Our next 1981 song in the countdown has had quite a history. It was involved with some unexpected controversy when its bassline was sampled and not initially credited by Vanilla Ice.  Later, the stories about its production helped raise its legendary status and today it’s still played and considered a classic.  Coming at #12 is Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie.

Yacht Rock has certainly helped in the resurgence of both this duo and this song too.  It has been sampled by bands like Simply Red, the groove is extraordinarily contagious, and the dark mood help make this one of the duo’s best songs.  At #13 of the countdown of songs turning 40 years old is I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) by Daryl Hall & John Oates.

Sometimes a song can initially hit and then maintain a slow burn throughout, like this 30 year old track. Featuring the always awesome Bruce Hornsby on piano, this song is just so good and I bet you’ll find yourself unsuspectingly singing along as you listen to it.  This haunting tune is our #13 song in my 1991 countdown – I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt.  

In addition to Olivia Newton John, you can thank the next group for introducing America to Australian culture, including the vegemite sandwich.  There has not been a more popular US song featuring that term, and the song remains one of Colin Hay’s ultimate staples.  Landing at #14 is Down Under by Men at Work.

Before he switched to The Artist, our next entraint was still dishing out great songs while causing controversy.  While many tracks were considered from his great Diamond and Pearls album, including the title track, this one managed to beat them all.  Coming in at #14 is Cream by Prince.

No one can deny that this group was one of the greatest R&B acts of the 90s, and they certainly debuted with a bang.  The next entry to the top 20 countdown of songs turning 30 years old this year is an upbeat song introducing us to this group of guys with an amazing ability to harmonize.  At #15 it’s Motownphilly by Boyz II Men.