My Decade-Long Dive into the Music of the 1980s

Growing up in the 1980s, music wasn't just a backdrop to my life; it was my escape from the mundane and my soundtrack to memorable moments. As a wannabe DJ, I cherished every song that hit the radio and captured my imagination during that vibrant decade. This article takes you through my personal journey of discovering and favoring certain songs each year of the 1980s, from the iconic Another One Bites The Dust by Queen to the timeless Who Do You Give Your Love To by Michael Morales.

Discovering the Hits

Every year, I would listen to Casey Kasem's American Top 40 to stay updated on what the best songs of the year were. However, I couldn't resist the urge to create my own countdown of my favorite songs of each year. Along with a friend, we would create our own commercials, radio jingles, and pretend radio shows, spinning our favorite tunes from the decade. One of our most cherished traditions was recording these shows, culminating in a special edition of a "year end" countdown by Christmas and New Year's Eve.

The Top 10 Songs of the 1980s

Here are the 10 songs that made it into my top 10 of my favorite songs from each year of the 1980s:

1980 - Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) - Pink Floyd 1981 - Celebration - Kool The Gang 1982 - Jack Diane - John Mellencamp 1983 - Photograph - Def Leppard 1984 - Jump - Van Halen 1985 - High On You - Survivor 1986 - Stages - ZZ Top 1987 - You Keep Me Hanging On - Kim Wilde 1988 - Just Like Paradise - David Lee Roth 1989 - Who Do You Give Your Love To - Michael Morales

Behind the Scenes

Each year held a unique song that resonated with me, often for different reasons. For instance, Another Brick in the Wall was an instant hit during my sophomore year of high school, capturing the essence of my rebellious spirit. In 1981, Kool The Gang's Celebration became a staple of my imaginary radio station, marking a major milestone in my high school journey.

Even though 1983 was just one year in the 80s, it holds a special place in my heart. That was the year when MTV transformed music videos from mere afterthoughts into a compelling medium. The guitar intro of Photograph by Def Leppard left a lasting impact, and I was never able to listen to it enough. Van Halen's Jump dominated the music scene, and it remains my all-time favorite video. However, it wasn't just about the hit songs; it was the discovery of new artists and the endless joy of listening to music that made the 1980s such an extraordinary decade.

The year 1985 saw the rise of High On You by Survivor. Despite being a top 10 hit, this song became my all-time favorite as it wasn't frequently played on local radio stations. I adopted it as my personal anthem, much to the chagrin of some DJs. In 1986, Stages by ZZ Top took me by surprise, its energetic beats making me dance uncontrollably. And in 1987, You Keep Me Hanging On by Kim Wilde topped my list, offering unparalleled enjoyment.

The decade couldn't end without a bang. In 1989, Who Do You Give Your Love To by Michael Morales stood out, resonating with my personal struggles related to music and relationships. The discovery of this song was also quite amusing; I thought it was by Rick Springfield and kept asking for his new album, only to be pleasantly surprised when the employee told me it was Michael Morales.

Music has always been a constant in my life, and the 1980s remain one of the most memorable eras for me. Each of these songs represents a unique moment in time and a snapshot of my musical journey. Whether it was the unforgettable classics or the lesser-known gems, the 1980s music had a profound impact, shaping my tastes and experiences to this day.