John Lennon's musical career grew from the Quarrymen into the Beatles and a songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney. Alongside recording, he published the books In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works,...
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150 matching catalog entries
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Showing 1-50 of 150.
1981
(There's) No Gettin' Over Me
Ronnie MilsapRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #33Ronnie Milsap is a North Carolina singer and keyboardist whose repertoire connects country with R&B, pop and classical training. Before establishing himself in Nashville, he recorded R&B-influenced material and...
View background statusWritten for the comedy film of the same name, this song was inspired by Dolly Parton's experiences on the movie set.
View background statusA Little in Love
Cliff RichardReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #61A soft rock hit for the British pop veteran.
View background statusA Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)
RaydioRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #16Raydio was the R&B and funk group established by Ray Parker Jr. with singers including Arnell Carmichael and Jerry Knight. Knight sang lead on Jack and Jill, and later Arista recordings included You Can't Change...
View background statusAin't Even Done with the Night
John MellencampRelease: 1980Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #63An early hit for John Mellencamp, then known as John Cougar.
View background statusA disco/R&B cover of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic.
View background statusAn upbeat R&B track produced by Narada Michael Walden.
View background statusWritten as a tribute to John Lennon, featuring Ringo Starr on drums and Paul McCartney on backing vocals.
View background statusFrom the soundtrack of "The Jazz Singer," a patriotic song about immigration.
View background statusA country-pop cover of Merrilee Rush's 1968 hit, reviving the song for a new generation.
View background statusInspired by the funk and disco music of the era, particularly Chic's "Good Times."
View background statusArthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
Christopher CrossReported release: 1981Date needs verification
Source year-end #64Written for the film "Arthur," this collaboration with Burt Bacharach won an Oscar.
View background statusHeartbreak and lost love
View background statusWritten by Smokey Robinson, this love song showcased his smooth vocals.
View background statusBette Davis Eyes was written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss and became a defining recording on Kim Carnes's 1981 Mistaken Identity album. Carnes's official biography connects it with her Grammy recognition for...
Read background and sourcesA country-pop hit for the Canadian singer.
View background statusThe Manhattan Transfer developed its celebrated four-part vocal approach in New York, bringing together Tim Hauser, Janis Siegel, Alan Paul and Laurel Masse in the early 1970s. Its repertoire crosses jazz, pop, swing...
View background statusA funk hit with a distinctive car-themed sound.
View background statusA hard rock track from the band's "Difficult to Cure" album.
View background statusA country-rock song from the singer-songwriter.
View background statusThis feel-good anthem was inspired by the band's desire to create a universal party song.
View background statusA soft rock hit that showcased the band's melodic style.
View background statusA cover of Roy Orbison's 1961 hit, McLean's version became popular in 1981.
View background statusDe Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
The PoliceReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #57Despite its seemingly nonsensical title, the song is about the power of simple communication.
View background statusAnother hit from the band's hugely successful "Hi Infidelity" album.
View background statusDon't Stand So Close to Me
The PoliceReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #71Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" and Sting's experiences as a teacher.
View background statusWritten by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain about holding onto hope.
View background statusDon't Stop the Music
Yarbrough and PeoplesReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
A funk and R&B hit that topped the R&B charts.
View background statusA funk song that popularized a style of slang called "Gibberish."
View background statusA celebration of Australian culture that became an international hit.
View background statusA pop hit for the British singer.
View background statusA country hit that crossed over to the pop charts, known for its distinctive bass vocals.
View background statusWritten by Lionel Richie for the film of the same name, this duet became one of the best-selling singles of the year.
View background statusEvery Woman in the World
Air SupplyReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #27Another romantic ballad that solidified Air Supply's soft rock sound.
View background statusA country hit that crossed over to the pop charts.
View background statusA country hit that crossed over to the pop charts.
View background statusA rock hit from Benatar's "Precious Time" album.
View background statusA soft rock hit for the singer-songwriter.
View background statusThe theme song for the James Bond film of the same name.
View background statusGames People Play
The Alan Parsons ProjectRelease: 1980Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #66A progressive rock track featuring vocals by Lenny Zakatek.
View background statusA light-hearted pop-rock song from the band's "Live in the U.K." album.
View background statusGiving It Up for Your Love
Delbert McClintonReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #60A blues-rock hit that became McClinton's biggest mainstream success.
View background statusGuilty
Barbra Streisand and Barry GibbReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #29From Streisand's album of the same name, produced by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.
View background statusA disco and R&B hit known for its distinctive bassline.
View background statusA solo hit for the former Jefferson Airplane/Starship vocalist.
View background statusNeil Diamond gained recognition as a songwriter before becoming widely known as a recording performer. His catalog includes compact pop songs such as Solitary Man and Cherry, Cherry, as well as the ballads I Am... I...
View background statusHey Nineteen
Steely DanReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #72A jazz-rock song about an older man's attraction to a younger woman.
View background statusA new wave hit from the New Zealand band.
View background statusHit Me with Your Best Shot
Pat BenatarReported release: 1980Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #46Written by Eddie Schwartz, this rock anthem became one of Benatar's signature songs.
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1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.