A follow-up to their groundbreaking hit "Rapper's Delight."
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Showing 1-150 of 150.
1980
Against the Wind
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet BandRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #51Bob Seger formed the Silver Bullet Band from Detroit-area musicians after earlier work with the Bob Seger System. The partnership reached a wider audience through Live Bullet and Night Moves in 1976. Seger's raspy...
View background statusAn early hit for John Mellencamp, then known as John Cougar.
View background statusA funk song about genuine love and attraction.
View background statusA rock song celebrating nighttime adventures.
View background statusA power ballad about the pain of losing a loved one.
View background statusAn American Dream
Nitty Gritty Dirt BandRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #72A song about the pursuit of happiness and success in America.
View background statusAnother Brick in the Wall (Part II)
Pink FloydReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #2Based on Roger Waters' experiences in the British education system and his views on rigid schooling.
View background statusJohn Deacon's foray into funk and disco influences.
View background statusWritten by Dennis DeYoung as a birthday gift for his wife.
View background statusA hopeful song about overcoming difficulties and looking forward to the future.
View background statusBetter Love Next Time
Dr. Hook & the Medicine ShowRelease: 1979Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #49A hopeful song about finding better love after heartbreak.
View background statusA love song about complete devotion to a partner.
View background statusBrass in Pocket
The PretendersReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #41Chrissie Hynde's assertion of confidence and individuality.
View background statusA warning about potential relationship troubles.
View background statusAnne Murray is a Canadian singer from Springhill, Nova Scotia, whose recordings reached both country and pop audiences. Her debut What About Me appeared in 1968, followed by a Capitol Records contract and Snowbird....
View background statusWritten for the movie "American Gigolo" and inspired by the film's themes of love and prostitution.
View background statusNuman's observation of how people use their cars as emotional shields.
View background statusA feel-good song meant to bring people together in joy.
View background statusA rock-influenced song about an unfeeling lover.
View background statusMcCartney's experimentation with synthesizers and a desire to create an upbeat, optimistic song.
View background statusCool Change
Little River BandReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #56Written about finding peace and tranquility on the water.
View background statusA narrative song about standing up against injustice.
View background statusFreddie Mercury wrote this song as a tribute to Elvis Presley's style.
View background statusCruisin'
Smokey RobinsonReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #13A smooth love song about enjoying time with a partner.
View background statusCupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time
The SpinnersReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #29A medley combining Sam Cooke's "Cupid" with an original composition.
View background statusA cover of The Monkees' hit about maintaining optimism in everyday life.
View background statusSting's commentary on the simplicity of some pop lyrics.
View background statusA soft rock song about intense, hidden emotions.
View background statusDionne Warwick brought a distinctive contralto and precise phrasing to the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David in the early 1960s. Anyone Who Had a Heart and Walk On By are landmarks of that partnership. Her later...
View background statusA disco-influenced song about passionate attraction.
View background statusDim All the Lights
Donna SummerReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #74A disco song about setting a romantic mood.
View background statusDo That to Me One More Time
Captain & TennilleReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #5Written by Toni Tennille about the joys of physical intimacy in a loving relationship.
View background statusDo You Wanna Go Party
KC and the Sunshine BandReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
An invitation to have fun and dance.
View background statusA Latin-influenced pop song with cryptic lyrics.
View background statusDon't Do Me Like That
Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #64A song about betrayal in a relationship.
View background statusDon't Fall in Love with a Dreamer
Kenny Rogers & Kim CarnesRelease: 1980Source checked
Source year-end #31A cautionary tale about falling for someone with unrealistic expectations.
View background statusA passionate plea to keep a relationship alive.
View background statusRabbitt's experiences as a truck driver before his music career.
View background statusMick Jagger's falsetto experimentation and disco influences.
View background statusEscape (The Pina Colada Song)
Rupert HolmesRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #11Rupert Holmes combines a pop songwriting and recording career with arranging, musical theater and fiction. After studying music in New York, he released Widescreen in 1974 and worked on recordings for Barbra...
View background statusWritten for the movie "Fame" about the struggles and dreams of performing arts students.
View background statusFire Lake
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet BandReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #67A mysterious narrative song with symbolic imagery.
View background statusWritten by Steven Greenberg about his desire to move to New York City for its vibrant music scene.
View background statusA power pop song about an ideal love interest.
View background statusA celebration of nightlife and romance, produced by Quincy Jones.
View background statusA blues-rock hit that became McClinton's biggest mainstream success.
View background statusA duet exploring the complexities of a passionate relationship.
View background statusA song about falling for a shy person.
View background statusA collaboration between Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bob Seger, and J.D. Souther about partying despite relationship troubles.
View background statusHeartbreaker
Pat BenatarReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #83A rock anthem about a manipulative lover.
View background statusRupert Holmes combines a pop songwriting and recording career with arranging, musical theater and fiction. After studying music in New York, he released Widescreen in 1974 and worked on recordings for Barbra...
View background statusA defiant rock song about resilience in the face of challenges.
View background statusA rock song about trying to win someone's affection.
View background statusA cover of Little Anthony & the Imperials' song about heartbreak.
View background statusTimothy B. Schmit's first contribution to the band, a smooth R&B-influenced track.
View background statusA romantic declaration of commitment.
View background statusPrince was a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose work connected funk, rock, soul, pop and jazz. His 1978 debut, For You, introduced a largely self-contained studio approach, while later...
View background statusWritten for the movie "Caddyshack," a song about self-confidence.
View background statusThe Charlie Daniels Band brought Southern rock into conversation with country, bluegrass, gospel and folk traditions. Its leader had worked as a Nashville session musician before forming the group. Fire on the...
View background statusA power ballad with controversial lyrics about forbidden love.
View background statusWritten for the movie of the same name, about personal empowerment.
View background statusJoel's commentary on the ever-changing trends in rock music and fashion.
View background statusBoz Scaggs developed a mixture of blues, R&B, rock and ballad singing after growing up in Oklahoma and Texas. He recorded in Stockholm and played on the Steve Miller Band's Children of the Future and Sailor before...
View background statusA motivational song about maintaining passion and drive.
View background statusLadies' Night
Kool & the GangReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #35A celebration of women's nights out and empowerment.
View background statusA rhythmic song recounting formative musical experiences.
View background statusLet Me Love You Tonight
Pure Prairie LeagueReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #70A plea for a chance at love.
View background statusLet My Love Open the Door
Pete TownshendReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #59A simple love song with spiritual undertones.
View background statusA funk-influenced song about commitment in a relationship.
View background statusJohn's reflection on his past relationships and desire for a meaningful connection.
View background statusLonger
Dan FogelbergReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #33Written as a love song for Fogelberg's wife.
View background statusWritten for the movie "Urban Cowboy," about searching for true love.
View background statusLost in Love
Air SupplyReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #15Written by Graham Russell about the overwhelming feelings of falling in love.
View background statusWritten for the movie "The Jazz Singer," about the painful end of a relationship.
View background statusA cynical take on love and relationships.
View background statusWritten for the movie "Urban Cowboy," about escaping into love.
View background statusA funk-pop song about attraction and love.
View background statusA country crossover hit about the benefits of love.
View background statusWritten for the movie "Xanadu" and inspired by the magical themes in the film.
View background statusA song about the enchanting nature of love.
View background statusA tribute to Bob Marley and reggae music.
View background statusA song about miscommunication in a relationship.
View background statusKim Carnes recorded More Love for 1980's Romance Dance. Her official biography identifies it as a new interpretation of a Smokey Robinson song and as her first solo Top 10 hit. This is Carnes's recording, separate...
Read background and sourcesA cover of a 1959 Buddy Holly song, expressing deep love.
View background statusNo More Tears (Enough Is Enough)
Barbra Streisand & Donna SummerReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #38An empowering duet about ending a toxic relationship.
View background statusWritten by Rod Temperton, encouraging people to enjoy life and have fun.
View background statusDonna Summer was a Boston-born singer and songwriter whose early church singing and European musical-theater work preceded her recording career. In Munich she developed a partnership with Giorgio Moroder and Pete...
View background statusNelson's love for touring and performing.
View background statusA jazz-influenced song about dreams of freedom and escape.
View background statusA cover of The Chiffons' hit, which King co-wrote in 1963.
View background statusPilot of the Airwaves
Charlie DoreReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #77A tribute to radio DJs and their impact on listeners.
View background statusPlease Don't Go
KC and the Sunshine BandReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #19A plea for a lover not to leave.
View background statusA satire on the state of popular music and its marketing.
View background statusOne of the first mainstream hip-hop songs, showcasing rap's potential.
View background statusRefugee
Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #100Written about standing up for oneself in a relationship.
View background statusRide Like the Wind
Christopher CrossRelease: 1979Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #17Ride Like the Wind was included on Christopher Cross's self-titled debut, released by Warner Bros. in 1979 and produced by Michael Omartian. Cross's own songbook lists it in that original program. The 1979 album...
Read background and sourcesAn instrumental track inspired by disco and funk trends.
View background statusWritten by Rod Temperton, aiming to create a smooth, romantic dance track.
View background statusRomeo's Tune
Steve ForbertReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #60A song about young love and optimism.
View background statusA disco cover of Roy Orbison's hit about insecurity in love.
View background statusWritten about moving on from a failed relationship.
View background statusSailing appears on Christopher Cross's 1979 debut. Cross provides his original guitar voicings in the official album songbook. The album was produced by Michael Omartian; its 1979 release precedes the 1980...
Read background and sourcesSara
Fleetwood MacReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #87Stevie Nicks' personal reflections, with multiple interpretations.
View background statusA romantic ballad about expressing love.
View background statusA nostalgic reflection on a past love.
View background statusA follow-up to his hit "Taxi," continuing the story of a past relationship.
View background statusSexy Eyes
Dr. Hook & the Medicine ShowRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #25A playful song about being attracted to someone's eyes.
View background statusShe's Out of My Life
Michael JacksonRelease: 1979Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #65A poignant ballad about lost love, written by Tom Bahler.
View background statusA love song celebrating a special person who brightens one's life.
View background statusBarry Manilow is a singer, composer, arranger and producer whose work connects popular song with theatre, film and orchestral performance. Albums such as Singin' with the Big Bands, Showstoppers and Manilow Sings...
View background statusShould've Never Let You Go
Neil & Dara SedakaRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #76Should've Never Let You Go is the Neil Sedaka and Dara Sedaka duet promoted from In the Pocket in 1980. Elektra's contemporary advertisement explicitly billed both performers and credited production and arrangement...
Read background and sourcesA country crossover hit about temptation.
View background statusSpecial Lady
Ray, Goodman & BrownReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #42A smooth R&B song celebrating a special woman.
View background statusA country cover of Ben E. King's classic song.
View background statusA romantic song about escaping with a lover.
View background statusThe Commodores developed from musicians studying at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Their recordings joined tightly played funk with melodic ballads, giving space to several songwriters and contrasting lead voices....
View background statusA funk song encouraging people to dance and have fun.
View background statusTake the Long Way Home
SupertrampReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #86Reflections on the contrasts between public and private life.
View background statusTake Your Time (Do It Right)
The S.O.S. BandReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #37A funk song about taking things slow in a relationship.
View background statusA commentary on the band's longevity and resilience.
View background statusThe Rose
Bette MidlerReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #10Written for the movie of the same name, inspired by Janis Joplin's life.
View background statusThe Second Time Around
ShalamarReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #44A song about rekindling a past romance.
View background statusA rock-influenced departure from Summer's disco sound.
View background statusBjörn Ulvaeus's reflections on his divorce from bandmate Agnetha Fältskog.
View background statusTheme from New York, New York
Frank SinatraReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Written for the 1977 film "New York, New York," became an anthem for the city.
View background statusThis Is It
Kenny LogginsReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #28Written about Loggins' father's battle with heart disease.
View background statusTired of Toein' the Line
Rocky BurnetteReported release: 1980Date needs verification
Source year-end #48A rockabilly-inspired song about breaking free from constraints.
View background statusToo Hot
Kool & the GangReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #36A funk song celebrating attractive people on the dance floor.
View background statusA new wave song about the fleeting nature of some relationships.
View background statusA metaphor for changes experienced during youth and relationships.
View background statusLindsey Buckingham's experimentation with unusual sounds and rhythms.
View background statusWritten by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, aiming to revitalize Ross's career with a fresh, funky sound.
View background statusA disco song encouraging people to live life to the fullest.
View background statusA plea for patience in a long-distance relationship.
View background statusWe Don't Talk Anymore
Cliff RichardReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #45A song about the breakdown of communication in a relationship.
View background statusA satirical take on American optimism and problem-solving.
View background statusA song questioning loyalty in relationships.
View background statusA country crossover hit about taking a chance on love.
View background statusWith You I'm Born Again
Billy Preston and SyreetaReported release: 1979Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #21A love song about renewal and rebirth through a relationship.
View background statusA cover of Badfinger's hit, expressing deep longing for a lost love.
View background statusWritten by Barry and Robin Gibb, a powerful ballad about being in love.
View background statusWorking My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl
The SpinnersRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #14A cover of The Four Seasons' song about trying to win back a lost love.
View background statusA cover of Barbara Mason's song about being ready for love.
View background statusKenny Rogers was a Houston-born singer whose husky voice connected country storytelling with pop ballads. Before his solo country career, he sang in vocal groups, played jazz bass and performed with the New Christy...
View background statusA rocker about embracing one's wild side and imperfections.
View background statusJ.D. Souther developed his songwriting in the Los Angeles music community around the Troubadour. His partnership with Glenn Frey included Longbranch/Pennywhistle, while Eagles and Linda Ronstadt recorded his songs....
View background statusYou're Supposed to Keep Your Love for Me
Jermaine JacksonReported release: 1980Date needs verification
A song about fidelity and commitment in a relationship.
View background statusA soft rock love song about devotion.
View background statusA cover of The Righteous Brothers' classic about fading love.
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1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.