- Artist: Prince
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks On Chart: 22
Prince's musical genius shines through in this track, where he played all the instruments himself. One of the standout features is the iconic squiggly guitar solo. Interestingly, this solo was recorded at half-speed and then pitched up for the final version, giving it that unique, electrifying sound that fans have come to love.
- Artist: Madonna
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 19
Madonna's first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 was a song that stirred quite a bit of controversy with its title. Despite the buzz, Madonna explained that the song was simply about a girl experiencing love for the first time. This track marked a significant milestone in her career, propelling her into the spotlight and solidifying her status as a pop icon.
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Peak Position: 4
- Weeks on Chart: 21
The "Thriller" music video is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential music videos ever created. It broke new ground by presenting itself as a mini-movie, complete with a storyline, elaborate choreography, and special effects. This innovative approach not only captivated audiences but also set a new standard for music videos. Its impact was further solidified when it won a record eight Grammy Awards, underscoring its significance in both the music and entertainment industries.
- Artist: Kenny Loggins
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 23
The song, which became a huge hit, was originally written for the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High but was ultimately rejected. Instead, it found its place in the movie Footloose, where it gained immense popularity. This twist of fate led to the song becoming an iconic part of the Footloose soundtrack, contributing significantly to the film's success and cultural impact.
- Artist: Foreigner
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 20
This song is notable for its rich and diverse backing vocals, which include contributions from the New Jersey Mass Choir. Adding to the unique blend of voices, Mick Jones of The Clash also lends his vocal talents to the track. The combination of the choir's powerful harmonies and Jones' distinctive style creates a dynamic and memorable listening experience.
- Artist: Van Halen
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 21
"Jump," a standout track by Van Halen, is notable for its prominent synthesizer riff, which was quite a departure from the band's usual guitar-driven sound. Adding to the song's unique flair, lead singer David Lee Roth achieved his signature high-pitched vocals by inhaling helium. This combination of innovative instrumentation and Roth's distinctive vocal technique helped "Jump" become one of Van Halen's most memorable hits.
- Artist: Phil Collins
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 19
Phil Collins' song "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" holds a special place in music history as his first single to reach number one in the United States. Interestingly, the song wasn't initially intended for the film that made it famous. Collins originally wrote it for a movie called "Heatwave," but it ultimately found its home in the 1984 film "Against All Odds." This shift not only gave the song a new context but also helped it achieve significant commercial success.
- Artist: Wham!
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 19
The title of the song came from a note left by George Michael's bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley. This track holds a significant place in music history as it became the first song by a Western band to top the Chinese charts.
- Artist: Cyndi Lauper
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 20
The song, inspired by the classic movie Casablanca, has resonated with audiences around the world. Its timeless appeal is evident in the fact that it has been covered by over 100 different artists. Each rendition brings a unique interpretation, showcasing the song's versatility and enduring charm.
- Artist: Tina Turner
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 23
Tina Turner achieved significant acclaim with a song that earned her three Grammy Awards. However, this success came despite opposition from her ex-husband, Ike Turner. During their marriage, Ike strongly disliked the song and prohibited Tina from performing it live. This restriction didn't stop the song from becoming a major hit and a defining moment in Tina's illustrious career.
- Artist: Cyndi Lauper
- Peak Position: 2
- Weeks on Chart: 20
The song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was originally written and recorded by Robert Hazard. Initially, it was penned from a man's perspective, but when Cyndi Lauper got her hands on it, she transformed it into a feminist anthem. Lauper's version became iconic, celebrating women's independence and joy, and it resonated with a wide audience, making it a timeless hit.
- Artist: Prince
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 19
The song opens with a famous spoken sermon by Prince, setting the stage for what would become one of his signature tunes. Despite its length of over nine minutes, which led to notable disagreements with his record company, the song has cemented its place in music history. Prince's insistence on maintaining the song's full length showcases his dedication to his artistic vision, ultimately contributing to its lasting impact.
- Artist: Lionel Richie
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 22
"Hello," one of Lionel Richie's most iconic songs, was inspired by his breakup with his girlfriend Brenda Harvey. The song quickly became a classic and is now one of the most covered tracks of all time. The music video for "Hello" is equally memorable, featuring the famous clay bust of Lionel Richie's head. This visual element has become almost as iconic as the song itself, cementing "Hello" in the annals of music history.
- Artist: Culture Club
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 21
"Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" by Culture Club became an international sensation, reaching number one in 16 countries. Interestingly, Boy George, the band's lead singer, initially didn't think much of the song. He found it cheesy and wasn't particularly fond of it. Despite his reservations, the track went on to become the group's biggest hit, solidifying their place in music history.
- Artist: Rockwell
- Peak Position: 2
- Weeks on Chart: 19
Michael Jackson lends his iconic voice to the chorus of the song, while his brother Jermaine Jackson provides backing vocals, adding a familial touch to the track. Rockwell, the mastermind behind the song, not only wrote and co-produced it but also arranged nearly every aspect, including his distinctive fake British accent. The song achieved significant commercial success on an international scale, topping the charts in Belgium, France, and Spain, and securing the number six spot in the United Kingdom.
- Artist: Madonna
- Peak Position: 10
- Weeks on Chart: 30
"Borderline" marked a significant milestone in Madonna's career as it became her first top ten hit in the U.S. Billboard charts. Released in 1984, the song showcased her unique blend of pop and dance music, capturing the attention of a wide audience and setting the stage for her future success. This achievement was a pivotal moment, establishing Madonna as a formidable presence in the music industry.
- Artist: The Cars
- Peak Position: 3
- Weeks on Chart: 20
"Drive" by The Cars stands out as the band's highest-charting single in the United States. Interestingly, the song's distinctive piano riff, which has become iconic over the years, was originally composed by Ric Ocasek on a ukulele. This unique origin story adds an intriguing layer to the track, showcasing Ocasek's creative process and the band's ability to transform simple ideas into memorable hits.
- Artist: Bruce Springsteen
- Peak Position: 2
- Weeks on Chart: 21
The music video for Bruce Springsteen's hit song features a memorable moment with a young Courteney Cox dancing on stage alongside the rock legend. Adding to the song's rich texture are the guest vocals of Patti Scialfa, who would go on to become Springsteen's wife. This collaboration not only highlights the musical synergy between Springsteen and Scialfa but also marks a significant moment in both their personal and professional lives.
- Artist: Yes
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 18
"Owner of a Lonely Heart" marked a significant shift towards a more pop-oriented sound for the band Yes. This song became one of their most commercially successful tracks, resonating with a wide audience and gaining substantial airplay. Despite its success, frontman Jon Anderson has expressed his dislike for how overplayed the song has become over the years.
- Artist: Duran Duran
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 19
The song "The Reflex" by Duran Duran features a distinctive "fle-fle-fle-flex" sound that was created using a Fairlight CMI synthesizer, a groundbreaking piece of technology at the time. The music video for the song was also notable for its high production costs, with a budget exceeding $400,000, making it one of the most expensive music videos ever made during that era.
- Artist: Prince
- Peak Position: 2
- Weeks on Chart: 17
"Purple Rain," the iconic song by Prince, was recorded live at the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis. Remarkably, Prince wrote the song in just over an hour after the filmmakers of the movie Purple Rain requested a title track. This quick yet impactful creation went on to become one of his most celebrated works, seamlessly blending into the film's narrative and leaving a lasting legacy in music history.
- Artist: Nena
- Top Chart: 2
- Weeks on Chart: 21
"99 Luftballons," a song originally written and performed in German, was inspired by a real event in 1982. This incident involved the Soviet Union shooting down a stray weather balloon over West Germany, which led to a significant military scare. The song captures the tension and fear of the Cold War era, reflecting the anxieties of a world on the brink of conflict.
- Artist: Stevie Wonder
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 21
"I Just Called to Say I Love You," a song by Stevie Wonder, achieved significant acclaim, including winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Demonstrating his remarkable musical talent, Stevie Wonder played all the instruments on the track himself, with the sole exception of the harmonica. This song remains one of his most memorable and celebrated works.
- Artist: ZZ Top
- Peak Position: 8
- Weeks on Chart: 20
The music video for the song "Legs" by ZZ Top is iconic, featuring the famous "ZZ Top Girls" and their hot rod, which became a signature element of the band's visual style. Interestingly, the inspiration for the song came from an unexpected source—a comic book character named Long John Silver. This blend of pop culture influences and the band's unique flair helped "Legs" become a memorable hit, both visually and musically.
- Artist: Billy Idol
- Peak Position: 4
- Weeks on Chart: 20
The song title "Eyes Without a Face" draws its inspiration from the 1960 French horror film Les Yeux sans visage. This chilling movie tells the story of a plastic surgeon who goes to extreme lengths, including committing murder, in a desperate attempt to provide his disfigured daughter with a new face. The haunting narrative of the film clearly influenced the evocative title of the song, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to its meaning.
- Artist: Corey Hart
- Peak Position: 7
- Weeks on Chart: 20
While recording in a studio late at night, Corey Hart found an unexpected source of inspiration for his hit song. The studio's air conditioning vents were blasting cold air directly at the faces of the crew, prompting them to wear sunglasses for comfort. This quirky scene sparked the idea for the song's title, leading to the creation of a memorable track that would go on to become a defining piece of Hart's musical career.
- Artist: The Romantics
- Peak Position: 3
- Weeks on Chart: 21
The Romantics' song "Talking in Your Sleep" became their biggest hit in the United States, climbing all the way to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1984. Despite its success in the US, the song didn't make an impact in the UK charts. Interestingly, a cover version by the British pop group Bucks Fizz, released later that same year, found success in the UK, reaching number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.
- Artist: Pat Benatar
- Peak Position: 5
- Weeks on Chart: 23
"Love Is a Battlefield," a song by Pat Benatar, holds an interesting place in music history. Although it was included on her live album Live from Earth, the track itself is actually a studio recording. The music video for the song tells a compelling story, featuring Benatar as a runaway who finds herself working as a dancer in a seedy club. This narrative, combined with the song's powerful lyrics and Benatar's dynamic performance, has made "Love Is a Battlefield" a memorable piece in her discography.
- Artist: Ray Parker, Jr.
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 21
Ray Parker Jr. managed to write and record the iconic Ghostbusters theme song in an impressive two and a half days. His quick work paid off, as the song not only became a cultural phenomenon but also earned a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The catchy tune has since become synonymous with the 1984 film, cementing its place in pop culture history.
- Artist: Van Halen
- Peak Position: 13
- Weeks on Chart: 20
The song "Panama" by Van Halen might initially make you think of the country or the canal, but it's actually all about a car. The inspiration for the song came from two sources: a drag racing car named "Panama Express" and David Lee Roth's response to criticism that he only wrote songs about women and partying. He wanted to prove he could write about something different, and fast cars fit the bill perfectly. The intense engine sounds you hear in the bridge section aren't just studio effects. Eddie Van Halen revved up his own 1972 Lamborghini Miura S right in the studio to capture the raw, powerful essence of a speeding car.
- Artist: Chaka Khan
- Peak Position: 3
- Weeks on Chart: 26
"I Feel for You" is an iconic song that features a rap by Grandmaster Melle Mel and became a hit on multiple charts. Interestingly, the song wasn't originally written for Chaka Khan. It was penned by Prince, but he felt it didn't quite fit his sound. Khan took the track and transformed it into the soulful masterpiece we know today, earning her a Grammy Award in the process. One of the key elements that contributed to the song's success was its catchy sample of a 1962 song called "Ain't Got No Love" by the rhythm and blues group The Four Tops.
- Artist: Scandal
- Peak Position: 7
- Weeks on Chart: 21
The band was fronted by Patty Smyth, who at one point was considered to replace David Lee Roth in Van Halen. One of Scandal's standout tracks, "The Warrior" wasn't initially planned to be a single. However, after a strong showing on the rock charts, it was released and quickly became the band's biggest hit.
- Artist: Bonnie Tyler
- Peak Position: 34
- Weeks on Chart: 16
The song, originally composed for the musical Footloose, found its perfect home in the movie's soundtrack after being cut from the stage production. Despite this unexpected origin, it became a global hit single, resonating with audiences worldwide. One of the most memorable aspects of the song is its iconic high note at the end. Bonnie Tyler, the powerhouse vocalist behind the track, reportedly climbed onto a speaker to deliver that unforgettable note, adding to the song's enduring appeal.
- Artist: Laura Branigan
- Peak Position: 4
- Weeks on Chart: 20
"Self Control" is a quintessential example of the 1980s synth-pop sound, characterized by its catchy melody and driving beat created using synthesizers. This song, which became a major hit for Laura Branigan, is actually a cover. The original version, titled "Sotto controllo," was recorded by Italian singer Riccardo Fogli in 1978. However, it was Laura Branigan's English rendition that truly captured the public's attention, propelling her career to new heights and solidifying the song's place in music history.
- Artist: Deniece Williams
- Peak Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 20
The song "Let's Hear it for the Boy" was featured in the movie Footloose and quickly became a number one hit. This upbeat tune added to the diverse musical style of the film's soundtrack, contributing to the overall Footloose frenzy. Deniece Williams' powerful vocals on the track earned her critical acclaim, culminating in a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance Female. The song's success both commercially and critically solidified its place in music history.
- Artist: Billy Idol
- Peak Position: 46
- Weeks on Chart: 15
Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" isn't just a song title, it's a full-on anthem. Released in 1984, it became a hit single and the title track for Idol's second studio album. The song itself is a high-energy rocker, with a driving beat and Idol's signature snarl in the vocals. Although it wasn't a massive hit right out of the gate, a re-release in 1985 helped it climb the charts and become a classic.
- Artist: Scorpions
- Peak Position: 25
- Weeks on Chart: 19
"Rock You Like a Hurricane" is one of the most famous and recognizable heavy metal songs. Interestingly, it didn't start out as the hard-driving rock anthem we know today. Initially, the band conceived it as a slow ballad, but they weren't satisfied with the vibe. They decided to completely revamp the song, transforming it into the energetic hit that has since become iconic. The inspiration for the song's title came from a real-life encounter with a scorpion. Rudolf Schenker, the band's guitarist, was stung by a scorpion and described the experience as being rocked "like a hurricane."
- Artist: Cyndi Lauper
- Peak Position: 3
- Weeks on Chart: 18
Cyndi Lauper's song "She Bop" is a playful and rebellious anthem. The lyrics, filled with nonsensical phrases and a catchy melody, were born out of a particularly frustrating day of hairstyling for Lauper. She wanted to break free from societal expectations and just have fun, which is evident in the song's carefree vibe. Adding to the quirky nature of "She Bop," the music video features Lauper dancing with cows, a whimsical touch inspired by a dream she had.
- Artist: The Cars
- Peak Position: 7
- Weeks on Chart: 18
"You Might Think" by The Cars was a breakout hit that helped establish the band as one of the leading acts in the new wave movement of the early 1980s. The song's music video was particularly groundbreaking, winning the first MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. Adding to the song's intrigue, there's a hidden message in the intro where a faint voice whispers, "You might think this song is about you." This cryptic element leaves listeners wondering about the song's true subject.
- Artist: Twisted Sister
- Peak Position: 21
- Weeks on Chart: 17
"Schoolyard Standoff" became an anthem of rebellion, resonating with many who felt the sting of strict authority figures. Inspired by vocalist Dee Snider's own experiences with tough teachers and the indomitable spirit of teenagers, the song captured the essence of youthful defiance. Its outrageous music video, showcasing the band in full glam metal attire, perfectly matched the rebellious theme and played a significant role in propelling the song to massive success. The anthem's powerful message and striking visuals cemented its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
