The next 1981 song in our countdown almost didn’t make it as well and required another listen. Still, it was hard not to include the song that features probably the most famous phone number in pop music. I guarantee you’ll be reciting it today after you finish listening to the tune coming in today at #19: 867-5309 by Tommy Tutone.
We kick off the countdown of the Top 20 Songs Turning 40 Years Old in 2021 with a song by the only group that has managed to have appeared 3 consecutive times in these countdowns. This rather unassuming, non-controversial track initially didn’t make it in, until a second listen grooved me enough to place it at #20 – Get Down On It from Kool & The Gang.
Just like last year, we have our annual countdown coming up for My Top 20 songs that turn 40 years old this year, 2021. If you want to know about my criteria for this countdown, view this post and then you’ll know why even though Tainted Love by Soft Cell is one of the biggest hits of the 80s, it won’t make this countdown because it was originally released by Gloria Jones in 1964. So, with that said, as we wait for April 1st, here are the list of songs that were considered, but did not make the countdown, including …..more →
We have now reached the #1 song of 1980, and this one is a no-brainer. The second I played this song, I just knew this would be the top track. I mean, come on! Is there anybody who has NOT heard this song before? And it’s always this version, that’s how good it is. I dare you to find a song release in 1980 that’s better than this one. The #1 song turning 40 years old is Celebration by Kool & The Gang.
As we approach the very top of this countdown, we come to a song that still gets played at sporting events, parties, etc. For a band whose songs were mainly written by the singer and guitarist, who would have thought that one of the very few songs written by the bass player would be Queen’s biggest billboard hit. When you hear it, you know it, and its title is another phrase used repeatedly in various situations. Coming in at #2 is Another One Bites The Dust by Queen.
Childhood alert again! The second Hall & Oates song to enter this countdown is one I worn out on my mom’s vinyl player. So upbeat, dance-able, it’s hard not to smile when you hear it, and it’s still being used today in commercials and dj parties. Coming in at #3 is You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall & John Oates.