Personal Song Charts

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1992

1/4 I Can’t Make You Love Me-Bonnie Raitt
1/11 Send Me an Angel-Scorpions
1/18 Copperline-James Taylor
2/29 Make It Happen-Mariah Carey
3/7 Tears in Heaven-Eric Clapton
3/21 Justified and Ancient-The KLF/Tammy Wynette
4/4 Smells Like Teen Spirit-Nirvana
5/2 Hazard-Richard Marx
5/30 Hold On My Heart-Genesis
6/6 Come As You Are-Nirvana
7/25 57 Channels (And Nothin’ On)-Bruce Springsteen
8/1 Restless Heart-Peter Cetera
8/9 This Used to Be My Playground-Madonna
8/22 Just Another Day-Jon Secada
8/29 Wishing on a Star-Cover Girls
9/12 Constant Craving-K.D. Lang
10/17 Am I the Same Girl-Swing Out Sister
10/31 Layla-Eric Clapton
11/7 Free Your Mind-En Vogue
11/14 Walking on Broken Glass-Annie Lennox

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1991

1/19 Get Here-Oleta Adams
2/23 You’re In Love-Wilson Phillips
3/2 Someday-Mariah Carey
3/23 This House-Tracie Spencer
5/4 I’ve Been Thinking about You-Londonbeat
5/25 Temple of Love-Harriet
6/8 Heartbreak Station-Cinderella
7/13 Every Heartbeat-Amy Grant
7/20 Lily Was Here-David A. Stewart Introducing Candy Dulfer
7/27 It Ain’t Over ‘til It’s Over-Lenny Kravitz
8/10 Crazy-Seal
8/17 Love and Understanding-Cher
9/14 The Motown Song-Rod Stewart/The Temptations
9/29 Shiny Happy People-R.E.M.
11/23 No Son of Mine-Genesis
12/14 I Wonder Why-Curtis Stigers
12/28 Conviction of the Heart-Kenny Loggins

[bobbo428]

1/13 Swing the Mood-Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers
2/3 Tell Me Why-Expose
2/10 Too Late to Say Goodbye-Richard Marx
2/24 Opposites Attract-Paula Abdul/Wild Pair
3/3 Everything-Jody Watley
3/17 No Myth-Michael Penn
4/14 Love Will Lead You Back-Taylor Dayne
4/28 All Around the World-Lisa Stansfield
5/26 Ooh La La (I Can’t Get Over You)-Perfect Gentlemen
6/9 Do You Remember? Phil Collins
6/23 You Can’t Deny It-Lisa Stansfield
7/21 Across the River-Bruce Hornsby & the Range
8/18 Come Back to Me-Janet Jackson
9/15 Something Happened on the Way to Heaven -Phil Collins (still at #1 on 10-13)
10/27 From a Distance-Bette Midler (still #1 on 11/24)

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVROITES FROM 1989

JAN Two Hearts-Phil Collins
FEB Straight Up-Paula Abdul
MAR Roni-Bobby Brown
APR Dreamin’-Vanessa Williams
MAY Driven Out-The Fixx
Circle-Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians
Forever Your Girl Paula Abdul
JUN Every Little Step-Bobby Brown
JUL I Won’t Back Down-Tom Petty
Veronica-Elvis Costello
Good Thing-Fine Young Cannibals
Rooms on Fire -Stevie Nicks
AUG Hangin’ Tough-New Kids on the Block
SEP Right Here Waiting-Richard Marx
Don’t Wanna Lose You-Gloria Estefan
Over the Wall-Deborah Gibson
Love Song-The Cure
OCT Cherish-Madonna
Sowing the Seeds of Love-Tears for Fears
Call It Love-Poco
NOV We Didn’t Start the Fire-Billy Joel
Love Shack-The B-52s
Another Day in Paradise-Phil Collins
DEC Just Between You and Me Lou Gramm
Downtown Train-Rod Stewart

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVROITES FROM 1988

JAN Is This Love Whitesnake
Hazy Shade of Winter Bangles
Tunnel of Love Bruce Springsteen
FEB Never Gonna Give You Up Rick Astley
Pump Up the Volume M/A/R/R/S
MAR Out of the Blue Deborah Gibson
Dreams I Dream Dave Mason/Phoebe Snow
Girlfriend Pebbles
You Will Know Stevie Wonder
APR Pamela Toto
One Step Up Bruce Springsteen
Englishman in New York Sting
MAY Shattered Dreams Johnny Hates Jazz
Everything Your Heart Desires Daryl Hall & John Oates
JUN I Still Believe Brenda K. Starr
Circle in the Sand Belinda Carlisle
JUL The Valley Road Bruce Hornsby & the Range
Hold On to the Nights Richard Marx
Hands to Heaven Breathe
Make Me Lose Control Eric Carmen
AUG Fast Car Tracy Chapman
Perfect World Huey Lewis & the News
SEP Sweet Child ‘o’ Mine Guns ‘N’ Roses
I’ll Always Love You Taylor Dayne
What’s the Matter Here 10,000 Maniacs
OCT Red Red Wine UB40
Look Out Any Window Bruce Hornsby & the Range
A Groovy Kind of Love Phil Collins
NOV Waiting for a Star to Fall Boy Meets Girl
DEC Domino Dancing Pet Shop Boys
Smooth Criminal Michael Jackson
Walk On Water Eddie Money

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVROITES FROM 1987

JAN Land of Confusion Genesis
Will You Still Love Me Chicago
FEB You Got It All The Jets
Livin’ on a Prayer Bon Jovi
Don’t Dream It’s Over Crowded House
Mandolin Rain Bruce Hornsby & the Range
MAR Let’s Wait Awhile Janet Jackson
Cry Wolf A-Ha
APR Come Go with Me Expose
Sign ‘o’ the Times Prince
La Isla Bonita Madonna
I Just Died in Your Arms Cutting Crew
MAY With or Without You U2
Big Love Fleetwood Mac
In Too Deep Genesis
JUN Just to See Her Smokey Robinson
Songbird Kenny G.
JUL Alone Heart
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For U2
AUG Seven Wonders Fleetwood Mac
Who’s That Girl Madonna
I Heard a Rumour Bananarama
SEP Luka Suzanne Vega
La Bamba Los Lobos
When Smokey Sings ABC
OCT Paper in Fire John Cougar Mellencamp
Bad Michael Jackson
NOV Heaven Is a Place On Earth Belinda Carlisle
Let Me Be the One Expose
Skeletons Stevie Wonder
DEC Valerie Steve Winwood
New York, Hold Her Tight Restless Heart
Cherry Bomb John Cougar Mellencamp

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVROITES FROM 1986

1/18 Party All the Time Eddie Murphy
1/25 Goodbye Night Ranger
2/1 Silent Running Mike and the Mechanics
2/8 Living in America James Brown
2/15 Tarzan Boy Baltimora
3/1 Russians Sting
3/8 Sara Starship
3/15 These Dreams Heart

APR Rock Me Amadeus Falco
R.O.C.K. in the USA John Cougar Mellencamp
4/12 Manic Monday Bangles
4/19 Live is Life Opus
MAY West End Girls Pet Shop Boys
Rain on the Scarecrow John Cougar Mellencamp
Greatest Love of All Whitney Houston
On My Own Patti LaBelle/Michael McDonald
JUN I Can’t Wait Nu Shooz
JUL Holding Back the Years Simply Red
Your Wildest Dreams Moody Blues
We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off Jermaine Stewart
AUG Higher Love Steve Winwood
Papa Don’t Preach Madonna
Rumors Timex Social Club
SEP Dreamtime Daryl Hall
OCT The Other Side of Life The Moody Blues
NOV The Rain Oran “Juice” Jones
The Way It Is Bruce Hornsby & the Range
DEC Walk Like an Egyptian Bangles
Word Up Cameo
C’est La Vie Robbie Neville
Is This Love Survivor

[bobbo428]

personal favorites from 1985

2/2 Foolish Heart-Steve Perry
Well-written and sung soft rock
3/9 Missing You Diana Ross
Hook-laden, sincere tribute to the late Marvin Gaye
3/30 One More Night Phil Collins
4/13 We Are the World-USA for Africa
4/20 Rhythm of the Night DeBarge
4/27 One Night in Bangkok Murray Head
5/25 Everybody Wants to Rule the World Tears for Fears
6/1 Everything She Wants Wham
6/8 Walking on Sunshine Katrina & the Waves
6/15 Raspberry Beret Prince & the Revolution
6/29 Into the Groove Madonna
7/13 Never Surrender Corey Hart
8/10 People Are People Depeche Mode
8/24 Don’t Lose My Number Phil Collins
8/31 Invincible Pat Benatar
9/7 Pop Life Prince & the Revolution
9/21 Live Every Moment REO Speedwagon
10/12 Who’s Zoomin’ Who Aretha Franklin
10/19 I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down Paul Young
10/26 Sunset Grill Don Henley
11/2 We Built This City Starship
11/9 Head Over Heels Tears for Fears
11/16 You Belong to the City Glenn Frey
12/14 You’re a Friend of Mine Clarence Clemons/Jackson Browne
12/28 Walk of Life Dire Straits

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1984

1/14 Owner of a Lonely Heart Yes
Rocker with killer guitar work—was band’s biggest hit ever.
2/11 Yah Mo B There James Ingram/Michael McDonald
Inspirational R&B song
3/10 99 Luftballoons/ 99 Red Balloons Nena
One of my personal favorites of ‘84--it was an antiwar song, a leftover from winter and spring.
3/17 Somebody’s Watching Me Rockwell
Strong hook and lyrics about Big Brother-style paranoia
3/24 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Cyndi Lauper
One of the most fun records of the ‘80s
4/7 Miss Me Blind Culture Club
A catchy hit from the spring
4/21 Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now) Phil Collins
One of the best movie ballads of the ‘80s
5/12 Let’s Hear It for the Boy Deniece Williams
A late-spring sort of record, from a movie I’ve never seen, Footloose
5/26 Time After Time Cyndi Lauper
Her first #1 pop hit--infinitely better than the 1998 remake by Inoj
6/2 You Can’t Get What You Want Joe Jackson
A jazzy hit and, unfortunately, Jackson’s final top-40 appearance
6/16 My Ever Changing Moods Style Council
One of my personal favorites of 1984--it sounded like a soulful 1968 hit
6/30 Dancing in the Dark Bruce Springsteen
I enjoyed this a lot at the time; unfortunately, lots of airplay has worn its appeal down.

7/7 Self Control Laura Branigan
I enjoyed this catchy song a lot that summer.
7/21 If Ever You’re in My Arms Again Peabo Bryson
I wanted very much for this song to make the top 10 on the national pop charts, and it just made it, reaching #10.
7/28 State of Shock Jacksons
I’ve hardly heard this bubblegum rock hit since ‘84. I thought Mick Jagger’s cameo was hilarious.
8/4 Ghostbusters Ray Parker Jr.
From the blockbuster movie of the summer
8/18 When Doves Cry Prince
The biggest pop hit of 1984 nationwide, with a pulsating rhythm
9/15 Go Insane Lindsey Buckingham
One of my favorite songs of 1984, it has intriguing lyrics, intricate musicianship, and a killer hook. I seldom heard it after ‘84, however.
9/29 She Bop Cyndi Lauper
It was a new song at the time, and I got the title wrong because it was brand new in July--I found it to be bouncy. At first I had thought it was called “She Wop."
10/6 Thin Line Between Love and Hate Pretenders
Well-sung remake of the 1971 hit by the R&B group The Persuaders
10/27 Some Guys Have All the Luck Rod Stewart
Cover of 1973 Persuaders song is one many guys can relate to.
11/3 Caribbean Queen (No More Love On the Run) Billy Ocean
Breakthrough hit for Ocean had great dance beat
11/17 Out of Touch Daryl Hall & John Oates
Duo crafted another song with an excellent hook
12/8 The War Song Culture Club
Earnest, if naïve, antiwar pop ditty
12/22 Cool It Now New Edition
Bubblegum R&B was a refreshing alternative to the cookie cutter AOR that was all too prevalent in 1984
12/29 Easy Lover Philip Bailey/Phil Collins
Song packed a wallop because of excellent drum work by Collins

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1983

JAN Rock the Casbah The Clash
Ominous new-wave rocker had excellent hook—went well with late fall and early winter. It had a foreboding, pre-war feel to it.
1/22 Down Under Men At Work
Reggae beat and woodwind hook helped catapult this song into the stratosphere.
FEB Africa Toto
Melancholy, introspective ballad that became an adult contemporary staple—lyrics were about the need to get away from the rat race the song also had a guilt-tinged feeling—possibly alluding to the political and economic strife in that continent. This song definitely had a pensive, November feel to it.
Allentown Billy Joel
Well-written song with killer hook and lyrics about the loss of manufacturing jobs in southeastern Pennsylvania.
MAR Stray Cat Strut Stray Cats
Quasi-novelty rocker had similar melody to Tennessee Ernie Ford’s 1955 hit “Sixteen Tons.”
Back on the Chain Gang Pretenders
Jangly rocker with excellent hook and good lyrics
4/9 Billie Jean Michael Jackson
Sinuous dance pop number written as a rebuttal to false accusations of paternity
4/23 Der Komissar After the Fire
Fun, quirky Europop that was first done by Falco (“Rock Me Amadeus, 1986).
4/30 Beat It Michael Jackson
This song had it all: a hook to die for, an excellent guitar solo from Eddie Van Halen, anti-macho lyrics, and a springlike hook.
6/11 Let’s Dance David Bowie
Bowie’s biggest hit since 1975’s “Fame” had a strong hook and a danceable beat.
6/18 Time (Clock of the Heart) Culture Club
Motown-influenced pop with retro feel
7/16 Electric Avenue Eddy Grant
Reggae-pop song with a sizzling summertime vibe
8/6 Baby Jane Rod Stewart
Enjoyable pop hook went well with summer.
8/13 Electric Avenue Eddy Grant
8/20 Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) Eurythmics
Much-played technopop hit has never left the airwaves.
8/27 Puttin’ On the Ritz Taco
Quasi-novelty remake of 1930s song written by Irving Berlin
9/24 How Am I Supposed to Live Without You Laura Branigan
Melodramatic ballad written by Michael Bolton
10/8 King of Pain Police
Melancholy, introspective track was one of my favorites that year.
10/29 One Thing Leads to Another The Fixx
Modern rocker with killer hook
11/12 Uptown Girl Billy Joel
Did Frankie Valli proud on this Four Seasons imitation
12/10 Love Is a Battlefield Pat Benatar
Urgent-sounding hit with tension in the lyrics. Song went well with late fall.
12/17 Say Say Say Paul McCartney/Michael Jackson
R&B-tinged superstar duet had a subtle instrumental and vocal hook.

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1982

1/2 Yesterday’s Songs Neil Diamond
Reflective song about the changing styles of pop music
1/23 Let’s Groove Earth, Wind & Fire (re-entry)
1/30 I Can’t Go for That Daryl Hall & John Oates
A strong pop/R&B number that was also a big hit on the soul chart
2/6 Spirits in the Material World Police
Haunting melody and urgent lyrics helped make this one of my personal favorites of the year.
2/27 I Love Rock and Roll Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
The ultimate party rock song of the 1980s, with irresistible hook and crunchy hard rock guitars
MAR Open Arms Journey
Well-written and performed rock ballad

APR 867-5309/Jenny Tommy Tutone
A party rock song that would really kick in once spring arrived—the song had a killer hook. This was another spring song, the sort you liked to crank up while driving down the highway.
Don’t Talk to Strangers Rick Springfield
Irresistibly catchy song—was out-of-the box hit. My personal favorite of his; Springfield’s subsequent singles would pale in comparison.
MAY I’ve Never Been to Me Charlene
Cautionary tale from a worldly-wise woman to a friend—I recall this song barely denting the chart in 1977; In 1978 I recall hearing a version by Mary McGregor on an adult contemporary station. However, it wasn’t until ‘82 that this song became a major hit. It was an introspective song about self-discovery after having lived a wild life.
JUN Ebony and Ivory Paul McCartney/Stevie Wonder
An earnest plea for racial harmony, though one of my friends thought it was hokey.
6/26 Don’t You Want Me Human League
One of the first technopop hits to score big in America, I found the hook to be irresistible.
JUL Hold Me Fleetwood Mac
Pop rocker with distinctive piano and guitar as well as cymbal hooks
AUG Abracadabra Steve Miller Band
A bubblegum pop hit that didn’t sit well with Miller’s album rock base. Still, it was a guilty pleasure.
Take It Away Paul McCartney
Song with an irresistible chorus and upbeat lyrics
SEP Jack and Diane John Cougar
Heartland rocker lives on and on
Who Can It Be Now? Men At Work
New wave-tinged pop rocker with lyrics about paranoia
OCT You Can Do Magic America
Comeback hit was duo’s first top 10 single since 1975
NOV I Ran (So Far Away) A Flock of Seagulls
Excellent new wave technopop sound
Heartlight Neil Diamond
Heartfelt ballad inspired by movie E.T.—The Extraterrestrial; the lyrics celebrated friendship; the melody reminded me of mild fall days.
DEC Maneater Daryl Hall & John Oates
Mysterious pop song inspired by Motown; lyrics address the issue of big-city paranoia. The opening melody reminded me of leaves blowing around on a mild November day.
12/18 Dirty Laundry Don Henley
Caustic commentary on the news media was one of my favorite hits of late 1982. the opening notes of this track reminded me of an approaching nor’easter—like the one we would receive in January 1983. the song’s lyrics tell of the media’s incessant appetite for lurid stories—in pursuit of higher ratings.

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1981
1/17 The Tide Is High Blondie
Reggae-tinged pop
2/14 Woman John Lennon
An excellent, understated love song with a hopeful, early spring feel; was especially poignant in light of his recent murder.
4/11 Rapture Blondie
A fun quasi-novelty song that features Deborah Harry rapping, as well as her soulful vocals.
4/25 I Can’t Stand It Eric Clapton
Defiant AOR number about a guy running out of patience with his woman
5/2 Morning Train (Nine to Five) Sheena Easton
Bouncy pop number about a woman eagerly waiting for her husband to get back from work
5/16 Being With You Smokey Robinson
Springlike, soulful pop
5/23 Stars on 45 Medley Stars on 45
Enjoyable slice of Beatle nostalgia was a guilty pleasure for me.
6/13 A Woman Needs Love Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio
Well-written and sung soul hit
6/20 Bette Davis Eyes Kim Carnes
New wave-tinged pop rocker had been written by Jackie DeShannon six years earlier; it ended up being a huge pop hit.
7/18 Jessie’s Girl Rick Springfield
Rocker that explores the issues of envy and desire
8/1 Elvira Oak Ridge Boys
One of the year’s biggest country crossovers—with a thumping beat
8/22 The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em) Greg Kihn Band
Pop rocker with an excellent retro-sounding beat
8/29 Urgent Foreigner
Charging rocker featuring the sax work of Junior Walker
9/12 Lady (You Bring Me Up) Commodores
Catchy pop/soul hit
9/26 Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
A huge AOR hit with a sinuous hook; was a breath of fresh air with its smoldering tone.
10/17 The Night Owls Little River Band
Enjoyable song with a driving guitar hook
11/14 Waiting for a Girl Like You Foreigner
Sensitive ballad with an ethereal autumnal hook
11/21 Let’s Groove Earth, Wind & Fire
One of the catchiest songs of the year, this was a huge R&B crossover that made people want to get out on the dance floor.

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1980

1/19 Coward of the County Kenny Rogers
One of my favorite country story songs
FEB Cruisin’ Smokey Robinson
A mellow, romantic soul hit
Yes, I’m Ready Teri DeSario and K.C.
An enjoyable remake of the 1965 Barbara Mason hit
3/8 Romeo’s Tune Steve Forbert
Folk-tinged piano pop
3/15 Longer Dan Fogelberg
His pop breakthrough
3/22 On the Radio Donna Summer
A post-disco hit about dedicating a song and hoping the other would hear
3/29 Another Brick in the Wall Pink Floyd
A searing tale of alienation; directed at sadistic, degrading schoolmasters. This song had an excellent groove.
4/12 Off the Wall Michael Jackson
Penned by Rod Temperton of Heatwave, this reminded me of Heatwave’s own “Boogie Nights” because of its irresistible hook.
4/26 Call Me Blondie
The epitome of new wave power pop
5/24 Stomp Brothers Johnson
A fun song with a great hook
5/31 Funkytown Lipps Inc.
A lot of fun, this was a big late-spring hit.
7/5 It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me Billy Joel
New-wave tinged song that ironically downplayed the hype over the new music
7/12 Coming Up Paul McCartney & Wings
This song came to life when recorded live.
7/26 More Love Kim Carnes
Enjoyable remake of the 1967 Miracles hit; the song opened with some captivating violins.
8/2 Magic Olivia Newton-John
Catchy movie pop from Xanadu
8/9 Take Your Time (Do It Right) S.O.S. Band
One of my favorite soul hits of the year, this had an irresistible hook.
9/13 Fame Irene Cara
A dance rock song about having big dreams
9/20 Upside Down Diana Ross
Chic-influenced dance pop
10/11 Another One Bites the Dust Queen
Had a menacing, autumnal beat
11/1 Woman in Love Barbra Streisand
A lilting, atmospheric pop song—perfect for watching leaves fall in mid-autumn.
11/22 Master Blaster (Jammin’) Stevie Wonder
Inspired by reggae giant Bob Marley’s work, this had a spring/summer vibe, though it was actually popular during a cold autumn/winter.
12/13 Hit Me With Your Best Shot Pat Benatar
Defiant rocker that was all over the airwaves that fall—and continues to get lots of airplay.
12/20 Hungry Heart Bruce Springsteen
Infectious rocker that was ubiquitous as the year came to a close

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1979

1/6 Le Freak Chic
This pop/soul/disco had an irresistible sound and stood out in the disco crowd
1/13 Hold the Line Toto
1/20 Too Much Heaven Bee Gees
2/10 September Earth, Wind & Fire
2/17 Lotta Love Nicolette Larson
Sax-driven catchy song was penned by Neil Young.
3/10 Tragedy Bee Gees
3/24 Sultans of Swing Dire Straits
4/14 What a Fool Believes Doobie Brothers
5/5 Heart of Glass Blondie
New wave meets disco—it managed to please both audiences. After a series of unsuccessful singles, this was the big breakthrough for this band lead by high-profile singer Deborah Harry (who put the “blond” in Blondie). The song also had a strong pop hook. The outro had a girl-group feel to it.
5/26 The Logical Song Supertramp
6/16 Reunited Peaches & Herb
This ballad of rediscovered love was a huge hit that spring.
7/14 Bad Girls Donna Summer
7/28 Gold John Stewart
Seminal AOR number about Los Angeles was a deserved solo breakthrough for this folk singer
8/4 Ring My Bell Anita Ward
Innocent-sounding disco tune with a bubblegum feel; it was the singer’s only big hit.
8/18 Good Times Chic
Summer sort of roller skating tune actually had an undercurrent of anxiety, as well as conservatism.
9/1 The Devil Went Down to Georgia Charlie Daniels Band
High-energy Southern rock fiddle tune with a riveting storyline—it would be the group’s biggest hit ever.
9/15 Driver's Seat Sniff 'N' the Tears
Mesmerizing, new-wave-tinged rocker with some infectious vocal and guitar hooks
9/22 Pop Muzik M
Both new wave and quasi-disco, this one-hit wonder packed quite a wallop; was similar to “Disco Duck”—people either loved or hated the song. .When I first heard this song that August, I was awestruck by its lyrics, new-wave overtones, and danceable beat. I thought it was the quintessential pop song, and I bought the 45 a few weeks later. The song had a novelty quality to it as well.
10/13 Sail On Commodores
11/24 Babe Styx
This was the Midwest supergroup’s biggest pop hit.
DEC Ladies Night Kool & The Gang
A fun dance floor hit, this launched the group’s 1980s comeback.
DEC Escape (The Pĩna Colada Song) Rupert Holmes
A story song with an ironic twist

[bobbo428]

PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM 1978

1/14 Baby Come Back Player
R&B-influenced pop song was inspired by Hall & Oates’ blue-eyed soul stylings.
1/28 Stayin' Alive Bee Gees
This was one of my favorites of the year and the song that unleashed the Saturday Night Fever phenomenon that winter. And it was a long, cold, snowy winter in the Northeast, so this song was apropos.
3/11 Love Is Thicker than Water Andy Gibb
This uplifting, spring-sounding song helped us through a long, cold winter.
3/18 Night Fever Bee Gees
5/13 If I Can't Have You Yvonne Elliman
5/20 On Broadway George Benson
Excellent cover of the 1963 Drifters hit; features some vocal scatting and a long instrumental coda.
5/27 The Closer I Get to You Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
6/10 With a Little Luck Wings
Elaborate, sophisticated pop number with a subtle hook and an uplifting lyric and melody that went well with springtime.
6/17 Too Much, Too Little, Too Late Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams
Probably akin to pairing Williams with R. Kelly or P. Diddy in the 2000s, this unlikely pairing of two silky-voiced soulsters was a winner. Up to that time, I had always thought of Mathis as an MOR act, not an R&B singer.
6/24 Baker Street Gerry Rafferty
7/1 Love Is Like Oxygen Sweet
Elaborately arranged rock number had some very strong vocal and guitar hooks—it reminded me of late spring.
7/15 Shadow Dancing Andy Gibb
A slice of late-’70s pop--typical lightweight, swaying late-spring fare by MOR/teen idol Andy Gibb. The Gibb family rode a fantastic wave of popularity in the late--’70s, and this song had the golden touch as well. Sounds a bit trite in the 1990s.
7/22 The Groove Line Heatwave
8/5 Miss You Rolling Stones
8/19 Grease Frankie Valli
9/2 Boogie Oogie Oogie A Taste of Honey
A good mix of disco and funky soul, this was a huge pop hit.
10/7 Whenever I Call You “Friend” Kenny Loggins with Stevie Nicks This soft-rock staple saw some excellent interplay between the vocals of Loggins and Nicks, and it established Kenny as a post Loggins & Messina act.
10/21 Hot Child in the City Nick Gilder
11/4 MacArthur Park Donna Summer
Summer does quite well with a disco adaptation of the 1968 Richard Harris hit; the song's melodramatic lyrics thrived in the disco milieu.
11/18 How Much I Feel Ambrosia
11/25 Double Vision Foreigner

12/9 Sharing the Night Together Dr. Hook