What could surpass a Marvin Gaye comeback classic?  Only a song featuring one of the most memorable, and recognizable blues rock riffs.  As soon as you hear it, you know something badass is coming, and it still holds the same impact 40 years on as it did back in 1982.  Pay homage to one of the most mainstream blues rock songs as it enters my countdown at #4.  It’s Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood & The Destroyers.

We now arrive at the top 5 songs of 1982, and boy was it tough to place them!  Each one of these songs deserves its spot in the best of 1982, and this one is an absolute classic.  Like a lot of songs on this countdown, this track sounds fresh even today, and has managed to hold on its place in popular culture and lingo.  It also marked as a huge comeback for this artist, one of the greatest.  At #5 it is Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye.

This next band got a lot of grief over the years, but in 1982, they got their rightful due.  Featuring a drum beat that immediately makes people know the song, this track won Record and Song of the Year and has managed to find brand new life in the Yacht Rock scene over recent years.  Making it’s stamp at #6 in this 1982 countdown is Rosanna by TOTO.

We now come to the 40 years old songs countdown with probably the slowest song on this countdown.  One of the original power rock ballads, this track has managed to stand the test of time and has become a huge favorite for first dances among other things.  Coming in at #7 is Open Arms by Journey.

There are some songs that come to define what the 80s were.  This is undoubtedly one of those songs, and is one of my personal favorites from this decade.  One hears this song and it becomes hard for them to not escape the sounds and memories of the 80s.  This iconic track is #8 on the top 20 songs turning 40 years old – I Ran by A Flock of Seagalls.

While this duo is known for a lot of classic hits, this song is a major fixture of my childhood.  These guys showed that they were not done churning out incredible classics.  It’s one of their best songs, has an incredible chorus, and has a classic title to boot.  What more can you ask for?  Coming in at #9 is Maneater by Daryl Hall & John Oates.