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.
Our next song officially was released in 1991 and 30 years later, it’s still got punch. Blurring the lines between rock, funk and rap, along with a great lip-busting choral hook, this song helped make this band one of the biggest alternative bands in the country. Coming in at #16 is Give it Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Arriving next in this countdown is a song that was a crossover smash by someone who classified herself as a Christian artist. The album Heart in Motion had many great tunes, all of which were considered for this list, but this song was the biggest track, earning a Grammy nod for Song of the Year. Our #17 song of this 30 year old countdown is Baby Baby by Amy Grant.
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.