A song reflecting on a specific date, possibly of personal significance to Mellencamp.
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150 matching catalog entries
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Showing 1-50 of 150.
1985
Written as the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name.
View background statusJack Wagner pursued a recording career alongside his work in television soap operas. All I Need, written by Glen Ballard, Clif Magness and David Pack, became his signature single and the title of his debut album....
View background statusAll She Wants to Do Is Dance
Don HenleyReported release: 1985Date needs verification
Source year-end #97A critique of American foreign policy and its impact on other countries.
View background statusA moody, atmospheric track from the band's "Once Upon a Time" album.
View background statusAll Through the Night
Cyndi LauperReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #65The comfort and security found in a loving relationship.
View background statusBased on the Robert A. Heinlein short story of the same name, dealing with time travel paradoxes.
View background statusA pop-rock song about the impact of falling in love.
View background statusA dance-pop track about falling in love, from Madonna's "Like a Virgin" album.
View background statusA synth-pop track about irresistible attraction.
View background statusInstrumental theme from the film "Beverly Hills Cop."
View background statusA romantic synth-pop ballad showcasing the band's evolving sound.
View background statusBetter Be Good to Me
Tina TurnerReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #59A powerful rock anthem that showcased Turner's comeback in the 1980s.
View background statusBorn in the U.S.A.
Bruce SpringsteenRelease: 1984Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #92Often misinterpreted as patriotic, the song actually critiques the treatment of Vietnam War veterans.
View background statusRichard Page attributes the imagery in Broken Wings to lyricist John Lang's reading of Kahlil Gibran. In a firsthand interview, Page said Lang approached the author's estate about using the material. Page also...
Read background and sourcesCalifornia Girls
David Lee RothReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #88A cover of The Beach Boys' classic, given a hard rock makeover by the Van Halen frontman.
View background statusCan't Fight This Feeling
REO SpeedwagonRelease: 1984Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #13Can't Fight This Feeling appears on REO Speedwagon's 1984 Wheels Are Turnin'. The band's original program credits both words and music to Kevin Cronin. Its narrative moves from friendship toward a declaration of...
Read background and sourcesGeorge Michael wrote this song about the guilt of betraying a friend in a relationship.
View background statusThe importance of cherishing loved ones and relationships.
View background statusA funky rock track emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in relationships.
View background statusA Latin-influenced dance track that brought Gloria Estefan to mainstream success.
View background statusCool It Now
New EditionReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #26The challenges of young love and peer pressure.
View background statusWritten for the film "Vision Quest" to capture teenage love and desire.
View background statusA sultry R&B track showcasing Cole's powerful vocals.
View background statusDo What You Do
Jermaine JacksonReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #90A romantic ballad showcasing Jackson's smooth vocal style.
View background statusA dance-pop track with a catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm.
View background statusDon't Come Around Here No More
Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersReported release: 1985Date needs verification
Co-written with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, featuring a psychedelic sound and video.
View background statusThe song's lyrics are intentionally vague, with Collins admitting he didn't know what they meant.
View background statusDon't You (Forget About Me)
Simple MindsReported release: 1985Date needs verification
Source year-end #16Written for the film "The Breakfast Club" to capture teenage angst and relationships.
View background statusThe idea of adorning a lover with affection and desire.
View background statusEasy Lover
Philip Bailey and Phil CollinsReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #12Collaborative effort during the recording of Bailey's Chinese Wall album.
View background statusA hard rock track about intense desire and passion.
View background statusRoland Orzabal and Curt Smith recalled that an early chorus referred explicitly to going to war, reflecting the nuclear anxiety of the Cold War. Orzabal changed the central phrase after thinking about a record...
Read background and sourcesEverything She Wants
Wham!Reported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #25George Michael's frustrations with a demanding partner.
View background statusOriginally written by Daryl Hall about the pain of separation.
View background statusThe barriers people build in relationships and the desire to break them down.
View background statusWham! was the British duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, who became friends at school in Hertfordshire and played in an earlier ska band. Their 1980s pop drew on soul and R&B, with Fantastic followed by Make...
View background statusA metaphor for life's journey and finding joy along the way.
View background statusFresh
Kool & the GangReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #89A celebration of feeling energized and renewed.
View background statusWritten for the film "Vision Quest," the song was only released as a single outside the U.S.
View background statusA cover of the T. Rex classic, given a hard rock makeover by the supergroup.
View background statusA solo effort from The Who's lead singer, embracing a more contemporary 80s sound.
View background statusReflects on the passage of time and nostalgia for one's younger years.
View background statusA rock song with an anti-drunk driving message.
View background statusThe song deals with the rush and confusion of falling in love.
View background statusHeaven
Bryan AdamsRelease: 1983Source checked | List year differs from verified release
Source year-end #24Originally written for the film "A Night in Heaven," the song became a hit when re-released.
View background statusAn upbeat rock song about the euphoria of new love.
View background statusI Can't Hold Back
SurvivorReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #73A rock anthem about giving in to passion and desire.
View background statusI Feel for You
Chaka KhanReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #5Originally written by Prince in 1979, inspired by his admiration for Patrice Rushen.
View background statusI Want to Know What Love Is
ForeignerRelease: 1984Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #4Mick Jones described writing the song late at night while reflecting on divorce, a new relationship and pressures within the band. He wanted the arrangement to convey a spiritual dimension; the New Jersey Mass Choir...
Read background and sourcesBrowse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.