A nostalgic look back at teenage romance in the 1960s.
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1982
Van Halen developed through Pasadena parties and Los Angeles clubs before its self-titled 1978 debut. The early band joined Eddie Van Halen's elaborate guitar work with David Lee Roth's vocals, Alex Van Halen's drums...
View background status1999 opens Prince's 1982 album of the same name. The Prince Estate situates its party imagery against early-1980s anxiety about nuclear conflict. Synthesizers and drum machines anchor the album's sound, while...
Read background and sourcesCo-writer Alex Call describes inventing the telephone number while experimenting with guitar chords in his yard. Jim Keller then proposed the bathroom-wall premise, and they developed the lyric together. In Call's...
Read background and sourcesMiller wrote the song after seeing Diana Ross perform, being inspired by her beauty and stage presence.
View background statusWritten by David Paich, who had never been to Africa at the time.
View background statusA cover of a 1972 song, expressing regret over a failed relationship.
View background statusA tribute to various American music styles.
View background statusA cover of Chuck Jackson's 1962 song about anticipating a lover's return.
View background statusArthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
Christopher CrossReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #98Theme song for the film "Arthur," co-written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen.
View background statusGained popularity after being featured on the soap opera "General Hospital."
View background statusAn early track from The Bangles expressing desire for companionship.
View background statusWritten by Elton John and Gary Osborne, believed to be about Elizabeth Taylor.
View background statusA rock song with a message of unity and inclusion.
View background statusWritten by Jim Peterik, Jeff Carlisi, and Don Barnes about being completely in love.
View background statusCenterfold
The J. Geils BandReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #5Written by Peter Wolf and Seth Justman about a man who discovers his high school crush in a men's magazine.
View background statusChariots of Fire
VangelisReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #12Composed as the theme for the 1981 film of the same name about British athletes in the 1924 Olympics.
View background statusInspired by a girl from the band members' youth named Eileen.
View background statusComin' In and Out of Your Life
Barbra StreisandReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #74A ballad about an inconsistent, on-again-off-again relationship.
View background statusCool Night
Paul DavisReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #52A romantic song about spending a quiet evening with a loved one.
View background statusCrimson and Clover
Joan Jett & The BlackheartsReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #78A cover of Tommy James and the Shondells' 1968 hit.
View background statusAn English cover of Falco's German-language hit from 1981.
View background statusDid It in a Minute
Daryl Hall & John OatesRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #66Written by Daryl Hall, Sara Allen, and Janna Allen about instant attraction.
View background statusAn upbeat love song featuring Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet.
View background statusWritten by Robert John "Mutt" Lange about the power of love to change someone's life.
View background statusWritten about Boy George's relationship with drummer Jon Moss.
View background statusDo You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
Joan Jett & The BlackheartsReported release: 1982Date needs verification
A cover of Gary Glitter's 1973 glam rock hit.
View background statusWritten by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain about holding onto hope.
View background statusAn energetic rock anthem encouraging perseverance.
View background statusDon't Talk to Strangers
Rick SpringfieldReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #20Springfield wrote the song about the insecurities and jealousies in a relationship.
View background statusDon't You Want Me
The Human LeagueReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #6Based on a story of a cocktail waitress becoming successful and leaving her former boss/lover behind.
View background statusMcCartney wrote the song as a metaphor for racial harmony, using piano keys as a symbol.
View background statusEdge of Seventeen first appeared on Stevie Nicks's 1981 solo debut Bella Donna. Rhino distinguishes that album release from the song's February 1982 single issue. The album established a separate outlet for Nicks's...
Read background and sourcesNamed after a market street in Brixton, London, and inspired by the 1981 Brixton riot.
View background statusThis song is Elton and Bernie Taupin's tribute to John Lennon. It appeared on Jump Up!, recorded at AIR Studios on Montserrat with Chris Thomas producing. The title therefore belongs to a documented memorial song,...
Read background and sourcesEven the Nights Are Better
Air SupplyReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #37Written by Terry Skinner, Kenneth Bell, and J.L. Wallace about finding new love after heartbreak.
View background statusEvery Little Thing She Does Is Magic
The PoliceRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #79Written by Sting about being in love but unable to express it.
View background statusThe title was inspired by the Oakland Raiders' defensive coach's use of video footage to analyze games.
View background statusWritten for the movie Rocky III at the request of Sylvester Stallone.
View background statusA funky dance track celebrating skilled dancers.
View background statusA romantic country ballad about perfect love.
View background statusA cover of William Bell's 1968 song about neglecting a relationship.
View background statusFreeze-Frame
The J. Geils BandReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #49Written by Seth Justman, using photography as a metaphor for capturing moments in life.
View background statusGet Down on It
Kool & the GangReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #82An upbeat dance song encouraging people to enjoy themselves.
View background statusAn English adaptation of Umberto Tozzi's 1979 Italian song.
View background statusA song about the ups and downs of life and relationships.
View background statusWritten by Peter Cetera and David Foster about the difficulties of apologizing in a relationship.
View background statusHarden My Heart
QuarterflashReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #13Written by Marv Ross about emotional self-protection in relationships.
View background statusA song about the overwhelming feeling of falling in love.
View background statusInspired by the film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and its themes of love and connection.
View background statusWritten by John Wetton and Geoff Downes about the impulsive nature of love.
View background statusWritten about passionate, nocturnal encounters.
View background statusAir Supply developed around Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock after they met in an Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1975. Early performances paired their voices with Russell's guitar and...
View background statusWritten by Christine McVie and Robbie Patton about the need for emotional support.
View background statusHooked on Classics
Royal Philharmonic OrchestraReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #56A medley of classical music pieces set to a disco beat.
View background statusInspired by the energy and heat of urban life.
View background statusThe music video was inspired by the film "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
View background statusWritten by Mellencamp and George Green about the pleasure and pain of love.
View background statusI Can't Go for That (No Can Do)
Daryl Hall & John OatesReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #15Written about refusing to compromise one's principles, especially in the music business.
View background statusA synth-pop track about being unable to resist temptation.
View background statusI Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)
Michael McDonaldReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #81Co-written with Ed Sanford, inspired by the 1962 Chuck Jackson song "I Keep Forgettin'."
View background statusI Love Rock 'n Roll
Joan Jett & The BlackheartsReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #3A cover of a 1975 song by the Arrows, which Joan Jett heard while touring in England.
View background statusI Ran (So Far Away)
A Flock of SeagullsReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #67Inspired by a science fiction story about alien abduction.
View background statusIt's Gonna Take a Miracle
Deniece WilliamsReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #71A cover of The Royalettes' 1965 song about hoping for love against the odds.
View background statusA metaphorical song about life's ups and downs.
View background statusMellencamp wrote the song about small-town American life and young love.
View background statusA story song about a fan becoming a rock star.
View background statusWritten by Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath about maintaining passion in a long-term relationship.
View background statusKey Largo
Bertie HigginsReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #17Named after the 1948 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, reminiscing about a past romance.
View background statusKids in America
Kim WildeReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #91Written by Kim's father Marty Wilde and brother Ricky Wilde about youth culture.
View background statusLeader of the Band
Dan FogelbergReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #35Fogelberg wrote this tribute to his father, a high school band director.
View background statusLeather and Lace
Stevie Nicks and Don HenleyRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #36Leather and Lace brings Stevie Nicks and Don Henley together on Bella Donna, Nicks' 1981 solo debut. The folk-oriented duet became one of the album's hit singles. Its place in her catalog continued through...
Read background and sourcesA funk song encouraging people to dance and have a good time.
View background statusA flirtatious dance track with a catchy groove.
View background statusLet's Groove
Earth, Wind & FireReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #33Written as an upbeat dance song to bring people together on the dance floor.
View background statusLove in the First Degree
AlabamaReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #55Written by Randy Owen, comparing falling in love to being convicted of a crime.
View background statusLove Is Alright Tonite
Rick SpringfieldReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
An upbeat song about living in the moment and enjoying life.
View background statusLove Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)
Donna SummerReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #59Produced by Quincy Jones, it's about taking control in a relationship.
View background statusA song comparing the strength and endurance of love to a rock.
View background statusA catchy new wave song about new romance.
View background statusWritten for the film "Six Pack," about the transformative power of love.
View background statusLove's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me
Juice NewtonReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #47Written by Steve Dorff and Snuff Garrett about resilience in the face of romantic difficulties.
View background statusMake a Move on Me
Olivia Newton-JohnRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #84A flirtatious song encouraging romantic pursuit.
View background statusTheme song from the 1982 film of the same name, about intimate connections.
View background statusReflecting on maternal wisdom and life lessons.
View background statusA song about urban loneliness and isolation.
View background statusA song about jealousy and suspicion in a relationship.
View background statusInspired by New York City in the 1980s and its fast-paced lifestyle.
View background statusA cover of the song from the musical "Cats," composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
View background statusMirror Mirror
Diana RossReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #86A song about self-reflection and personal growth.
View background statusWritten by Michael Jackson, a sensual song about physical attraction.
View background statusAn early Bon Jovi song about enduring love.
View background statusWritten by Lionel Richie about the pain of lost love.
View background statusOne Hundred Ways
Quincy Jones featuring James IngramReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #61Written by Kathy Wakefield and Benjamin Wright about the many ways to show love.
View background statusA new wave track about staying ahead in life and love.
View background statusWritten by Martha Davis about the isolation and loneliness of touring.
View background statusSteve Perry and Jonathan Cain wrote this power ballad about unconditional love.
View background statusOur Lips Are Sealed
The Go-Go'sReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #63Co-written by Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall about their secret relationship.
View background statusPac-Man Fever
Buckner & GarciaReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #42Inspired by the popularity of the Pac-Man arcade game.
View background statusWritten by Paul Kelly about taking a chance on love.
View background statusSteve Kipner and Terry Shaddick wrote the song with a male rock singer such as Rod Stewart in mind. Its subject is physical attraction; the fitness setting of Newton-John's video should not be confused with the...
Read background and sourcesA song about the stresses of modern life and expectations.
View background statusPrivate Eyes
Daryl Hall & John OatesReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #44Written about the feeling of being watched or monitored in a relationship.
View background statusA synth-pop cover of the 1929 Irving Berlin song.
View background statusOften thought to be about actress Rosanna Arquette, but actually named after another band member's high school sweetheart.
View background statusA mystical song about spiritual exploration.
View background statusWritten during Gaye's self-imposed exile in Belgium.
View background statusA provocative song exploring themes of desire and intimacy.
View background statusShake It Up
The CarsReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #23Written by Ric Ocasek as an upbeat dance song.
View background statusA song about the hesitation and excitement of new love.
View background statusWritten for the soundtrack of the film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."
View background statusA hopeful song about future romance.
View background statusWritten by Sting, exploring themes of spirituality and materialism.
View background statusA hard rock ballad about emotional detachment.
View background statusSweet Dreams
Air SupplyReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #28Another romantic ballad from the Australian soft rock duo.
View background statusTainted Love
Soft CellReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #11Ed Cobb's composition reached Soft Cell through the northern soul scene. Marc Almond and David Ball replaced the earlier soul setting with sparse electronics, working with producer Mike Thorne. The extended single...
Read background and sourcesAn upbeat song about the joy of music and performance.
View background statusTake It Easy on Me
Little River BandReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #41Written by Graham Goble about the vulnerability in new relationships.
View background statusTake My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)
Kool & the GangRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #85A romantic offer of unconditional love.
View background statusA love song written by Wonder expressing devotion to a special woman.
View background statusA playful duet about two men competing for a woman's affection.
View background statusA romantic ballad about finding true love.
View background statusA song about infidelity and its consequences.
View background statusThe Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)
Juice NewtonReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #21Written by Otha Young about the joy of finding true love.
View background statusTheme from Hill Street Blues
Mike PostReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
The iconic theme from the popular police drama series.
View background statusWritten about the excitement and uncertainty of new love.
View background statusA romantic ballad about enduring love over time.
View background statusTrouble
Lindsey BuckinghamReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #45A introspective song about personal struggles and relationships.
View background statusThe title track of McCartney's album, reflecting on conflicts in life.
View background statusTurn Your Love Around
George BensonReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #27Written by Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather, and Bill Champlin about rekindling a romance.
View background statusWritten by Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin about escaping everyday life.
View background statusWaiting for a Girl Like You
ForeignerRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #19Written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, inspired by Jones' future wife.
View background statusWaiting on a Friend
The Rolling StonesRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #94Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards about the value of friendship.
View background statusWasted on the Way
Crosby, Stills & NashRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #57Crosby, Stills & Nash combined David Crosby's experience with the Byrds, Stephen Stills's work in Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash's years with the Hollies. Their three-part vocal blend and emphasis on songwriting...
View background statusWritten by Charlotte Caffey as a fun, energetic song about the power of music.
View background statusWe're in This Love Together
Al JarreauReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
A celebration of committed, lasting love.
View background statusMichael Martin Murphey developed through the Texas folk scene and later recording work in Los Angeles, Colorado and Nashville. His catalog ranges across country, pop, bluegrass and the music of the American West....
View background statusWho Can It Be Now?
Men at WorkReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #30Colin Hay wrote the song about paranoia and social anxiety.
View background statusWhy Do Fools Fall in Love?
Diana RossRelease: 1981Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #54A cover of the 1956 Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers hit, reimagined as a dance-pop song.
View background statusA blues song about realizing a relationship is over.
View background statusWorking for the Weekend
LoverboyReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #96Written about the anticipation of weekend fun after a long work week.
View background statusA nonsensical, fun song with a catchy hook.
View background statusA nostalgic look at past musical hits and memories.
View background statusA country-pop crossover hit for the duo.
View background statusWritten by Russ Ballard about the magical feeling of falling in love.
View background statusYou Could Have Been with Me
Sheena EastonReported release: 1981Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #64A song about missed romantic opportunities.
View background statusUsing warfare as a metaphor for the impact of love.
View background statusA song about the randomness of finding love.
View background statusYou Should Hear How She Talks About You
Melissa ManchesterReported release: 1982Date needs verification
Source year-end #18Written by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford about the excitement of a new relationship.
View background statusA story song about young lovers running away to start a new life.
View background statusBrowse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.