Helly my dear Princely fans. I thought some of you might enjoy this. My picks for the Greatest Pop Singles of the '80s - Top 50. 2 Caveats: only one song per artist, and only songs that made the Billboard Top 10 on the Hot 100 pop chart at some point during the '80s are considered.

I would love to hear from you about your own personal favorites and songs that you would have added to the list. Or, better yet, post your own Top 50 Hope you enjoy!!

My picks for the 50 GREAT...F THE '80S

[Edited 7/13/15 17:20pm]

NoVideo said:

The songs on the list are ALL really good pop songs, and my differences are not in merit but personal preference, and perception of what music captures the 80s in sound, style and theme.

Part One (50 to 41):

http://www.metroweekly.com/2015/07/the-50-greatest-pop-songs-of-the-80s-part-1/

I wouldn't include "Love Shack" (personal preference, presages the '90s more than it captures the 80s) but I am on board with 50-41 otherwise.

Part Two (40 to 31):

http://www.metroweekly.com/2015/07/the-50-greatest-pop-songs-of-the-80s-part-2/

I wouldn't include Elton's "Blues" (I thought "I'm Still Standing" was a better single), and I might have "99 Luftballoons" higher since it's an iconic song about the Cold War. Duran Duran's "Wolf" could be higher, as high as the top 10. Otherwise, also on board with these choices.

Part Three (30 to 21):

http://www.metroweekly.com/2015/07/the-50-greatest-pop-songs-of-the-80s-nos-30-21/

Solid choices, though I'd have gone with George Michael's "Faith" or "Father Figure." Also, "Starting Over' and "Upside Down" (maybe one of the last disco-infused 80s hits) feel like 70s songs. Both of those songs, though, represent that fascinating transition from the "70s sound" to the "80s sound."

Other *pop songs* I'd nominate as top 50 candidates, in rough chronological order (I'm not sure so many of my top 80s songs on the R&B-funk-hip-hop tip crossed over to the point they were "pop singles") . . . and I realize some of these may be in the lists to come:

"Sailing," Christopher Cross (1980) ("yacht rock"'s "Freebird")

"You Make My Dreams," Hall & Oates (1981)

"I Love Rock N' Roll," Joan Jett + Blackhearts (1981)

"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," The Police (1981/82) (the one I'd choose)

"Rock The Casbah," The Clash (1982)

"Do You Really Want To Hurt Me," Culture Club (1982)

"Sweet Dreams," Eurhythmics (1982) (probably a top-10 candidate)

"I Melt With You," Modern English (1982) (ditto)

"Walking On Sunshine," Katrina & The Waves (1983)

"Voices Carry," 'Til Tuesday (1985) (one of my favorites)

"Sussudio," Phil Collins (1985)

"Holdin' Back The Years," Simply Red (1986)

"I Can't Wait," Nu Shooz (1986) (IIRC, it was a reverse-crossover hit)

"Sledgehammer," Peter Gabriel (1986)

"The One I Love," R.E.M. (1987)

"Genius of Love," The Tom-Tom Club (1987) (a hip-hop sampling staple)

"Every Little Step," Bobby Brown (1988)

"Back To Life," Soul II Soul (1988/9)

"Don't Disturb This Groove," The System (1988)

[Edited 7/8/15 13:27pm]

[Edited 7/8/15 13:28pm]

Manhattans ~ Shining Star

Paul McCartney ~ Coming Up {Live}

Hall & Oates ~ I Can't Go For That

Miami Sound Machine ~ 1-2-3

Mr. Mister ~ Broken Wings

Michael Jackson ~ Dirty Diana

Wham! ~ Everything She Wants

George Harrison ~ Got My Mind Set On You

Sade ~ Sweetest Taboo

Mike + The Mechanics ~ Silent Running

John Cougar Mellencamp ~ Cherry Bomb

Steve Winwood ~ Roll With It

New Edition ~ Cool It Now

Genesis ~ Tonight Tonight Tonight

The Spinners ~ Cupid

Pretty Poison ~ Catch Me

Peter Cetera & Amy Grant ~ The Next Time I Fall

Falco ~ Rock Me Amadeus

Taylor Dayne ~ I'll Always Love You

Starship ~ Sara

Billy Vera ~ At This Moment

INXS ~ New Sensation

Kenny Loggins ~ I'm Alright

Stevie Wonder ~ That Girl

Madonna ~ Dress You Up

Oak Ridge Boys ~ Elvira

Duran Duran ~ The Reflex

Bryan Adams ~ Run To You

Power Station ~ Get It On

Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ~ Lost In Emotion

ABC ~ Be Near Me

OMD ~ If You Leave

Tears For Fears ~ Head Over Heels

Janet Jackson ~ When I Think Of You

Breathe ~ Hands To Heaven

Georgia Satellites ~ Keep Your Hands To Yourself

Prince ~ Delirious

Billy Ocean ~ Love Zone

Huey Lewis & The News ~ Do You Believe In Love

Blondie ~ The Tide Is High

Young MC ~ Bust A Move

J. Giles Band ~ Centerfold

Billy Joel ~ Tell Her About It

Expose ~ Point Of No Return

Sting ~ We'll Be Together

George Benson ~ Turn Your Love Around

Human League ~ Fascination

Dazz Band ~ Let It Whip

Steve Miller Band ~ Abracadabra

Fleetwood Mac ~ Big Love

[Edited 7/8/15 15:39pm]

"Upside Down" - Diana Ross (#1, 1980)

"Guilty" - Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb (#3, 1980)

"The Winner Takes It All" - ABBA (#8, 1980)

"Rapture" - Blondie (#1, 1981)

"Physical" - Olivia Newton-John (#1, 1981)

"I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" - Daryl Hall and John Oates (#1, 1981)

"Chariots of Fire" - Vangelis (#1, 1982)

"Don't You Want Me" - The Human League (#1, 1982)

"Hold Me" - Fleetwood Mac (#4, 1982)

"Beat It" - Michael Jackson (#1, 1983)

"Let's Dance" - David Bowie (#1, 1983)

"She Works Hard For The Money" - Donna Summer (#3, 1983)

"Every Breath You Take" - The Police (#1, 1983)

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" - Eurythmics (#1, 1983)

"Girls Just Want To Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper (#2, 1983)

"Karma Chameleon" - Culture Club (#1, 1984)

"When Doves Cry" - Prince and The Revolution (#1, 1984)

"What's Love Got To Do With It" - Tina Turner (#1, 1984)

"Dancing In The Dark" - Bruce Springsteen (#2, 1984)

"The Glamorous Life" - Sheila E. (#7, 1984)

"Sugar Walls" - Sheena Easton (#9, 1985)

"Material Girl" - Madonna (#2, 1985)

"One More Night" - Phil Collins (#1, 1985)

"We Are The World" - USA For Africa (#1, 1985)

"Everything She Wants" - Wham! (#1, 1985)

"Things Can Only Get Better" - Howard Jones (#5, 1985)

"Freeway Of Love" - Aretha Franklin (#3, 1985)

"The Power Of Love" - Huey Lewis and The News (#1, 1985)

"Some Like It Hot" - The Power Station (#6, 1985)

"Broken Wings" - Mr. Mister (#1, 1985)

"When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" - Billy Ocean (#2, 1986)

"Nasty" - Janet Jackson (#3, 1986)

"Addicted To Love" - Robert Palmer (#1, 1986)

"Sledgehammer" - Peter Gabriel (#1, 1986)

"Walk This Way" - Run-DMC feat. Aerosmith (#4, 1986)

"I Can't Wait" - Nu Shooz (#3, 1986)

"You Got It All" - The Jets (#3, 1986)

"Walk Like An Egyptian" - The Bangles (#1, 1986-87)

"With or Without You" - U2 (#1, 1987)

"Need You Tonight" - INXS (#1, 1987)

"Let Me Be The One" - Expose (#7, 1987)

"Faith" - George Michael (#1, 1987)

"Sign Your Name" - Terence Trent D'arby (#4, 1988)

"Circle In The Sand" - Belinda Carlisle (#7, 1988)

"Roni" - Bobby Brown (#3, 1989)

"Lost In Your Eyes" - Debbie Gibson (#1, 1989)

"She Drives Me Crazy" - Fine Young Cannibals (#1, 1989)

"Cold Hearted" - Paula Abdul (#1, 1989)

"Back To Life" - Soul II Soul (#4, 1989)

"Love Shack" - The B-52's (#3, 1989)

duggalolly said:

"Cold Hearted" - Paula Abdul (#1, 1989)

This was my favorite video at the time

..

[Edited 7/13/15 17:22pm]

namepeace said:

Solid choices, though I'd have gone with George Michael's "Faith" or "Father Figure." Also, "Starting Over' and "Upside Down" (maybe one of the last disco-infused 80s hits) feel like 70s songs. Both of those songs, though, represent that fascinating transition from the "70s sound" to the "80s sound."

Very interesting points about the transition from 70s to 80s, and I agree. But both of them were solidly in 1980 (John Lennon's was actually late in the year), so they had to be included in the list as I consider both of them pivotal songs.

As for George Michael, easily could have gone with Faith or Father Figure, but in my opinion One More Try is the heart and soul of that album, and his finest vocal performance.

duggalolly said:

"Upside Down" - Diana Ross (#1, 1980)

"Guilty" - Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb (#3, 1980)

"The Winner Takes It All" - ABBA (#8, 1980)

"Rapture" - Blondie (#1, 1981)

"Physical" - Olivia Newton-John (#1, 1981)

"I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" - Daryl Hall and John Oates (#1, 1981)

"Chariots of Fire" - Vangelis (#1, 1982)

"Don't You Want Me" - The Human League (#1, 1982)

"Hold Me" - Fleetwood Mac (#4, 1982)

"Beat It" - Michael Jackson (#1, 1983)

"Let's Dance" - David Bowie (#1, 1983)

"She Works Hard For The Money" - Donna Summer (#3, 1983)

"Every Breath You Take" - The Police (#1, 1983)

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" - Eurythmics (#1, 1983)

"Girls Just Want To Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper (#2, 1983)

"Karma Chameleon" - Culture Club (#1, 1984)

"When Doves Cry" - Prince and The Revolution (#1, 1984)

"What's Love Got To Do With It" - Tina Turner (#1, 1984)

"Dancing In The Dark" - Bruce Springsteen (#2, 1984)

"The Glamorous Life" - Sheila E. (#7, 1984)

"Sugar Walls" - Sheena Easton (#9, 1985)

"Material Girl" - Madonna (#2, 1985)

"One More Night" - Phil Collins (#1, 1985)

"We Are The World" - USA For Africa (#1, 1985)

"Everything She Wants" - Wham! (#1, 1985)

"Things Can Only Get Better" - Howard Jones (#5, 1985)

"Freeway Of Love" - Aretha Franklin (#3, 1985)

"The Power Of Love" - Huey Lewis and The News (#1, 1985)

"Some Like It Hot" - The Power Station (#6, 1985)

"Broken Wings" - Mr. Mister (#1, 1985)

"When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" - Billy Ocean (#2, 1986)

"Nasty" - Janet Jackson (#3, 1986)

"Addicted To Love" - Robert Palmer (#1, 1986)

"Sledgehammer" - Peter Gabriel (#1, 1986)

"Walk This Way" - Run-DMC feat. Aerosmith (#4, 1986)

"I Can't Wait" - Nu Shooz (#3, 1986)

"You Got It All" - The Jets (#3, 1986)

"Walk Like An Egyptian" - The Bangles (#1, 1986-87)

"With or Without You" - U2 (#1, 1987)

"Need You Tonight" - INXS (#1, 1987)

"Let Me Be The One" - Expose (#7, 1987)

"Faith" - George Michael (#1, 1987)

"Sign Your Name" - Terence Trent D'arby (#4, 1988)

"Circle In The Sand" - Belinda Carlisle (#7, 1988)

"Roni" - Bobby Brown (#3, 1989)

"Lost In Your Eyes" - Debbie Gibson (#1, 1989)

"She Drives Me Crazy" - Fine Young Cannibals (#1, 1989)

"Cold Hearted" - Paula Abdul (#1, 1989)

"Back To Life" - Soul II Soul (#4, 1989)

"Love Shack" - The B-52's (#3, 1989)

Nice list! Many that you listed that were not included were STRONGLY considered. And I think you missed a couple -- a few that you listed are in fact included. And some are in the Top 20 I just posted 20 to 11, and the Top 10 will come tomorrow.

NoVideo said:

Nice list! Many that you listed that were not included were STRONGLY considered. And I think you missed a couple -- a few that you listed are in fact included. And some are in the Top 20

Thanks! I know there is some overlap between our lists. At first, I was just going to list a few songs, but then I got into it and decided to just keep going until I had 50 songs, even though some of the choices overlapped with yours

NoVideo said:

I just posted 20 to 11

Great choices... I almost put A-ha "Take On Me" on my list, too (but then I was thinking, I actually liked the video for the song, more than the song itself). "Miss You Much" was one of my favorites from '89/'90. With artists like Janet, MJ, and Madonna who had many 80s hits, it is hard to pick the ONE song for a list like this. I ended up choosing "Nasty" because it broke the mold of what I expected at the time. And "Material Girl," though not my favorite Madonna single, seemed like a perfect embodiment of the 80s.

namepeace said:

"Don't Disturb This Groove," The System (1988)

I wish I had thought of this one, too!

A Flock of Seaguls - I Ran (So Far Away)

Anne Murray - Daydream Believer

Baltimora - Tarzan Boy

Barbra Streisand - Woman in Love

Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on Earth

Bette Mider - All I Need To Know

Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme

Diana Ross - Chain Reaction

Dolly Parton - 9 to 5

Donna Summer - She Works Hard For The Money

The Human League - Human

Irene Cara - Fame

Janet Jackson - Pleasure Principle

Joey Scarbury - Theme From The Greatest American Hero (Believe It Or Not)

Madonna - Dress You Up

Men at Work - Who Can It Be Now (also makes a great ringtone!)

Michael Jackson - Human Nature

Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgettin (Every Time You're Near)

Michael Sembello - Maniac

Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard - Suddenly

Pat Benatar - Love is a Battlefield

Peter Gabriel - Games Without Frontiers

Phil Collins & Phillip Bailey - Easy Lover

Prince - I Would Die 4 You

Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love

Sade - Smooth Operator

Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra

Steve Winwood - Higher Love

Stevie Wonder - Part TIme Lover

Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels

Tina Turner - Typical Male

Whitney Houson - So Emotional

Hudson said:

A Flock of Seaguls - I Ran (So Far Away)

Anne Murray - Daydream Believer

Baltimora - Tarzan Boy

Barbra Streisand - Woman in Love

Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on Earth

Bette Mider - All I Need To Know

Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme

Diana Ross - Chain Reaction

Dolly Parton - 9 to 5

Donna Summer - She Works Hard For The Money

The Human League - Human

Irene Cara - Fame

Janet Jackson - Pleasure Principle

Joey Scarbury - Theme From The Greatest American Hero (Believe It Or Not)

Madonna - Dress You Up

Men at Work - Who Can It Be Now (also makes a great ringtone!)

Michael Jackson - Human Nature

Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgettin (Every Time You're Near)

Michael Sembello - Maniac

Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard - Suddenly

Pat Benatar - Love is a Battlefield

Peter Gabriel - Games Without Frontiers

Phil Collins & Phillip Bailey - Easy Lover

Prince - I Would Die 4 You

Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love

Sade - Smooth Operator

Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra

Steve Winwood - Higher Love

Stevie Wonder - Part TIme Lover

Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels

Tina Turner - Typical Male

Whitney Houson - So Emotional

Yet another great list, and as this thread indicates - - - SO many great pop singles during the '80s. Many of these were strongly considered.

I wrote about 10 sections for songs that eventually didn't quite make the cut, including "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood and "Down Under" by Africa.

Top 10 tomorrow!!!

Not 50 but some of my all time 80's faves...

"Self Control" - Laura Branigan

"Only The Lonely" - The Motels

"Bette Davis Eyes" - Kim Carnes

"Strut" - Sheena Easton

"True Colors" - Cyndi Lauper

"Electric Blue" - Icehouse

"Our House" - Madness

"K.I.S.S.I.N.G." - Siedah Garrett

"Juicy Fruit" - Mtume

"You're Puttin' A Rush On Me" - Stephanie Mills

"Magic" - Olivia Newton-John

"Piano In The Dark" - Brenda Russell

"Dreamin'" - Vanessa Williams

"Nasty" - Janet Jackson

"Lips Like Sugar" - Echo & The Bunnymen

"Lullaby" - The Cure

"Don't Walk Away" - Toni Childs

"Tell It To My Heart" - Taylor Dayne

"I'm So Excited" - The Pointer Sisters

"Missing You" - John Waite

"Voices Carry" - 'Til Tuesday

"Election Day" - Arcadia

"Stand Back" - Stevie Nicks

"The Boys of Summer" - Don Henley

"Human" - The Human League

"Catch Me I'm Fallling" - Pretty Poison

"The Way You Love Me" - Karyn White

"Girlfriend" - Pebbles

"Don't Be Cruel" - Bobby Brown

"Der Kommisar" - After The Fire

"Let The Music Play" - Shannon

"Forget Me Nots" - Patrice Rushen

"Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" - Culture Club

Wowugotit said:

Not 50 but some of my all time 80's faves...

"Self Control" - Laura Branigan

"Only The Lonely" - The Motels

"Bette Davis Eyes" - Kim Carnes

"Strut" - Sheena Easton

"True Colors" - Cyndi Lauper

"Electric Blue" - Icehouse

"Our House" - Madness

"K.I.S.S.I.N.G." - Siedah Garrett

"Juicy Fruit" - Mtume

"You're Puttin' A Rush On Me" - Stephanie Mills

"Magic" - Olivia Newton-John

"Piano In The Dark" - Brenda Russell

"Dreamin'" - Vanessa Williams

"Nasty" - Janet Jackson

"Lips Like Sugar" - Echo & The Bunnymen

"Lullaby" - The Cure

"Don't Walk Away" - Toni Childs

"Tell It To My Heart" - Taylor Dayne

"I'm So Excited" - The Pointer Sisters

"Missing You" - John Waite

"Voices Carry" - 'Til Tuesday

"Election Day" - Arcadia

"Stand Back" - Stevie Nicks

"The Boys of Summer" - Don Henley

"Human" - The Human League

"Catch Me I'm Fallling" - Pretty Poison

"The Way You Love Me" - Karyn White

"Girlfriend" - Pebbles

"Don't Be Cruel" - Bobby Brown

"Der Kommisar" - After The Fire

"Let The Music Play" - Shannon

"Forget Me Nots" - Patrice Rushen

"Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" - Culture Club

Great list, but especially "Piano in the Dark" (sobeautiful!) and "Forget Me Nots"... just classic.

..

[Edited 7/13/15 17:22pm]

NoVideo said:

namepeace said:

Very interesting points about the transition from 70s to 80s, and I agree. But both of them were solidly in 1980 (John Lennon's was actually late in the year), so they had to be included in the list as I consider both of them pivotal songs.

As for George Michael, easily could have gone with Faith or Father Figure, but in my opinion One More Try is the heart and soul of that album, and his finest vocal performance.

Fair points; no dispute on eligibility of the songs, just in terms of "feel," they felt more like 70s songs to me, but I see your point; they help tie the decade together. The early 80s were a facsinating time for the pop charts, for old and new pop formulas.

"One More Try" is a legit choice, for reasons stated.

The 20-11 choices are balanced. I really like the choice and analysis on "Miss You Much."

namepeace said:

NoVideo said:

Very interesting points about the transition from 70s to 80s, and I agree. But both of them were solidly in 1980 (John Lennon's was actually late in the year), so they had to be included in the list as I consider both of them pivotal songs.

As for George Michael, easily could have gone with Faith or Father Figure, but in my opinion One More Try is the heart and soul of that album, and his finest vocal performance.

Fair points; no dispute on eligibility of the songs, just in terms of "feel," they felt more like 70s songs to me, but I see your point; they help tie the decade together. The early 80s were a facsinating time for the pop charts, for old and new pop formulas.

"One More Try" is a legit choice, for reasons stated.

The 20-11 choices are balanced. I really like the choice and analysis on "Miss You Much."

Thank you very much! I totally get what you're saying about the convergence of the 70s and 80s. It was a weird time. MTV hadn't latched on yet, so we were sortof in a left-over '70s zone.

By the way, I no longer write for Metro Weekly. I was very upset by how dramatically they edited my piece (in particular the Top 10) and I decided I just couldn't accept it. I worked too long and too hard on this, and it meant to much for me to be so cavalierly (and unnecessarily) butchered. I don't mind editorial help at all - it's great having someone to be another pair of eyes, to help with clarity and things of that nature, but the end product here is a shadow of what I actually wrote.

If you're interested, I published my original version of the Top 50 on my blog, with longer and more informative commentary on each song. I hope you check it out, because I consider it to be the real version as opposed to the one that got published which was unfortunately cut severely (and completely arbitrarily, especially for a web piece).

Here is the full version of my picks of Top 50 Great Songs of the '80s:

TOP 50 - UN-DESTROYED VERSION - LINKY

[Edited 7/13/15 17:00pm]

namepeace said:

I wouldn't include Elton's "Blues" (I thought "I'm Still Standing" was a better single), and I might have "99 Luftballoons" higher since it's an iconic song about the Cold War. Duran Duran's "Wolf" could be higher, as high as the top 10.

One note on this one, I missed before - I love "I'm Still Standing" but surprisingly it did not make the Top 10 on the pop chart. I only considered songs that made the Top 10. "I'm Still Standing" peaked at #12 in July 1983.

Elton John's Top 10 hits in the 80s:

"I Don't Want To Go On With You Like That" (#2 - 8/27/88)

"Little Jeannie" (#3 - 7/19/80)

"I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" (#4 - 1/28/84)

"Sad Songs (Say So Much)" (#5 - 8/11/84)

"Nikita" (#7 - 3/22/86)

Out of those choices, I personally see "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" as by far the best.