Forgotten songs of the 1980s that deserve another listen

As someone who grew up in the vibrant era of the ’80s, I can attest that the music from this decade is timeless and unparalleled. However, it’s unfortunate that certain gems have been overshadowed by the big names and hits of the time. The list compiled by Ross on the Radio sheds light on these forgotten classics, giving them the recognition they deserve.

Enthusiasts of ’80s tunes continue to crave more, even today. Many still contend that this decade represented the pinnacle of music history, yet over the years, numerous tracks have slipped from memory. Below you’ll find a fantastic collection of singles that had a significant influence during their time but have since faded into obscurity, now categorized as “forgotten hits.

I’ve delved into the intriguing concept of the “lost factor” in ’80s chart-toppers, thanks to some thorough digging by Ross on the Radio. If you’re curious about how he uncovered these secrets, you can find it all detailed out here.

“Batdance” – Prince

Prince will always be a memorable figure in ’80s music due to his distinctive style and exceptional talent, as his hits continue to resonate. In 1989, he achieved his first No. 1 single since “Kiss” from 1986 with the release of “Batdance.” This song was part of his eleventh studio album, which also served as the soundtrack for Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film, featuring Michael Keaton as Batman. The album spent six weeks on Billboard Top 200 and the single topped numerous charts, including Billboard Hot 100, Dance Club Songs, Dance Singles Sales, and Hot R&B/Hip/Hop Songs.

“I Like It” – Dino

In 1989, one of the less-often played tunes is “I Like It” by artist Dino, which reached No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Dance Music/Club Play chart. This video was first aired on MTV and VH-1 in 1989, and it was his third single from his debut album titled “24/7.” Following his singing career, Dino moved into songwriting and production, contributing to numerous artists such as Sheena Easton and Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block, a group that Dino opened for during the summer of 1989.

“Election Day” – Arcadia

Duran Duran are trailblazers in the music industry, consistently evolving throughout their career, and they’re still actively producing new music and going on tours today. Interestingly, during a pause in their main band activities in 1985, four members formed two side projects: Power Station and Arcadia. In October of that year, Arcadia released an extraordinary single titled “Election Day.” This song became quite popular, reaching the No. 6 spot in the US and No. 7 in the UK. Despite its success in ’85, it’s often referred to as a “lost” gem from the decade. A fun fact: actress and model Grace Jones contributed vocals and speech segments to this single.

“When The Children Cry” – White Lion

1980s glam metal/hair bands frequently played power ballads, and one of these groups was White Lion, founded in New York City in 1983. One of their most notable songs is “When The Children Cry,” which came out on their 1987 album titled Pride. This song was penned by lead singer Mike Tramp post-Live Aid and was inspired by his own childhood experiences. The tune reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and climbed to No. 2 in Canada.

“Who’s Johnny” – El DeBarge

In a fun, upbeat style, the 1986 hit track “Who’s Johnny” by El DeBarge became famous for its dance rhythm and was prominently used in the sci-fi comedy film “Short Circuit”. This song marked the solo debut of El DeBarge after he left his family group known as DeBarge. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Hot R&B Singles chart, making it his only No. 1 solo song. Weird Al Yankovic humorously parodied this song in his album “Pola Party!” with a rendition titled “Here’s Johnny.

“C’est La Vie” – Robbie Nevil

1986 saw Robbie Nevil introduce a fresh catchphrase to non-French speaking ’80s enthusiasts with his hit single “C’est La Vie.” This was his first single from his self-titled album, which was a cover of gospel singer Beau Williams’ original from the album “ Bodacious! ” (1984). The song remained in the top 40 for a total of 16 weeks and peaked at No. 2 in January 1987. Later, Nevil shifted his focus to writing and producing, and since 2011, he has been engaged in writing and producing for Extreme Music.

As a gaming enthusiast, I stumbled upon an amazing collection of tunes that were once popular but seemed to have slipped through the cracks of time. Here are some of my favorites, worth rediscovering: [List the songs]

Olivia Newton-John – Twist Of Fate
Tiffany – Could Have Been
Jan Hammer – Miami Vice Theme
Ray Parker Jr. – The Other Woman
Bob Segar – Shame On The Moon
Bangles – In Your Room
Jacksons – State of Shock
Madonna – Who’s That Girl
Milli Vanilli – Baby Don’t Forget My Number
Reo Speedwagon – Keep The Fire Burning

Check out the extensive list at Radio Insight.

2024-11-09 02:31