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Based on a true story about a young man who accidentally killed his friend and was sentenced to life in prison.

The enduring nature of love, even after hardships and separations.

U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. Their early records drew on punk energy, with Steve Lillywhite producing Boy, October and War. Work with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois...

Duran Duran emerged in the British new-wave era, combining synthesizers with rock guitars and detailed arrangements built around pop melodies. Early touring included opening for Hazel O'Connor in 1980. The band...

The realization of long-standing feelings for someone.

Holly Johnson emerged from Liverpool's alternative music scene and became widely known as the singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The band's synthesizer-based pop included Relax, Two Tribes and The Power of Love. He...

The captivating nature of a woman's gaze.

A romantic ballad inspired by Marx's wife at the time.

A play on words ("I'm a-gettin' it") and the excitement of rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

The complexity of love and the desire to avoid difficult truths.

Another track recorded by other artists and lip-synced by the duo.

Transvision Vamp was a British pop-rock band fronted by Wendy James, with guitarist and songwriter Nick Christian Sayer, keyboardist Tex Axile, bassist Dave Parsons and drummer Pol Burton. Pop Art introduced I Want...

A mashup of two classic rock songs, reimagined for the late 80s.

Prince 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...

Simple Minds emerged from Glasgow's punk scene around singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill. Early albums developed electronic rhythms and textured guitar arrangements, leading through Empires and Dance to...

Another track recorded by other artists and lip-synced by Milli Vanilli.

The idea of finding one's soulmate and destined partner.

Queen formed in 1970 and released their debut album in 1973. Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon all contributed songs. Their early records combined hard rock with elaborate vocal arrangements...

Cherry's observations of London street culture and fashion.

The song was inspired by the hip-hop and dance culture of the late 1980s.

A lighthearted love song inspired by the 1960s pop sound.

The cyclical nature of relationships and life.

A rock ballad about the intensity of love and loss.

The song was written about a manipulative ex-boyfriend and the realization of his true nature.

New Kids on the Block grew from Boston auditions organized by producer Maurice Starr and manager Mary Alford in 1984. The project combined pop singing, rap and choreography. Its early recording lineup included Donnie...

Stewart's infatuation with his then-girlfriend, model Kelly Emberg.

The emotional pain and vulnerability associated with heartbreak.

Roachford began as a band led by singer and keyboard player Andrew Roachford, with Hawi Gondwe, Derrick Taylor and Chris Taylor in its early lineup. Its 1988 debut included Cuddly Toy and Family Man, combining rock,...

The anticipation and excitement of contacting a love interest.

The fear of losing someone and the desire to hold onto a moment.

A duet about the uncertainty and vulnerability of falling in love.

The desire to take things slow in a new relationship.

The need for honesty and trust in a relationship.

Estefan's feelings about her long-lasting relationship with her husband.

The fantasy and aspirations of a perfect love.

Susanna Hoffs discussed the Bangles' visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland with Billy Steinberg. The idea of an eternal flame also recalled a light at Steinberg's childhood synagogue. Hoffs, Steinberg and Tom Kelly...

The early stages of courtship and pursuing a romantic interest.

Written by Bret Michaels after a phone call with his girlfriend revealed she was with another man.

Madonna's call for women to express themselves and demand respect in relationships.

Yazz is the London dance-pop singer Yasmin Evans, whose early work included the band the Biz and a vocal collaboration with Coldcut on Doctorin' the House. Recordings credited with the Plastic Population included The...

Original single issued in November 1989. This recording is included in the 1989 editorial listening list. A documented songwriting-inspiration account has not been established.

The title track of Abdul's debut album, inspired by her transition from choreographer to pop star.

Kim Wilde came from a British musical family that included singer Marty Wilde and her brother Ricky. Their writing contributed to her early self-titled album and Select, while she later took a larger role in...

Lil Louis is a Chicago DJ and house producer whose club work began before his records reached an international audience. French Kiss led to a major-label period that included From the Mind of Lil Louis and Journey...

A humorous take on a fictional love potion and its effects.

Like their other songs, this was recorded by other artists and lip-synced by Milli Vanilli.

The song was actually recorded by other artists, as Milli Vanilli was later revealed to be a lip-syncing duo.

Baker's commitment to giving her all in a relationship.

The joy and excitement of a new romantic relationship.

Kylie Minogue moved from Australian television, including Neighbours, into pop recording with early albums such as Kylie and Enjoy Yourself. Her work with the PWL production team established one phase of that career....

The song was meant to give the boy band a tougher image and appeal to a wider audience.

The band's desire to create a power ballad that would appeal to a wide audience.

The need for divine intervention in matters of the heart.

Originally written for Laura Branigan

The vulnerability and fear associated with falling in love.

Texas is the Glasgow group associated with singer Sharleen Spiteri, combining rock, pop, soul and R&B elements. Southside introduced I Don't Want a Lover in 1989. White on Blonde later included Say What You Want,...

Duran Duran emerged in the British new-wave era, combining synthesizers with rock guitars and detailed arrangements built around pop melodies. Early touring included opening for Hazel O'Connor in 1980. The band...

The lengths one would go to be with their loved one.

The excitement and attraction felt towards someone new.

Boys Club brought together Gene Hunt, formerly of the Jets, and singer and songwriter Joe Pasquale. The two had met through Minneapolis music circles before combining their solo plans into a duo. Their repertoire...

The desire for carefree enjoyment and romantic adventures.

Queen formed in 1970 and released their debut album in 1973. Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon all contributed songs. Their early records combined hard rock with elaborate vocal arrangements...

A romantic ballad aimed at the group's young female fanbase.

Written about the band's commitment to their fans and each other.

Regret over past actions in a relationship and the desire to make amends.

A cover of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes song, inspired by Mick Hucknall's love for soul music.

The intimate and personal space of a bedroom as a metaphor for a relationship.

The innocence of falling in love.

Soul II Soul grew from the North London sound-system partnership of Jazzie B and Daddae, moving from reggae toward a mix of soul and funk. Their dances at the Africa Centre brought together a broad London audience...

The enduring nature of love despite challenges and obstacles.

The physical and emotional connection in a passionate relationship.

Michael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...

Gladys Knight began singing gospel as a child in Georgia before becoming the lead voice of the Pips, a group with family connections. Their harmonies and choreography framed recordings including I Heard It Through...

Madonna's Catholic upbringing and her desire to explore religious themes in a provocative manner.

The song was inspired by the idea of following one's instincts in matters of love.

London Boys was the dance-pop partnership of Edem Ephraim and Dennis Fuller. The two worked as dancers in Hamburg before producer Ralf-Rene Maue developed recordings with them under the London Boys name in 1986....

Chicago formed in its namesake city in 1967 with the aim of combining a rock rhythm section and a prominent horn section. The musicians brought backgrounds in jazz, R&B and other styles to that approach. Their first...

Liza Minnelli developed a career across musical theatre, film and concert performance. The daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, she had already won a Tony before her starring role in the film...

Gibson wrote the song about her first love and the intense emotions of teenage romance.

Michael Ball is a British singer and stage performer whose early theater work included regional productions before playing Marius in the original London production of Les Misérables. Aspects of Love and Love Changes...

A statement on racial unity and the universality of love.

Aerosmith developed a guitar-centered rock sound in Boston, with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined by Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer. Their 1973 debut introduced Dream On and Mama Kin, while Toys in the...

Inspired by a cabin near Athens, Georgia where the band used to party and write music.

Holly Johnson emerged from Liverpool's alternative music scene and became widely known as the singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The band's synthesizer-based pop included Relax, Two Tribes and The Power of Love. He...

The Cure are a rock group associated with Robert Smith's distinctive singing and a balance of melancholy atmosphere and accessible melodies. Their guitar-driven post-punk beginnings developed into more layered...

Natalie Cole developed her own recording career after performing with the college band Black Magic. Her Capitol debut, Inseparable, appeared in 1975 with This Will Be (An Everlasting Love). She worked across R&B,...

The song was inspired by Jackson's experiences with love and relationships.

Regret over not taking a chance on a potential relationship.

Monkey Gone to Heaven is listed on Pixies's Doolittle. This is recording/album context, not a claimed personal songwriting inspiration.

Rod Stewart is a British singer whose rasping voice connects blues, folk, soul and popular ballads. His early performing work included the Jeff Beck Group and Faces, while a parallel solo career produced Gasoline...

Brown's assertion of independence and response to media criticism of his behavior.

Written for the soundtrack of "Ghostbusters II," inspired by the film's themes of teamwork and friendship.

A cover of Ian Hunter's song about caution in love after being hurt.

The band's vision of an ideal place, contrasting with the gritty reality of city life.

The need for patience in a relationship, showcasing the band's softer side.

Single released in August 1989 before the 1990 Violator album. This recording is included in the 1989 editorial listening list. A documented songwriting-inspiration account has not been established.

The toxic nature of an addictive and destructive relationship.

Watley's experiences with love and her desire to create an upbeat dance track.

London Boys was the dance-pop partnership of Edem Ephraim and Dennis Fuller. The two worked as dancers in Hamburg before producer Ralf-Rene Maue developed recordings with them under the London Boys name in 1986....

Long-distance relationships and unwavering commitment

A cover of David Essex's 1973 hit, used in the film "Dream a Little Dream."

Brown's desire to create a sensual slow jam for his female fans.

A tribute to the band's rock 'n' roll influences and the power of music.

Brown's appreciation for a special woman in his life.

Marx wrote the song about the joy and satisfaction of being in a committed relationship.

Jason Donovan began acting as a child in Australia and became widely known as Scott Robinson in Neighbours. His association with producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman led to the pop album Ten Good Reasons in 1989....

The hope for redemption and another opportunity in love.

The excitement and passion of a clandestine romantic meeting.

The song was inspired by a difficult romantic relationship experienced by lead singer Roland Gift.

Rick Astley moved from singing in the local band FBI into a recording career with Stock Aitken Waterman. Never Gonna Give You Up, Together Forever and the album Whenever You Need Somebody established his late-1980s...

A romantic ballad inspired by the intense feelings of new love.

Inspired by Jackson's fascination with 1930s gangster films and the idea of a charismatic criminal.

The song was inspired by the band's experiences with love and the music scene in Los Angeles.

Osmond's comeback attempt and his determination to succeed in the music industry.

Gene Pitney developed as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in Connecticut, learning guitar, piano and drums. His dramatic tenor brought a forceful character to recordings such as Town Without Pity, I'm...

The Beautiful South developed after the Housemartins, with Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway central to the new group. Its recordings paired bright melodies and jazz-influenced pop arrangements with sharply observed...

Tears for Fears developed from the partnership of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, who met in Bath and previously played in Graduate. The Hurting established an electronic pop approach, while Songs from the Big Chair...

A call to action and self-empowerment, with intentionally simplistic lyrics.

Sam Brown is a singer, pianist and songwriter whose work spans solo records and session singing. Raised in a musical family with Joe and Vicki Brown, she recorded her debut Stop! with her brother Pete involved in...

The song was written by Elliot Wolff and was inspired by the desire to create a catchy dance-pop track.

A passionate plea for emotional and physical surrender in a relationship.

Ten City emerged from Chicago house music around singer Byron Stingily, keyboardist Byron Burke and guitarist Herb Lawson. Working with Marshall Jefferson, the group combined dance rhythms with gospel and soul vocal...

A commentary on the loss of idealism in American society.

Morrissey moved from his role as singer and lyricist in the Smiths to a solo recording career in 1988. Early solo songs such as Everyday Is Like Sunday and later singles including The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I...

Written by Mike Rutherford and B.A. Robertson about their relationships with their fathers.

The song was inspired by the band's desire to create a catchy, upbeat pop song with a strong guitar riff.

Sheena Easton's recording career began in Scotland and reached a wider audience through a BBC documentary following the making of Modern Girl. Morning Train (Nine to Five) and the James Bond theme For Your Eyes Only...

The commitment and promises made in a loving relationship.

Cover of The Temptations song

Written by Babyface and L.A. Reid about the power of unconditional love.

The constant thoughts of a loved one when apart.

Summer's comeback and her certainty about a new love in her life.

Jason Donovan began acting as a child in Australia and became widely known as Scott Robinson in Neighbours. His association with producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman led to the pop album Ten Good Reasons in 1989....

The song was inspired by Martika's experiences with friends struggling with drug addiction.

Written for the movie "Buster," in which Collins starred, inspired by 1960s Motown music.

Wait joins Robert Howard, also known as Dr. Robert of the Blow Monkeys, with Chicago house singer Kym Mazelle. In a contemporary interview, Mazelle recalled receiving the song from his manager before meeting him in...

Seeing a shooting star at a Whitney Houston concert and the metaphor of waiting for love.

The seemingly impossible feats one would do for love.

The idea followed a conversation with a young friend of Sean Lennon who considered the 1950s uneventful compared with his own times. Joel answered by assembling historical references across the four decades since his...

Brickell's musings on philosophy and self-identity.

The secrets and hidden feelings in a romantic relationship.

The moment of falling in love at first sight.

The transformative power of love and how it can change one's outlook on life.

The impact of war and social issues on innocent children.

A hip-hop remake of the 1966 hit by The Troggs, with new lyrics about romantic encounters.

Bette Midler recorded Wind Beneath My Wings for the Beaches soundtrack, released in 1988. The single followed in 1989, when it reached a much wider radio audience and later received Grammy recognition. Keeping the...

Kylie Minogue moved from Australian television, including Neighbours, into pop recording with early albums such as Kylie and Enjoy Yourself. Her work with the PWL production team established one phase of that career....

New Kids on the Block grew from Boston auditions organized by producer Maurice Starr and manager Mary Alford in 1984. The project combined pop singing, rap and choreography. Its early recording lineup included Donnie...

Sonia is the Liverpool pop singer Sonia Evans, whose early recording career was linked to Stock, Aitken and Waterman. She sang in local clubs before her national breakthrough and also appeared in television's Bread....

Shakespears Sister began as Siobhan Fahey's project after leaving Bananarama, then became a duo when singer and songwriter Marcella Detroit joined her. Their contrasting voices shaped the albums Sacred Heart and...