Just like the previous entry to this countdown, here’s another song that can’t be capsuled into the 80s sound. Already with a couple huge hits under his belt, this artist produced this track of what everybody knows about in this country to some extent, and the problems and joys that come with it. Coming in at #7 is Small Town by John Mellencamp.
Rare can a song not only help define a pop-music genre, but also be the catalyst for the wave of music that would come years down the road. Enter this next 1985 track. It’s a safe bet that the Latin-music invasion can be traced back to this song, which never gets caught in the 80s time capsule. It still sounds fresh today. This energetic tune will get you singing and dancing, at #8 it’s Conga by Miami Sound Machine.
In the mid-80s, this artist was everywhere, from Miami Vice to Live Aid. He had four songs that were released in 1985 but only this one managed to break into this list. I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s hard for me not to enjoy this song when it comes on the air. That bass riff is iconic, the keyboard riff is jammin’, and the horns are superb. At #9 it’s Sussudio by Phil Collins.
We kick off the second half of the top 20 songs turning 40 years old with another time-capsuled 80s hit that still gets tons of airplay to this day. Again, the issue of whether “soundtrack songs” should be considered rears its ugly head again with this song, as it’s tied into the movie The Breakfast Club. Still, it’s a huge song that is still heard today, and it’s tough for it to not make it at least to #10 in this countdown – it’s Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds.
Finishing up the first half of the 1985 countdown we again hit another artist who will end up with 2 songs in this list. But sometimes, as was the case in this year, a band or artist was so good that one was simply not enough. Case in point, while the previous year helped define who this artist was, this track helped solidify that more, of which she became known as this name, like Prince was labeled The Purple One. At #11 in the 1985 countdown it’s Material Girl by Madonna.
Our sports-themed song talk continues with the second entry of this band. I mentioned before their prior entry may be their biggest song, but this one was also a huge hit and one of my absolute favorites. It’s hard not to smile at this song when you hear that keyboard riff, and the energy of this song is undeniable. Sliding in at #12 is Walk Of Life by Dire Straits.