Love Shack
Rock Lobster

Other '80s Hits: Roam

Con1 says:
"This new wave band from Georgia formed in 1977, but didn't see the peak of their careers until 1990. They get their name from bouffant hair styles worn by it's two female members."

Scourge2 says:
"I never did see anything spectacular about this act, even though their Love Shack has become one of the premiere new wave anthems of the '80s. Maybe it's the hair...."


Babys

Midnight Rendezvous

Other '80s Hits: Back On My Feet Again; Turn And Walk Away

Con1 says:
"This group wasn't exactly a flash in the pan act, but when I ask people about them, not too many people remember them. They may remember lead singer John Waite for his solo efforts after the Babys disbanded, or even for his work in 1989 with Bad English, the group he formed with two former Babys members."

Scourge2 says:
"THAT'S where I remember them from!!! It must be, because I've never heard of the Babys myself until today."


Bad English

When I See You Smile

Other '80s Hits: Forget Me Not; Price Of Love

Con1 says:
"Start with my comments about The Babys and add to them the following: John Waite's new group only lasted for two albums, but they managed to produce three Top 40 hits, including the No. 1 When I See You Smile".

Scourge2 says:
"It looks like Mr. Waite's luck with bands wasn't all that good."


Bailey, Philip & Phil Collins

Easy Lover

Other '80s Hits: None

Con1 says:
"The teaming of Earth, Wind & Fire vocalist Philip Bailey and Genesis frontman Phil Collins produced one of the biggest hit songs of the winter of 1984-1985. Easy Lover went all the way to No. 2 in Febuary 1985."

Scourge2 says:
"I'd have loved to see the two of them do more songs together. Who knows? Maybe Hall & Oates would have had some competition in the duet department."


Baker, Anita

No One In The World
Sweet Love

Other '80s Hits: Caught Up In The Rapture; Giving You The Best That I Got; Just Because; Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year)

Con1 says:
"Anita Baker has turned out to be one of, if not the, best female R&B vocalists in the 1980's. She doesn't have a No. 1 pop song to her credit (the closest she came was with Giving You The Best That I Got, which went to No. 3), but she has been the only singer to have beaten out both Janet Jackson AND Whitney Houston for top Grammy wins as far as female R&B vocalists go."

Scourge2 says:
"Anita Baker and Sade are two women who I can listen to day-in and day-out. I'm still waiting for Anita to start studio work again. Sade has already put her latest work out after 8 years. What is Anita Baker waiting on?"


Baltimora

Tarzan Boy

Other '80s Hits: Living In The Background

Con1 says:
"Aside from the strange name, there isn't much else to note about this flash-in-the-pan singer from Northern Ireland."

Scourge2 says:
"Boy, did you call THAT right!"


Bananarama

Cruel Summer
I Heard A Rumour
Love In The First Degree
Love, Truth, And Honesty
Venus

Other '80s Hits: I Can't Help It; More Than Physical; Robert DeNiro's Waiting; Shy Boy (Don't It Make You Feel Good); Trick Of The Night; Wild Life

Con1 says:
"Which was the better girl group in the 1980's? Bananarama didn't quite have the chart success of the Bangles or the Go-Gos, but they managed to last longer than the other two, and without the internal strife that plagued, in particular, the Go-Gos."

Scourge2 says:
"I recently bought their 'Greatest Hits' CD. The songs brought back a lot of memories, especially Cruel Summer, my favorite from them."


Band Aid

Do They Know It's Christmas?

Other '80s Hits: None

Con1 says:
"This collaboration of British singers united in an effort to benefit hunger victims in Africa was the predecessor of USA For Africa. After the success of the British effort, Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats came to offer his assistance to Quincy Jones and Co. for We Are The World."

Scourge2 says:
"I tried to explain to my wife several times why efforts like these above, Live Aid, Farm Aid, etc. were as popular as they have been, but she still isn't convinced that they did any good. When you stop to think about it, maybe she's right."


Bangles

Eternal Flame
Hazy Shade Of Winter
Manic Monday
Walk Like An Egyptian

Other '80s Hits: Be With You; If She Knew What She Wants; In Your Room; Walking Down Your Street

Con1 says:
"Maybe the most successful of all the '80s girl groups, the Bangles had seven Top 40 hit songs, including Eternal Flame and Walk Like An Egyptian which both went to No. 1. Their 8-year history came to an end in 1989."

Scourge2 says:
"I was never really bowled over by the Bangles. For one reason or another, they just never appealed to me. Then again, Prince (or The Artist, if you prefer) literally handed them their No. 2 smash hit Manic Monday. Maybe he, along with millions of others, saw something in them I didn't"


Barnes, Jimmy

Working Class Man

Other '80s Hits: Too Much Ain't Enough Love

Con1 says:
"Jimmy Barnes can at least say he made records at one time in his life. They just weren't all that successful. Working Class Man, his biggest, only went as high as No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts."

Scourge2 says:
"I hope he didn't give up his day job."


Basil, Toni

Mickey (incomplete)

Other '80s Hits: Shoppin' From A To Z

Con1 says:
"Another former cheerleader, Toni Basil had what probably could be considered the most popular song in the 1980s in Mickey. It got tremendous club and radio exposure. Even 'Weird Al' did a parody of it. Her only other song of note, Shoppin' From A To Z briefly caught the attention of the producers of the "Captain Kangaroo" television show, which aired the song's video."

Scourge2 says:
"Mickey was so good, even 'Weird Al' did a parody of it. Just ask Michael Jackson or the bandmates in Nirvana. They'll tell you that is the true mark of success and flattery. Just don't ask Coolio the same question."


Beach Boys

California Dreamin'
Kokomo

Other '80s Hits: Beach Boys Medley; Come Go With Me; Goin On; It's Gettin' Late; Still Cruisin'; Wipeout (w/The Fat Boys)

Con1 says:
"One of the most successful bands in history and the most popular in America (according to Joel Whitburn who literally wrote the book, the Beach Boys formed a generation and a half ago, waaaaaaaaay back in 1961. They boast 43 albums which have seen chart success, 34 Top 40 hits (four of which [including Kokomo in 1988] went to No. 1), and a Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame induciton in 1988."

Scourge2 says:
"...but you never explained why they wanted to team with The Fat Boys! Midlife crisis?"


Beastie Boys

(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right To Party

Other '80s Hits: Brass Monkey; Hey Ladies

Con1 says:
"The Beastie Boys have been recognized as legitimate rappers for years, long before they really gained national attention for their Top 10 song (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right To Party. Their tour with Run/DMC was mutually beneficial as both rap acts began to gain mainstream acceptance."

Scourge2 says:
"I bought their License To Ill album years ago and one of the things I remember about it is how Fight For Your Right sounded so different from the rest of the album. I didn't know whether I really liked that one song or not."


Beatles

Twist & Shout

Other '80s Hits: Beatles' Movie Medley

Con1 says:
"What hasn't already been said about the Beatles?"

Scourge2 says:
"How about why was Twist & Shout re-released in 1986, more than 20 years after it was originally released by them? Was it part of a movie soundtrack or what?"


Beck, Jeff & Rod Stewart

People Get Ready

Other '80s Hits From Jeff Beck: None
Other '80s Hits From Rod Stewart: Check for Rod Stewart on this page.

Con1 says:
"This song wasn't a huge success on the music charts, but it did get a lot of radio airplay."

Scourge2 says:
"I remember this song very well. This song and Young Turks made me a big Rod Stewart fan."


Bee Gees

You Win Again

Other '80s Hits: He's A Liar; Living Eyes; One; Someone Belonging To Someone; Woman In You

Con1 says:
"These brothers from Manchester, England, began their recording career in 1963. They went their separate ways to pursue other interests, but reunited in 1970. Their most famous work to date was on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, which was, at that time, the biggest selling album in history!"

Scourge2 says:
"That's probably why I can't get past them singing Night Fever. When I think 'Bee Gees', I think '70s and disco, not '80s."


Belle Stars

Iko Iko

Other '80s Hits: Sign Of The Times

Con1 says:
"This English girl band only had one album to hit the charts - back in 1983. Iko Iko wasn't released then, but instead was re-worked and released in 1989, when it went to No. 14."

Scourge2 says:
"My thanks to whomever it was that decided to redo this song and release it. It's great!"


Benetar, Pat

Fire And Ice
Heartbreaker
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Love Is A Battlefield
Shadows Of The Night
Treat Me Right
We Belong

Other '80s Hits: All Fired Up; Le Bel Age; A Little Too Late; Looking For A Stranger; Ooh Ooh Song; Promises In The Dark; Sex As A Weapon; We Live For Love

Con1 says:
"This New York-born rock singer has had a wonderful career. She recorded throughout the 1980s and ended with her career with 16 Top 40 hits!"

Scourge2 says:
"I enjoyed everything about her music and her videos were good. This is one singer I think deserves to have a spot in the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame!"


Benson, George

Give Me The Night
Turn Your Love Around

Other '80s Hits: Inside Love (So Personal); Lady Love Me (One More Time); Love X Love; Never Give Up On A Good Thing; 20/20

Con1 says:
"This Pittsburgh-born R&B guitarist learned to play the guitar at the age of 8. As a result, he's been making records since 1963, had a No. 1 album in 1976, Breezin', and four Top 40 pop hits."

Scourge2 says:
"Benson's work was recognized moreso on the R&B charts. His Give Me The Night still makes me want to get up and dance."


Berlin

The Metro
Take My Breath Away

Other '80s Hits: Like Flames; Masquerade; Sex (I'm A...)

Con1 says:
"Berlin was a short-lived pop group that only produced three albums, but they managed to have a huge No. 1 hit in Take My Breath Away."

Scourge2 says:
"I really didn't care much for Berlin except for their song The Metro. It was upbeat and could have fit into the playlist of your average pop music station in the mid-80s. As for the rest of their music, I can pass on it."


Big Country

In A Big Country

Other '80s Hits: Fields Of Fire; Wonderland

Con1 says:
"This one-hit wonder from Scotland, though they produced five albums, only managed to have one Top 20 song, In A Big Country."

Scourge2 says:
"...but what a hit it was. I loved it!"


Billy Vera & The Beaters

At This Moment

Other '80s Hits: I Can Take Care Of Myself

Con1 says:
"The list of one-hit wonders continues with Billy Vera & The Beaters and their No 1 hit At This Moment. Before he formed The Beaters, Vera wrote hit songs for pop, country, and r&b acts."

Scourge2 says:
"I didn't care much for this song at all."


Bishop, Stephen

It Might Be You

Other '80s Hits: None

Con1 says:
"Stephen Bishop didn't do much in the 1980s; his musical achievements were mainly in the '70s. His accomplishments include a cameo spot in National Lampoon's Animal House."

Scourge2 says:
"If you say so...."


Blondie

Atomic
Call Me
Rapture
The Tide Is High

Other '80s Hits: Hardest Part; Island Of Lost Souls

Con1 says:
"Debbie Harry & Co. made a big splash on the pop music charts from the late '70s to the early '80s time as a unit. It's a shame they went their separate ways in 1983. They had four No. 1 songs, all of which could be considered all-time classics!"

Scourge2 says:
"I've always known Blondie was good, but I've also felt that the group was overrated. Rapture, Call Me, The Tide Is High, they are all good songs, but good enought to be No. 1 hits? I can't argue with what Con1 showed me, but Heart Of Glass (1979), to me, was their best work. And as for the rest..."


Blues Brothers

Gimme Some Lovin'
Who's Making Love

Other '80s Hits: None

Con1 says:
"Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were living proof that anyone can make a record. Well, actually, all they really did was take a SNL skit to the big screen. They sung old blues classics alongside the likes of Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown, added their own humor, and WHAM! - instant cultural favorite! They even managed to take four of their recordings to the Top 40 ranks."

Scourge2 says:
"Why should this surprise anyone? People bought into Eddie Murphy's singing, right? And who can forget about Chunky A? Remember him?"


Bolton, Michael

How Am I Supposed To Live Without You?
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay
Soul Provider
That's What Love Is All About

Other '80s Hits: Fools Game; Wait On Love

Con1 says:
"For years, Hall & Oates were the greatest examples of 'blue-eyed soul', until Michael Bolton left his old band, Blackjack, and decided to go solo. He, like the Blues Brothers, covered many r&b standards, including (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay and his No. 1 hit When A Man Loves A Woman (in 1991), but he put that same soulful spin on other records, earning him 15 Top 40 hits (including two No. 1's) in his career."

Scourge2 says:
"It also earned him the losing end of a plagiarism lawsuit against the Isley Brothers in 1994 - to the tune of nearly $5.5 million! Funny, but we don't hear much about Michael Bolton these days. Did someone say he was singing operas now?"


Bon Jovi

Bad Medicine
Born To Be My Baby
Wanted Dead Or Alive
I'll Be There For You
Lay Your Hands On Me
Living On A Prayer
You Give Love A Bad Name

Other '80s Hits: In And Out Of Love; Living In Sin; Only Lonely; She Don't Know Me

Con1 says:
"Bon Jovi was one of the premier rock bands on the 1980s with four No. 1 hits during that decade. Along with the success of the band, Jon comprised the soundtrack for the movie Blaze Of Glory/Young Guns II in 1990."

Scourge2 says:
"I enjoy listening to their music, especially Wanted Dead Or Alive, my favorite from them. Jon paints so vivid a picture of the character in this song that it's almost as if you're standing next to him. There weren't many singers in the '80s who could do that."


Boomtown Rats

I Don't Like Mondays

Other '80s Hits: None

Con1 says:
"The Boomtown Rats, while successful and popular in England, didn't make that much headway on this side of the Atlantic. I Don't Like Mondays was their only chart offering in the U.S."

Scourge2 says:
"I never even heard of the Boomtown Rats or Geldof until USA For Africa and the other anti-hunger movements."


Boston

Amanda

Other '80s Hits: We're Ready

Con1 says:
"Formed in the band's namesake city, Boston has a very short but profitable history together. Though they only made four albums together, with Third Stage being their only studio effort of the eighties (and even then as a duo), they managed to have their biggest hit, Amanda, from this album. It was their only No. 1 song."

Scourge2 says:
"I remember when Amanda was hot on the charts. It reminded me of a girl I once knew."


Bow Wow Wow

I Want Candy (incomplete)

Other '80s Hits: Do You Wanna Hold Me?

Con1 says:
"This English band has had a load of talent go through it's ranks. It was formed by former Sex Pistols manager, Malcolm McLaren, three of it's band members were formerly from the original Adam & The Ants, and Boy George (under another pseudonym, Lieutenant Lush) was a former backup singer for the group."

Scourge2 says:
"And they called themselves Bow Wow Wow. Is it any wonder why they only had one real hit here in America?"


Bowie, David

Blue Jean
Cat People (Putting Out Fire)
China Girl
Let's Dance
Modern Love

Other '80s Hits: Absolute Beginners; Day-In Day-Out; Fashion; Never Let Me Down; Tonight; Under Pressure (w/Queen); Without You

Con1 says:
"David Bowie has had a long ans storied career. He began his recording career in 1963, but had his first solo effort in 1972. He had his biggest songs in the 1980s (including the No. 1 Let's Dance) and he was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 1996."

Scourge2 says:
"Say what you will about his lifestyle, he managed to marry a knockout supermodel in Iman, and welcomed their first child in the world in 2000. My congrats!"


Brannigan, Laura

Gloria
Self Control

Other '80s Hits: All Night With Me; Hold Me; Lucky One; Solitaire; Spanish Eddie

Con1 says:
"The bulk of her recording career was encased in the '80s, during which time the New York-born singer/actress scored with seven Top 40 hits, including the No. 2. smash Gloria."

Scourge2 says:
"My father gave me my first cassette recorder (the first of many) in 1982. Gloria was the first song I ever taped on it. Come to think of it, I still have that tape!"


Breathe

Hands To Heaven

Other '80s Hits: Don't Tell Me Lies; How Can I Fall?

Con1 says:
"This British group breathed their last and faded into obscurity shortly after only their second album in 1990. They did manage to have three Top 10 hits, including their most successful song, Hands To Heaven."

Scourge2 says:
"'...Breathed their last...' is right. I don't remember anything else from them after that song."


Bronski Beat

Smalltown Boy

Other '80s Hits: None.

Con1 says:
"Smalltown Boy was the only charted single from this techno-pop group from England."

Scourge2 says:
"...and it wasn't even that good."


Brown, Bobby

Every Little Step
My Prerogative

Other '80s Hits: Don't Be Cruel; Girlfriend; On Our Own; Rock Wit'cha; Roni

Con1 says:
"Bobby Brown has had a successful solo career since leaving New Edition in 1986, albeit a short one. His album Don't Be Cruel produced most of his solo hits of the '80s, with his No. 1 My Prerogative leading the pack. He married singer/actress Whitney Houston in 1992."

Scourge2 says:
"Unfortunately, he's been held back a bit by his marriage and his problems with drugs and the law. But while marriage is a good thing, the drug problems are not. I pray he's found a way to beat the latter and I hope to see him in the studio once more."


Brown, James

Living In America

Other '80s Hits: Gravity

Con1 says:
"'The Godfather of Soul', 'The Hardest Working Man In Show Business', and 'Soul Brother #1', he's done a lot in his career which saw him cut his first demo record back in 1955, Please Please Please. He has appearances in Rocky IV and The Blues Brothers to his credit, as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992 and an induction into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986. And though his 'brand new bag' was a bit lighter in the '80s, Living In America was a solid hit for him in this decade."

Scourge2 says:
"It's been said that he was the originator of everything that came after him. To see so many rock and r&b acts playing his music or borrowing from his style, I can believe that statement. He obviously influenced a lot of people!"


Browne, Jackson

Lawyers In Love
Somebody's Baby

Other '80s Hits: Boulevard; For A Rocker; For America; In The Shape Of A Heart; Tender Is The Night; That Girl Could Sing; You're A Friend Of Mine (w/Clarence Clemons)

Con1 says:
"Born in Germany and raised in America, Jackson Browne has enjoyed a lot of success as a singer, composer, and musician. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, and others."

Scourge2 says:
"I don't know why I like it, but his song Somebody's Baby seems to stick with me, even though I didn't particularly like most of his music."


Bruce Hornsby & The Range

Every Little Kiss
Look Out Any Window
Mandolin Rain
The Valley Road
The Way It Is

Other '80s Hits: None.

Con1 says:
"Bruce Hornsby, who performed with Sheena Easton's touring band, was already an accomplished pianist when he formed the group The Range in 1984. This winner of the Best New Artist Grammy in 1986 showed just how talented they were in the '80s with five Top 40 hits."

Scourge2 says:
"My favorite musical instrument has always been the piano. Now if I only knew how to play it as well as Hornsby, Elton John, or Billy Joel. Just the fact that Hornsby plays the piano well will always make me a fan of his."


Bryson, Peabo & Roberta Flack

Tonight I Celebrate My Love

Other '80s Hits: You're Looking Like Love To Me
Other '80s Hits For Peabo Bryson: If Ever You're In My Arms Again; Let The Feeling Flow; Lovers After All (w/Melissa Manchester); Slow Dancin'; Take No Prisoners (In The Game Of Love); Without You (w/Regina Belle)

Other '80s Hits For Roberta Flack: None.

Con1 says:
"This collaboration gave Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack one of the most successful songs in either one's career. They also had two albums that featured their works as a duet."

Scourge2 says:
"This is a good song if you're attending a wedding or are planning a romantic evening, but if you work nights, leave this song at home."


Buffett, Jimmy

Volcano

Other '80s Hits: It's My Job; Survive

Con1 says:
"Mississippi-born and Alabama-raised, Jummy Buffett not only made music, he also reported on it as a correspondent for Billboard magazine."

Scourge2 says:
"The only thing I remember from him is his Margaritaville from the late '70s. Nothing else rings a bell to me about him."


Buggles

Video Killed The Radio Star

Other '80s Hits: None.

Con1 says:
"This short-lived English duo managed only this one hit before fading into obscurity. Trevor Horn eventually went on to become a major force behind techno-pop act The Art Of Noise (my brother's favorite act - he'll tell you himself)."

Scourge2 says:
"MTV loved Video Killed The Radio Star, but I'm not that familiar with it or with The Buggles. They seemed to be another of the 1980s flash-in-the-pan acts to me."


Bush, Kate

Running Up That Hill

Other '80s Hits: None.

Con1 says:
"Kate Bush didn't have much success on the American charts in the '80s. In fact, Running Up That Hill was her only Top 40 hit."

Scourge2 says:
"It surprised me that she wasn't more successful than she was. I enjoyed Running Up That Hill and couldn't wait until she followed it up with another hit song. What happened?"