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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....