'80s No. 1 Rock Songs From Worst to Best

The ’80s started with holdovers from the earlier decade nonetheless holding sway, then shortly started to morph. A few of these first- and second-generation traditional rockers tailored to an period outlined by synthesizers, music movies and hairspray. However they had been quickly joined by new faces that bent and formed pop and rock in a brand new picture.

This winding musical journey performed out on the prime of the Billboard Scorching 100. The next countdown of ’80s No. 1 rock songs ranks all of them from worst to greatest.

We’re admittedly stretching the definition of “rock” with a few of these chart-toppers. However in every case, they had been singles by acts like Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Coronary heart and Chicago who’ve been credibly described as members of the traditional rock style – even when within the case of Starship, it is solely by a free affiliation going again to Jefferson Airplane.

In some instances, these had been profession firsts. In others, they had been profession lasts. And a few figures, like Collins, had been merely inescapable. Each certainly one of these singles represents a memorable signpost, each for the artists themselves and on the broader musical panorama. A lot in regards to the period is retold by these smash hits.

Which one was greatest? This is our record of ’80s No. 1 rock songs ranked from worst to greatest:

“We Are the World,” USA for Africa (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

Nice sentiment, after all. However no one is popping this up.

“We Constructed This Metropolis,” Starship (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Instructed the premise of this track, singer Grace Slick stated, “Oh, you are shitting me. That is the worst track ever!” She wasn’t unsuitable.

“Ebony and Ivory,” Paul McCartney and Stevie Surprise (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 7

Nice sentiment, after all. However no one is popping this up.

“Once I’m With You,” Sheriff (1989)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Nonetheless with no hit track and now flat broke, Arnold Lanni reportedly wrote this as a present for his future spouse. So principally, issues went from dangerous to worse.

“A Groovy Type of Love,” Phil Collins (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Within the first (however very a lot not the final) of his appearances on this record, Phil Collins transforms a enjoyable Carole Bayer Sager-written hit by the Mindbenders into mind-numbingly boring soundtrack ballad.

“Each Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

Bret Michaels was at a Dallas laundromat when he came upon his girlfriend was dishonest on him. I might relatively watch his garments dry than hearken to this.

“Nothing’s Gonna Cease Us Now,” Starship (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Someplace, a white rabbit is uncontrollably weeping.

“Two Hearts,” Phil Collins (1989)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Fortunately, Lamont Dozier labored with brothers Brian and Eddie Holland again within the Motown days, relatively than “Two Hearts” collaborator Phil Collins. His whole profession might need been derailed.

“Cannot Battle This Feeling,” REO Speedwagon (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

Certain you may. It is all about making use of your self.

“Separate Lives,” Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Songwriter Stephen Bishop misplaced the Oscar for Finest Unique Track to Lionel Richie’s track “Say You, Say Me,” one other horrible track from White Nights movie.

“The Flame,” Low cost Trick (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Saddled with this track by his label, guitarist (and principal songwriter) Rick Nielsen reportedly pulled the demo from a tape participant and crushed it beneath his boot heel. If solely that was the top of the story.

“Personal Eyes,” Daryl Corridor and John Oates (1981)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

The worst track on their greatest album.

“These Desires,” Coronary heart (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Nancy Wilson was affected by a chilly when she sang this, making a extra rough-hewn vocal. After “These Desires” grew to become their first No. 1 single, their new label reps at Capital reportedly requested: “Cannot you simply get sick once more?”

“Caught With You,” Huey Lewis and the Information (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

A kind of love songs that is probably not a love track in any respect.

“We Did not Begin the Hearth,” Billy Joel (1989)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Alongside the way in which, Nazis commit genocide, John F. Kennedy is murdered, and nuclear annihilation looms. Lastly, he exclaims “I can not take it anymore!” – after referencing … the cola wars?

“Kokomo,” The Seaside Boys (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

What for those who wrote a horrible Seaside Boys pastiche and the Seaside Boys truly carried out it?

“Look Away,” Chicago (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

Low cost Trick had been provided the selection of both “The Flame” or “Look Away.” They selected poorly.

“Unhealthy Drugs,” Bon Jovi (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Within the video, comic Sam Kinison hijacks the shoot in hopes of enhancing on the same old “slop that we get from these glam-rock fairly boys.” Pity he could not have performed that with the track, too.

“I Wish to Know What Love Is,” Foreigner (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Lou Gramm argued with bandmate Mick Jones over credit score for this track, with Jones finally taking 100%. The very best half is the New Jersey Mass Choir – they usually acquired zero.

“I will Be There for You,” Bon Jovi (1989)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Nearly each track on New Jersey was too lengthy, like Bon Jovi was attempting to make glam prog. Even with a minute lopped off on the only model, “I will Be There For You” overstays its welcome, too.

“Shakedown,” Bob Seger (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

He is a staple of traditional rock playlists, however his singles weren’t at all times that vast. (“Flip the Web page,” as an illustration, did not chart in any respect.) So naturally, he lastly topped the charts with a track that does not sound like Bob Seger in any respect.

“Alone,” Coronary heart (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

You will by no means persuade me this is not a Jim Steinman manufacturing.

“Right here I Go Once more,” Whitesnake (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Paradoxically, the video for this glam-metal breakup track stars David Coverdale’s future ex-wife Tawny Kitaen.

“Love Bites,” Def Leppard (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Amongst different issues.

“One other Day in Paradise,” Phil Collins (1989)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

Extra proof that at this level, he may sing something and have a success – even lyrics that could be charitably described as painfully over-earnest.

“The Reflex,” Duran Duran (1984)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Remixer extraordinaire Nile Rodgers knew simply what to do with Simon Lebon’s annoying “why-yi-yi-yi”: weaponize it for the dance ground.

“Once I See You Smile,” Unhealthy English (1989)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

They had been approach higher than this prefab track from an outdoor author. Attempting to match (or actually, stay down) this success proved to be the group’s undoing.

“One Extra Evening,” Phil Collins (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Martin Scorsese used “One Extra Evening” for the scene in The Coloration of Cash the place Tom Cruise impresses Paul Newman whereas hustling folks at a pool desk. Good. The primary single from No Jacket Required continued the sad-sack tone of Collins’ latest divorce-themed songs, when the album was largely full of innocuous pop songs.

“St. Elmo’s Hearth (Man in Movement),” John Parr (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

That is one other a type of moments – taking a look at you, Chicago 16 – the place producer David Foster introduced in a bunch of ringers from Toto to make sure a success. Sadly, Parr simply is not very attention-grabbing.

“Invisible Contact,” Genesis (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Plasticine rubbish, however simply so hummable.

“Arduous to Say I am Sorry,” Chicago (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Actually, extra members of Toto seem on this track than members of Chicago.

“Amanda,” Boston (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

What if Boston performed your highschool promenade?

“Jacob’s Ladder,” Huey Lewis and the Information (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

What if Huey Lewis and the Information determined to get all critical?

“Maneater,” Daryl Corridor and John Oates (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

John Oates’ authentic demo had extra of a reggae really feel. Then Daryl Corridor had the thought of ripping off the Supremes’ No. 1 smash “You Cannot Hurry Love.”

“Heaven,” Bryan Adams (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

There’s actually not a lot occurring right here, then Steve Smith does certainly one of his patented Journey drum fills. Then, not a lot begins occurring once more.

“In opposition to All Odds (Take a Take a look at Me Now),” Phil Collins (1984)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

He nearly – however not fairly – saves it with some “Within the Air Tonight”-style drumming.

“Eye of the Tiger,” Survivor (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 6

Sylvester Stallone needed to make use of “One other One Bites the Mud” in Rocky III, however Queen stated no. So that is completely Queen’s fault.

“Footloose,” Kenny Loggins (1984)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

This sounded so immediately acquainted as a result of it is constructed on a basis from rock’s early period. Opening riff: Duane Eddy’s “Insurgent Rouser.” Bass line: Little Richard’s “Good Golly Miss Molly.” Tempo: Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Actually, “Footloose” was so overstuffed with concepts that they needed to hyperlink 4 24-track tape decks collectively to finish the track.

“Sussudio,” Phil Collins (1985)
Weeks at No. 2: 1

Extra plasticine rubbish. But in addition, so hummable.

“Mony Mony,” Billy Idol (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Two consecutive covers of Tommy James and the Shondells songs by some means went to No. 1 in 1987, starting with Tiffany’s gooey model of “I Suppose We’re Alone Now.” Persist with this one.

“The Tide Is Excessive,” Blondie (1981)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Debbie Harry apparently needed to report this cowl with the Specials because the their profession started to fade. The British ska revivalists stupidly turned her down, and by no means scored a Scorching 100 hit.

“Inform Her About It,” Billy Joel (1983)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Pproducer Phil Ramone hit No. 1 the week earlier than with Michael Sembello’s “Maniac,” and that gives vital perspective when attempting to kind out why this well-meaning Motown tribute felt so plastic.

“Say Say Say,” Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson (1983)
Weeks at No. 1: 6

The video, the place these two play hucksters, felt revealing. They knew this was garbage, and that you simply’d purchase it anyway.

“Abracadabra,” Steve Miller Band (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

He was reportedly touring abroad when the video for this synthy ploy for an ’80s hit was shot, and so does not seem. How becoming.

“Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

Principally a parody of Bruce Springsteen, however with a chat field.

“Rapture,” Blondie (1981)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

That trash disco beat is so nice which you can forgive a bizarre rap a couple of man from Mars and his wholesome urge for food for automobiles, guitars and, properly, you.

“Hooked on Love,” Robert Palmer (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Mannequin Kathy Davies, seen right here miming the drums, later admitted that she spent most of this shoot merely gazing Robert Palmer’s ass.

“Out of Contact,” Daryl Corridor and John Oates (1984)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Every little thing appeared like this in 1984, in order that they joined in. Type of like the way in which they lastly realized to play that big drum.

“Roll With It,” Steve Winwood (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

He was attempting a bit too arduous to make one thing that had the chicken-fried grit of Jr. Walker and the All Stars’ “(I am a) Street Runner.” Composers Holland-Dozier-Holland ended up getting retroactive co-writing credit for “Roll With It,” too.

“La Bamba,” Los Lobos (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

They’d develop into one thing else solely, however Los Lobos was as soon as merely a ubiquitous native marriage ceremony band. You possibly can hear echoes of that of their straight-forward professionalism with this cowl. The unique has far more fireplace.

“Hold On Loving You,” REO Speedwagon (1981)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

That refrain is so huge that they by no means even get round to a second verse.

“It is Nonetheless Rock and Roll to Me,” Billy Joel (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

So, to recap: Billy Joel says he will not change his model to suit the instances, truly adapts his model to suit the instances, and earns his first No. 1 single.

“A View to a Kill,” Duran Duran (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

This band had break up into two camps for some time, forming Energy Station and Arcadia. After they acquired again collectively, Duran Duran all of a sudden sounded just like the Energy Station – solely not nearly as good.

“Coming Up (Dwell at Glasgow),” Paul McCartney (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

Paul McCartney put out two self-titled solo recordings. Each of them produced High 10 hits, however solely after the songs had been carried out stay by Wings.

“You Give Love a Unhealthy Identify,” Bon Jovi (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

The entire glam-metal factor? It begins proper right here.

“The Energy of Love,” Huey Lewis and the Information (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Chris Hayes opens his guitar solo with a bend clearly swiped from their opening act, Stevie Ray Vaughan.

“Centerfold,” The J. Geils Band (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 6

Earlier than this, principal songwriter Seth Justman stated the J. Geils Band by no means employed synths as a result of they could not afford to purchase one. The belated buy actually paid off.

“Received My Thoughts Set on You,” George Harrison (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

George Harrison truly got here to America earlier than the Beatles did, stopping in to see his older sister in 1963 at her dwelling outdoors St. Louis. One of many albums he purchased throughout this go to included James Ray’s cowl of “Received My Thoughts Set On You” by Rudy Clark.

“Shout,” Tears for Fears (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

This non-specific protest track clearly had one very particular objective: Filling dance flooring. It is principally simply the identical hook, over and over and over.

“Kiss on My Record,” Daryl Corridor and John Oates (1981)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

Corridor and Oates created a demo of this track for as a information for its co-writer, as soon as an aspiring pop star. Then label execs insisted the tough draft of “Kiss On My Record” seem on Voices. They had been proper.

“Lacking You,” John Waite (1984)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

“Lacking You” knocked “What’s Love Received to Do With It” out of the No. 1 slot, however Tina Turner clearly had no arduous emotions. She later coated it.

“Africa,” Toto (1983)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Kilimanjaro is nowhere close to the Serengeti, however “Africa” is an concept track, not a travelogue. Its deep sense of craving has helped Toto transcend many years of unfair mockery. And that rhythm observe, after all.

“Loopy Little Factor Referred to as Love,” Queen (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

Freddie Mercury, whose rudimentary guitar work shaped the fundamental observe, later admitted that “Loopy Little Factor Referred to as Love” was “not typical of my work, however that is as a result of nothing is typical of my work.” One other style left flip for Queen offered their first American chart-topper.

“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 7

All one of the best covers provide new perspective on a well-known track. That is definitely a type of.

“Candy Youngster o’ Mine,” Weapons N’ Roses (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

The primary No. 1 listed on the primary publication of the Billboard Scorching 100 was “Poor Little Idiot,” a track written by Sharon Sheeley about Don Everly of the Everly Brothers. Some 30 years later, the No. 1 track on the Scorching 100 was “Candy Youngster o’ Mine,” a track about Don’s daughter, Erin Everly.

“Soar,” Van Halen (1984)
Weeks at No. 1: 5

For the track, Eddie Van Halen’s fats keyboard riff carries the track in a approach David Lee Roth’s vocals by no means may. However the video, set on a naked stage and with completely no plot, could be nothing with out Roth’s cheeky stage presence.

“Jack & Diane,” John Mellencamp (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

Taking his cue from “Within the Air Tonight,” John Mellencamp requested his drummer for an enormous drum break. Kenny Aronoff had been within the breakroom, worrying over his job safety because the track in any other case employs a then-new Linn LM-1 drum machine.

“Want You Tonight,” INXS (1988)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Andrew Farriss was heading out for a flight to fulfill Michael Hutchence for a writing session when this riff got here to him. He ran again into the home to make a fast recording whereas the cab driver waited. Hope he acquired an unbelievable tip.

“Greater Love,” Steve Winwood (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Steve Winwood wasn’t a brand new face, however this setting (name it Beer Business Yuppie Blues Rock) definitely was – and for a short while, Winwood was its full personification.

“Name Me,” Blondie (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 6

Screenwriter Paul Schrader confirmed Debbie Harry a tough lower of American Gigolo as a type of inspiration. She’d fully inhabit the glitzy salaciousness that surrounds our introduction to Richard Gere’s character, kicking off the ’80s in model.

“I Nonetheless Have not Discovered What I’m Trying For,” U2 (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

“I Nonetheless Have not Discovered What I am Trying For” was a track of nice marvel and curiosity, delivered simply earlier than U2’s curiosity in Americana devolved into fetish. Quickly, they’d be discovered on stage utilizing Harlem’s New Voices of Freedom choir as a Foreigner-esque prop.

“I Cannot Go for That (No Can Do),” Daryl Corridor and John Oates (1982)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Daryl Corridor bumped into Michael Jackson a couple of years later on the session for “We Are the World.” “He got here up,” Corridor stated in a radio interview, “and he stated, ‘Hey, man, I hope you are okay with that. You already know, I stole ‘No Can Do’ for ‘Billie Jean.'”

“Proprietor of a Lonely Coronary heart,” Sure (1983)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Trevor Horn used an uncleared pattern of a drum breakdown from “Kool Is Again” from an obscure group referred to as Funk Inc. to offer this track its preliminary propulsion. Then Sure seemed on “Proprietor of a Lonely Coronary heart” sampled about 1,000,000 instances. Kismet.

“(Simply Like) Beginning Over,” John Lennon (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 5

“(Simply Like) Beginning Over” was already on the charts when a deranged fan shot John Lennon within the again. A track of renewal grew to become one thing else solely: the fourth posthumous track to hit No. 1 on the Scorching 100.

“Cash for Nothing,” Dire Straits (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

So a track complaining about MTV and posh rock stars turns into the best-known promo for MTV with a visitor look by a complicated rock star. Received it.

“Let’s Dance,” David Bowie (1983)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Nothing about this triumph is sensible, not David Bowie working with Nile Rodgers of Stylish sport, not Stevie Ray Vaughan offering a scorching solo, and positively not Bowie miming that solo the place white gloves.

“Everyone Desires to Rule the World,” Tears for Fears (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 2

Like “Shout,” this track helps you to fill in your individual blanks in terms of that means. Not like “Shout,” “Everyone Desires to Rule the World” is sneaky nice, revealing itself in miniature the place Tears for Fears as soon as clubbed you over the top.

“One other One Bites the Mud,” Queen (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

Queen clearly took inspiration from Stylish’s “Good Occasions” then noticed “One other One Bites the Mud” take over No. 1 from “Upside Down” the Diana Ross single written and produced by Stylish’s Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

“Do not You (Neglect About Me),” Easy Minds (1985)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

It took a very long time to persuade Easy Minds to report this cowl track for a soundtrack, and even as soon as they’d lastly agreed, Jim Kerr needed to do some work on the lyrics. He sang “la-la-la” by the outro as a placeholder, hoping to enhance on issues later. However producer Keith Forsey launched “Do not You (Neglect About Me)” as is.

“With or With out You,” U2 (1987)
Weeks at No. 1: 3

What for those who may make an influence ballad that did not suck?

“One other Brick within the Wall (Half II),” Pink Floyd (1980)
Weeks at No. 1: 4

Producer Bob Ezrin re-used his child’s choir concept from “Faculty’s Out” on a track about how a lot faculty sucks that has none of Alice Cooper’s humor. What the admittedly dour smash hit had as a substitute was a disco beat solely in step with the instances, and an unforgettably flinty David Gilmour solo.

“Sledgehammer,” Peter Gabriel (1986)
Weeks at No. 1: 1

Peter Gabriel has stated he was impressed to enter music after seeing Otis Redding. He is additionally stated he meant to pay tribute to his model of ’60s soul on “Sledgehammer,” which additionally featured Redding collaborator Wayne Jackson on trumpet. However the jittery, Fairlight taking part in Gabriel was no R&B shouter, and that is what provides this track its trendy dance-floor pressure.

“Each Breath You Take,” The Police (1983)
Weeks at No. 1: 8

One other a type of love songs that is probably not a love track in any respect. Sting strung collectively the creeper lyrics whereas at James Bond creator Ian Fleming’s desk throughout a trip on the Goldeneye property in Jamaica. Andy Summers then added these shimmering, gorgeously echoed guitar traces, tricking an entire bunch of latest brides and promenade queens into making this their first dance.