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...a bit slower than we might normally get to it for 1988. But this is the list of the best hits, not the most 1988 hits, so here ya go.
10. "Fast Car" - Tracy Chapman
I respect Tracy Chapman for doing her own thing in this era and still managing to land a smash hit. I guess the world in 1988 needed some sort of respite from the overproduced. materialistic era of music and this was just the scratch for that itch. A simple folk-rock ballad sung straight from the heart. And it really is a heart-rending song, not least because of Chapman's performance, sounding like she's always on the verge of tears. It's a sad, somber song, but also with tinges of optimism in it. When those drums kick in on the chorus, it just kills.
Maybe this wouldn't be everyone's pick for Remember the 80s Night, but I'd certainly be remiss to leave it off my list. Fantastic little tune.
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Ah, U2. Already the biggest band in the world come 1987, and their collective arrogance would just be turned up to eleven with the release of the double album and documentary Rattle and Hum. There's a Todd in the Shadows video that would dissect the documentary way better than I ever could, but how about the album? It's not really the best-remembered U2 album, but I'd argue it still has its merits. After all, you don't become the biggest band of 1987 only to fade away in 1988.
9. "Desire" - U2
U2's music from about Unforgettable Fire to the end of the 80s can only be described by me as "soaring". Their music really makes you feel like you're flying, through these grandiose choruses and thundering guitar. Certainly a fitting feeling for the soaring mood of the best 80's music, but U2 still managed to keep their rock edge (heh-heh, edge) as well through Bono's raw vocal performances. I know U2 get clowned on a lot now because of their grandiosity, but it sure does make their music a joy to listen to. Harmonica solo? Why not. If you so desi-i-i-i-re. Boy, how do I embarrass myself more after that?
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*sigh* Well...
8. "Dirty Diana" - Michael Jackson
"Separate the art from the artist" has always been a bullshit qualifier only applied to artists you personally like. If everyone would just admit that they have a double standard when it comes to good artists and... 6ix9ine, we'd be a lot better off. That said. Michael Jackson the person probably sucked. But Michael Jackson the artist? It's not hard to see why he was the King of Pop, and could get away with songs like this. It's interesting how much of a sexual vibe this gives off and yet it's about actively trying to resist the urges of some persistent groupie. There's just such a raw, tense energy to this song, a lot of suspense here.
Not only does Michael cement his legacy as King of Pop here, but also proves his rock credibility. The wailing he does in the chorus is truly impactful, and is the perfect payoff to verse of buildup where the situation intensifies. It's a great song.
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I love INXS.
7. "New Sensation" - INXS
INXS are the sexiest band of the 80s, if you don't count Captain & Tennille's brief stint in 1980.
Each of their songs is a wonderful slice of Aussie rock, and this one might be the most upbeat of their hits. It certainly evokes the feel of the extravagant 1980s without being slathered in it. A tight groove, a catchy chorus, an irreplaceable frontman. Can't ask for much more.
Each of their songs is a wonderful slice of Aussie rock, and this one might be the most upbeat of their hits. It certainly evokes the feel of the extravagant 1980s without being slathered in it. A tight groove, a catchy chorus, an irreplaceable frontman. Can't ask for much more.
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Yeah. You could do that. Or you could do this!
6. "So Emotional" - Whitney Houston
While Whitney Houston fits into 80s balladeering, I've always felt like her most enjoyable songs are the ones with an upbeat punch, and this is easily one of the best of them. Like with the other great songs of this year thus far, there's such a forceful energy, but the reason this ranks higher is because Whitney Houston is a powerhouse of a singer and totally carries this song. Few could rival her in pure vocal power in the 80s. I also dig the guitars on this song; it provides Whitney with a rock edge that surprisingly suits her. It's a fun song, and easily the type of music I prefer from Whitney.
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Did I mention I love INXS?
5. "Devil Inside" - INXS
Whitney may be a powerful singer, but INXS just has the whole package. I can't think of a single song of theirs I don't enjoy. They're the perfect mix of rock and pop that should be an 80s staple. This song definitely leans more into their rock edge, and the intensity throughout is undeniable. It's like a boiling pot waiting to explode. The fact that the chorus remains so lowkey adds to that intensity. It's like it never really resolves until the very end when Michael Hutchence just wails. I love INXS. But you already knew that.
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I have a complicated relationship with the band known as The Bangles. There was a time when "Manic Monday" was one of my least favourite songs ever, mostly due to the inane chorus. Now? It's alright. Prince'll do that to you. Meanwhile, the oh-so-problematic "Walk Like an Egyptian" soured on me in recent years. So much flip-flopping with this band. Good thing their Simon & Garfunkel cover has always kicked ass.
4. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" - The Bangles
I dare blaspheme and say this is miles better than the original. This song lends itself so well to the way The Bangles do it. A pumped-up rock song with flawless harmonies and a chilling intro. I also enjoy a good pounding drum beat with cowbell. It shouldn't fit, but it does. This is The Bangles at their full potential, and if they made more music like this I'd be inclined to like them more.
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I'm just gonna say if you don't like this song fuck you.
3. "Heaven is a Place on Earth" - Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle was of course part of the early 80s pop group The Go-Go's, a band which remains flawlessly catchy and fun to this day. I can't say I enjoy her solo career quite as much, but there is no denying that this song is fantastic. It's like, everyone looking to create an 80s pop rock song should study this one. It's perfect the whole way through. Belinda Carlisle really shines in her vocal performance, particularly in that oh-so-irresistible key change in the final chorus. Tropes in pop music stick around for a reason, and when they're executed as well as this they're like heaven... on earth.
This is by far the standout track from Belinda Carlisle's solo career, and it's remembered to this day for good reason. It's such a fun, joyous, optimistic tune. Love love love it.
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I...
2. "Need You Tonight" - INXS
Well, you had to know this was coming, right? INXS's magnum opus. The primary reason why you know this band. And yeah, it obviously kicks ass. There's really nothing like it this year, or really this decade. It has its own energy. And especially in these tumultuous times, the lyrics resonate. If someone were to ask my how I'm feeling, yelling "I'M LONELY" would probably be at the top of my response list. What do I think? CAN'T THINK AT ALL- you get it. Haha, 2020 jokes!
But it's not just the lyrics that work well, or Hutchence's once again perfect delivery. It's that guitar lick. You know the one. Da-na-na-na-na-na-na-na! Okay, I've now confused about half of you. It's the only prominent guitar lick in the song, keep up.
Despite Michael's wailing on the chorus, the coolness radiating off of the verses is undeniable in how effortless it sounds. This song is jam-packed with hooks and little moments that keep you coming back. It's one of the 80s' greatest earworms, and one of their greatest songs. And yet... one song bests it.
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I try to keep things surprising. I try to keep you on your toes. But the truth must be revealed. And the truth is... this song undeniably ruled 1988.
1. "Sweet Child o' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
I'm not sorry. This song was amazing from the first time I heard it, and still holds up today.
That loop that Slash does to hook you into the song... it's so simple. In fact, it was simple. It's a finger exercise. But Slash is such a master of his craft that he makes the simplest of guitar riffs sound absolutely magical. I can't think of a better intro this year. And again, just as with INXS, hooks for daaaays with this song. Mostly due to Slash, but Axl Rose's singing, particularly near the end where he just goes unhinged, sticks in the brain too. Where do we go now? Where do we go? A simple question asked on how to continue the song to its end... became the end. It's like this song was created entirely by accidental genius. And it still holds up today as one of the greatest, most enduring songs of the 80s hard rock scene. Where do we go now? Probably back to the start of the song, to play it again. God bless the 80s in all their indulgence. When it goes right, it goes so right.
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