In the previous entry, I did mention that John Mellencamp’s breakthrough yielded two huge singles. This was the other. While these singles could be considered a tie in that they are both classics that go together, this one song edged itself out slightly by its great chorus and feel-good rock vibe. Our #16 song in the top 20 songs of 1982 countdown is Hurts so Good by John Mellencamp.
One of the most well-known American singer/songwriters today, John Mellencamp made his breakthrough in 1982 with American Fool which spawned two well-known hit singles, one of which is this one. The video of the mickey-mouse glove clapping hands was something I always remembered, but the track itself is still heard today in many places. Coming in at #17 is Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp.
1982 was really a coming out party for Stevie Nicks. The previous year’s duet with Tom Petty was a classic, her solo work spawned some great art as we just have seen, and she also delivered for Fleetwood Mac once again. This song was arguably the group’s biggest single for their Mirage album and it’s the song that introduced me to her when growing up. At #18 it’s Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac.
The Clash are one of rock music’s most classic groups, and songs like this one are the reason why. While one other song they released in this year I remember the most, this one has since grown on me and is more recognizable today than the other. It has hence earned a place in this countdown, at #19 it’s Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash.
Starting of the countdown of the top 20 songs that turn 40 years old is a song that was in, then out, and then back into this countdown – just to show how competitive this year was. In the end this song’s incredibly recognizable riff, sampled on numerous tracks, and the fact it’s still being used to this day make it a worthy addition to this countdown. We begin at #20 of this 1982 countdown with Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks.
Just like last year, we have our annual countdown coming up for My Top 20 songs that turn 40 years old this year, 2022. If you want to know about my criteria for this countdown, view this post. This proved to be a very tough year and as we wait for April 1st, here are the list of songs that were considered, but did not make the countdown, including six (marked by *) that almost made it: AC/DC – For Those About to Rock Alan Parson Project – Sirius/Eye In The Sky Asia – Heat Of The Moment Billy Idol – White Wedding Billy Joel – Allentown* …..more →