Song title: Are You Ready to be Heartbroken?
Artist: Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Year: 1984
Why I like this song:
This song fascinates me on two levels. Firstly, there are some witty and sharp lines dotted throughout. Secondly, it doesn't sound like a product of it's time. This certainly sounds unique against the rest of the eighties music canon and, as a result, has aged a lot better against it's contemporaries.
Song title: Everywhere
Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Year: 1987
Why I like this song:
It can't be disputed that the fortunes of Fleetwood Mac changed dramatically when they brought in Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. However when i listen to the material produced by the classic line up (Buckingham/Nicks/McVie/McVie/Fleetwood) it's the songs written by Christine McVie that end up sticking out for me. Songbird. You Make Loving Fun. Don't Stop. Can't beat an output like that.
Which brings me to Everywhere: It's a pop song par excellence with great guitar work and wonderful harmonies - both of which are highlighted in live versions (like the one in the video above).
Talk about playing to one's strengths.
Song title: Danger Zone
Artist: Kenny Loggins
Year: 1986
Why I like this song:
Some songs just make you feel like a badass
It's doubtful that this song will ever not be associated with the movie Top Gun. But personally I find it a useful song to have when you're roaring down the highway - of course my car will never be an F-14 but close enough XD
Song title: Ghost Town
Artist: The Specials
Year: 1981
Why I like this song:
In talking about Eighties songs there are three perspectives at work: That of myself as a child, that of myself as a teenager and that of myself as a adult. And this song represents how each perspective can work on a song. Child me didn't know of it, Teenager me didn't know what to make of it but Adult me came to appreciate it.
As for the song itself, it's effective at tackling subjects like unemployment, poverty and de-urbansiation and makes it sound like a horror movie. And it still sound relevant now
Song title: What a Feeling
Artist: Irene Cara
Year: 1983
Why I like this song:
Can't say I've seen the movie but I do know when I hear something I like.
So what makes this song special? A lot may rest on the shoulders of one Giorgio Moroder delivering the goods as producer. But in the end this is a slice of irresistible eighties pop and it does it's job with flair
Song title: Mickey
Artist: Toni Basil
Year: 1981
Why I like this song:
Believe it or not this song has a particular resonance for me as it was number one on the Australian charts the week i was born - and that was enough to secure a position on this list.
Some people might think this song is annoying and obnoxious but to those people i say: RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!!!
Original video located here. Accessed 1st November 2022
Song title: Hotta
Artist: Sky
Year: 1980
Why I like this song:
It may surprise some people but my father had an influence on my tastes in music. Indeed, i credit my interest in the Beatles, Celtic folk and classical music to my Dad. However, the returning of the favor has yet to happen (he said through gritted teeth).
But I digress: Among the list of musical acts that my father got me into there was also this: Sky. A band made up of British and Australian personnel, who enjoyed success in both countries. Some say their success was the last hurrah for the prog rock that defined the seventies and who am i to argue with such an assessment?
As for the song: I am a sucker for a great instrumental and this one delivers. Also, the song shows off the musicianship these guys have and everyone gets to solo.