November 1985 -- All about the City

The DJs opened this countdown extolling the wonderful virtues of 1985 and this countdown as representing all that is good about 80's music.  I'll not be that hyperbolic -- it had little to hate -- no rap, no heavy metal, no country, and a more mature feel across the board, even on the synth pop (Tears, Thompsons, ABC).  

No kiddie music, indeed leaning adult contemporary for such a cool time, and two instrumentals (pre-Kenny G!), including last week's number one.  Last #1 of so many for Stevie Wonder, two hits for a resurgent Aretha Franklin, and at the top, a pair of city songs.

Last hit at all for Olivia Newton John (going out with an interesting one) and Ray Parker Jr. (not!)

And along the way, a very respectable four 5-star songs:  Bryan Adams, A-ha, Stevie Wonder, and the Hooters.

1 5 WE BUILT THIS CITY –•– Starship (Grunt)-11 (1 Week at #1) (1)
2 4 YOU BELONG TO THE CITY –•– Glenn Frey (MCA)-10 (2)
3 1 MIAMI VICE THEME –•– Jan Hammer (MCA)-11 (1)
4 3 HEAD OVER HEELS –•– Tears For Fears (Mercury)-10 (3)
5 2 PART-TIME LOVER –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-11 (1)
6 7 SEPARATE LIVES –•– Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin (Atlantic)-7 (6)
7 11 BROKEN WINGS –•– Mr. Mister (RCA)-9 (7)
8 12 NEVER –•– Heart (Capitol)-10 (8)
9 9 BE NEAR ME –•– ABC (Mercury)-13 (9)
10 10 LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME –•– Thompson Twins (Arista)-9 (10)

11 16 WHO’S ZOOMIN’ WHO –•– Aretha Franklin (Arista)-8 (11)
12 14 YOU ARE MY LADY –•– Freddie Jackson (Capitol)-11 (12)
13 8 TAKE ON ME –•– A-Ha (Warner Brothers)-19 (1)
14 6 SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU –•– Whitney Houston (Arista)-14 (1)
15 19 LOVE THEME FROM “ST. ELMO’S FIRE” –•– David Foster (Atlantic)-13 (15)
16 13 ONE NIGHT LOVE AFFAIR –•– Bryan Adams (A&M)-10 (13)
17 21 ONE OF THE LIVING –•– Tina Turner (Capitol)-7 (17)
18 29 ELECTION DAY –•– Arcadia (Capitol)-4 (18)
19 25 SLEEPING BAG –•– ZZ Top (Warner Brothers)-5 (19)
20 15 LOVIN’ EVERY MINUTE OF IT –•– Loverboy (Columbia)-13 (9)

21 24 SOUL KISS –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-7 (21)
22 28 ALIVE AND KICKING –•– Simple Minds (A&M)-5 (22)
23 31 I MISS YOU –•– Klymaxx (Constellation)-10 (23)
24 35 PARTY ALL THE TIME –•– Eddie Murphy (Columbia)-7 (24)
25 30 PERFECT WAY –•– Scritti Politti (Warner Brothers)-11 (25)
26 26 SO IN LOVE –•– Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (A&M)-12 (26)
27 18 I’M GONNA TEAR YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN –•– Paul Young (Columbia)-11 (13)
28 17 FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART –•– Sting (A&M)-13 (8)
29 20 OH SHEILA –•– Ready For The World (MCA)-16 (1)
30 23 AND WE DANCED –•– The Hooters (Columbia)-15 (21)

31 37 SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES –•– Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin (RCA)-5 (31)
32 40 SAY YOU, SAY ME –•– Lionel Richie (Motown)-2 (32)
33 38 WRAP HER UP –•– Elton John (Geffen)-4 (33)
34 36 GIRLS ARE MORE FUN –•– Ray Parker, Jr. (Arista)-7 (34)
35 39 RUNNING UP THAT HILL –•– Kate Bush (EMI-America)-11 (35)
36 42 SMALL TOWN –•– John Cougar Mellencamp (Riva)-3 (36)
37 43 OBJECT OF MY DESIRE –•– Starpoint (Elektra)-8 (37)
38 44 TONIGHT SHE COMES –•– The Cars (Elektra)-3 (38)
39 22 LONELY OL’ NIGHT –•– John Cougar Mellencamp (Riva)-13 (6)
40 45 WALK OF LIFE –•– Dire Straits (Warner Brothers)-3 (40)

November 1989 -- the end is near & "Don't"'s

In likely the latest chart they'll play this year, this is the last gasp of the 80's.  And there in the top 2 are what made the year of 1989 both very good (Roxette) and very bad (NKOTB), but this week the good wins, and the chart is generally quite good, with an unusual amount of variety with rap and hard-edged rock both doing well, alongside lighter rock, pop, dance.

I reviewed two weeks earlier last year, and it's basically the same, but debuting at #40 is the last chart hit for Eurythmics, "Don't Ask me Why," which was ironic given Annie Lennox's first solo hit was "Why."  The Don't's continue with 26, 26, 28, and 39!

And in a memory-loss moment, I was convinced Tina Turner's "The Best" had continued her string of having a single from each album in the 80's making the top 2....but it actually only went to #15.

Last hit: Eurythmics, Thompson Twins, Alice Cooper (in a flashback to the 70's)
First Hit:  Babyface, B-52's
Favorite:  Expose

1 3 LISTEN TO YOUR HEART –•– Roxette – 11 (1)
2 4 COVER GIRL –•– New Kids On The Block – 8 (2)
3 1 MISS YOU MUCH –•– Janet Jackson – 10 (1)
4 2 SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE –•– Tears For Fears – 10 (2)
5 9 WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE –•– Bad English – 8 (5)
6 5 LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR –•– Aerosmith – 10 (5)
7 10 ROCK WIT’CHA –•– Bobby Brown – 11 (7)
8 6 DR. FEELGOOD –•– Motley Crue – 10 (6)
9 16 (IT’S JUST) THE WAY THAT YOU LOVE ME –•– Paula Abdul – 12 (9)
10 15 LOVE SHACK –•– The B-52’s – 10 (10)

11 8 BUST A MOVE –•– Young M.C. – 15 (7)
12 20 BLAME IT ON THE RAIN –•– Milli Vanilli – 5 (12)
13 14 DIDN’T I (BLOW YOUR MIND) –•– New Kids On The Block – 8 (13)
14 13 HEALING HANDS –•– Elton John – 11 (13)
15 17 THE BEST –•– Tina Turner – 10 (15)
16 22 ANGELIA –•– Richard Marx – 5 (16)
17 24 POISON –•– Alice Cooper – 7 (17)
18 19 CALL IT LOVE –•– Poco – 11 (18)
19 7 IT’S NO CRIME –•– Babyface – 13 (7)
20 25 BACK TO LIFE –•– Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler – 7 (20)

21 28 WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE –•– Billy Joel – 4 (21)
22 11 LOVE SONG –•– The Cure – 13 (2)
23 12 WHEN I LOOKED AT HIM –•– Expose – 12 (10)
24 29 GET ON YOUR FEET –•– Gloria Estefan – 6 (24)
25 30 SUNSHINE –•– Dino – 9 (25)
26 32 DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES –•– Kix – 9 (26)
27 35 DON’T KNOW MUCH –•– Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville – 6 (27)
28 31 DON’T SHUT ME OUT –•– Kevin Paige – 12 (28)
29 34 ME SO HORNY –•– 2 Live Crew – 9 (29)
30 36 LEAVE A LIGHT ON –•– Belinda Carlisle – 6 (30)

31 21 GIRL I’M GONNA MISS YOU –•– Milli Vanilli – 14 (1)
32 39 LIVING IN SIN –•– Bon Jovi – 5 (32)
33 37 SUGAR DADDY –•– Thompson Twins – 7 (33)
34 18 MIXED EMOTIONS –•– Rolling Stones – 10 (5)
35 46 WITH EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART –•– Taylor Dayne – 3 (35)
36 26 HEAVEN –•– Warrant – 16 (2)
37 27 IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME –•– Cher – 18 (3)
38 23 CHERISH –•– Madonna – 12 (2)
39 48 DON’T MAKE ME OVER –•– Sybil – 7 (39)
40 47 DON’T ASK ME WHY –•– Eurythmics – 6 (40)

October 1986 -- Ladies rule

Utterly ordinary mid-80's countdown.  Virtually every dong and/or artists ended up as an 80's regular favorite.  Some real duds made it a long way -- an actor (Johnson), a wannabe (Stacey Q), the soap opera song (Friends and lovers), and some mysteriously big hits (glass tiger, Amy Grant).

But the real theme was Girl Power -- Janet, Tina, Cyndi, Aretha, Annie Lennox, and Madonna all top of their game, with Anita Baker adding some jazz/R&B. 

Most unusual:  Earth Angel, with its 50's vibe, and Aretha Franklin's choice.
First hit: Bruce Hornsby (first week!), Anita Baker (!!), Run DMC
Breakthrough:  Bon Jovi
Long Time gone:  Boston, Aerosmith
Last hit: none

Favorites (5-star): Bon Jovi

1 1 WHEN I THINK OF YOU –•– Janet Jackson – 11 (1)
2 5 TYPICAL MALE –•– Tina Turner – 8 (2)
3 9 TRUE COLORS –•– Cyndi Lauper – 8 (3)
4 4 THROWING IT ALL AWAY –•– Genesis – 10 (4)
5 7 HEARTBEAT –•– Don Johnson – 9 (5)
6 3 TWO OF HEARTS –•– Stacey Q – 15 (3)
7 2 DON’T FORGET ME (WHEN I’M GONE) –•– Glass Tiger – 15 (2)
8 13 I DIDN’T MEAN TO TURN YOU ON –•– Robert Palmer – 10 (8)
9 11 ALL CRIED OUT –•– Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam With Full Force – 13 (9)
10 15 A MATTER OF TRUST –•– Billy Joel – 11 (10)

11 18 SWEET LOVE –•– Anita Baker – 10 (11)
12 12 HEAVEN IN YOUR EYES –•– Loverboy – 12 (12)
13 6 STUCK WITH YOU –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 12 (1)
14 19 HUMAN –•– Human League – 6 (14)
15 27 AMANDA –•– Boston – 4 (15)
16 8 FRIENDS AND LOVERS –•– Gloria Loring & Carl Anderson – 16 (2)
17 10 DREAMTIME –•– Daryl Hall – 12 (5)
18 14 MISSIONARY MAN –•– Eurythmics – 13 (14)
19 23 TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT –•– Eddie Money – 10 (19)
20 32 TRUE BLUE –•– Madonna – 3 (20)

21 25 GIRL CAN’T HELP IT –•– Journey – 8 (21)
22 30 WORD UP –•– Cameo – 6 (22)
23 21 EARTH ANGEL –•– New Edition – 9 (21)
24 29 YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME –•– Bon Jovi – 7 (24)
25 31 THE RAIN –•– Oran “Juice” Jones – 6 (25)
26 16 WALK THIS WAY –•– Run DMC & Aerosmith- 13 (4)
27 22 LOVE WALKS IN –•– Van Halen – 11 (22)
28 33 I’LL BE OVER YOU –•– Toto – 8 (28)
29 34 IN YOUR EYES –•– Peter Gabriel – 8 (29)
30 39 THE NEXT TIME I FALL –•– Peter Cetera & Amy Grant – 5 (30)

31 37 I AM BY YOUR SIDE –•– Corey Hart – 5 (31)
32 40 JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH –•– Aretha Franklin – 4 (32)
33 38 EMOTION IN MOTION –•– Ric Ocasek – 7 (33)
34 17 LOVE ZONE –•– Billy Ocean – 13 (10)
35 28 POINT OF NO RETURN –•– Nu Shooz – 16 (28)
36 47 LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL –•– Lionel Richie – 3 (36)
37 20 DANCING ON THE CEILING –•– Lionel Richie – 14 (2)
38 24 WORDS GET IN THE WAY –•– Miami Sound Machine featuring Gloria Estefan – 19 (5)
39 45 SOMEBODY’S OUT THERE –•– Triumph – 8 (39)
40 49 THE WAY IT IS –•– Bruce Hornsby & The Range – 5 (40)

October 1973 -- Soul Train

Big soul week in October 1973 -- with Marvin, Gladys, Isleys, Eddie Kendricks, and Stevie Wonder all in the top 10 -- but lots of other styles, and along the way we have some fun convergences:

Cher and her one-time husband Gregg Allman were back to back 2 & 3; Simon and Garfunkel did the same at 13 & 14.  Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye chart both as a duo and each as soloists.

First hit: Kool and the Gang, Marie Osmond, 

Favorites (4-star) Allmans, Doobies, Ringo, Blue Notes, and the best "All I Know" (5-star)

1 5 ANGIE –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-7 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 1 HALF-BREED –•– Cher (MCA)-12 (1)
3 2 RAMBLIN’ MAN –•– The Allman Brothers Band (Capricorn)-9 (2)
4 3 LET’S GET IT ON –•– Marvin Gaye (Tamla)-15 (1)
5 8 MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA –•– Gladys Knight and the Pips (Buddah)-8 (5)
6 6 THAT LADY (Part 1) –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-15 (6)
7 9 KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ (Part 1) –•– Eddie Kendricks (Tamla)-9 (7)
8 4 HIGHER GROUND –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-10 (4)
9 12 HEARTBEAT-IT’S A LOVEBEAT –•– The DeFranco Family Featuring Tony DeFranco (20th Century)-7 (9)
10 13 PAPER ROSES –•– Marie Osmond (MGM)-6 (10)

11 11 YES WE CAN CAN –•– The Pointer Sisters (Blue Thumb)-10 (11)
12 10 WE’RE AN AMERICAN BAND –•– Grand Funk (Capitol)-13 (1)
13 19 ALL I KNOW –•– Garfunkel (Columbia)-6 (13)
14 7 LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK –•– Paul Simon (with the Dixie Hummingbirds) (Columbia)-12 (2)
15 17 BASKETBALL JONES FEATURING TYRONE SHOELACES –•– Cheech and Chong (Ode)-7 (15)
16 20 KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR –•– Bob Dylan (Columbia)-8 (16)
17 14 FREE RIDE –•– The Edgar Winter Group (Epic)-11 (14)
18 15 CHINA GROVE –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-10 (15)
19 16 MY MARIA –•– B.W. Stevenson (RCA)-13 (9)
20 26 SPACE RACE –•– Billy Preston (A&M)-5 (20)

21 23 WHY ME –•– Kris Kristofferson (Monument)-29 (21)
22 40 I GOT A NAME –•– Jim Croce (ABC)-3 (22)
23 24 ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY –•– Joe Walsh (Dunhill)-11 (23)
24 18 DELTA DAWN –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-18 (1)
25 29 HURTS SO GOOD –•– Millie Jackson (Spring)-7 (25)
26 35 YOU’RE A SPECIAL PART OF ME –•– Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye (Motown)-3 (26)
27 33 SUMMER (The First Time) –•– Bobby Goldsboro (United Artists)-9 (27)
28 43 JUST YOU ‘N’ ME –•– Chicago (Columbia)-4 (28)
29 60 PHOTOGRAPH –•– Ringo Starr (Apple)-3 (29)
30 31 WE MAY NEVER PASS THIS WAY (Again) –•– Seals and Crofts (Warner Brothers)-5 (30)

31 56 TOP OF THE WORLD –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-3 (31)
32 32 FUNKY STUFF –•– Kool and the Gang (De-Lite)-7 (32)
33 38 JESSE –•– Roberta Flack (Atlantic)-5 (33)
34 28 GET IT TOGETHER –•– Jackson 5 (Motown)-8 (28)
35 21 SAY, HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY SWEET GYPSY ROSE –•– Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando (Bell)-15 (3)
36 36 LET ME IN –•– The Osmonds (MGM)-7 (36)
37 50 THE LOVE I LOST (Part 1) –•– Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (Philadelphia International)-4 (37)
38 22 BROTHER LOUIE –•– The Stories (Kama Sutra)-18 (1)
39 27 YOU’VE NEVER BEEN THIS FAR BEFORE –•– Conway Twitty (MCA)-11 (22)
40 25 TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-21 (1)

October 1978 -- A Yacht-Rock break from Disco

Great late-70's countdown this week.  We're past the Saturday Night Fever surge and now on the tail end of "Grease" with Olivia Newton John logging two records in the top 10.  Joining is in the top 10 is minimal disco collection with more yacht rock.  A little country is sprinkled in the countdown as usual, plus some classic rock, adult contemporary, and just a little R&B, plus yet another late 70's Wings track I've never heard.

First/Last hits:  none that I see

Favorites (5-star) : none, 4-star:  Boston, Andy Gibb, Kenny Loggins, 

1 1 KISS YOU ALL OVER –•– Exile (Warner Brothers / Curb) -15 (3 weeks at #1) (1)
2 3 HOT CHILD IN THE CITY –•– Nick Gilder (Chrysalis) -19 (2)
3 2 BOOGIE OOGIE OOGIE –•– A Taste Of Honey (Capitol) -17 (1)
4 4 DON’T LOOK BACK –•– Boston (Epic) -9 (4)
5 6 REMINISCING –•– The Little River Band (Harvest) -12 (5)
6 9 YOU NEEDED ME –•– Anne Murray (Capitol) -14 (6)
7 8 LOVE IS IN THE AIR –•– John Paul Young (Scotti Brothers) -14 (7)
8 10 WHENEVER I CALL YOU “FRIEND” –•– Kenny Loggins (Columbia) -12 (8)
9 5 SUMMER NIGHTS –•– John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Cast (RSO) -11 (5)
10 7 HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU –•– Olivia Newton-John (RSO) -15 (3)

11 21 MacARTHUR PARK –•– Donna Summer (Casablanca) -6 (11)
12 12 HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS –•– Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (Capitol) -10 (12)
13 14 RIGHT DOWN THE LINE –•– Gerry Rafferty (United Artists) -10 (13)
14 16 HOW MUCH I FEEL –•– Ambrosia (Warner Brothers) -7 (14)
15 17 GET OFF –•– Foxy (Dash) -13 (15)
16 18 BACK IN THE U.S.A. –•– Linda Ronstadt (Asylum) -9 (16)
17 19 SHE’S ALWAYS A WOMAN –•– Billy Joel (Columbia) -10 (17)
18 20 YOU NEVER DONE IT LIKE THAT –•– The Captain and Tennille (A&M) -11 (18)
19 22 WHO ARE YOU –•– The Who (MCA) -8 (18)
20 26 DOUBLE VISION –•– Foreigner (Atlantic) -4 (20)

21 11 THREE TIMES A LADY –•– The Commodores (Motown) -18 (1)
22 24 I LOVE THE NIGHT LIFE (Disco ‘Round) –•– Alicia Bridges (Polydor) -15 (22)
23 25 TALKING IN YOUR SLEEP –•– Crystal Gayle (United Artists) -12 (23)
24 27 BEAST OF BURDEN –•– Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones) -6 (24)
25 30 IT’S A LAUGH –•– Daryl Hall and John Oates (RCA) -8 (25)
26 29 JOSIE –•– Steely Dan (ABC) -8 (26)
27 28 5.7.0.5 –•– City Boy (Mercury) -10 (27)
28 13 AN EVERLASTING LOVE –•– Andy Gibb (RSO) -14 (5)
29 43 I JUST WANNA STOP –•– Gino Vannelli (A&M) -6 (29)
30 34 DANCE (Disco Heat) –•– Sylvester (Fantasy) -9 (30)

31 39 READY TO TAKE A CHANCE AGAIN –•– Barry Manilow (Arista) -5 (31)
32 35 I WILL STILL LOVE YOU –•– Stonebolt (Parachute) -11 (32)
33 33 ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE –•– Michael Johnson (EMI-America) -10 (33)
34 15 OH DARLING –•– Robin Gibb (RSO) -10 (15)
35 23 COME TOGETHER –•– Aerosmith (Columbia) -11 (23)
36 38 TOOK THE LAST TRAIN –•– David Gates (Elektra) -10 (36)
37 48 SHARING THE NIGHT TOGETHER –•– Dr. Hook (Capitol) -5 (37)
38 40 SWEET LIFE –•– Paul Davis (Bang) -8 (38)
39 42 LONDON TOWN –•– Wings (Capitol) -6 (39)
40 37 HEARTBREAKER –•– Dolly Parton (RCA) -8 (37)

October 1982 -- peak Johnny Cougar

Another early 80's countdown with the eclectic mix of serious rock (Joan Jett) and slow country (Juice Newton).  Medleys, Jazz, and instrumentals were gone, replaced by some serious yacht Rock from 70's heroes like America, Alan Parsons, and Crosby Stills and Nash.

Due to some heavier than usual turnover at the top, 5 of the top 6 were all past or eventual #1s, with the next two also charting.  There was also still a little room for a bunch of guys who sounded like they mixed their tape in the garage to hit the top 40:  Steel Breeze.

And the nature of the charts led to some unusual stalls:  Gap Band spent 6 weeks at #31, MMM spent 5 at #19.  

Surprising duds:  REO Speedwagon, Kim Carnes (lead single from new album after "Better Davis Eyes") but especially Toto -- Make Believe was released in between Rosanna and Africa. 

Last top 10:  Neil Diamond, Alan Parsons, Steve Miller, America

Last hit at all:  Crosby Stills and Nash, Melissa Manchester, Michael Martin "Wildfire" Murphey, The Who, 

First hit: Michael McDonald (solo), Flock of Seagulls, Men at Work, Laura Branigan, Rush (first and only)

Not a big week for favorites at the top, but further down:

(5-star) Flock of Seagulls, Chicago, Mickey -- favorite:  I Ran

1 1 JACK & DIANE –•– John Cougar (Riva)-12 (2 weeks at #1) (1)
2 2 ABRACADABRA –•– The Steve Miller Band (Capitol)-20 (1)
3 3 HARD TO SAY I’M SORRY –•– Chicago (Full Moon)-19 (1)
4 6 EYE IN THE SKY –•– The Alan Parsons Project (Arista)-15 (4)
5 7 WHO CAN IT BE NOW –•– Men At Work (Columbia)-14 (5)
6 4 EYE OF THE TIGER –•– Survivor (Scotti Brothers)-19 (1)
7 9 I KEEP FORGETTIN’ (Every Time You’re Near) –•– Michael McDonald (Warner Brothers)-10 (7)
8 8 SOMEBODY’S BABY –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-11 (8)
9 11 YOU CAN DO MAGIC –•– America (Capitol)-11 (9)
10 14 I RAN (So Far Away) –•– A Flock Of Seagulls (Jive)-14 (10)

11 13 HEART ATTACK –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-6 (11)
12 12 BLUE EYES –•– Elton John (Geffen)-14 (12)
13 15 BREAK IT TO ME GENTLY –•– Juice Newton (Capitol)-8 (13)
14 5 YOU SHOULD HEAR HOW SHE TALKS ABOUT YOU –•– Melissa Manchester (Arista)-21 (5)
15 10 HURTS SO GOOD –•– John Cougar (Riva)-25 (2)
16 19 HOLD ON –•– Santana (Columbia)-9 (16)Chicago, 
17 35 UP WHERE WE BELONG –•– Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes (Island)-8 (17)
18 21 GLORIA –•– Laura Branigan (Atlantic)-14 (18)
19 22 WHAT’S FOREVER FOR –•– Michael Martin Murphey (Liberty)-12 (19)
20 20 DO YOU WANNA TOUCH ME (Oh Yeah) –•– Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (Boardwalk)-11 (20)

21 27 GYPSY –•– Fleetwood Mac (Warner Brothers)-6 (21)
22 24 BIG FUN –•– Kool and the Gang (De-Lite)-7 (22)
23 26 DON’T FIGHT IT –•– Kenny Loggins with Steve Perry (Columbia)-7 (23)
24 25 JUMP TO IT –•– Aretha Franklin (Arista)-8 (24)
25 16 THINK I’M IN LOVE –•– Eddie Money (Columbia)-15 (16)
26 32 THE ONE YOU LOVE –•– Glenn Frey (Asylum)-8 (26)
27 34 HEARTLIGHT –•– Neil Diamond (Columbia)-5 (27)
28 33 YOU DON’T WANT ME ANYMORE –•– Steel Breeze (RCA)-7 (28)
29 29 VOYEUR –•– Kim Carnes (EMI-America)-8 (29)
30 30 MAKE BELIEVE –•– Toto (Columbia)-10 (30)

31 31 YOU DROPPED A BOMB ON ME –•– The Gap Band (Total Experience)-9 (31)
32 36 LOVE COME DOWN –•– Evelyn King (RCA)-7 (32)
33 53 NEW WORLD MAN –•– Rush (Mercury)-4 (33)
34 43 NOBODY –•– Sylvia (RCA)-7 (34)
35 39 SWEET TIME –•– REO Speedwagon (Epic)-7 (35)
36 45 SOUTHERN CROSS –•– Crosby, Stills and Nash (Atlantic)-4 (36)
37 41 ATHENA –•– The Who (Warner Brothers)-6 (37)
38 38 YOU KEEP RUNNIN’ AWAY –•– 38 Special (A&M)-8 (38)
39 48 MICKEY –•– Toni Basil (Chrysalis)-6 (39)
40 44 I GET EXCITED –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-5 (40)

October 1979 -- 70's almost over, the decade of Michael Jackson begins

The 70's are almost over, and it's the usual fun mix of yacht rock, disco, classic rock. country, early new wave, jazz, and some pop/soul -- 5 past, present, or future #1's are in the top 10.  KC and the Sunshine band nudge up just a couple, though they too will hit #1 in months to come.

Strangely never heard -- Wings, Sniff n' the Tears,

First hit: Stephanie Mills, and Journey
Last hit: Lobo
Favorites:  (5-star) Don't Bring Me Down, and my favorite, Charlie Daniels.

1 2 SAD EYES –•– Robert John (EMI-America)-21 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 4 DON’T STOP ‘TIL YOU GET ENOUGH –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-11 (2)
3 3 RISE –•– Herb Alpert (A&M)-11 (3)
4 1 MY SHARONA –•– The Knack (Capitol)-16 (1)
5 8 SAIL ON –•– The Commodores (Motown)-9 (5)
6 6 LONESOME LOSER –•– The Little River Band (Capitol)-12 (6)
7 7 I’LL NEVER LOVE THIS WAY AGAIN –•– Dionne Warwick (Arista)-16 (7)
8 11 POP MUZIK –•– M (Sire)-9 (8)
9 5 AFTER THE LOVE HAS GONE –•– Earth, Wind and Fire (ARC)-14 (2)
10 19 DIM ALL THE LIGHTS –•– Donna Summer (Casablanca)-7 (10)

11 10 DON’T BRING ME DOWN –•– The Electric Light Orchestra (Jet)-10 (4)
12 12 CRUEL TO BE KIND –•– Nick Lowe (Columbia)-11 (12)
13 13 HEAVEN MUST HAVE SENT YOU –•– Bonnie Pointer (Motown)-17 (13)
14 14 BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU (Doctor, Doctor) –•– Robert Palmer (Island)-12 (14)
15 15 DRIVER’S SEAT –•– Sniff ‘n’ the Tears (Atlantic)-12 (15)
16 16 BORN TO BE ALIVE –•– Patrick Hernandez (Columbia)-16 (16)
17 9 THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA –•– The Charlie Daniels Band (Epic)-16 (3)
18 18 DIFFERENT WORLDS –•– Maureen McGovern (Warner Brothers / Curb)-14 (18)
19 21 THE BOSS –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-13 (19)
20 24 SPOOKY –•– The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor)-9 (20)

21 23 LOVIN’, TOUCHIN’, SQUEEZIN’ –•– Journey (Columbia)-12 (21)
22 22 WHAT CHA GONNA DO WITH MY LOVIN’ –•– Stephanie Mills (20th Century)-12 (22)
23 26 GET IT RIGHT NEXT TIME –•– Gerry Rafferty (United Aritsts)-9 (23)
24 27 DIRTY WHITE BOY –•– Foreigner (Atlantic)-5 (24)
25 30 YOU DECORATED MY LIFE –•– Kenny Rogers (United Artists)-5 (25)
26 28 DEPENDIN’ ON YOU –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-9 (26)
27 29 GOOD GIRLS DON’T –•– The Knack (Capitol)-6 (27)
28 31 WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS FALLING IN LOVE –•– Lobo (MCA)-11 (28)
29 17 LEAD ME ON –•– Maxine Nightingale (Windsong)-20 (5)
30 33 ARROW THROUGH ME –•– Wings (Columbia)-7 (30)

31 34 ROLENE –•– Moon Martin (Capitol)-8 (31)
32 40 COME TO ME –•– France Joli (Prelude)-6 (32)
33 36 I KNOW A HEARTACHE WHEN I SEE ONE –•– Jennifer Warnes (Arista)-15 (33)
34 42 HOLD ON –•– Ian Gomm (Stiff / Epic)-6 (34)
35 37 THIS NIGHT WON’T LAST FOREVER –•– Michael Johnson (EMI-America)-10 (35)
36 38 MIDNIGHT WIND –•– John Stewart (RSO)-7 (36)
37 39 PLEASE DON’T GO –•– K.C. and the Sunshine Band (T.K.)-7 (37)
38 25 GOOD TIMES –•– Chic (Atlantic)-17 (1)
39 50 GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY –•– Bob Dylan (Columbia)-5 (39)
40 41 GOOD FRIEND –•– Mary MacGregor (RSO)-9 (40)

October 1984 -- peak Prince

Just one week off the chart played last year, this one has Prince hanging on for another week at #1, while "Purple Rain" debuts all the way up at #28, though it only ultimately made it to #2.

As I mentioned last time, the party of 1983 with the quirky one-hit wonders is over, and veterans are doing very well.  A 1982 hit is make a resurgence to the top 10:  "I'm So Excited" (peaked at #30 back then).

Last hit:  The Jacksons, as a group
First hit (of many): Wham!  Billy Ocean
Biggest hit:  John Waite, The Cars, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan

Favorites:  (5-stat) Sheila E, Bananarama, and my favorite... "I'm so Excited

1 1 LET’S GO CRAZY –•– Prince & The Revolution (Warner Brothers)-10 (2 Weeks at #1) (1)
2 5 I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU –•– Stevie Wonder (Motown)-8 (2)
3 3 DRIVE –•– The Cars (Elektra)-10 (3)
4 2 MISSING YOU –•– John Waite (EMI-America)-16 (1)
5 4 SHE BOP –•– Cyndi Lauper (Portrait)-12 (3)
6 12 HARD HABIT TO BREAK –•– Chicago (Full Moon / Warner Brothers)-10 (6)
7 8 THE GLAMOROUS LIFE –•– Sheila E. (Warner Brothers)-17 (7)
8 13 LUCKY STAR –•– Madonna (Sire)-7 (8)
9 7 THE WARRIOR –•– Scandal Featuring Patty Smyth (Columbia)-15 (7)
10 10 COVER ME –•– Bruce Springsteen (Columbia)-9 (10)

11 15 CARIBBEAN QUEEN (No More Love On The Run) –•– Billy Ocean (Jive)-9 (11)
12 9 CRUEL SUMMER –•– Bananarama (London)-12 (9)
13 6 WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT –•– Tina Turner (Capitol)-21 (1)
14 11 IF THIS IS IT –•– Huey Lewis & The News (Chrysalis)-12 (6)
15 22 I’M SO EXCITED –•– The Pointer Sisters (Planet)-26 (15)
16 24 ON THE DARK SIDE –•– Eddie & The Cruisers / John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band (Scotti Brothers)-17 (16)
17 17 TORTURE –•– The Jacksons (Epic)-8 (17)
18 14 WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES –•– Night Ranger (MCA / Camel)-13 (14)
19 26 ARE WE OURSELVES? –•– The Fixx (MCA)-8 (19)
20 20 THE LUCKY ONE –•– Laura Branigan (Atlantic)-10 (20)

21 27 SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK –•– Rod Stewart (Warner Brothers)-7 (21)
22 23 THERE GOES MY BABY –•– Donna Summer (Geffen)-9 (22)
23 34 BLUE JEAN –•– David Bowie (EMI-America)-4 (23)
24 25 GO INSANE –•– Lindsey Buckingham (Elektra)-11 (24)
25 29 BOP ‘TIL YOU DROP –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-8 (25)
26 30 SWEPT AWAY –•– Diana Ross (RCA)-6 (26)
27 32 WHO WEARS THESE SHOES? –•– Elton John (Geffen)-5 (27)
28 — PURPLE RAIN –•– Prince & The Revolution (Warner Brothers)-1 (28)
29 33 FLESH FOR FANTASY –•– Billy Idol (Chrysalis)-7 (29)
30 16 DYNAMITE –•– Jermaine Jackson (Arista)-12 (15)

31 35 DESERT MOON –•– Dennis DeYoung (A&M)-5 (31)
32 41 WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO –•– Wham! (Columbia)-5 (32)
33 38 I FEEL FOR YOU –•– Chaka Khan (Warner Brothers)-5 (33)
34 42 BETTER BE GOOD TO ME –•– Tina Turner (Capitol)-4 (34)
35 37 STRUT –•– Sheena Easton (EMI-America)-7 (35)
36 18 STUCK ON YOU –•– Lionel Richie (Motown)-16 (3)
37 40 SHINE SHINE –•– Barry Gibb (MCA)-6 (37)
38 48 OUT OF TOUCH –•– Daryl Hall & John Oates (RCA)-2 (38)
39 39 (What) IN THE NAME OF LOVE –•– Naked Eyes (EMI-America)-9 (39)
40 43 THE LAST TIME I MADE LOVE –•– Joyce Kennedy & Jeffrey Osborne (A&M)-8 (40)

September 1997 -- pop is back, but not on the Hot 100

I listened to the Back in the Day Replay on SiriusXM's 90's on 9 this weekend since it had a lot of songs from when I first joined the Air Force.  I commissioned the month before, and I showed up at my first duty station in September.  Big news of the day:  Mother Teresa and Princess Diana had both just died.

Back in the Day Replay's DJ, Downtown Julie Brown, plays the Billboard top 30 from that week from a given year, which for most of the 90's is the first time those 30 have all been plaed in a countdown format.  By 1997, all the major countdown shows (like American Top 40) had switched to Radio and Records Pop airplay chart.  Why?  Billboard had started actually capturing which records were really being played, scaling that by the market size, and electronically counting singles sales, across all genre's (in contrast to simply receiving reports from radio stations and record stores of what they were playing/selling).  End result:  a lot of songs made the top 30 which were not suited to be played on a pop station (R&B/rap and country)...see below.

Meanwhile, by 1997 pop music itself was making a resurgence with the arrival of the Hansen, Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls.  Britney was soon to follow.  Female singer-songwriters (Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow) had a surge, as did female country-crossover artists (Faith Hill, Leann Rimes).  And Hootie & the Blowfish had paved the way for a late decade resurgence in pop-rock (Third Eye Blind, Sugar Ray). 

All in all, a great time to listen to pop radio, even if the Billboard chart had veered far from it.  The top 2 were by bonafide pop/R&B stars, but on the pop airplay charts, these songs only hit #10 and #7 respectively.  Boys II Men would hit #1 on the Hot 100 next week, only to be replaced by another sales-driven hit, Elton John's Candle in the Wind '97.  Biggie and Puff Daddy's #1's were nowhere near the top 10 in pop airplay.  On the airplay charts, Jewel and Third-Eye Blind ruled over this period, reflecting what I heard on the radio.

In a Billboard oddity, Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me" and "Foolish Games" were on the same 45 rpm record / Cassette single, so it charted as one song, breaking the record at the time for chart longevity (hence at #10 in its 45th chart week!), finally lasting 65 weeks on the Hot 100.  Meanwhile, the traditional chart record had been about 40 weeks.  But up at #4, Leann Rimes outdid it, lasting 69 weeks as the song slowly climbed and lingered on first country, then pop, then a/c charts.

Another Chart oddity:  consecutive songs by an artist (Notorious BIG) and a tribute to that artist (I'll be Missing you), both featuring the same artist!  Diana Ross was stunningly uncredited on Biggie's #1 hit.

First hits: Backstreet Boys, Usher, Third Eye Blind, 98 Degrees, and plenty of other artists who didn't go on to a long string of hits.

Favorites:  MANY, certainly compared to the late 80's!  (4-stars): Mark Morrison, Mr. President, Verve Pipe, favorite (5): Third-Eye Blind

Duncan Sheik – 44 (16)

1 1 HONEY –•– Mariah Carey – 3 (1)
2 — 4 SEASONS OF LONELINESS –•– Boyz II Men – 1 (2)
3 3 YOU MAKE ME WANNA… –•– Usher – 6 (3)
4 5 HOW DO I LIVE –•– LeAnn Rimes – 15 (4)
5 2 QUIT PLAYING GAMES (WITH MY HEART) –•– The Backstreet Boys – 14 (2)
6 4 MO MONEY, MO PROBLEMS –•– Notorious B.I.G. Featuring Puff Daddy & Mase – 9 (1)
7 6 I’LL BE MISSING YOU –•– Puff Daddy & Faith Evans Featuring 112 – 16 (1)
8 7 2 BECOME 1 –•– Spice Girls – 7 (4)
9 8 SEMI-CHARMED LIFE –•– Third Eye Blind – 13 (4)
10 10 YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME / FOOLISH GAMES –•– Jewel – 44 (2)

11 9 BARBIE GIRL –•– Aqua – 4 (7)
12 13 INVISIBLE MAN –•– 98 Degrees – 12 (12)
13 11 ALL FOR YOU –•– Sister Hazel – 12 (11)
14 16 BUILDING A MYSTERY –•– Sarah McLachlan – 4 (14)
15 17 ALL CRIED OUT –•– Allure Featuring 112 – 5 (15)
16 12 UP JUMPS DA BOOGIE –•– Magoo & Timbaland – 11 (12)
17 15 NOT TONIGHT –•– Lil’ Kim Featuring Da Brat, Left Eye, Missy Elliott & Angie Martinez – 12 (6)
18 14 NEVER MAKE A PROMISE –•– Dru Hill – 8 (7)
19 18 SUNNY CAME HOME –•– Shawn Colvin – 12 (7)
20 19 DO YOU KNOW (WHAT IT TAKES) –•– Robyn – 18 (7)

21 21 YOU SHOULD BE MINE (DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME) –•– Brian McKnight Featuring Mase – 4 (21)
22 31 MY LOVE IS THE SHHH! –•– Somethin’ For The People Featuring Trina & Tamara – 5 (22)
23 23 WHAT ABOUT US –•– Total – 5 (23)
24 20 BITCH –•– Meredith Brooks – 23 (2)
25 22 RETURN OF THE MACK –•– Mark Morrison – 31 (2)
26 25 COCO JAMBOO –•– Mr. President – 9 (21)
27 24 THE FRESHMEN –•– The Verve Pipe – 32 (5)
28 26 BARELY BREATHING –•– Duncan Sheik – 44 (16)
29 — EVERYTHING –•– Mary J. Blige – 1 (29)
30 34 I MISS MY HOMIES –•– Master P Featuring Pimp C & The Shocker – 4 (25)

September 1980 -- Xanadu!

The annoyance of the 80's on 8 team to play nearly identical rotations of top 40's, this is another one from September 1980.

Movie songs continue to dominate with 2 songs from Fame joining Urban Cowboy and Xanadu.  Speaking of Xanadu, this is another chart with a duet and both artists in it (ELO and ONJ) all charting simultaneously.  Billy Joel also had 2 simultaneous hits as well.

Country crossover is undaunted by the rock, pop, and disco records around it.

First hits:  Irene Cara with 2 (!)
Last hits: Al Stewart
Favorites: many, but Sailing is still the best.

1 1 UPSIDE DOWN –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-12 (4 weeks at #1) (1)
2 2 ALL OUT OF LOVE –•– Air Supply (Arista)-16 (2)
3 3 ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST –•– Queen (Elektra)-7 (3)
4 6 GIVE ME THE NIGHT –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers / Qwest)-13 (4)
5 5 LOOKIN’ FOR LOVE –•– Johnny Lee (Full Moon)-12 (5)
6 7 LATE IN THE EVENING –•– Paul Simon (Warner Brothers)-8 (6)
7 8 DRIVIN’ MY LIFE AWAY –•– Eddie Rabbitt (Elektra)-15 (7)
8 4 FAME –•– Irene Cara (RSO)-16 (4)
9 9 ONE IN A MILLION YOU –•– Larry Graham (Warner Brothers)-14 (9)
10 11 I’M ALRIGHT –•– Kenny Loggins (Columbia)-12 (10)

11 12 XANADU –•– Olivia Newton-John / Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-8 (11)
12 25 WOMAN IN LOVE –•– Barbra Streisand (Columbia)-4 (12)
13 13 YOU’RE THE ONLY WOMAN (You & I) –•– Ambrosia (Warner Brothers)-12 (13)
14 14 YOU’LL ACCOMP’NY ME –•– Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (Capitol)-10 (14)
15 16 ALL OVER THE WORLD –•– Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-9 (15)
16 17 REAL LOVE –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-4 (16)
17 18 HOT ROD HEARTS –•– Robbie Dupree (Elektra)-11 (17)
18 20 HE’S SO SHY –•– The Pointer Sisters (Planet)-10 (18)
19 19 DON’T ASK ME WHY –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-9 (19)
20 22 NEVER KNEW LOVE LIKE THIS BEFORE –•– Stephanie Mills (20th Century)-8 (20)

21 21 SOMEONE THAT I USED TO LOVE –•– Natalie Cole (Capitol)-15 (21)
22 23 JESSE –•– Carly Simon (Warner Brothers)-9 (22)
23 24 LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO ME –•– Boz Scaggs (Columbia)-6 (23)
24 10 EMOTIONAL RESCUE –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-13 (3)
25 26 NO NIGHT SO LONG –•– Dionne Warwick (Arista)-10 (25)
26 15 SAILING –•– Christopher Cross (Warner Brothers)-16 (1)
27 27 MAGIC –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-19 (1)
28 32 HOW DO I SURVIVE –•– Amy Holland (Capitol)-8 (28)
29 28 INTO THE NIGHT –•– Benny Mardones (Polydor)-16 (11)
30 43 THE WANDERER –•– Donna Summer (Geffen)-2 (30)

31 41 MIDNIGHT ROCKS –•– Al Stewart (Arista)-5 (31)
32 52 DREAMING –•– Cliff Richard (EMI-America)-3 (32)
33 36 WHO’LL BE THE FOOL TONIGHT –•– The Larsen-Feiten Band (Warner Brothers)-7 (33)
34 29 TAKE YOUR TIME (Do It Right) (Part 1) –•– The S.O.S. Band (Tabu)-18 (3)
35 50 ON THE ROAD AGAIN –•– Willie Nelson (Columbia)-4 (35)
36 30 BOULEVARD –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-13 (19)
37 35 IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-19 (1)
38 45 THE LEGEND OF WOOLEY SWAMP –•– The Charlie Daniels Band (Epic)-7 (38)
39 40 (Sartorial Eloquence) DON’T YA WANNA PLAY THIS GAME NO MORE –•– Elton John (MCA)-8 (39)
40 44 OUT HERE ON MY OWN –•– Irene Cara (RSO)-7 (40)

September 1972 -- A bit of nostalgia

Fun countdown today filled with little interesting facts, and I almost got to hear every song. A few key veterans were charting well, including Rick Nelson's nostalgic comeback record, Elvis on his way to his last top 10, and Chuck Berry on his way to his only #1 hit with a naughty little novelty record.

Michael Jackson was also heading for his first solo #1, and he'd be the only person (check this) to have #1 featuring a man's name and then also a woman's name ("Billie Jean.")

Having their very first hit, the Doobie's went on to a solid decade of fame, the Raspberries lead singer Eric Carmen would do the same, and more oddly, there's Rick Springfield with a country-tinged song about prayer (!!).  Jim Croce would only live one more year, sadly.

Casey made a big point about a recent survey naming Moody Blues as the best group in rock -- they took "Nights" with a full symphony orchestra to #2, their only top 10 in the 70's (matched by one each in the 60's and 80's), despite being first released in 1968!

Favorites:  Jim Croce (4) and Nights in White Satin (5)

1 2 BABY DON’T GET HOOKED ON ME –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-13 (1 week at #1)

2 1 BLACK & WHITE –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-7
3 4 SATURDAY IN THE PARK –•– Chicago (Columbia)-8
4 5 BACK STABBERS –•– The O’Jays (Philadelphia International)-10
5 3 ALONE AGAIN (Naturally) –•– Gilbert O’Sullivan (MAM)-15
6 13 BEN –•– Michael Jackson (Motown)-8
7 16 EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL –•– The Main Ingredient (RCA)-10
8 9 HONKY CAT –•– Elton John (Uni)-7
9 12 GO ALL THE WAY –•– The Raspberries (Capitol)-13
10 7 ROCK AND ROLL (Part 2) –•– Gary Glitter (Bell)-10

11 14 POWER OF LOVE –•– Joe Simon (Spring)-12
12 17 PLAY ME –•– Neil Diamond (Uni)-7
13 25 USE ME –•– Bill Withers (Sussex)-5
14 18 POPCORN –•– Hot Butter (Musicor)-12
15 15 BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY –•– Daniel Boone (Mercury)-17
16 19 RUN TO ME –•– The Bee Gees (Atco)-9
17 20 NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN –•– The Moody Blues (Deram)-8
18 22 BURNING LOVE / IT’S A MATTER OF TIME –•– Elvis Presley (RCA)-6
19 23 SPEAK TO THE SKY –•– Rick Springfield (Capitol)-8
20 26 MY DING-A-LING –•– Chuck Berry (Chess)-8

21 6 LONG COOL WOMAN (In a Black Dress) –•– The Hollies (Epic)-14
22 33 GARDEN PARTY –•– Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band (Decca)-9
23 8 BRANDY (You’re a Fine Girl) –•– Looking Glass (Epic)-15
24 24 POP THAT THANG –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-13
25 11 THE GUITAR MAN –•– Bread (Elektra)-9
26 31 THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS –•– Arlo Guthrie (Reprise)-9
27 39 YOU WEAR IT WELL –•– Rod Stewart (Mercury)-5
28 35 GET ON THE GOOD FOOT (Part 1) –•– James Brown (Polydor)-8
29 29 YOU’RE STILL A YOUNG MAN –•– The Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers)-11
30 38 WHY / LONELY BOY –•– Donny Osmond (MGM / Kolob)-5

31 10 I’M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU –•– Al Green (Hi)-12
32 37 STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN –•– Mel and Tim (Stax)-12
33 21 YOU DON’T MESS AROUND WITH JIM –•– Jim Croce (ABC)-13
34 41 TIGHT ROPE –•– Leon Russell (Shelter)-5
35 27 JOIN TOGETHER –•– The Who (Decca)-10
36 44 FREDDIE’S DEAD (Theme From “Superfly”) –•– Curtis Mayfield (Curtom)-6
37 52 LISTEN TO THE MUSIC –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-4
38 49 DON’T EVER BE LONELY (A Poor Little Fool Like Me) –•– Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose (United Artists)-4
39 40 EASY LIVIN –•– Uriah Heep (Mercury)-9
40 51 GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S GOT THE BLUES –•– Danny O’Keefe (Signpost)-4

September 1988 -- I Don't Wanna

I'm not sure I wanted to listen to this top 40, which featured some dreadful big hits, but it still had some chart curiosities.

Bobby Brown and New Edition were charting simultaneously, as were Peter Cetera and Chicago.  Chicago and Elton John's songs were the previous week joined by "I Don't Wanna Be a Hero" making quite a theme.  Both artists first charted in 1970, part of another big week for veterans -- Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Steve Winwood (2x), and various artists from later in the 70's.

Kenny Loggins had his last top 40 hit with hit 7th soundtrack hit -- definitely the King of Soundtracks (especially since none were his own, like Madonna or Prince)

Michael Jackson missed the top 10 -- the first time that had happened in the 80s for him* (not counting back catalog re-releases, or songs with his brothers) -- 16 solo in a row, plus "Say Say Say" -- 10 #1s, 28 weeks at #1.  Wow!

Last hit: REO Speedwagon, Kenny Loggins, Glenn Frey
First Hit: Kylie Minogue, GnR, 

Favorites:  Sweet Child of Mine, Simply Irresistible, Monkey, and the one 5-star by Elton John.

1 1 SWEET CHILD O’ MINE –•– Guns N’ Roses – 13 (1)
2 2 SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE –•– Robert Palmer – 12 (2)
3 3 PERFECT WORLD –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 10 (3)
4 9 DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY –•– Bobby McFerrin – 8 (4)
5 7 I’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU –•– Taylor Dayne – 15 (5)
6 5 WHEN IT’S LOVE –•– Van Halen – 12 (5)
7 8 IF IT ISN’T LOVE –•– New Edition – 12 (7)
8 10 NOBODY’S FOOL –•– Kenny Loggins – 11 (8)
9 16 LOVE BITES –•– Def Leppard – 6 (9)
10 13 IT WOULD TAKE A STRONG STRONG MAN –•– Rick Astley – 10 (10)

11 14 ONE GOOD WOMAN –•– Peter Cetera – 9 (11)
12 11 ANOTHER PART OF ME –•– Michael Jackson – 9 (11)
13 4 MONKEY –•– George Michael – 11 (1)
14 17 I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU –•– Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – 13 (14)
15 18 DON’T BE CRUEL –•– Cheap Trick – 8 (15)
16 6 FAST CAR –•– Tracy Chapman – 16 (6)
17 19 A NIGHTMARE ON MY STREET –•– D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – 8 (17)
18 21 PLEASE DON’T GO GIRL –•– New Kids On The Block – 13 (18)
19 28 RED RED WINE –•– UB40 – 21 (19)
20 23 DON’T BE CRUEL –•– Bobby Brown – 9 (20)

21 25 FALLEN ANGEL –•– Poison – 8 (21)
22 26 WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND (PURE ENERGY) –•– Information Society – 10 (22)
23 15 I DON’T WANNA LIVE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE –•– Chicago – 16 (3)
24 12 I DON’T WANNA GO ON WITH YOU LIKE THAT –•– Elton John – 14 (2)
25 20 HERE WITH ME –•– REO Speedwagon – 13 (20)
26 30 STAYING TOGETHER –•– Debbie Gibson – 7 (26)
27 36 DON’T YOU KNOW WHAT THE NIGHT CAN DO? –•– Steve Winwood – 5 (27)
28 37 TRUE LOVE –•– Glenn Frey – 5 (28)
29 34 WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET –•– Brenda K. Starr – 7 (29)
30 35 FOREVER YOUNG –•– Rod Stewart – 7 (30)

31 42 GROOVY KIND OF LOVE –•– Phil Collins – 3 (31)
32 38 CHAINS OF LOVE –•– Erasure – 8 (32)
33 43 NEVER TEAR US APART –•– INXS – 6 (33)
34 22 ALL FIRED UP –•– Pat Benatar – 12 (19)
35 27 HANDS TO HEAVEN –•– Breathe – 23 (2)
36 45 WILD, WILD WEST –•– The Escape Club – 5 (36)
37 31 1-2-3 –•– Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – 16 (3)
38 24 LOVE WILL SAVE THE DAY –•– Whitney Houston – 12 (9)
39 29 ROLL WITH IT –•– Steve Winwood – 15 (1)
40 50 THE LOCO-MOTION –•– Kylie Minoque – 4 (40)

THIS WEEKS DROPS

47 32 I DON’T WANT TO BE A HERO –•– Johnny Hates Jazz – 11 (31)

September 1970 -- songs were shorter then

I reviewed the following week a year ago... and all I said then is true.  Songs were clearly a bit shorter then as he played at least one extra "oldie" per hour including a song that had spent 8 weeks at #2 without hitting #1, the #1 from 10 years earlier "The Twist," the first Beach record, and a Beatles #1.

By the mid-70s, any extras were very rare.  Later in the decade a 4th hour was added giving LOTS of room for oldies, recaps of the previosu week, and the iconic "Long Distance Dedications"

The Supremes were called "the New Supremes" without Diana Ross, who Casey was very excited to tell us was having her first true solo #1.  At the other end of the chart, her proteges, the Jackson 5, debuted way up on the Hot 100 -- no surprise after 3 #1's in a row!

First hits:  Carpenters, War, Anne Murray, Bread, Dawn-- quite a list!

Last hits -- none I could see

Favorites: (4-star) -- Cracklin Rose, Chicago, and (5-star) Long, Long Time

1 2 AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-7 (1 week at #1) (#2)
2 1 WAR –•– Edwin Starr (Gordy)-11 (#3)
3 5 LOOKIN’ OUT MY BACK DOOR / LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT –•– Creedence Clearwater Revival (Fantasy)-7 (#4)
4 6 PATCHES –•– Clarence Carter (Atlantic)-10 (#1)
5 7 JULIE, DO YA LOVE ME –•– Bobby Sherman (Metromedia)-8 (#5)
6 4 25 OR 6 TO 4 –•– Chicago (Columbia)-9 (#6)
7 3 IN THE SUMMERTIME –•– Mungo Jerry (Janus)-11 (#8)
8 8 (They Long To Be) CLOSE TO YOU –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-14 (#52)
9 11 CANDIDA –•– Dawn (Bell)-9 (#7)
10 9 MAKE IT WITH YOU –•– Bread (Elektra)-15 (#32)

11 12 DON’T PLAY THAT SONG –•– Aretha Franklin with the Dixie Flyers (Atlantic)-7 (#10)
12 22 CRACKLIN’ ROSIE –•– Neil Diamond (Uni)-5 (#9)
13 14 SNOWBIRD –•– Anne Murray (Capitol)-10 (#14)
14 16 (I Know) I’M LOSING YOU –•– Rare Earth (Rare Earth)-8 (#12)
15 15 I (Who Have Nothing) –•– Tom Jones (Parrot)-5 (#11)
16 10 SPILL THE WINE –•– Eric Burdon and War (MGM)-18 (#17)
17 20 GROOVY SITUATION –•– Gene Chandler (Mercury)-11 (#16)
18 18 RUBBER DUCKIE –•– Ernie (Columbia)-6 (#15)
19 13 SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I’m Yours) –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-13 (#56)
20 26 ALL RIGHT NOW –•– Free (A&M)-6 (#24)

21 17 HAND ME DOWN WORLD –•– The Guess Who (RCA)-10 (#13)
22 19 HI-DE-HO –•– Blood, Sweat, and Tears (Columbia)-8 (#21)
23 21 SOLITARY MAN –•– Neil Diamond (Bang)-21 (#20)
24 23 (If You Let Me Make Love To You Then) WHY CAN’T I TOUCH YOU –•– Ronnie Dyson (Columbia)-14 (#62)
25 25 IT’S A SHAME –•– The Spinners (V.I.P.)-9 (#18)
26 39 EXPRESS YOURSELF –•– Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Warner Brothers)-6 (#29)
27 29 NEANDERTHAL MAN –•– Hotlegs (Capitol)-5 (#23)
28 30 JOANNE –•– Michael Nesmith and the First National Band (RCA)-7 (#19)
29 27 EVERYBODY’S GOT THE RIGHT TO LOVE –•– The Supremes (Motown)-10 (#15)
30 31 LONG LONG TIME –•– Linda Ronstadt (Capitol)-6 (Not on Chart)

31 33 CLOSER TO HOME –•– Grand Funk Railroad (Capitol)-6 (#34)
32 34 PEACE WILL COME (According To Plan) / STOP I DON’T WANNA’ HEAR IT ANYMORE –•– Melanie (Buddah)-5 (#22)
33 35 OUT IN THE COUNTRY –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-4 (#25)
34 52 LOOK WHAT THEY’VE DONE TO MY SONG MA –•– The New Seekers (Elektra)-3 (#35)
35 45 INDIANA WANTS ME –•– R. Dean Taylor (Rare Earth)-3 (#36)
36 40 LOLA –•– The Kinks (Reprise)-4 (#46)
37 43 THAT’S WHERE I WENT WRONG –•– The Poppy Family Featuring Susan Jacks (London)-7 (#27)
38 38 EVERYTHING’S TUESDAY –•– The Chairmen Of the Board (Invictus)-8 (#37)
39 46 GREEN-EYED LADY –•– Sugarloaf (Liberty)-6 (#47)
40 — I’LL BE THERE –•– Jackson 5 (Motown)-1 (#28)

September 1974 - still a little awkward

Disco and all that came with it weren't dominating the chart yet, so we still had the combination of early 80's A/C of Cat Stephens, the Osmonds, Helen Reddy, and Tony Orlando alongside some country, funk, and R&B. 

But oddest was the 3rd and final Cheech and chong hit which features a young man listening to a rather standard 70's hard rock record being interrupted by his dad who proceeds to berate him and smack him around.

Next oddest was a largely spoken-word novelty record about marijuana (Wildwood Weed), plus a Guess Who record featuring a current DJ.

Another odd record was "Rub it In," a Jimmy Buffett-style record that would fit in very well on today's country charts, I think, but at the time seemed rather racy.  These all fared better on the top 40 than... It's Only Rock and Roll by the Stones.

The next few weeks would be among the oddest in chart history and song after song would climb to #1 and then drop straight out of the top 10.  Of the top 14 records, a full 9 spent at least 1 week at #1 ultimately.

First or last hits?  None that I know

Favorite:  I Honestly Love You


1 2 I SHOT THE SHERIFF –•– Eric Clapton (RSO)-10 (1 week at #1)
2 1 (You’re) HAVING MY BABY –•– Paul Anka (with Odia Coates) (United Artists)-11
3 4 ROCK ME GENTLY –•– Andy Kim (Capitol)-13
4 5 I’M LEAVING IT (All) UP TO YOU –•– Donny and Marie Osmond (MGM / Curb)-11
5 6 CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOUR LOVE, BABE –•– Barry White (20th Century)-7
6 7 NOTHING FROM NOTHING –•– Billy Preston (A&M)-10
7 3 TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD –•– Rufus (ABC)-14
8 10 THEN CAME YOU –•– Dionne Warwick and the Spinners (Atlantic)-8
9 9 YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-14
10 13 CLAP FOR THE WOLFMAN –•– The Guess Who (RCA)-9

11 15 YOU HAVEN’T DONE NOTHIN –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-7
12 19 I HONESTLY LOVE YOU –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-5
13 12 HANG ON IN THERE BABY –•– Johnny Bristol (MGM)-12
14 8 THE NIGHT CHICAGO DIED –•– Paper Lace (Mercury)-14
15 27 ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT –•– Cat Stevens (A&M)-7
16 20 BEACH BABY –•– First Class (UK)-9
17 17 IT’S ONLY ROCK ‘N ROLL (But I Like It) –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-7
18 22 SWEET HOME ALABAMA –•– Lynyrd Skynyrd (MCA)-8
19 23 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE –•– Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (ABC)-8
20 21 LET’S PUT IT ALL TOGETHER –•– The Stylistics (Avco)-8

21 11 FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE –•– Roberta Flack (Atlantic)-13
22 16 RUB IT IN –•– Billy “Crash” Craddock (ABC)-12
23 30 EARACHE MY EYE (Featuring Alice Bowie) –•– Cheech and Chong (Ode)-6
24 24 FREE MAN IN PARIS –•– Joni Mitchell (Asylum)-8
25 14 WILD THING –•– Fancy (Big Tree)-14
26 32 CAN’T GET ENOUGH –•– Bad Company (Swan Song)-5
27 33 NEVER MY LOVE –•– Blue Swede (EMI)-4
28 35 YOU LITTLE TRUSTMAKER –•– The Tymes (RCA)-5
29 29 I LOVE MY FRIEND –•– Charlie Rich (Epic)-7
30 18 WILDWOOD WEED –•– Jim Stafford (MGM)-11

31 39 STEPPIN’ OUT (Gonna Boogie Tonight) –•– Tony Orlando and Dawn (Bell)-4
32 40 STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-4
33 45 SKIN TIGHT –•– The Ohio Players (Mercury)-2
34 31 KEEP ON SMILIN’ –•– Wet Willie (Capricorn)-17
35 26 DON’T CHANGE HORSES (In the Middle Of the Stream) –•– The Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers)-9
36 25 PLEASE COME TO BOSTON –•– Dave Loggins (Epic)-16
37 28 SIDESHOW –•– Blue Magic (Atco)-18
38 36 ONE HELL OF A WOMAN –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-25
39 57 JAZZMAN –•– Carole King (Ode)-3
40 44 DO IT BABY –•– The Miracles (Tamla)-4

September 1983 -- She's a Maniac!

A couple weeks ahead of the chart played last year -- this one catches Michael Sembello at #1 with yet another soundtrack song from the era.

Chart notables: The Police had the last 8-week run at #1 until 1992.  Michael Jackson became the first artist to have 5 top 10's from one album -- it went on to crush the record with 7 top 10's.  "Sweet Dreams" waited 5 weeks at #2 before hitting #1 for one week.

On the other end is the last hit by 50's icon Paul Anka, backed up by Peter Cetera.  The version they played was not the original, though strangely Cetera's vocals sounded like the original.  Ither last hit was Little River Band, who were never huge, but had a song in the top 100 of the year each year 1977-1983.

Lots of first hits, but not many went on to long careers, except the Eurythmics.

Favorite: Total Eclipse of the Heart

1 2 MANIAC –•– Michael Sembello (Casablanca)-15 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 1 SWEET DREAMS (Are Made Of This) –•– The Eurythmics (RCA)-18 (1)
3 6 THE SAFETY DANCE –•– Men Without Hats (Backstreet)-12 (3)
4 4 PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ –•– Taco (RCA)-12 (4)
5 7 TELL HER ABOUT IT –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-7 (5)
6 3 EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE –•– The Police (A&M)-15 (1)
7 5 SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY –•– Donna Summer (Mercury)-16 (3)
8 15 TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART –•– Bonnie Tyler (Columbia)-9 (8)
9 10 HUMAN NATURE –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-8 (9)
10 9 I’LL TUMBLE 4 YA –•– Culture Club (Virgin)-11 (9)

11 13 DON’T CRY –•– Asia (Geffen)-7 (11)
12 11 (Keep Feeling) FASCINATION –•– The Human League (A&M)-16 (8)
13 14 LAWYERS IN LOVE –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-10 (13)
14 17 (She’s) SEXY + 17 –•– The Stray Cats (EMI-America)-6 (14)
15 18 MAKING LOVE OUT OF NOTHING AT ALL –•– Air Supply (Arista)-7 (15)
16 8 IT’S A MISTAKE –•– Men At Work (Columbia)-11 (6)
17 22 FAR FROM OVER –•– Frank Stallone (RSO)-7 (17)
18 20 HUMAN TOUCH –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-10 (18)
19 21 PROMISES, PROMISES –•– Naked Eyes (EMI-America)-9 (19)
20 23 HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU –•– Laura Branigan (Atlantic)-11 (20)

21 25 KING OF PAIN –•– The Police (A&M)-3 (21)
22 24 TRUE –•– Spandau Ballet (Chrysalis)-6 (22)
23 12 CHINA GIRL –•– David Bowie (EMI-America)-15 (10)
24 16 STAND BACK –•– Stevie Nicks (Modern)-15 (5)
25 26 DEAD GIVEAWAY –•– Shalamar (Solar)-12 (25)
26 19 TAKE ME TO HEART –•– Quarterflash (Geffen)-13 (14)
27 30 DON’T YOU GET SO MAD –•– Jeffrey Osborne (A&M)-9 (27)
28 32 KISS THE BRIDE –•– Elton John (Geffen)-6 (28)
29 27 HOT GIRLS IN LOVE –•– Loverboy (Columbia)-14 (11)
30 33 LADY LOVE ME (One More Time) –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers)-8 (30)

31 35 TELL HER NO –•– Juice Newton (Capitol)-5 (31)
32 34 BIG LOG –•– Robert Plant (Es Paranza)-6 (32)
33 39 BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE –•– The Talking Heads (Sire)-7 (33)
34 43 ISLANDS IN THE STREAM –•– Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton (RCA)-3 (34)
35 36 YOU’RE DRIVING ME OUT OF MY MIND –•– The Little River Band (Capitol)-8 (35)
36 38 TONIGHT, I CELEBRATE MY LOVE –•– Peabo Bryson / Roberta Flack (Capitol)-10 (36)
37 41 TELEFONE (Long Distance Love Affair) –•– Sheena Easton (EMI-America)-4 (37)
38 45 ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER –•– The Fixx (MCA)-3 (38)
39 28 AFTER THE FALL –•– Journey (Columbia)-10 (23)
40 40 HOLD ME ‘TIL THE MORNIN’ COMES –•– Paul Anka (Columbia)-13 (40)

September 1987 -- Say hello to Debbie and Richard

Two weeks after a chart played last year, this is still quite the mix of very good to awful, including many by popular artists.  New, good songs by Levert, Expose', John Mellencamp, and Alexander O'Neal tip this one better than the earlier one.

Notable only hit:  Grateful Dead

Is it a duet?  The MJ duet with Siedah Garrett, one of the hardest records to tell who is who that I've ever heard!

Last hits:  Smokey Robinson & ABC (ironically, with a tribute record to Smokey), Dionne Warwick, and the Whispers, all artists I generally liked.

First hits: Debbie Gibson, Richard Marx

Favorites:  Bananarama, though Whitney's is one of my favorites by her.

1 1 LA BAMBA –•– Los Lobos – 11 (1)
2 6 I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU –•– Michael Jackson & Siedah Garrett – 5 (2)
3 2 WHO’S THAT GIRL –•– Madonna – 9 (1)
4 5 ONLY IN MY DREAMS –•– Debbie Gibson – 18 (4)
5 8 DIDN’T WE ALMOST HAVE IT ALL –•– Whitney Houston – 6 (5)
6 3 DON’T MEAN NOTHING –•– Richard Marx – 13 (3)
7 10 CAN’T WE TRY –•– Dan Hill & Vonda Shepard – 14 (7)
8 15 HERE I GO AGAIN –•– Whitesnake – 10 (8)
9 7 ROCK STEADY –•– The Whispers – 14 (7)
10 14 DOING IT ALL FOR MY BABY –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 8 (10)

11 16 WHEN SMOKEY SINGS –•– ABC – 10 (11)
12 12 LOVE POWER –•– Dionne Warwick & Jeffrey Osborne – 9 (12)
13 4 LUKA –•– Suzanne Vega – 14 (3)
14 9 IT’S NOT OVER (‘TIL IT’S OVER) –•– Starship – 11 (9)
15 19 TOUCH OF GREY –•– Grateful Dead – 7 (15)
16 20 WIPE OUT –•– Fat Boys & Beach Boys – 9 (16)
17 21 I HEARD A RUMOUR –•– Bananarama – 8 (17)
18 24 I NEED LOVE –•– L.L. Cool J. – 6 (18)
19 13 I WANT YOUR SEX –•– George Michael – 14 (2)
20 25 WHO FOUND WHO –•– Jellybean Featuring Elisa Fiorillo – 9 (20)

21 30 LOST IN EMOTION –•– Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam – 6 (21)
22 31 CARRIE –•– Europe – 6 (22)
23 26 MARY’S PRAYER –•– Danny Wilson – 14 (23)
24 29 ONE HEARTBEAT –•– Smokey Robinson – 8 (24)
25 11 I STILL HAVEN’T FOUND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR –•– U2 – 13 (1)
26 17 LIVING IN A BOX –•– Living In A Box – 12 (17)
27 27 LIES –•– Jonathan Butler – 11 (27)
28 18 HEART AND SOUL –•– T’Pau – 19 (4)
29 35 U GOT THE LOOK –•– Prince – 6 (29)
30 33 JUMP START –•– Natalie Cole – 7 (30)

31 38 WHO WILL YOU RUN TO –•– Heart – 4 (31)
32 37 PAPER IN FIRE –•– John Cougar Mellencamp – 4 (32)
33 23 GIVE TO LIVE –•– Sammy Hagar – 12 (23)
34 45 CASANOVA –•– Levert – 4 (34)
35 39 NAME (A SONG FOR MISSY) –•– Off Restriction – 8 (35)
36 47 LET ME BE THE ONE –•– Expose – 4 (36)
37 22 BACK IN THE HIGH LIFE AGAIN –•– Steve Winwood – 15 (13)
38 28 CROSS MY BROKEN HEART –•– The Jets – 14 (7)
39 48 NEVER LET ME DOWN –•– David Bowie – 5 (39)
40 46 FAKE –•– Alexander O’Neal – 7 (40)

September 1975 -- Rhinestones

Only a couple months ago, they played a 1975 chart when the top 2, both long time favorites of mine, were still climbing.  It's also right around my earliest memories of listening to music, and there was Glen Campbell at #1.  Very fond memories of childhood.  Casey emphasized how this was the 4th #1 country hit to top the pop charts this year, for the first time since the 50's.

The top 6 are all good, and #8 was interesting as it contains a prominent vulgarity you still can't say on TV, and there was no apparent attempt to edit it.  

Casey made the joke that Ambrosia was "holding on" at #17, and he talked about how the Pointer Sisters had already been #1 on the R&B charts.  This was only their third top 40 hit, and they had 7 top 10's to come, but never again hit #1 R&B.

Prominent first or last hits: none

Best songs -- the top 2!  Honors to Glen Campbell this week.

1 3 RHINESTONE COWBOY –•– Glen Campbell (Capitol)-15 (1 week at #1)
2 2 FALLIN’ IN LOVE –•– Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds (Playboy)-12
3 1 GET DOWN TONIGHT –•– K.C. and the Sunshine Band (T.K.)-9
4 7 AT SEVENTEEN –•– Janis Ian (Columbia)-13
5 5 HOW SWEET IT IS (To Be Loved By You) –•– James Taylor (Warner Brothers)-12
6 6 JIVE TALKIN’ –•– The Bee Gees (RSO)-15
7 11 FAME –•– David Bowie (RCA)-11
8 10 FIGHT THE POWER (Part 1) –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-12
9 12 COULD IT BE MAGIC –•– Barry Manilow (Arista)-11
10 4 ONE OF THESE NIGHTS –•– The Eagles (Asylum)-15

11 13 WASTED DAYS AND WASTED NIGHTS –•– Freddy Fender (ABC / Dot)-12
12 14 FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE –•– Bad Company (Swan Song)-10
13 15 THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD –•– Earth, Wind and Fire (Columbia)-10
14 16 BALLROOM BLITZ –•– Sweet (Capitol)-13
15 20 I’M SORRY / CALYPSO –•– John Denver (RCA)-4
16 18 THIRD RATE ROMANCE –•– The Amazing Rhythm Aces (ABC)-12
17 17 HOLDIN’ ON TO YESTERDAY –•– Ambrosia (20th Century)-13
18 8 SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT –•– Elton John (MCA)-10
19 23 RUN JOEY RUN –•– David Geddes (Big Tree)-6
20 21 TUSH –•– ZZ Top (London)-8

21 26 SOLITAIRE –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-6
22 24 BLACK SUPERMAN / MUHAMMAD ALI –•– Johnny Wakelin and the Kinshasa Band (Pye)-24
23 25 I BELIEVE THERE’S NOTHING STRONGER THAN OUR LOVE –•– Paul Anka with Odia Coates (United Artists)-7
24 27 DAISY JANE –•– America (Warner Brothers)-8
25 28 DANCE WITH ME –•– Orleans (Asylum)-8
26 29 FEELINGS –•– Morris Albert (RCA)-12
27 30 THE PROUD ONE –•– The Osmonds (Kolob)-7
28 34 AIN’T NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-5
29 32 HOW LONG (Betcha’ Got a Chick On the Side) –•– The Pointer Sisters (ABC / Blue Thumb)-8
30 9 WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS –•– War (United Aritsts)-19

31 35 IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE –•– Tavares (Capitol)-7
32 19 LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER –•– The Captain and Tennille (A&M)-21
33 38 ROCKY –•– Austin Roberts (Private Shock)-8
34 39 THEY JUST CAN’T STOP IT THE (Games People Play) –•– The Spinners (Atlantic)-5
35 42 GONE AT LAST –•– Paul Simon and Phoebe Snow (Columbia)-4
36 22 HELP ME RHONDA –•– Johnny Rivers (Epic / Soul City)-9
37 31 PLEASE MR. PLEASE –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-14
38 45 BRAZIL –•– The Ritchie Family (20th Century)-6
39 33 TWO FINE PEOPLE –•– Cat Stevens (A&M)-8
40 50 GIVE IT WHAT YOU GOT / PEACE PIPE –•– B.T. Express (Roadshow)-5

August 1985 -- This is the 80's -- movies rule

Little to say about today's countdown -- it's simply one of those weeks where lots of the biggest artists of the 80's were all charging along making hit records that are still played on the radio today -- Bruce, Whitney, Madonna, Aretha, Phil, Tina, George Michael, Prince, Bryan Adams, Billy Joel, Heart, Huey, John Mellencamp, Bruce, Sting......and even early 80's stars like Rick Springfield, Pat Benatar, Pointer Sisters, Kool & The Gang, REO Speedwagon, and Michael McDonald.

And in the top 4, 3 movie songs.

I still can't believe Freeway of Love didn't hit #1 -- too many songs that could not be denied.

First hit: Sting, though he's hardly new -- everyone's on a roll!

Favorite:  another first-timer, but not one with lasting success:  amidst all these pop giant, A-ha took this MTV classic to #1

1 1 POWER OF LOVE –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 10 (1)
2 4 ST. ELMO’S FIRE (MAN IN MOTION) –•– John Parr – 11 (2)
3 5 FREEWAY OF LOVE –•– Aretha Franklin – 11 (3)
4 6 WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER HERO –•– Tina Turner – 9 (4)
5 7 SUMMER OF ’69 –•– Bryan Adams – 10 (5)
6 2 SHOUT –•– Tears For Fears – 12 (1)
7 3 NEVER SURRENDER –•– Corey Hart – 13 (3)
8 12 CHERISH –•– Kool & The Gang – 9 (8)
9 14 YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN (SECOND WIND) –•– Billy Joel – 8 (9)
10 17 MONEY FOR NOTHING –•– Dire Straits – 8 (10)

11 13 DON’T LOSE MY NUMBER –•– Phil Collins – 7 (11)
12 15 INVINCIBLE –•– Pat Benatar – 9 (12)
13 18 POP LIFE –•– Prince & The Revolution – 6 (13)
14 19 FREEDOM –•– Wham! – 6 (14)
15 10 WHAT ABOUT LOVE? –•– Heart – 14 (10)
16 20 DARE ME –•– The Pointer Sisters – 8 (16)
17 21 SMOKIN’ IN THE BOYS ROOM –•– Motley Crue – 8 (17)
18 8 IF YOU LOVE SOMEBODY SET THEM FREE –•– Sting – 13 (3)
19 9 EVERYTIME YOU GO AWAY –•– Paul Young – 17 (1)
20 23 LIFE IN ONE DAY –•– Howard Jones – 9 (20)

21 11 WHO’S HOLDING DONNA NOW –•– DeBarge – 14 (6)
22 16 YOU SPIN ME AROUND (LIKE A RECORD) –•– Dead Or Alive – 14 (11)
23 31 DRESS YOU UP –•– Madonna – 3 (23)
24 25 MYSTERY LADY –•– Billy Ocean – 9 (24)
25 29 SHAME –•– The Motels – 7 (25)
26 33 OH SHEILA –•– Ready For The World – 5 (26)
27 32 THERE MUST BE AN ANGEL –•– Eurythmics – 5 (27)
28 38 TAKE ON ME –•– A-Ha – 8 (28)
29 35 CRY –•– Godley & Creme – 7 (29)
30 40 LONELY OL’ NIGHT –•– John Cougar Mellencamp – 2 (30)

31 39 SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU –•– Whitney Houston – 3 (31)
32 22 GLORY DAYS –•– Bruce Springsteen – 14 (5)
33 24 ROCK ME TONIGHT –•– Freddie Jackson – 15 (18)
34 26 STATE OF THE HEART –•– Rick Springfield – 13 (22)
35 36 WHEN YOUR HEART IS WEAK –•– Cock Robin – 12 (35)
36 34 LIVE EVERY MOMENT –•– REO Speedwagon – 8 (34)
37 44 EVERY STEP OF THE WAY –•– John Waite – 4 (37)
38 37 I WONDER IF I TAKE YOU HOME –•– Lisa Lisa, Cult Jam & Full Force – 13 (34)
39 46 C-I-T-Y –•– John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band – 4 (39)
40 41 NO LOOKING BACK –•– Michael McDonald – 6 (40)

August 1981 -- from country to Billy Squier

Another repeat countdown played just last year, but still I totally enjoyed the countdown this week from late August 1981, with the amazing eclectic set of songs.  It started with rock, novelty funk, big pop, then super-slow prog rock.  Along the way, lots of country records, adult contemporary, classic rock, light R&B, jazz, plus early 80's staples of a medley and a TV theme.  The previous week had 4 bona fide country records in the top 10.

The two biggest hits of 1981 and among the top charting songs of all time are at either end, Bette Dais Eyes exiting and Endless Love at the top, both 9-week #1s.  Yet, the most iconic?  Arguably stuck at #19 for a 2nd week -- "In the Air Tonight."  Similarly the lead single from Journey's album, never heard on the radio today, is heading to #4, while it's most iconic hit would only make it to #9 in coming months, "Don't Stop Believin'"

First hit: Stevie Nicks (solo), Greg Kihn, Alabama, Billy Squier,
Last hit:  Carpenters, who ruled the charts in the early 70's
Favorites:  so many!  Fire and Ice, Endless Love, Lady, ... But #1 is "The Voice"

1 1 ENDLESS LOVE –•– Diana Ross and Lionel Richie (Motown)-7 (2 weeks at #1) (1)
2 2 THEME FROM “GREATEST AMERICAN HERO” (Believe It Or Not) –•– Joey Scarbury (Elektra)-16 (2)
3 3 I DON’T NEED YOU –•– Kenny Rogers (Liberty)-11 (3)
4 6 SLOW HAND –•– The Pointer Sisters (Planet)-13 (4)
5 4 JESSIE’S GIRL –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-22 (1)
6 21 STOP DRAGGIN’ MY HEART AROUND –•– Stevie Nicks (with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) (Modern)-5 (6)
7 7 BOY FROM NEW YORK CITY –•– The Manhattan Transfer (Atlantic)-14 (7)
8 9 QUEEN OF HEARTS –•– Juice Newton (Capitol)-13 (8)
9 10 (There’s) NO GETTIN’ OVER ME –•– Ronnie Milsap (RCA)-9 (9)
10 11 LADY (You Bring Me Up) –•– The Commodores (Motown)-10 (10)

11 13 WHO’S CRYING NOW –•– Journey (Columbia)-6 (11)
12 8 HEARTS –•– Marty Balin (EMI-America)-14 (8)
13 5 ELVIRA –•– The Oak Ridge Boys (MCA)-15 (5)
14 14 IT’S NOW OR NEVER –•– John Schneider (Scotti Brothers)-13 (14)
15 18 URGENT –•– Foreigner (Atlantic)-8 (15)
16 16 TOUCH ME WHEN WE’RE DANCING –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-10 (16)
17 17 THE STROKE –•– Billy Squier (Capitol)-15 (17)
18 20 COOL LOVE –•– Pablo Cruise (A&M)-8 (18)
19 19 IN THE AIR TONIGHT –•– Phil Collins (Atlantic)-13 (19)
20 25 THE BREAKUP SONG (They Don’t Write ‘Em) –•– The Greg Kihn Band (Beserkley)-13 (20)

21 23 REALLY WANNA KNOW YOU –•– Gary Wright (Warner Brothers)-8 (21)
22 24 FIRE AND ICE –•– Pat Benatar (Chrysalis)-6 (22)
23 27 STEP BY STEP –•– Eddie Rabbitt (Elektra)-5 (23)
24 26 FEELS SO RIGHT –•– Alabama (RCA)-12 (24)
25 36 THAT OLD SONG –•– Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio (Arista)-7 (25)
26 28 DON’T GIVE IT UP –•– Robbie Patton (Liberty)-7 (26)
27 29 YOU’RE MY GIRL –•– Frankie and the Knockouts (Millenium)-8 (27)
28 33 HOLD ON TIGHT –•– ELO (Jet)-5 (28)
29 31 LOVE ON A TWO WAY STREET –•– Stacy Lattisaw (Cotillion)-10 (29)
30 37 THE BEACH BOYS MEDLEY –•– The Beach Boys (Capitol)-5 (20)

31 39 THE VOICE –•– The Moody Blues (Threshold)-3 (31)
32 34 EVERLASTING LOVE –•– Rex Smith/Rachel Sweet (Columbia)-9 (32)
33 12 THE ONE THAT YOU LOVE –•– Air Supply (Arista)-15 (1)
34 46 I COULD NEVER MISS YOU (More Than I Do) –•– Lulu (Alfa)-4 (34)
35 47 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY –•– Sheena Easton (EMI-America)-5 (35)
36 40 BREAKING AWAY –•– Balance (Portrait)-7 (36)
37 15 TIME –•– The Alan Parsons Project (Arista)-19 (15)
38 22 BETTE DAVIS EYES –•– Kim Carnes (EMI-America)-22 (1)
39 30 DOUBLE DUTCH BUS –•– Frankie Smith (WMOT)-15 (30)
40 32 ROCK AND ROLL DREAMS COME THROUGH –•– Jim Steinman (with Rory Dodd) (Cleveland International)-13 (32)

Best by Chart position -- #39

#39 was not a great chart position for songs I liked, but the 80's had a nice variety of reggae, rock, a/c, and new wave.

1980s
Electric Light Orchestra - Last Train To London 1980 -- 5 star and best overall
Dave Edmunds - Slipping Away 1983 -- 5-star and last top 40 hit
Animotion - Let Him Go 1984 follow up to iconic "Obsession"
Bon Jovi - Runaway 1984 -- first hit
Phil Collins - I Don't Care Anymore 1982

John Hunter - Tragedy  1985

Bette Midler - My Mother's Eyes 1981

Prism - Don't Let Him Know 1982 -- only hit
Michael Stanley Band - My Town 1983 -- last top 40 hit

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers - Tomorrow People 1988 -- only hit

1970's -- only 3-stars

The Guess Who - Star Baby 1974

The Stylistics - Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)   1971

1990's 

Rod Stewart - Ooh La La 1998 5-star and last hit

Def Leppard - Miss You In A Heartbeat  1994 3-star

Peach Union - On My Own 1997 3-star

Oasis - Live Forever   1994 3-star

2000's
Blessid Union of Souls - I Wanna Be There 2001

2010's
Selena Gomez - Kill Em with Kindness 2016