These two legendary artists had the most number-one songs in the 1980s

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As a child of the ’80s, I can still vividly remember the magic that Michael Jackson and Phil Collins brought to our lives through their music. The decade was a whirlwind of change and these two artists stood tall as beacons of creativity and innovation.

In the ’80s, I found myself immersed in a vibrant tapestry of musical transformation. The heavy metal genre breathed new life into rock and roll, while rap music started its meteoric rise within our society. Top 40 charts echoed with infectious tunes boasting unforgettable lyrics that made us want to sing along. It was a time where fashion flared bright and music was fun and lively.

During the ’80s, artists such as Madonna experienced remarkable chart-topping success, accounting for seven out of her twelve Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Similarly, Whitney Houston claimed seven number-one spots on the same chart during that decade, amounting to a total of eleven.

Legendary hair band icon Bon Jovi boasted four chart-topping singles, along with six additional hits in the top ten. On the other hand, Lionel Richie claimed an impressive five number-one hits.

George Michael frequently found himself trailing the frontrunners in his musical category, boasting an impressive repertoire of seven number-one hits. Four of these successes were achieved during his solo career, while three came from his collaborations with Wham!, with one more added to his tally in the 90s.

Which 1980s legends had the most number-one songs in the decade?

It’s not surprising at all that Michael Jackson led the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the ’80s, with a total of eight number-one songs, two of which were collaborations. He dominated the decade with two massive albums, “Thriller” and “Bad,” and was essentially an unstoppable force in music for three decades.

Here is a list of Jackson’s number-one songs in the ‘80s:

“Billie Jean” (released in 1983)

In addition, during the ’70s and ’90s, Jackson boasted seven number-one singles. This achievement solidified his status as the “King of Pop.

It might come as a shock to some that Phil Collins boasted eight chart-topping singles, seven during his solo career and one with Genesis as the lead vocalist. Given his impressive solo career, it’s worth recalling just how prominent he was in the music scene for several decades, particularly during the ’80s, when he enjoyed immense popularity.

Here is the list of number-one hits for Collins: 

“Bucking the Odds (See What I Am Now)” – 1983

It’s quite surprising that despite its lasting impact and recognition, Collins’s signature tune, “In the Air Tonight,” managed to climb no higher than the 19th spot on the Billboard charts. This seems like an anomaly in the charting system that’s tough to accept.

Michael Jackson held the top spot as a cultural icon during the ’80s, with Phil Collins not far behind. They both significantly influenced the music scene of that era and left an indelible mark that continues to resonate today.

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2024-12-11 14:00