We now come to the first entry of the 1984 countdown that will probably be #1 on many others’ lists.  The fact it is only at #9 speaks volumes about the competition for this year.  Featuring one of the most recognizable saxophone riffs of all time, this song stops everyone in its tracks when it gets played, and it this band’s greatest ballad hands down.  Despite being Billboard’s #1 song for 1985, it was released in 1984, making it place in this competitive countdown year.  Coming in (controversially) at #9 is Careless Whisper by Wham!

While last year the genre grabbed the top spot, our next song turning 30 years old this year is the highest charting hip-hop song of this countdown.  Interestingly it can almost be considered a one-hit-wonder since it was this artist’s biggest known hit, and it’s a common song at sports venues and clubs.  I remembered when this song was everywhere during the 90s and listening to it again, I can understand why.  This catchy tune will have you grooving.  At #9 is Here Come The Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze.

We begin the second half of the top 20 songs turning 30 years old countdown with a familiar participant of the last few 90s countdowns.  This band was a juggernaut during this time and once again busted out some classic R&B tunes, including this one.  It’s still heard quite a bit today and it’s not the only one we will here from these Philly boys going forward.  Starting off at #10 is I’ll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men.

Starting out the second half of the countdown for the top 20 songs turning 40 years old is a track that was played by many students in chorus rooms with grand pianos, mainly because the melody is all black keys.  This track made this artist a star and it didn’t hurt her for being a fantastic drummer and percussionist.  It’s also another Prince entry in that he wrote the tone.  Coming in at #10 is The Glamorous Life by Sheila E.

We wrap up the first half of the incredibly difficult and competitive top 20 countdown of songs turning 40 years old this year with the title track of the album that made this woman a massive superstar.  If she didn’t rule the world before, this album would make certain of that this and especially the following year.  This track established her as one of the most controversial artists of her time and she was only getting started.  Coming in at #11 is Like a Virgin by Madonna.

This band had a lot of great hits in 1993 but they couldn’t crack that countdown.  As we finish the bottom half of this 1994 countdown, the top song in this half belongs to this group.  This song’s video, along with a couple others, helped launch the acting career of Alicia Silverstone, and the song is still heard today in various avenues.  Finishing up the first half of the top 20 songs turning 30 years old countdown, it’s Crazy by Aerosmith.