George Michael moved from the British pop duo Wham! into a solo catalog that combined melodic pop, soul and dance music. Careless Whisper appeared as a solo single in 1984, before Faith established a broader album...
View background statusFind songs
Search across titles, artists, years, genres and themes.
Find a song. Follow a memory.
Basic search checks titles and artists, not background notes. List year and release year are displayed separately. Recent carryovers are labeled; historical reissues do not reset a release date. Genre tags may be editorial.
150 matching catalog entries
Results show year, song, artist and editorial genre tags.
Browse by yearResearched song storiesShuffle this result setOpen saved songs
Showing 1-50 of 150.
1986
A Love Bizarre
Sheila E.Reported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #83Co-written with Prince, this funk track explores unconventional love.
View background statusPalmer wrote this song about the overwhelming power of romantic attraction.
View background statusAin't Nothing Like the Real Thing
Laura Branigan and Ted NeeleyReported release: 1986Date needs verification
A cover of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic, celebrating authentic love.
View background statusAlive and Kicking
Simple MindsReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #17The song reflects on personal growth and overcoming challenges.
View background statusThis emotional ballad explores the pain of a broken relationship.
View background statusAll I Need Is a Miracle
Mike + The MechanicsReported release: 1986Date needs verification
Source year-end #74This song expresses hope for reconciliation in a troubled relationship.
View background statusThis power ballad expresses the depth of romantic love.
View background statusThis atmospheric track explores complex emotions and communication in relationships.
View background statusWritten by Tom Scholz, this love song was named after his wife.
View background statusThis dance-pop hit expresses the joy of new love.
View background statusBad Boy
Miami Sound MachineReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #79This upbeat song warns about the allure of a "bad boy" in relationships.
View background statusBroken Wings
Mr. MisterReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #5Richard 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 sourcesBurning Heart
SurvivorReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #8Written for the movie "Rocky IV," this song captures the competitive spirit and determination of the film's protagonist.
View background statusAccepting life's ups and downs
View background statusThis song reflects on long-distance communication and relationships.
View background statusConga
Miami Sound MachineReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #40This Latin-influenced dance track was inspired by the energy of Miami's nightlife.
View background statusThis upbeat pop song captures the excitement of a new romantic interest.
View background statusThis upbeat song celebrates the joy and freedom of dancing.
View background statusWritten for the movie "Top Gun," this song captures the adrenaline and risk of fighter pilot missions.
View background statusThis song critiques the superficiality of the 1980s social scene.
View background statusNeil Finn wrote this song about maintaining hope in the face of adversity.
View background statusDon't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)
Glass TigerReported release: 1986Date needs verification
Source year-end #34This song deals with the fear of being forgotten by a loved one.
View background statusThis solo effort by Hall explores themes of love and dreams.
View background statusArcadia was the separate recording project formed by Duran Duran members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor. Its album So Red the Rose included Election Day, The Promise and Goodbye Is Forever. Guests on the...
View background statusThis party anthem encourages listeners to enjoy life and have a good time.
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 sourcesThis song promotes a message of equality and unity.
View background statusFriends and Lovers
Gloria Loring and Carl AndersonReported release: 1986Date needs verification
Source year-end #13This duet explores the transition from friendship to romantic love.
View background statusThis song expresses the desire to reunite with a former love.
View background statusWritten for the movie "The Karate Kid Part II," this song embodies themes of love and heroism.
View background statusThis song addresses the pain of a failing relationship and the desire to reconcile.
View background statusOriginally recorded by George Benson, this song's lyrics emphasize self-love and personal growth.
View background statusA cover of Bob & Earl's R&B classic, bringing the sound to a new audience.
View background statusThe "Miami Vice" star's foray into music, exploring themes of love and desire.
View background statusCo-written with Will Jennings, this song explores spiritual and romantic love.
View background statusHolding Back the Years
Simply RedReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #22Mick Hucknall wrote this song about his difficult childhood and relationship with his father.
View background statusOriginally written for Janet Jackson, this upbeat song about young love became one of Whitney Houston's signature hits.
View background statusThis synth-pop hit explores the complexities of human relationships and emotions.
View background statusThe song's upbeat tempo and lyrics capture the excitement of new love.
View background statusI Didn't Mean to Turn You On
Robert PalmerReported release: 1986Date needs verification
Source year-end #46A cover of Cherrelle's 1984 hit, exploring unintended romantic signals.
View background statusThe song reflects on the pain of missing a loved one and the desire to reconnect.
View background statusWritten by Steve Lukather and Randy Goodrum, this song deals with moving on after a breakup.
View background statusI'm Your Man
Wham!Reported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #63This upbeat pop song showcases George Michael's commitment in a relationship.
View background statusIf You Leave
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the DarkReported release: 1986Date needs verification
Source year-end #53Written for the movie "Pretty in Pink," this song deals with the pain of potential separation.
View background statusGabriel wrote this song about the depth and spirituality of love.
View background statusThe song's lyrics were inspired by a character in the 1984 film "2010: The Year We Make Contact."
View background statusThis song explores themes of fleeting power and fame.
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 statusThe title comes from the Greek phrase "Kyrie eleison" meaning "Lord, have mercy," reflecting the song's spiritual themes.
View background statusBrowse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.