better to say you’re rejuvenated than to claim you’re “feelin’ like a little kid”?

13. 'Til Tuesday - (Believed You Were) Lucky

2008-04-15T14:57:00.002-07:00

Found On: Everything's Different Now (1987)

A song that demonstrates all of Aimee Mann's considerable gifts as a songwriter as she bids adieu to a lover who couldn't quite get his shit together. Listen as she goes from thinking her lost love believed in love, to wishing it were so, to wishing it for him in the future, as she laments him and lets him go. Just as life could be, this song is %@^*ing great. - RN

14. John Lennon - Watching The Wheels

2008-04-15T14:57:00.001-07:00

Found On: Double Fantasy (1980)

This song makes me smile wistfully every time I hear it. As Lennon sings about being happy now that he's "no longer riding on the merry-go-round," it's impossible to hear the words and not remember that he would be shot dead soon after singing them. Knowing that he was at peace makes it a little easier to accept Lennon's untimely death. - RN

15. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time

2008-04-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Found On: She's So Unusual (1984)

She certainly WAS unusual. Lauper played the helium-voiced ditz on Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, lionized mastubation in She Bop and and then dropped this instant-classic ballad, all on the same album! And she sang the Pee Wee's Playhouse theme.

16. Bananarama - Cruel Summer

2008-04-15T14:55:00.002-07:00

Found On: Bananarama (1984)

Even though this is the perfect summer song (duh!), I always see Daniel LaRusso riding his bike to school on the first day, after getting his ass handed to him the night before by Johnny. And then he didn’t even make the soccer team!

17. Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Everyday I Write The Book

2008-04-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Found On: Punch The Clock (1983)

Ah, the story of my life, no? - SA

I think a lot of people feel that way about this one.

18. Tom Petty - Free Fallin'

2008-04-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Found On: Full Moon Fever (1989)

Quite possibly the most famous song about a good girl and a bad boy ever sung, with trippy lyrics about Jesus and America and horses and vampires. - RN

19. Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels

2008-04-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Found On: Songs From The Big Chair (1985)
Picked By: BG

Head Over Heels captures the feelings of a deep crush with pinpoint accuracy: Sometimes it brims with hope ("this is my four-leaf clover!") and other times it wallows in desperation ("you're just, just, just wasting time").

20. Aretha Franklin & George Michael - I Knew You Were Waiting For Me

2008-04-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

Found On: Aretha (1986)

George Michael represents well on this we - made - it - through - the - hard - times duet, even out-singing Aretha, who's no slouch herself.

21. Erasure: A Little Respect

2008-04-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Found On: The Innocents (1988)

"I'm so in love with you/ I'll be forever blue..." Of Erasure's many hits, this is the most irresistible. And the lyrics "What religion or reason/ Could drive a man to forsake his lover?" betray the never-a-secret sexual inclinations of singer Andy Bell... - RN

22. Madness - Our House

2008-04-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

Found On: Madness (1983)
Picked By: SA

The tale of an urban family that sticks together was the singular American hit single for a band with quite a bit of quality work to their name. The best part of this song, hands down is the “sister’s saying in her sleep: ah-ahh-ah-ah” bit.

23. Tina Turner – We Don’t Need Another Hero

2008-04-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Found On: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

If you don't admit that this song is *&#%ing amazing, I will send you into the Thunderdome to fight Master Blaster. And bonus to Tina for including the word "Thunderdome" in the lyrics.

24. Joey Scarbury - Greatest American Hero (Believe It Or Not)

2008-04-15T14:47:00.002-07:00

Found On: America's Greatest Hero (1981)
Picked By: BG

I'm not ashamed to admit I get chills when I listen to this. Okay, maybe I'm a little ashamed.

25. Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care

2008-04-15T14:47:00.001-07:00

Found On: Volume One (1988)

A warm little ditty from five men who, together, comprised the supergroup to end supergroups: Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne. The power of the song radiates outward from the perfect chorus: " I'm so tired of being lonely/ I still have some love to give/ Won't you show me that you really care?" A highlight of rock history. - RN

26. Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You)

2008-04-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Found On: Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
Picked By: SB

I don't know why Janet had to be so negative. Consider this title: Love Will Do (With You). Better, isn't it?

27. Men Without Hats - The Safety Dance

2008-04-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Found On: Rhythm Of Youth (1983)
Picked By: SB

I have a vivid memory of seeing this video at my grandparents’ house on a Saturday morning. It still evokes that nostalgic feeling. Try to find the version where they spell S-A-F-E-T-Y.

28. Billy Joel - The Longest Time

2008-04-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Found On: An Innocent Man (1983)
Picked By: BG

An Innocent Man found Joel paying tribute to the music of his youth. The Longest Time is a street-corner doo-wop song, and you never hear mention of the fact that it's a capalla! That's right; there's nothing but melody, harmony and finger-snaps. How many OTHER top 15 a capella songs can you name? (Don't Worry Be Happy doesn't count).

29. Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)

2008-04-15T14:43:00.002-07:00

Found On: The Breakfast Club (1985)

One of the best soundtrack songs of all time. - MT

I question the location of the parentheses, but I love the song nonetheless.

30. Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now

2008-04-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

Found On: Quick Step & Side Kick (1983)

Some facts to consider: 1) As of this recording there were actually 6 people in the band. 2) The group took its name from the French graphic novel series Tintin, which features two identical characters named Thompson and Thompson.

31. Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl (Single)

2008-04-15T14:42:00.001-07:00

Found On: Forever Your Girl (1988)

OK, it's not the greatest "I'm gonna love you forever" song even performed. (That would be God Only Knows.) But it's sincere, it's poppy, and it's infectious. Oh, and it self-references: "Listen as I tell it to the world!" - RN

32. Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes

2008-04-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Found On: So (1986)

Another great soundtrack decision (Say Anything) by Cameron Crowe. I love Gabriel's voice in this song. - MT

33. Def Leppard - Photograph

2008-04-15T14:40:00.002-07:00

Found On: Pyromania (1983)

Whoa-oh! My junior and senior years of college I had a radio show at the school station and I annoyingly opened every show with Def Leppard’s Photograph. Given the immaculate production, multiple hooks and amazing harmonies it's hard to believe this was ever considered metal.

34. Madonna - Papa Don't Preach

2008-04-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

Found On: True Blue (1986)
Picked By: SB

A rare controversial moment from the queen of '80s pop.

35. The Alan Parsons Project - Eye In The Sky

2008-04-15T14:39:00.002-07:00

Found On: Eye In The Sky (1982)
Picked By: BG

Alan Parsons was an engineer for Pink Floyd and his own band’s sound is not far removed. Though the title of the song seems to indicate a silly sci-fi bent, the song is actually a straight-ahead indictment of a deceptive lover.

36. Scandal - The Warrior

2008-04-15T14:39:00.001-07:00

Found On: The Warrior (1984)

Patty Smyth later joined Don Henley in Adult Contemporary land, but when she came out of the box she was a sassy Pat Benatar type. I usually don’t condone violence, but damn if I don’t enjoy the “bang bang” part.

37. Chris De Burgh - The Lady In Red

2008-04-15T14:38:00.001-07:00

Found On: Into The Light (1986)

Sooooo gloriously cheesy. It sounds swooning and romantic, but I always wonder if his wife/girlfriend is a bit offended that he hasn’t said all of these nice things before, especially when he sings, “I hardly know this beauty by my side.” Was she homely before?

38. Howard Jones - Things Can Only Get Better

2008-04-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Found On: Dream Into Action (1985)

I wonder if any non-programmed instruments were actually used on this song? For all I know, Howard Jones is actually a robot. And are there any lyrics more optimistic than “whoa - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh”?

39. R.E.M. - It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

2008-04-15T14:36:00.002-07:00

Found On: Document (1987)

Proof that feeling like events are inevitably proceeding toward the demise of all living beings never goes out of style. And who can resist that rapid-fire delivery of the verses alongside the plaintive-but-optimistic chorus? - RN

40. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?

2008-04-15T14:36:00.001-07:00

Found On: Rattlesnakes (1984)

A jangly acoustic strum announces a very talented songwriter. This may have the best title on the list. Later on Lloyd asks, “What will it take to wipe that smile off your face?” Well, not this song.

41. The Police - Every Breath You Take

2008-04-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

Found On: Synchronicity (1983)

Okay, so the lyrics are creep city. But musically this is one of those rare songs that seems like it was divinely inspired, perfect in every way. As if that weren’t enough it features the BEST. BRIDGE. EVER.

42. Prince - Sign O' The Times

2008-04-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Found On: Sign O' The Times (1987)

In less than 4 minutes, the man that most people associate with sex (and more sex) waxes philosophical on AIDS, gangs, the media, crack, marijuana, heroin, hurricanes, teen pregnancy, poverty and the space program. And then, apropos of nothing, he adds that he wants to have a baby and name him Nate. Good stuff.

43. Katrina and the Waves - Walkin' On Sunshine

2008-04-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Found On: Katrina and the Waves (1985)
Picked By: EV

The perfect opener for your Monday morning mix tape.

44. Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf

2008-04-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Found On: Rio (1982)

Energetic and compelling. You just can’t help but sing along. Simon has such a cool voice; it can be breathy on one song and full, like a mouth coated with butterscotch, in the next. - SA

45. Madonna - Crazy For You

2008-04-15T13:14:00.002-07:00

Found On: Vision Quest (1984)

Pretty sure the first time I heard this song it triggered an early stage of puberty. The romantic feelings it conjured were undirected, but palpable.

46. Janet Jackson - Control

2008-04-15T13:14:00.001-07:00

Found On: Control (1986)

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis added their Minneapolis funk to Janet's self-empowerment, looks and dance skills for commercial gold. I must admit the message is diminished a bit by Janet's less-than-controlled later years (the nipple, a series of forgettable albums) but at the time, it was thrilling.

47. Michael Jackson - Leave Me Alone

2008-04-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Found On: Bad (1987)

Even in his heyday Michael was feeling put upon. Each of multi-tracked vocals on the chorus is impassioned and desperate. The collage / stop-motion video (featured in the film Moonwalker) actually showed a sense of humor, with Bubbles the chimp and the Elephant Man both making appearances.

48. Peter Schilling - Major Tom (Coming Home)

2008-04-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

Found On: Error In The System (1982)

Here we have a retelling of David Bowie’s ‘60s hit Space Oddity, but with a twist! In German Schilling’s version, Major Tom is actually happy to be leaving. As far as I can tell he’s an alien, and that’s the reason he has ignored ground control and broken away! He’s going home! This song also features one of the best choruses of the ‘80s: “Earth below us / Drifting, falling / Floating weightless / Coming home!”

49. Public Enemy - Bring The Noise

2008-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Found On: It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back (1986)

Some might tell you that Fight The Power is superior, but this one sold us their non-conformist message earlier and more effectively. Besides being a rallying cry against racism and complacency, it's also pretty funny, at one point shouting out to both Sonny Bono and Yoko Ono.

50. Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue

2008-04-15T13:05:00.002-07:00

Found On: Killer On The Rampage (1983)

My mom bought me the 45 of this song and I LOVED it. It’s no wonder why it appealed to my 6-year-old self. Eddy Grant looked like a Muppet, the synth part sounds like it’s being played by Jabba the Hutt’s house band and Electric Avenue seems to be the likely location of the Electric Company. Listening to it now, I’m struck by the social conscience (“dealing in multiplication and they still can’t feed everyone”) and the potential drug references (“and then we take it higher”).

51. Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing

2008-04-15T13:05:00.001-07:00

Found On: Midnight Love (1983)

Every soul man deserves one great final song. Otis had (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay, Marvin had Sexual Healing. The slinky groove is irresistible and the randy lyrics cannot be misinterpreted: “You’re my medicine / Open up and let me in / Darling, you’re so great / I can’t wait for you to operate."

52. Bob Dylan - Most Of The Time

2008-04-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Found On: Oh Mercy (1989)
A lost gem from a lost gem of an album, this song resurfaced in 2000 on the High Fidelity soundtrack. It's a sly, sad lament about a lost love, pretending not to recall any of the time spent together even as the lyrics betray themselves over and over again. "I don't even remember what her lips felt like on mine?" Sure, Bob. Sure. - RN

53. Dexy's Midnight Runners - Come On Eileen

2008-04-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Found On: Too-Aye-Ray (1982)

Why is this man so sad? Is it because 75% of his song's lyrics are completely unintelligible? Maybe, but the joyous music should more than make up for it!

54. The Outfield - Your Love

2008-04-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Found On: Play Deep (1985)

Wonderful, wonderful song, but the lyrics don’t make a lick of sense. It's a bunch of half-completed thoughts strung together. This leads me to believe that it’s being told from the perspective of a drunk guy trying to pick up a girl.

55. Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark

2008-04-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Found On: Born In The U.S.A. (1984)

More than 10 years into his career, the Boss turned writer's block into a perfectly expressed youthful dissatisfaction and longing. More than just moaning about the struggle, he also offers a way out.

56. Whitney Houston - So Emotional

2008-04-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Found On: Whitney (1983)

I was going to say something about the overly dramatic nature (both in composition and performance) of this toe-tapper, but considering what we know about Whitney's personal life it seems pretty fitting.

57. AC/DC - Back In Black

2008-04-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Found On: Back In Black (1980)

I admire AC/DC for their gentle subtlety. Actually, given the bravado in lyrics such as "Forget the hearse 'cause I'll never die" it's not going out on a limb to say that singer Brian Johnson would have made a helluva rapper.

58. The Replacements - Skyway

2008-04-15T11:52:00.002-07:00

Found On: Pleased To Meet Me (1987)

In just over two minutes, Paul Westerberg efficiently constructs a gentle tale of longing and loss. With the most economical of word choices, he evokes downtown Minneapolis, snowy weather, the passage of time and palpable romantic loss.

59. Aerosmith - The Other Side

2008-04-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

Found On: Pump (1989)

Aerosmith have definitely had their peaks and valleys, but to me this is the high point. Pump featured What It Takes, Love In An Elevator, Janie's Got A Gun, and The Other Side. The latter was the lesser hit but a better song, featuring a surprisingly soulful approach: horns, honky-tonk piano, and tight harmonies.

P.S. 90% of Aerosmith's album covers are awful. Discuss.

60. N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton

2008-04-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Found On: Straight Outta Compton (1986)

This was so good it inspired a whole genre of controversial music (gangsta rap) and a whole generation of suburban white boys to sag their pants and call people Gee. Oh yeah, it also introduced the world to Ice Cube, Eazy-E and Dr. Dre. Damn that shit was dope!

61. The Costello Show - Brilliant Mistake

2008-04-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

Found On: King Of America (1986)

A jangly lament from his “American” album, Elvis gives us some of his best lines, a lot of them at our expense: ” He thought he was the king of America / where they pour Coca-Cola just like vintage wine” and “He thought he was the king of America / but it was just a boulevard of broken dreams.”

62. Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies

2008-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Found On: Tango In The Night (1987)

Christine McVie is the great unappreciated songwriter of Fleetwood Mac. Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks generate all the talk, but McVie quietly penned and sang a healthy dose of their biggest hits, including this one, which stylishly blends the Fleetwood Mac sound with the synthesizer-friendly '80s to create something that stands up to repeated listening. - RN

63. Beastie Boys - The Sounds Of Science

2008-04-15T11:37:00.001-07:00

Found On: Paul's Boutique (1989)

Opening with the repeated sound of one of those mooing cans and the Boys spouting slow-motion nonsense, the song changes radically after about a minute, with Ad-Rock yelling “rope-a-dope”, the guitar lick from The Beatles’ The End kicking in and the boys stepping up the rhyme tempo. An artistic leap you can shake your ass to.

64. Tears For Fears - Sowing The Seeds Of Love

2008-04-15T11:36:00.002-07:00

Found On: The Seeds Of Love (1989)

Tears For Fears has quite a few amazing songs, but this epic is a sentimental favorite of mine. Not only did they manage to capture a bit of The Beatles' sound, but the lyrics maintain their spirit as well.

65. a-ha - Take On Me

2008-04-15T11:36:00.001-07:00

Found On: Hunting High And Low (1984)
Picked By: MT

I don't know what to say, but I'll say it anyway. This song has an instantly memorable synth line, and a chorus that goes from alto to soprano in 10 words time.

66. XTC - Dear God

2008-04-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Found On: Skylarking (1986)

A lyrical smart bomb that was never intended for official release. The band put it on a b-side and college stations started playing it, forcing Geffen to re-press the album and include the song. It asks the age-old question: If God is so great why does he let horrible things happen? Never before has spiritual doubt sounded so sweet, courtesy of the usual XTC harmonies and lush Todd Rundgren production.

67. When In Rome - The Promise

2008-04-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

Found On: When In Rome (1988)

Who is that woman on the album cover? Was she in the band, or is she just a beard? Anyway, this is a perfect synth pop single from the O.M.D. / Erasure / New Order school of songwriting.

68. The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma

2008-04-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Found On: Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

The perfect example of the Smiths’ ability to find the humor in homicidal urges and awful relationships. When Morrissey asks “Do you really think she’ll pull through?” we’re not at all convinced he wants her to.

69. Prince - Erotic City

2008-04-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Found On: Let's Go Crazy (single) (1984)

A sexy, danceable song by a musical master – this guy is one of the most talented artists in the music industry, hands down. I love the naughtiness. - SA

70. Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

2008-04-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Found On: Tracy Chapman (1988)

It's difficult to remember now the way jaws dropped when Tracy Chapman came on the scene. This look at the struggles everyday people is easily the equal of any Public Enemy, Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp anthem.

71. Devo - Beautiful World

2008-04-15T11:09:00.002-07:00

Found On: New Traditionalists (1981)

Target deftly used this for an ad campaign a couple of years back, ignoring that the optimistic first 3 minutes eventually end in the words: “It’s a beautiful world for you / but not for me.” The nerdy class clowns showed they had some depth.

72. Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth

2008-04-15T11:09:00.001-07:00

Found On: Heaven On Earth (1986)

There's no better way to spend a Saturday night than to go to Mama G's in Maple Grove, Minnesota, put this one the jukebox and sing along as loudly as possible.

73. George Michael - Faith

2008-04-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Found On: Faith (1987)

Hindsight has caused us to take it for granted, but George Michael's solo career were far from a guaranteed success. Who really knew he had the talent to come out of the gate with such a remarkable solo album? His ass got the attention, but the song has endured.

74. The Cure - Just Like Heaven

2008-04-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Found On: Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me (1987)

On Fridays in high school, this song played in my head, anticipating the coming events of the weekend. And it can still make me smile, even if the likelihood that any "tricks" will make me scream on any given day has declined by quite a bit. Just lose yourself in the fun before the song's disquieting second half, wherein the sea "stole the only girl I loved," begins. - RN

75. Billy Vera & the Beaters - At This Moment

2008-04-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Found On: By Request (1986)

The day Ellen left Alex P. Keaton (the only Republican I have ever been attracted to) to become a ballet dancer, the only thing that brought my mother and me any sort of comfort was the song they played at the end of the episode while Alex had his tearful moment in the Keaton kitchen. - SB

76. Stu Phillips - Knight Rider Theme

2008-04-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Found On: Knight Rider (1982)

Talk about hooks! There are enough here to provide samples for about 50 rap songs. More importantly, this throbbing electronic theme never failed to get me jazzed up for my weekly installment of talking cars and leather jackets.

77. Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party

2008-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Found On: Dead Man's Party (1985)

Oingo Boingo are the unrecognized kings of the ‘80s soundtrack, contributing to Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Sixteen Candles and Back To School, among many others. Is it any wonder Danny Elfman went on to a career scoring movies? Anyway, this track features hot horns and funny macabre lyrics.

78. Metallica - Master Of Puppets

2008-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Found On: Master Of Puppets (1986)

Heavy yet melodic, with enough guitar solos to fill your monthly quota.

79. Chicago - What You're Missing

2008-04-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Found On: Chicago 16 (1982)

It wasn't a hit but this opener has everything that made ‘80s Chicago great: a strong guitar riff, swelling horns, keyboard played like it’s a grand piano and an impassioned Peter Cetera vocal performance. If you don’t know the song, take this advice: “Ohh, what you’re missing / could have been yours from the start.”

80. Big Country - In A Big Country

2008-04-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Found On: The Crossing (1983)
Picked By: SA

Every band should be required to write their own theme song.

81. Prince - Little Red Corvette

2008-04-15T10:52:00.002-07:00

Found On: 1999 (1982)

A vehicular metaphor tells the story of a promiscuous girl. What’s interesting is Prince’s warning that she needs to slow down. Is he a proponent of monogamy? Hard to tell since immediately following his plea he tells her she’s got an ass like he ain’t never seen.

82. Huey Lewis and the News - The Power Of Love

2008-04-15T10:52:00.001-07:00

Found On: Back To The Future (1985)

Those major chords offer nothing short of joy. If you heard this song on the loudspeakers at the water park and you were king of all you surveyed.

83. Laura Branigan - Gloria

2008-04-15T10:51:00.002-07:00

Found On: Branigan (1982)
Picked By: SB

Stephanie claims that this is a great song because everyone tries to sing along, but can't because it's so damn difficult. I don't usually say this, but Stephanie's right.

84. Depeche Mode - Shake The Disease

2008-04-15T10:51:00.001-07:00

Found On: Catching Up With Depeche Mode (1985)

It's hard to top Dave Gahan's voice when it comes to cool detachment. What's strange is hearing him express sentiments as straightforward and vulnerable as the ones in this song.

85. The Pretenders - Back On The Chain Gang

2008-04-15T10:50:00.001-07:00

Found On: Learning To Crawl (1982)

Paul Tuite rightfully pointed out that no '80s list is complete without The Pretenders. This tune may be their catchiest, with a jangly guitar line and Chrissie Hynde's assured vocal.

86. Paul Simon - Graceland

2008-04-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Found On: Graceland (1986)

Simon envisions Elvis Presley's homestead as a secular heaven, a place to repair broken hearts, a place where all is forgiven and all are welcome. In his long career Simon may not have a better couplet than: “Losing love is like a window in your heart / Everybody sees you’re blown apart."

87. Bryan Ferry - Is Your Love Strong Enough?

2008-04-15T10:41:00.001-07:00

Found On: Legend (1985)

This plays over the end credits of the Ridley Scott fantasy film and is perfectly suited to the story of a man who literally goes to hell and back for love. The verses are all dreamy while the chorus is clear-headed and forceful.

88. Spandau Ballet - True

2008-04-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Found On: True (1982)

Great cheesy slow dance song, especially if you are dancing with Jake Ryan. - MT

89. Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

2008-04-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Found On: Whenever You Need Somebody (1987)

Have you been rickrolled yet?

Bonus fact: This song was actually written by the Stock Aikmen Waterman team, who also composed hits for Bananarama and Kylie Minogue.

90. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - You Got Lucky

2008-04-15T10:12:00.002-07:00

Found On: Long After Dark (1982)

A combined kiss-off, warning and plea, this pulsing single helped endear Petty and his Heartbreakers to an audience moving away from traditional rock and toward new wave. And I love the confident chorus: “Good love is hard to find / You got lucky, babe / When I found you.”

91. Van Halen - Why Can't This Be Love?

2008-04-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

Found On: 5150 (1986)

TRUE Van Halen fans heard this heart-swelling single and asked themselves the same thing about new lead singer Sammy Hagar.

92. Split Enz - I Got You

2008-04-15T10:11:00.002-07:00

Found On: True Colours (1980)

Imagine this: You invite your younger brother into your band and immediately he writes a big hit. Wouldn't that suck? If your brother was Neil Finn, one of the best songwriters there is, then it'd probably a little bit easier to swallow.

93. Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure

2008-04-15T10:10:00.001-07:00

Found On: Hot Space (1981)

One awesome gay vocalist + one awesome sometimes gay vocalist + the bassline that inspired the world to send word to their mothers = best collaboration ever.

94. Jane's Addiction - Jane Says

2008-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Found On: Nothing's Shocking (1988)

I love how Perry Farrell kind of yells the lyrics. You can scream along with this one in the car, the shower, the street; pump your fist to “She can hit!” This is an empowering song. - SA

95. Deniece Williams - Let's Hear It For The Boy

2008-04-15T10:09:00.002-07:00

Found On: Let's Hear It For The Boy (1984)

Former Johnny Mathis duet partner (that was them doing the Family Ties theme) remakes herself as a Madonna style dance pixie, and damn if it isn’t sweet. Of course whenever I heard this as a kid I thought she was singing about me.

96. Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

2008-04-15T10:09:00.001-07:00

Found On: Escape (1981)
Picked By: JG

Personally I prefer Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), but if you are looking to take the midnight train going anywhere, or just go roller skating, there's no better soundtrack.

97. Men At Work - Who Can It Be Now?

2008-04-15T10:08:00.002-07:00

Found On: Business As Usual (1981)

That saxophone was ingenious, as were the drumbeats knocking on the door and Colin Hay’s eyes in the video. As far as I can tell the song is about a shut-in recluse terrified of any contact with the outside world. If I had a dollar for every pop song on that subject…

98. Marshall Crenshaw - There She Goes Again

2008-04-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

Found On: Marshall Crenshaw (1982)

Marshall Crenshaw was an ‘80s version of Buddy Holly that captured the critics’ hearts with his perfect first album. There She Goes Again is the opening cut, a toe-tapping, harmony-laden tale of a girl lost.

99. Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al

2008-04-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Found On: Graceland (1986)
Picked By: SB

Okay, so Chevy Chase was in the video and it features a 12 man African a capella group called Ladysmith Black Mambazo. There’s no way that misses the list.

100. Ronnie Milsap - There's No Gettin' Over Me

2008-04-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Found On: There's No Gettin' Over Me (1982)

Instead of getting pissed at the girl who’s leaving him, Ronnie tells her how much she’s going to regret the decision, how he’ll haunt her without even trying: “I’ll be the smile when there’s no one around / I’ll be the book that you just can’t put down.”