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.
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.
As much as I enjoy Lady, this tune is the one that set this artist on a course for solo superstardom. Add in the appearance of a Motown legend, and you have one of the most popular pop/adult contemporary songs of all time. It’s also the slowest song in this countdown. Coming in at #15 is Endless Love by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross.
I remember hearing our next 1981 entry a lot during Friday morning shows, and still to this day, it’s known as one of the ultimate weekend songs. It doesn’t hurt that it rocks as well, and may well be this band’s biggest and most-lasting song of their career. Rocking to #16 is Working For the Weekend by Loverboy.
While they could make a bigger mark in next year’s countdown (wait and see), it took a couple of listens for me to agree that this song deserves its place in the Top 20 1981 songs countdown. This song has since grown over time and its famous lick is still heard today. At #17 in my countdown it’s Centerfold by J. Geils Band.
This is a song that had to push out steep competition from the likes of Hall & Oates, Rick James and The Commodores. However, this song’s indelible mark on pop music and culture is undeniable, especially when you have the Muppets covering it (google it). I think after listening, “you may find yourself” agreeing that this song belongs at least at #18. It’s Once in a Lifetime by The Talking Heads.