Speaking of double appearances, this is also the first of two appearances by Ms Jackson on this countdown. Rhythm Nation produced some really good songs and this is one of the best on the album. This song is basically a party song, telling you to leave your worries behind. It is easy to do when listening to this track. Coming in at #15 is Escapade by Janet Jackson.
Phil Collins’ …But Seriously album produced some of his best songwriting. This is the first of two additional songs (along with Another Day in Paradise) from that album that ended up making it on this list. This was one of my favorite songs from him for a while despite the sadness in the song, but the pre-chorus and chorus of the song are unmatched. Awesome work. Coming in at #16 of the Top 1990 Songs countdown is Do You Remember by Phil Collins.
My wife loves her some Pat Benatar and 1980 served as her coming out party. The first of two songs on this countdown, this tune has a great bluesy riff followed by a chorus that when it hits, you want to scream it out like she does. She exuded female empowerment in her tracks, and this song is no different. Coming in at #16 of the Top 20 Songs Turning 40 years old is You Better Run by Pat Benatar.
I don’t think there is a song that better describes the transition between the 70s and 80s better than this one. It is two separate tunes that mesh into one, and you have this classic. The synth lead is known by everyone, and the chorus singing the title is just as iconic. It says a lot about the tunes to come that this song only made it to #17, Funkytown by Lipps Inc.
Consider this another honorable mention, since their 1989 song Personal Jesus was forgotten during last year’s countdown. However, this song’s placement in this 1990 countdown makes more sense because this was the tune that introduced me to Depeche Mode. Even today, this song would still be a hit with its sound and great chorus. Coming in at #17 is Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode.
Sometimes a song goes away for a little while but starts to come back slowly until it floods our consciousness. That’s the point of this countdown, and this song is a perfect example of it. REO Speedwagon has been around for a while and has only recently made a comeback on the concert circuit, with this early hit of theirs leading the way. Coming in at #18 is Keep On Loving You by REO Speedwagon.