By Lindsey Schibelhut, Staff Reporter.
“Lady” by Kenny Rogers – November 1980
“Lady” was a single released off of Kenny Rogers’ 1980 “Greatest Hits” album. The song was written by Lionel Richie and would make history by being on all four Billboard charts including country, Hot 100, adult contemporary and top black singles. It would reach number one on three of those charts and have a six week run on the top of the Hot 100 chart and a one week run on the hot country singles chart.
With a soft melodic piano riff for background music, lyrics written by Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers’ smooth delivery, “Lady” will give listeners that romantic vibe. For me this song drew me into an ‘80s romance film where this would have been the soundtrack theme. With lyrics like “Lady, your love’s the only love I need..” who can argue with that kind of love?
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John – November 1981
“Physical” was the lead single released from Olivia Newton- John’s twelfth (yes twelfth) album in 1981 by the same name “Physical.” The single became an instant success by selling over 2 million times and going Platinum. It would spend a whopping 10 weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart.
Are you ready to get physical? From the music video you’d think Ms. Newton-John was ready to get her cardio on…but she’s ready to get her freak on instead. “Physical” is driven by part synthesizer and part rock background music, with lyrics that for the time period will make your jaw drop – I know mine did. You’ll either want to hit the gym or the bedroom.
“Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes – November 1982
“Up Where We Belong” is the single off of the 1982 film soundtrack to the Richard Gere film “An Officer and a Gentleman.” The song would go on to stay on top of the Hot 100 charts for three weeks and win a Grammy.
This piano ballad will have you feeling like you’re in another famous ‘80s romance film. Joe Cocker’s rough, scratchy voice and Jennifer Warnes’ clear melodic tones compliment each other wonderfully in this song. Apparently the song has so much love in it, it has eagles crying, I’m not kidding, “Love lift us up where we belong, where the eagles cry on a mountain high.” That’s a special kind of love right there.
“All Night Long (All Night)” by Lionel Richie – November 1983
“All Night Long (All Night)” is a song released of of Lionel Richie’s second album “Can’t Slow Down,” in 1983. The single would go on to top three of Billboard’s charts pop, R&B and adult contemporary. It spent four weeks at number one.
For this jam, Lionel Ritchie decided to take a different approach and incorporate a Jamaican island sound. The new sound makes for an exciting track that will have you dancing “All night long.” Watching the music video also makes you want to get up and join the fun. The choreography looks like a giant Zumba session; the outfits however are a little scary – ahh ‘80s fashion choices…
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! – November 1984
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is a song released by the duo Wham! consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, on their 1984 album “Make it Big.” The single would end up spending three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This has to be one of my favorite ‘80s songs. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” incorporates a fast paced pop beat to George Michael’s amazing voice, to make yet another feel good dance track that will have you getting your “jitterbug” on.
“We Built This City” by Starship – November 1985
“We Built This City” was released as the debut single from Starships first album, 1985’s “Knee Deep in the Hoopla.” The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number one and spent two weeks at the coveted spot.
“We Built This City” hits listeners with a hard synthesizer and rock beat, and an infectiously catchy chorus. I found myself wanting to belt out the chorus. Surprisingly, this song has made it onto quite a few worst song ever lists over the years, not sure why. This catchy tune will be in my head for a while that’s for sure.
“Amanda” by Boston – November 1986
“Amanda” was released as the first single from Boston’s third album in 1986 “Third Stage.” The song spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It would go on to be Boston’s highest charting song in both the United States and Canada.
“Amanda” is a slow rock, power ballad, heavy with synthesizers and guitar riffs that will satisfy listeners. With lyrics such as “I’m gonna say it like a man and make you understand Amanda, I love you…” It will have you wanting to put your lighters high in the sky, expressing your undying love to a girl named Amanda in true ‘80s style.
“(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes – November 1987
“(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” is the classic single from the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. It spent one week on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also stayed at number one on the adult contemporary chart for four weeks.
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” That’s the famous line from the film “Dirty Dancing” starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The iconic theme song to that film “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” will most certainly not let you stay in that corner. The matchup of Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ voices works so well together, this hit will have you busting a move and doing a dirty dance of your own.
“Bad Medicine” by Bon Jovi – November 1988
“Bad Medicine” was released as the lead single from Bon Jovi’s 1988 album “New Jersey.” The song would spend one week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Long before Ke$ha was singing “Your Love Is My Drug,” Bon Jovi was rocking audiences with “Bad Medicine.” A heavy-hitting rock anthem with lyrics like “Your love is like bad medicine, bad medicine is what I need, shake it up, just like bad medicine, There ain’t no doctor that can cure my disease…” this song is going to leave you with an addiction only head-banging and teased hair can cure.
“When I See You Smile” by Bad English – November 1989
“When I See You Smile” was released as the second single from Bad English’s debut 1989 album “When I See You Smile.” The song stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks. The song would go on to be the band’s one and only US number one single.
“When I See You Smile” is the ultimate rock power ballad and another one of my favorite ‘80s songs. The track is part piano and heavy guitar riffs, with lyrics like, “When I see you smile, I can face the world, Oh oh, you know I can do anything, When I see you smile.” It either makes me want to raise a lighter high and rock out or blast it during a long road trip with my hair blowing in the wind; either one sounds good to me.
