Back to the Eighties: Billie Jean

Original video located here. Accessed 12th November 2022

Song title: Billie Jean

Artist: Michael Jackson

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

I guess it's safe to say that the eighties would be defined by Michael Jackson, both with his music and his rise to super stardom. But if everyone knew Michael Jackson was, I however was the exception. I knew nothing of the man nor his music - and at a time when people of all ages would be familiar with him.

So what do I think of this song then? Well a cynic would think that it's a sign of paranoia creeping in - that would haunt MJ for years to come - and it's huge ask of the listener to empathise with the wealthy popstar and not the impoverished single mother. So how does this song get away with it?

It's the bass line. Yep, let's go with that

Back to the Eighties: Every Breath You Take

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2022

Song title: Every Breath You Take

Artist: The Police

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I don't believe time has been kind to this song. If anything people know this song for being both THE stalkers anthem and something you don't want played at your wedding. But such jokes really sell the song short: For it is a very effective song about loneliness, what with the lyrics and the constantly looping guitar (no doubt mimicking the thought pattern of a guy going crazy).

Is that the reason why people seem so keen on the jokes, as it provides some comfort against uncomfortable truths? Maybe

Back to the Eighties: Your Wildest Dreams

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2022

Song title: Your Wildest Dreams

Artist: The Moody Blues

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

I have something for a soft spot for the Moody Blues. I can attribute this as this was another act passed down from me from my father. Indeed, I recall the Moodies landmark 1967 album Days of Future Passed as being the very first album I heard from start to finish. And you don't forget stuff like that.

It should be noted that the 1980s were kind to veteran acts (boomer nostalgia perhaps?) so of course the Moodies would show up in this list of 80s music. That and the fact that the song is quite a snappy one. Okay sure there's a whole of eighties production going on here but it works - that and we have one of John Lodge's finest bass lines

Back to the Eighties: You're the Best

Original video located here. Accessed 9th November 2022

Song title: You're the Best

Artist: Joe Esposito

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

I confess: I'm a sucker for a 'pump-up' anthem and this one delivers. Funny how a song written for a kid's movie resonates with me as an adult.

Admittedly I've never seen the Karate Kid but I will sooner associate this song with Futurama XD

Back to the Eighties: Our Lips Are Sealed

Original video located here. Accessed 8th November 2022

Song title: Our Lips are Sealed

Artist: The Go-Gos

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

I remember hearing the Spiderbait cover of this back in 1996, and I misheard the title lyric as "Alex the Seal". Sounds dumb I know but I will admit there's an idea there....

But if i can love a song that was then fifteen years old then that is a testament that the song itself cannot wither with age. Why even listening to it now, over four decades later, it sounds great

Back to the Eighties: Are You Ready to be Heartbroken

Original video located here. Accessed 7th November 2022

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.

Back to the Eighties: Everywhere

Original video located here. Accessed 6th November 2022

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.