The end of the 90's. We were all so worried about Y2K back in 1999 but the music for the most part that stood out to me is what I think of as fun music. I didn't realize it, but this would be the last Everything But the Girl album for more than 20 years, it dominates 1999 for me.
20. Never Let You Go by Third Eye Blind
There were a lot of these bands in the late 90's. Not sure why they all went away. We are getting a lot of music today influenced by the late 90's and early 2000's but I don't really hear this sound coming back at all.
19. Cowboy Take Me Away by The Chicks
Maybe the most important Gen X country band, especially in terms of the influence they had.
18. If You Had My Love by Jennifer Lopez
I just remember my wife was really into this song, so it sticks with me.
17. Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega
The most 1999 thing ever.
16. The Bad Touch by Bloodhound Gang
I found my way to this song from the movie Loser.
15. All My Little Words by The Magnetic Fields
This is such a wonderful song. The word unboyfriendable is genius.
14. I Try by Macy Gray
She has a unique voice, but also she's a good vocalist.
13. No Difference by Everything But the Girl
The beauty of Everything But the Girl was always their lyrics and this didn't change when they went to doing electronic music. Being in your 30's can be tough.
12. The Otherside by Red Hot Chili Peppers
I just love the sound of this song.
11. Someday by Sugar Ray
A fun band. This song makes me think of driving out to Joshua Tree National Park.
10. What's My Age Again? by blink-182
Another one from the Loser soundtrack.
9. Thank You by Dido
Maybe this is the most 1999 thing ever.
8. Stars All Seem to Weep by Beth Orton
Beth Orton was for me one of those artists I probably would have liked more if I had given her more of a chance. I'm pretty sure this album was produced by Ben Watt of Everything But the Girl.
7. Five Fathoms by Everything But the Girl
I'm happy that Tracey Thorn and Beth Orton are friends, every so often she'll post about them doing something together on BlueSky. A great song if you are going out on the city.
6. Every Morning by Sugar Ray
This makes me think of driving around LA.
5. Steal My Sunshine by LEN
Don't know what else they ever did, but this song is fun.
4. Blame by Everything But the Girl
Again it's hard being in your 30's especially if you have regrets about a past love affair.
3. Save Me by Aimee Mann
We all came to this from the Magnolia soundtrack. Such a great comeback moment.
2. Forget About It by Alison Krauss
When Krauss nails it she nails it.
1. Temperamental by Everything But the Girl
I love this song. Lyrically it's great and I love how they constructed it. Again they are dealing with issues that I think we all equate more with people in their 30's.
So 1998 was a big year in my life. I had met my future wife and we were dating. I was really getting into web programming, this would later lead to a job I would have, but music wise I wasn't listening to that much new music. There were two big albums that year for me. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Ray of Light from Madonna. Ray of Light was definitely my album of the year. It's the best album Madonna ever made and really should get more attention than it does.
20. What It's Like by Everlast
I tend to like Everlast when I listen to him, just don't do it that often.
19. Thank U by Alanis Morissette
She came and went so fast.
18. One Week by Barenaked Ladies
These guys came and went so fast as well. So many do in music.
17. Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks
A great country pop song.
16. Slide by Goo Goo Dolls
Wow this list is full of people who came and went.
15. Celebrity Skin by Hole
Maybe that's because this music came out almost 30 years ago.
14. Babylon by David Gray
My wife was a big David Gray fan.
13. It's All Been by Barenaked Ladies
These guys were good.
12. Kind and Generous by Natalie Merchant
I just couldn't get on board with Natalie Merchant solo.
11. Hands by Jewel
I really liked her first album but that was about it for me. She would put out these occasional singles that I would like, and then she made a kids album that we played a lot when our second child was young.
10. Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill
This is a great album. Not best album of all time great, but still a great album.
9. Skin by Madonna
In 1998 I would get up every morning around 4am. I'd spend an hour working on my baseball simulation and then go into my work and spend about 2 hours working on a website for my baseball simulation. I played this album almost every morning of 1998 while programming.
8. Doo Wop by Lauryn Hill
These two albums dominated 1998 for me and do on this list as well.
7. Spark by Tori Amos
This was the first Tori Amos album that didn't really connect for me. It was the last one I bought.
6. Sexy Boy by Air
I would get into this album about 5 years later.
5. When It Hurts So Bad by Lauryn Hill
There really isn't a bad song on this album, but this is my favorite.
4. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls
Like everyone else I like this song.
3. Ray of Light by Madonna
This album is so well constructed. It's a dance album, but it feels more mature than a dance album.
2. Crush by Jennifer Paige
OK I'm a sucker for light pop like this.
1. Frozen by Madonna
Madonna's music played a big part in my life for a long time. She went through many different phases but this album stands on its own. It is definitely a one off. To me this is the best song on the album and in some ways it's the best song she ever did. She could never recreate this sound and no one has ever really tried to copy it. I should really do a Madonna retrospective.
This is when I realize I really started to fall out of listening to new music. I had a hard time coming up with a 20 song mix for 1997. This would be the case now until I started getting access to streaming music in the 2000's. Too expensive to buy music, no cable tv, and accessing music got harder. The radio I was listening to tended to be sports talk radio not music stations and I started listening to different types of music especially jazz.
20. I Do by Lisa Loeb
When I did listen to the radio for music is when I would be driving around in the car. I was living in Philadelphia at the time and so I didn't drive really but on the weekends. Most these songs here represent the ones I remember most from the radio that year.
19. Bitch by Meredith Brooks
It's funny but this is such a 1997 song. At least that's how I think of it.
18. There She Goes by Sixpence None the Richer
I always thought this was a fun song.
17. Torn by Natalie Imbruglia
This song got so much playtime on the radio. Listening to this mix from 1997 there are so many songs that sound like this.
16. Song 2 by Blur
Such a catchy song.
15. Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind
What was is about 1997. Again this song sounds like so much of what was on the radio at the time.
14. Adia by Sarah McLachlan
I'm not sure I like this song, but I can't hear it without thinking of those days in Philly driving around with my girlfriend, now wife.
13. Folk Song by The Sundays
One album I did buy was the last album from The Sundays. Sad that it was their last album.
12. Walkin' On the Sun by Smash Mouth
So many fun songs in 1997.
11. Everything to Everyone by Everclear
This is a solid album and Everclear at their best.
10. She by The Sundays
They made three album each one good. They really took a step forward with their sound on this album.
9. Fly-Fly by Sugar Ray
Again so much fun music in 1997.
8. Don't Let Go (Love) by En Vogue
I always liked this song.
7. So Much for the Afterglow by Everclear
Like I said a solid album with some really good songs.
6. Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve
Such a lovely song.
5. Kiss Me by sixpence None the Richer
OK this song really got played to death on the radio, but I never got tired of it.
4. 32 Flavors by Alana Davis
Love the Ani DiFranco original, but this is a great cover.
3. I Will Buy You a New Life by Everclear
Love this song. Great lyrics. "I hat those people who love to tell you, money is the root of all that kills. They have never been poor, no, they've never known the joy of a welfare Christmas."
2. Everlong by Foo Fighters
The best song the Foo Fighters ever made and a fun video.
1. Summertime by The Sundays
My wife and I both loved this song back in 1997 and so it holds a special place in my heart.
1996 was a fun year for music. It's the first time the internet influenced what I was listening to. There was an online service, can't recall what it was called, but it was an album ranking service. After you ranked albums, it would provide you with recommendations on new music. I discovered a lot of new music this way. That service would become the backbone of most systems today that do rankings. It was started by some students at MIT as they were developing algorithms for making recommendations, etc.
20. Napolean by Ani DiFranco
Like many men of a certain age, I was introduced to Ani DiFranco by a female friend. This was the best album I think DiFranco ever made, and this is a great song.
19. Slow Like Honey by Fiona Apple
I really liked this song and got to see Fiona Apple open for Tori Amos in Philadelphia when this album came out.
18. Forget the Flowers by Wilco
My friend Eric would introduce me to Wilco and my wife and I played this album to death in 1998.
17. When I Fall by Barenaked Ladies
This is one of the albums that was recommended by the online service I was talking about. It's a really good album.
16. Follow You Down by Gin Blossoms
What can you say it's the Gin Blossoms.
15. You're Making Me High by Toni Braxton
I don't know why exactly but I really liked this song when it came out. I hadn't heard it in years until doing this list and I was reminded how much I like it.
14. Violaine by Cocteau Twins
This is such a good song. I have no idea what she's saying as with any Cocteau Twins song, but somehow it works no matter what mood I'm in.
13. Mirrorball by Everything But the Girl
This was their first step toward electronic dance music and I loved it. Great lyrics as usual.
12. Blood Roses by Tori Amos
Like I said I saw her on this tour. It was great.
11. Lovefool by The Cardigans
Doesn't everyone love this song?
10. Killing Me Softly With His Song by Fugees
What a great way to splash onto the big stage. This is so 1996.
9. First Taste by Fiona Apple
I think this is the best song Fiona Apple ever did. I know that this is not something shared by many, but I really like this song.
8. This Is Where It Ends by Barenaked Ladies
I played this album to death in 1996. These songs have held up very well.
7. Walking Wounded by Everything But the Girl
They really knocked it out of the park with this album and this was my favorite song off of this album when I first heard it.
6. Plus Profound by Hooverphonic
It would be another 10 years before I would discover this song.
5. Caught a Lite Sneeze by Tori Amos
Classic Tori Amos this is. I've watched many versions of her doing this song live on YouTube and they are all great. But the one she did on tour back in 1996 is by far the best out there if you can find it. Her and a guy on electric guitar. He's just making haunting sounds on the guitar as texture to the song. So good.
4. Before Today by Everything But the Girl
Like I said I really thought they knocked it out of the park with this album. Such a good song.
3. Red-Eyed and Blue by Wilco
I find this song to be something so special.
2. Untouchable Face by Ani DiFranco
Just a great song. I love it when DiFranco is doing personal stuff in her music and this just nails so much of the anger we all feel at times in our 20's around relationships.
1. Good Cop, Bad Cop by Everything But the Girl
This was my song of the year back in 1996. I fell in love with this song the more I listened to this album, and I still play it a lot today.
Looking at 1989 it really is the end of one decade and the beginning of another. For me 1989 was dominated by a few albums in particular. In 1989 my album of the year would have been Disintegration by The Cure. Today it would be Doolittle by Pixies. You will read my entries below and wonder how the album of the year is not The Sensual World, and I would say that is mostly because Doolittle would become the most influential of all of these records on music.
20. Gouge Away by Pixies
As I said before I didn't discover the Pixies until around 1995 or so, but this album is just amazing.
19. You Must Learn by Boogie Down Productions
This was the peak of BDP's popularity and for good reason it's a great album. Love this song. Probably my favorite song ever about the state of education and it is more fitting today than when it came out in 1989.
18. Talent Show by The Replacements
I find The Replacements to be an oddly depressing band. Maybe they came at the wrong time, maybe it's just because like so many rock bands they were never going to reach their potential because of their demons. I find this song to be hauntingly sad and upbeat at the same time.
17. Blue Spanish Sky by Chris Isaak
This album is a solid album, but it has two standout songs, this being one of them.
16. Kinda I Want To by Nine Inch Nails
Such an influential band, this is easily their most accessible album.
15. This Woman's Work by Kate Bush
I think this is Kate Bush's most consistent album and really is probably her best work. I think what I find interesting about Bush is her ability to have these very abstract thoughts that she then turns into very clear images. In this song she is playing around with two concepts which I think are interesting. One is the idea that "man" has done all he can, working on someone who is sick, and now as she says, "starts the craft of the father," God. God's craft of healing the person, healing the souls of those involved in the situation, these are things that in our society we think of as woman's work. In the song then she is also playing around with the idea of the man having to deal with doing "woman's work" and how hard that is for a man. When we have a society where these things are "woman's work" when they are left to a man, he finds them very hard because he has no training in them or maybe they are just inherently outside of his nature. The man in this song is also struggling with his own faith in God doing his work. It is an amazingly beautiful, touching, and sad song. She made a perfect video to go with it as well.
14. All Around the World by Lisa Stansfield
This will begin a love affair with me and Lisa Stansfield that will get me through some very high and very low times in my 20's.
13. Disintegration by The Cure
The timing of this album was absolutely perfect for me. I was taking a semester off from college and living at home working for my dad. So many days spent driving around Western Kentucky listening to this album.
12. Monkey Goes to Heaven by Pixies
I could have picked pretty much any song off of this album to be in this mix, but this song has become one of my favorites over the past 10 years.
11. Me Myself and I by De La Soul
Looking at this list I made I find it criminal that this is the only song I picked off of this album, one I find to be a go to album for me and I think one of the best albums of its genre. For each of these top 20 mixes I have another mix that has more songs for that year. This album has twelve songs on that list. All great songs. No other album is represented in one year's mix like this. I'm not sure how this ended up being the only one in my top 20 list, maybe the mood I was in when I made it. This song though does hold a special place for me. I was really into this album and so I was struck when sitting in church one day to hear the preacher talk about this song. He spoke of how the message of the song was bad because it talked about me, myself and I and left out God. The problem is the preacher completely misunderstood the song or misrepresented the song. "Me, Myself and I," doesn't leave out God at all. What the song is about is being the person you are first and foremost. To me that is one of the most important lessons in the Bible. We have to be ourselves and not who society wants us to be. As a Christian we will always be bucking up against society and the one thing we can do is remain who we are in Christ, "Me, Myself and I." I'm not saying De La Soul included God in the song, but the song is not about putting yourself first, it is about being yourself first and that to me is a very Christian approach. For them in particular they are talking specifically about their music and how they represented themselves. The industry and society would like them to be something they are not, so they can be more popular or to represent what society thinks rap represents. They don't want to do that; they want to represent their art in their way. There is a line, "Proud, I'm proud of what I am, poems I speak are Plug Two type. Please oh please let Plug Two be Himself, not what you read or write. Write is wrong when hype is written on the soul, De La that is. Style is surely our own thing not the false disguise of showbiz."
10. Jack of Spades by Boogie Down Productions
What a great song. It is a movie song but so represents BDP.
9. The Fog by Kate Bush
Again we have Kate Bush and her abstract thinking being wonderfully represented. I talk often about how there are abstract writers of songs and those who are more realists. Bush is an interesting one because she can be both and that allows her to experiment with concepts like this song where she is blending the idea of learning to swim for the first time and the amount of trust that takes in the person who is teaching you, with falling in love with someone and the amount of trust that takes in the other person. In this case as well it gets even deeper because there is this idea of trusting that the one person has a big enough love to sustain them both, until the singer can learn to love them the same or learn to swim.
8. Eat for Two by 10,000 Maniacs
I played this album to death in 1989 and this is the song that has held on the strongest for me.
7. Hey by Pixies
This song holds a special place in my heart.
6. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
Easily the best song Isaak ever made.
5. The Sensual World by Kate Bush
Kate Bush as it turns out is a huge fan of James Joyce surprise surprise. This song is based on a moment in the book. She was not able to get the rights to use the actual text and so she had to edit it to fit this song. She would later obtain the rights and remake the song with the original text. This was easily the height of Kate Bush's work.
4. It's Only Love by Simply Red
May not have seen this one coming. The best song Simply Red ever made and just a great 1989 tune.
3. Lovesong by The Cure
Robert Smith is such an amazing writer. It is no wonder The Cure found their moment in pop culture with this album. And of course it would come at the end of the 80's.
2. This Time by Tracy Chapman
I think this is the best song Tracy Chapman made and it is just a hauntingly beautiful song. Again her vocal performance is unmatchable. The opening line "This time I won't show I'm vulnerable," sung with such a vulnerable voice is just wonderful.
1. Never Be Mine by Kate Bush
The best song Kate Bush ever made. As I said Bush can be both abstract and a realist and here, she blends the concept as a great artist can. I could easily turn this song into a great romantic novel or movie. Why? Because it gives us enough reality to see and feel and enough abstraction to give us a platform to build a story onto. The beauty of abstraction in art, poetry, and music is it gives the one consuming it a space to create their own story out of the chaos. At least I would say that is the beauty of good abstract art. The beauty of realistic art, poetry, and music is it gives the one consuming it a vision of what the artist themselves were seeing and thinking when they created it. When you blend the two together like Bush does on a song like this it puts you into a place in time and space but also gives you control over the story in a way that makes it so incredibly personal to you. The song will mean something to you it will never mean to another person. For me this song will always be linked to a moment in time just like it is for the singer, but in a weird, blended sort of way that is so unique to me.
Ah 1988. What an interesting year when I look at the music. I would say for me the album of the year was and is Idlewild by Everything But the Girl. Some fun albums in 1988 that I still often listen to today.
20. One by Metallica
I was never a big Metallica fan, but I love the idea of the song and how they paired it with some old strange movie.
19. Illegal Business by Boogie Down Productions
This album was the first rap album I ever bought, and it still holds up extremely well.
18. Out of Blue Comes Green by a-ha
This would be the last a-ha album I would by on its release. A solid album that had a good month long run where it was with me every day in my Walkman.
17. These Early Days by Everything But the Girl
A great song. Not much else to say about it, but lyrically it has always really hit home with me.
16. If Not Now by Tracy Chapman
I got into this album a few years later, but I do love this album and this song. She is such an incredible vocal performer, I think.
15. Where Is My Mind? by Pixies
I wouldn't discover the pixies for another 8 years or so.
14. Paradise by Sade
A very underrated album from Sade. Just a fantastic song and it really does not sound like it is from the 80's.
13. Everyday Is Like Sunday by Morrissey
This song and this album were big plays for me in 1988.
12. Under the Milky Way by The Church
I saw them live at UK and then the next night at WKU on this tour.
11. Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Great album. Highly recommend listening to it now, it's a fun listen.
10. Chrysalis by The Railway Children
A band that I really do like and still listen to quite a bit.
9. My Philosophy by Boogie Down Productions
The first rap song I ever played for my daughter when she was in 2nd grade, I think. I mean played in the terms of, listen to this song and the lyrics.
8. Dixie Flyer by Randy Newman
I absolutely love the sound of this song. It's the best thing he ever did, though this is a very good album.
7. Haunt Me by Sade
This song has grown and grown on me.
6. A Pleasure by The Railway Children
For a long time when I would go onto Spotify and want to hear the Railway Children they didn't have their first album but this one, their second album. I've listened to these songs a lot more now then I did back in 1988 when I first bought it.
5. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
I loved this song in 1988 still love it today.
4. Air of December by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
I had a friend in college who absolutely loved this album, but this song really connected with me around 1992.
3. Don't You Need by Melissa Etheridge
So this song and Air of December were on the same mix tape that someone made for me in 1992, that's all I'll say about that. But they have both stuck with me ever since.
2. Tears All Over Town by Everything But the Girl
Over the years different songs from this album have been my favorite, but this song has consistently been right there for me.
1. Suedehead by Morrissey
This is 1988 to me. I think about working in a green house and picking lettuce and listening to this album or talk radio and that is 1988 to me.
1987, now we are in full college mode. Looking at this year I found it to be interesting. It's an odd mix of stuff and still some things I didn't find until later. Shout out to two artists who should be on this list but aren't really because these albums don't exist on Spotify: American Music Club and Watermelon Men. Wildflowers by The Watermelon Men, which came out in 1987, was my second favorite album of 1987 and still is. Just a great album. I create these as playlists on Spotify first and then make youtube playlists to match those. I really need some way to make sure I don't forget these albums and this music was a part of my life in these years. It's a shame because so much of the small indie music from the 80's is simply gone in the digital age.
20. Don't You Want Me by Jody Watley
I bought this cassette at a bargain bin at some point in part because I really liked this song. It's a good album, better than I expected.
19. With or Without You by U2
OK this was a huge deal in 1987. Loved this album from the minute I put it on. Went to go see them in concert on this tour. But not my album of the year.
18. I Can't Reach You by Nathalie Archangel
I love this album. Not a bad song on it. One of those discoveries from going to record store and spending all my money every week on music.
17. The One I Love by R.E.M.
Saw them on this tour if I recall correctly. I think this is the best mainstream album R.E.M. ever made and showed what they could be if they wanted to be a mainstream act.
16. Just Like You Said It Would Be by Sinead O'Connor
Loved this album when it came out, still listen to it today.
15. If Only Tonight We Could Sleep by The Cure
Album of the year no doubt. Was in 1987 still is today for me. I can still remember the first listen I had of this album.
14. Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode
Great song for a band that put out a series of really solid records.
13. Like the Weather by 10,000 Maniacs
Fantastic album. First I had heard of 10,000 Maniacs was this album. What a great run they had with Natalie Merchant.
12. If I Was Your Girlfriend by Prince
Such a great Prince song. No one else could pull this song off.
11. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me by The Smiths
I was really into this album when it came out. Got it on cassette and played it to death, especially working at the farm I worked at in college. I purposefully left off anything from Louder Than Bombs from this mix. It came out in 1987 but it was a collection of singles or b sides from across the years. So many great songs on there, but I feel like this song and this album represent the end of The Smiths. Gone so fast.
10. Heartbreak Beat by The Psychedelic Furs
I owned a lot of Furs albums, but really they were a one or two good songs per album kind of band for me.
9. Valentine by The Replacements
It would be a few years before I would discover The Replacements. This song is great and so The Replacements!
8. Did Ye Get Healed by Van Morrison
Years after college living in Philadelphia I would discover this album and be reminded of how much I loved this song. It's a fantastic album, to me, the best album he ever made.
7. Sign Your Name by Sananda Maitreya
Absolutely loved this song.
6. Gentle Sound by The Railway Children
A great band with a great sound that never really found their footing in the US.
5. 4th of July by X
Solid album and a fantastic song.
4. Skyway by The Replacements
This song holds a special place for me. I think Valentine and Skyway pretty much represent all you need to know about The Replacements and why they were so great.
3. Don't Talk by 10,000 Maniacs
Probably the best song 10,000 Maniacs ever made and they made some great songs, but this song and their live performances at the time of this song, just magical stuff.
2. Troy by Sinead O'Connor
An amazing song. The live version of her doing this at Pinkpop Festival is just amazing.
1. How Beautiful You Are by The Cure
It's the best song The Cure ever did. Lyrically I think it is the best thing Smith ever wrote and that is why it is their best song. This song and the message of this song so sums up everything you need to know about Smith and The Cure I believe.
I went a bit overboard this year putting 60 songs on my end of the year mix tape, but I'm trying to not be so strict in how I approach these things. I listen to these mix tapes a lot and often I wish I had included more songs, so I'm trying to embrace it. If 60 is the number then so be it. I left off another 50 songs that were in my running 2024 list. Mine are ranked from least favorite to favorite, which gets a bit tricky with 60 songs.
60. Planet Blue by Carlita
This song is definitely going to be on the 2024 New Year's Eve Party Dance Mix. I also think it's a good way to start the mix. So maybe that has something to do with why it got this spot.
59. Ego by Halsey
I wrote a review about this album. I find her to be an interesting artist and she can consistently create these emo rockers.
58. Dedicated to the World by Chanel Beads
This is one of those songs that at the end of the year I had completely forgotten about, but then got hooked on listening to it when I was working on this mix tape.
57. Calling After Me by Wallows
This is a fun song and reminds me that good rock pop will be around forever.
56. A Thousand Ways by Wonder Women of Country
It's a great year when we get new Kelly Willis music, even if it is an alt country super group.
55. What Now by Brittany Howard
This is one of those albums that I kept thinking I would like more than I did. This is a solid track.
54. Trouble Symphony by Carlita
Another one for the dance mix.
53. Talk Talk by Charli XCX
The last two Charli albums were my albums of the year, then of course she would blow up with this one, which I enjoyed, but wasn't all that crazy about.
52. After Hours by Kehlani
I like this song, had no idea what the video was like until making this YouTube playlist. Oddly the video feels very dated to me.
51. On Your Side by The Last Dinner Party
Another one of those albums that just didn't quite connect for me. I will be interested to see what they do next.
50. Connect by Vampire Weekend
A band I know very little about. I think this is the first of their albums I've listened to.
49. The Way It Is by X
I was so surprised by this album. It's a solid album with a lot of energy.
48. Negative Spaces by Poppy
A very odd album. Still not sure what I think of it, but I like this song.
47. Changes by Soccer Mommy
I really like Soccer Mommy. Still need to write up a review for this album, but it's very solid. She's going to be in Carrboro NC in Januaary.
46. Fortnight by Taylor Swift
I found this album a bit boring, still I found this song interesting enough to make the top 50 on this mix.
45. To Be Alright by Aurora
I really enjoyed this album and my favorite line of any song this year comes off of this song, "What is life worth living, If you can't dance to anything?"
44. Your Apartment by Wallows
Like I said rock pop will be around forever.
43. Classical by Vampire Weekend
The best song off of this album I think pretty easily.
42. Tears by Kehlani
I have to say I was glad there was not a video for this song :).
41. Do You Want to Play by Mary Spender
Spender is a guitar youtuber who is trying to use her success to crack a door open for a music career. I found this album to be pretty good.
40. Run! by Willow
I still have to figure out what my album of the year was but this is in the running. I found this album to be solid and experimental, something that can be tricky to pull off. The more I've listened to it through the year the more highly I think of it.
39. True Story by Ariana Grande
My wife and daughter can't stand Ariana Grande, but what can I say she put out a solid album this year. This is a solid R&B tune in the year 2024.
38. None of These Guys by Zara Larsson
Another one for the end of the year dance mix.
37. Illusion by Dua Lipa
This album did not perform well for Dua Lipa because people thought it sounded too much like her last album. Still makes for good singles that you can dance to.
36. Rewind by Charli XCX
To me this song best represented what Charli was dealing with on the album. I also think it's funny to talk about rewinding, because this song feels like a remake of her song 1999 from 3 albums ago.
35. Please Don't Humble Me by Artemas
This was an interesting album that felt like it should have been better than it was.
34. Never Ending Song by Conan Gray
A fun song, but man this album is way too 80's for me.
33. Neighborhood by Teezo Touchdown
Another candidate for album of the year. Interesting song that feels very 80's and yet very 2024.
32. Kids by Sasha Alex Sloan
This album seems to be one that is trying to make you cry as many times as possible, and this one is a real tearjerker. She's a very good writer. She'll be in Nashville on January 31st.
31. M by Soccer Mommmy
I feel like Soccer Mommy took a real step forward with this record. Lyrically it's really good. Sound wise it reminds me of the second Sundays album, very quiet and subdued.
30. Your Blood by Aurora
Aurora is another artist who I think took a real step forward with her songwriting on this album.
29. Blowing by Gracie Abrams
Interesting album. So heavily influenced by Taylor Swift.
28. The Fear Is Not Real by Willow
A really pretty song.
27. On My Love by Zara Larsson
I didn't know until seeing this video that she's from Sweden.
26. Bella by Ekkstacy
It was a good year for rock pop songs. I really found this song to be a bit addictive at one point during the year.
25. Mr. Useless by Shygirl
By far the best dance track I heard this year.
24. Shall We Celebrate? by Artemas
Like I said I should have liked this album more than I did. I really like this song. So obviously influenced by Weeknd.
23. Nothing Every Changes by Vintage Culture
A great mood song. If you are out walking on a cold winter night in the rain and this song comes on you know you are in the right space for it.
22. Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande
Easily the best pop R&B album of the year.
21. Panic Attack by Halsey
Really good song.
20. Whatever Forever by Ber
Can't wait for Ber to come out with a full length album.
19. These Walls by Dua Lipa
Not sure why she didn't make a really good video to go with this song.
18. Chemicals by Vintage Culture
Still on that walk in the rain, another good fit. Gives you a good idea of the tone of this album.
17. You Can Have Chicago by Mary Spender
My daughter makes me skip this song whenever it comes on, but I like it.
16. Chicago by Ekkstacy
I had to pair the two Chicago songs together. Plus, I really like this song.
15. Another Broken Heart by Wonder Women of Country
Like I said great to have Kelly Willis out there still making new music.
14. Crystalized by Poppy
I would actually like to go see here in Seattle in March. Would be interesting since it is such an odd mix of music on this album.
13. Thinking of You by Soccer Mommy
I love these Soccer Mommy lyric videos.
12. Lonely is the Muse by Halsey
Easily the best song on the album.
11. Dreams by Aurora
A very solid album and this is to me Aurora at her best. She's a bit abstract for me in her lyrics, but still her vocals on this song are fantastic. There is still something to just the sound of a song.
10. Sweet by Teezo Touchdown
The more the year has gone on the more I've liked this song. Love the lyrics on this one.
9. Symptom of Life by Willow
Really good song and the one I would point anyone to for a feel of what this record is about.
8. Highlights by Sasha Alex Sloan
From a song about a parent who is always there to a song about a parent who is never there. She's a talented songwriter but also a very talented singer.
7. In a Little by Alex Benjamin
I found this album to be good, but there were two songs that really worked for me. Benjamin like Sloan is a smart writer, but he's also a good vocalist and his vocals on this may be the best I've heard him do.
6. Middle of Nowhere by Ber
Like I said I really want Ber to come out with a full-length album. These last two EPs have been very solid.
5. Wildflower by Billie Eilish
The growth of Eilish as a songwriter is really felt on this album. Her vocals are as good as ever.
4. Oxygen Mask by Sasha Alex Sloan
Like I said great writer and great vocalist. Her vocals on this one are so good.
3. Impossible by Teezo Touchdown
In many ways this is probably my song of the year. Heard this album in January and have been listening to this song all year, never got tired of it.
2. Sacrifice Tomorrow by Alec Benjamin
I wrote a poem about this idea back in college and always found it to be the best poem I ever wrote. I was always one, when I was younger, to sacrifice tomorrow if it meant doing something fun in the moment.
1. Chihiro by Billie Eilish
Easily my favorite song. A great lyricist who is also a great vocalist, paired up with someone who knows how to produce the right sound. That is the current place where we find Billie Eilish. It's a great place for anyone who likes her music.
1986 was a transition year for me. Graduating high school, heading to college. This mix is a good blend of stuff I was really into in high school and then stuff I found in college.
20. The Teacher by Big Country
They came out with their 3rd album, The Seer, in 1986 and I loved it. Played it to death. I remember taking a family trip to St. Louis and I played this album the whole way there and back on my Walkman. The song, "The Seer," features Kate Bush and why I went out and bought my first ever Kate Bush record because of it.
19. Whistling in the Dark by Easterhouse
I would buy this album in 1987. It's a good album with a few really good songs, like this one.
18. Stripped by Depeche Mode
I would discover Depeche Mode in 1986. This album, Black Celebration, would play a big role for me a few years after this when I went back home to live for a semester.
17. Cannons by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Tinderbox is a five start record, and I think "Cannons" is the best song on the record. This is one of those albums though that is more about the whole than any one or two songs.
16. Kiss by Prince
A great video and a great song. I always liked this song but would fall completely for this album in 1989.
15. Myrrh by The Church
By far the best Church album I know of, Heyday, and my album of the year today from 1986. There isn't a bad moment on this album. I thank my freshman year roommate for introducing me to so much of this music.
14. Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel
Beautiful song, beautiful video that has aged incredibly well.
13. As You Will by The Church
Another great song off of a great album.
12. The Swing of Things by a-ha
In 1986 this was my album of the year. I remember driving down to see Heath play their way toward a state football title and listening to this album as I drove through the dark back roads of KY.
11. Live to Tell by Madonna
A great song from Madonna who was really at the top of her game around this time.
10. In a Lonely Place by The Smithereens
A friend would include this song on a mix tape for me in maybe 1990 or so and I was smitten. Love that fact that it's Suzanne Vega, she's incredible on this track.
9. Dear God by XTC
Graduating high school, heading off to college. Definitely a time in your life when you are questioning all that you've been taught if you grew up going to church. This song is about as good as you can imagine if you were wanting to write a song about that mental process.
8. Greeting to the New Brunette by Billy Bragg
This song is pretty much perfect. What else to say, nothing. I've said before I think Bragg is a special writer and this song is no different. There is something about the youthfulness of this song that when I listen to it now can really hit me in the gut.
7. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
Best song New Order made. It's a great song that feels just as fresh today as it did in 1986.
6. Scoundrel Days by a-ha
I think the reason this album is no longer for me what it was in 1986, is because it is such an emotional album. It's one of those albums I really connected with in 1986 in a very emotional way and it's hard to relate to that in the same way today. Still a great song off a great album.
5. Columbus by The Church
This album is probably the best driving album ever made, and this song really nails perfectly what they were doing on this album.
4. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
Another great album from The Smiths, The Queen is Dead, but for me it hasn't aged in quite the same way. That being said I absolutely adore this song.
3. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
Ok so maybe a girl in college once put this song on a mix tape for me and that is why to this day it holds a special place in my heart. Truth is it is just a special song.
2. What About Love by Til Tuesday
I love everything about this song. It is perfect.
1. Cross My Heart by Everything But the Girl
Best lyricist of her generation and some of the best lyrics she ever wrote. No one writes about this character better than Tracey Thorn. The line about being "Wish me anywhere but home, drunk and on the end of your phone," was perfect in 1986 and perfect in 2024.
By 1985 it feels like we have left the 70's far far behind. There is also a good blend of music here that I was into in high school and into in college, but the difference in time is no longer that relevant.
20. Rain On the Scarecrow by John Mellencamp
OK let's get into the fall of the Democratic party in rural America. Watch the opening of this video and you see three young farmers talking. These men would all have been voting Democrat in 1985 and this song was in response to the banking practices that had become the norm with all the deregulation of the banking industry under Reagan. Today all these guys and their families all likely vote Republican. It's incredible how much things can change in 40 years. Thank you Bill Clinton. I'll leave it there.
19. I Want the One I Can't Have by The Smiths
I wouldn't discover The Smiths until I was in college. I can still remember the first time I listened to this album Meat is Murder, their second album. Brilliant!! Best album they ever made and a huge influence.
18. Cloudbusting by Kate Bush
This is Kate Bush in a new plane of existence from her earlier work. Just a brilliant artist and a wonderful song. If you don't know the story about the songs look it up, very interesting.
17. Nowhere Fast by The Smiths
There are a few songs, especially when you are younger, that you hear and they completely resonate with you. I remember hearing "Born to Run" for the first time in high school, I remember hearing "Nowhere Fast" for the first time in college.
16. In Between Days by The Cure
I have always thought that Robert Smith's genius is well under appreciated. The same guy who's band broke into the mainstream with "The Forest" made this song. One thing that came out of this time of music was this idea of writing upbeat sounding songs that actually have very sad lyrics. Here is a great example that would inspire a lot of writers including those making hits today like Charlie XCS whether they know it or not.
15. Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears
I liked this song from the first time I heard it and I've never tired of it. It feels so mid 1980's in a way that is hard to explain. But if someone wanted me to define the sound of the 1980's this would be a good pick.
14. The Sweetest Taboo by Sade
Wow just so perfect. Love this song and never tire of it. It's one of those songs that just makes you want to tap your foot and feel cool. I remember reading a review of Sade in Rolling Stone Magazine when this album was out. The guy reviewing them had gone to see them in concert and was amazed at how much he enjoyed their show. I get it.
13. Take On Me by a-ha
Definitely my album of the year in 1985. Their next album would be even better in my view, but this was really their one shot in the US and then they faded away in our country. A good band for along time, but in many ways this was their best work. My kids love this song and if you haven't seen the modern acoustic take where they are performing this for bunch of mid 40s women check it out. It's great.
12. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore by The Smiths
It's like they took Franny and Zooey and put it into song form in some way. Not sure how they did that. There is something about this song that I still connect to today just as I did at age 18. There is a loneliness and a cruelty to the world that those of us who can relate to Franny I don't think can ever get past.
11. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
Probably the perfect video, because this is a perfect driving song. The best song Tears for Fears ever did and that's a pretty good feat. They are a band who I've always believed completely burned out for everyone in 1985.
10. Driver 8 by R.E.M.
OK this is the second best R.E.M. song and a brilliant album. These two albums are for me the peak of R.E.M. though I would hang with them through a few more albums.
9. Plum Dumb by The Dead Milkmen
This is a great album that maybe hasn't aged so well, but I still love this song. It's funny I'm not even sure why I like this song so much. Maybe because it feels so 1985 and so youthful in a way that I'm not sure exists anymore.
8. The Boy Who Cried Wolf by The Style Council
Wow some big hitter albums in 1985. Really love this album and this song. I would discover these guys in college and this album in 1987. Easily one of the best albums ever made in my view but this is really the only standout single type song on the album.
7. Shoot Me Down by Everything But the Girl
This is the first song of theirs that really grabbed me and I happily went with them wherever they wanted to go.
6. To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang Chung
They had some big hit that I absolutely hated, but I absolutely love this song.
5. Is It a Crime by Sade
Probably the best vocal performance Sade ever did for an album. The band would go on to make better albums and better songs even, but this is Sade the singer at her best.
4. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
What can you say about a song that would come back 40 years later to be number 1. It's brilliant.
3. Well I Wonder by The Smiths
This is my favorite Smiths song. The music is perfect, the lyrics brilliant. The Smiths are not for everyon, but they are still special to me.
2. Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
My most favorite ever TV and music moment was this song on Miami Vice. This is a song I fall back to quite often.
1. Into the Groove by Madonna
If you knew me in 1985 you would have easily guest what was number 1 if you knew this song was in the pool. I have declared this as my favorite song all time for the last 39 years and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Madonna would never top this song even though I think her later work was better than this era of work. If someone wants to know Madonna this is the song.
Wow by 1984 I was becoming a real romantic. Album of the year had to be Purple Rain but there were some big hitters in 1984 and we get the first Everything But the Girl album.
20. Downbound Train by Bruce Springsteen
Always one of my favorite songs off of this album.
19. (Don't Go Back To) Rockville by R.E.M.
For me this is R.E.M's best album. It still has that rawness of Murmur but so much more in your face.
18. Fascination by Everything But the Girl
One of the greatest songs ever written, absolutely a gem of a song. The live version they would release later is even better.
17. Hand In Glove by The Smiths
I can still remember the first time I ever listened to this album. I bought the cassette and I still remember popping it into the cassette player in my car and listening to it for the first time. This is The Smiths debut, but I wouldn't get introduced to them for a few more years.
16. The Beautiful Ones by Prince
Like I said album of the year and this is a great song.
15. The Unforgettable Fire by U2
I've always been a big fan of this song.
14. Take Me With U by Prince
What a wonderful song. This album is so good from start to finish. At the time I did not appreciate it and I'm glad I grew up to appreciate it.
13. Bobby Jean by Bruce Springsteen
I think this is Springsteen's best album and his most influential album. This song in many ways best represents what I love so much about his music.
12. Love Don't Live Here Anymore by Madonna
Another great album and definitely the best of what I think of as the early part of her career.
11. Careless Whisper by Wham!
Here's the thing. If I had to wrap up 1984 in one song/video it would be this song/video from Wham! It is so 1984.
10. Do What You Do by Jermaine Jackson
Better than any song Michael Jackson ever recorded.
9. The Saturday Boy by Billy Bragg
I love the fact that Billy Bragg could write about male youth in a way that is so honest and touching.
8. Girl With Grey Eyes by Big Country
I did not know this song in 1984, but would discover this album a few years later when I bought it at a Kroger in Paducah for $1. Best $1 purchase I ever made I think.
7. Show Me by Pretenders
This is such a beautiful song.
6. When Doves Cry by Prince
So this is what if feels like when doves cry :)
5. So. Central Rain by R.E.M.
Best song R.E.M. ever made.
4. Angel by Madonna
If in 1986 you had told me that I would put "Angel" on a list like this ahead of "So. Central Rain" I would have said you were crazy, but here we are. Such a great song.
3. Flame of the West by Big Country
This song feels more relevant all the time and it's the best song Big Country ever made.
2. St. Swithin's Day by Billy Bragg
The best song Billy Bragg ever made. Bragg explores masculinity in a way that not many have ever explored it in song or poetry or writing and it is a special gift to the world.
1. Missing You by Diana Ross
Absolutely adore this song. I can so clearly remember driving to golf practice and hearing this on the radio. Diana Ross, in case you can't tell from these lists, is I believe a very special and unique talent. Her vocal performance on this song is just perfection.
By 1983 we are in full 1980's swing. REM has their first album released, U2 is really hitting their stride, Madonna has arrived, bring on the 80's.
20. Talk About the Passion by R.E.M.
For me R.E.M. really explodes with their second album, but this is a great song.
19. Pale Shelter by Tears for Fears
I didn't discover this song until my college days.
18. Photography by Def Leppard
Great song off of a good album. They would explode with their next album, and I hated everything about that album.
17. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
If someone have never heard of U2 and they wanted me to pick one song to represent them I would pick this song. It's not my favorite, but I think it sums up U2.
16. Let's Go to Bed by The Cure
Here we are moving into more pop territory with The Cure and it's a wonderful place to be.
15. Age of Consent by New Order
One of the most iconic opening bass lines in music.
14. China Girl by David Bowie
I always really liked this song and still do.
13. One Day by The Church
Was so into this song in 1986.
12. Physical Attraction by Madonna
As a huge Madonna fan I'm glad we are getting to her music, but I'm not sure I was that excited about it in 1983. We'll have to chug along and see when we find that moment with her.
11. Everyday I Write the Book by Elvis Costello & the Attractions
This is the first Elvis Costello song I became aware of in 1987.
10. Eyes Without a Face by Billy Idol
I always have really liked this song.
9. S.O.S. by ABC
ABC in many ways was a one album hit wonder, but I really liked their second album and I thnk this album represents it very well.
8. Wrapped Around Your Finger by The Police
I'm not the biggest Police fan in the world, but I love the mood of this song so much. Great video.
7. Suddenly Last Summer by The Motels
OK my Motels story from the last post, may actually be about this song. Doesn't matter they were both great songs.
6. New Year's Day by U2
War is a great album and I have always loved this song. Still sounds great.
5. Promises, Promises by Naked Eyes
Absolutely loved this song in 1983 and still find it to be a joy to listen to.
4. Institutionalized by Suicidal Tendencies
Repo Man would include this song in its soundtrack in 1984 and that is where I would get introduced to it. Of all the punk stuff that came out during this early 80's time this is the song.
3. A New England by Billy Bragg
It would be 1987 when I would discover Billy Bragg. I loved this song from the first time I ever heard it. Such a great song. If a space alien came to me and wanted me to provide them a song that represents the mind of a man in his early 20's, I would give them this song.
2. Gold by Spandau Ballet
Easily my album of the year in 1983. Still love this album but this song is what got me to buy it.
1. Blister In the Sun by Violent Femmes
Today I would say the best album of 1983 was Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes and it isn't even close. One of these days I need to make an all-time album ranking. This album would probably be in my top 10.
The biggest difference between the 1981 mix and the 1982 mix for me is when I found the music. So much of the 1981 mix was music I was really into in 1981, but the 1982 mix is quite different. The majority of it was music I discovered in college.
20. Words by Missing Persons
I really didn't get into Missing Persons until I was in college to kick this list off.
19. Red Planes by Weekend
Just a great album. I played this song to death my third year in college.
18. To Look At You by INXS
As popular as INXS got they never topped this song.
17. Many Happy Returns by ABC
OK now this album was my album of the year in 1982.
16. The Space Between by Roxy Music
I was working at a Wendy's and was going to be waiting with some friends for tickets to the Springsteen concert. A woman I worked with at Wendy's gave me a tape to listen to with this Roxy Music album on one side and Janis Ian's, Between the Lines on the other side. Still love both albums to this day.
15. Save a Prayer by Duran Duran
By far their best song.
14. Somebody Saved Me by Pete Townshend
I played this album to death my freshman year at college.
13. Breaking Us In Two by Joe Jackson
When Joe Jackson writes a good pop song he really writes a good pop song.
12. Allentown by Billy Joel
My favorite Billy Joel song.
11. Destination Unknown by Missing Persons
This is a very good song of a solid album.
10. Only the Lonely by The Motels
Can't listen to the Motels without thinking of a friend of mine. He showed up late one day to first period and I asked him why he was late. "The 'Only the Lonely' video came on when I was about to leave," he said.
9. To Turn You On by Roxy Music
I think all of Roxy Music's experimental stuff was all leading to this moment.
8. New Frontier by Donald Fagen
Love this song, great video.
7. Love My Way by The Psychedelic Furs
Same rule goes for these guys that go for Joe Jackson.
6. Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson
Still one of my all time favorite videos and songs.
5. Summerdays by Weekend
In 1982 my album of the year was Lexicon of Love by ABC, now it would probably be La Variete by Weekend.
4. The Metro by Berlin
If an alien landed and asked me to provide them with an example of New Wave music this would likely be my pick.
3. Stone Cold by Rainbow
OK now this song was a big hit for me in 1982.
2. Nostalgia by Weekend
Just a fantastic song. Just turn off the lights, put on the headphones, and enjoy.
1. As the Years Go Passing By by George Thorogood & the Destroyers
I absolutely loved this song in 1982, played it to death. Will never forget.
When I was working on the 1970's playlists I found that the transition from the 60's into the 70's was a bit slow. If you look at the 1971 mix for instance there are a lot of influences you can feel there from the 60's. 1981 to me feels completely different. Of course there are a few holdovers in this list, but all in all it feels like something brand new and that's kind of what was happening with music in 1981.
20. Working for the Weekend by Loverboy
I had this album and it was a good album. I can listen to it today and I feel like it has held up OK.
19. Private Eyes by Daryl Hall & John Oates
I loved this song in 1981.
18. Who's Crying Now by Journey
I had this album as well, loved this song back in 1981. I don't listen to Journey these days, but it was fun hearing this song again.
17. Tom Sawyer by Rush
I was never a big Rush fan, but had a lot of friends who were and this is a great song.
16. Tempted by Squeeze
This song always makes me think of being in college and thinking I'm cooler than I ever was.
15. Pretty in Pink by The Psychedelic Furs
I was a big Psychedelic Furs fan and this was their best song.
14. Yours Truly, 2095 by ELO
Probably would have been my album of the year back in 1981.
13. My Kinda Lover by Billy Squier
Oh wait this would have been my album of the year back in 1981!
12. Harden My Heart by Quarterflash
Listening this song that I had almost completely forgotten about, I was reminded of just how much I liked it.
11. Her Town Too by James Taylor
My favorite James Taylor song.
10. Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg
I'm not sure why but I absolutely love this song and always have.
9. Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go-Go's
Love this video and love this song.
8. Waiting on a Friend by The Rolling Stones
This may be my favorite Stones song.
7. Spellbound by Siouxsie and the Banshees
OK now we are getting into the Siouxsie sound that I really love.
6. Kids In America by Kim Wilde
Had this 45. This was one of my daughter's favorites when she was 7 or 8.
5. Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham
Had this 45 and still have it. Never got tired of this song.
4. Burnin' For You by Blue Oyster Cult
Great song and even better video.
3. In the Dark by Billy Squier
This was such a good album. A shame that MTV destroyed his career.
2. On the Loose by Saga
Oh wait this had to be my album of the year!!
1. 867-5309 by Tommy Tutone
This is such a great song. If someone flew here from outer space and said what is this rock and roll you speak of, I think this song could be a great representative of the art form.
1979 was an interesting year. There is an interesting change in the air. Listening to this mix back it feels so disjointed in many ways.
20. Train in Vain (Stand by Me) by The Clash
I'm not the biggest Clash fan, but this is a great song.
19. Love in a Void by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Back in 1979 I had no idea music like this existed. I wouldn't discover Siouxsie for another 7 years.
18. Cruisin' by Smokey Robinson
This song seems ideal for 1979 as it feels like the end of the R&B era that carried over from the 60's. We'll see as we get into 1980, but it all does seem to be changing.
17. Good Times by Chic
One of the changes I see coming is reflected in music like this song from Chic. This is heavily influenced by the funk movement happening in the 70's which has been very underground and also artists like Sly & the Family Stone. Those influences will continue to be very important as we move forward.
16. Cars by Gary Numan
I bought this 45 back in 1979. Little did I know this was seen as one of the early steps toward new wave.
15. Three Imaginary Boys by The Cure
The debut album from The Cure. Another band I would discover in 1986.
14. I Wanna Be Your Lover by Prince
This song would be Prince's first number 1 song on the R&B chart and it went all the way to 11 on the US chart.
13. We Are Family by Sister Sledge
This song is 1979.
12. Ladies Night by Kool & the Gang
I loved this song in 1979.
11. London Calling by The Clash
Like I said I'm not the biggest Clash fan, but this song is The Clash and so you can't just ignore it.
10. The Logical Song by Supertramp
If I were to pick an album of the year from 1979 it would probably be this Supertramp album, Breakfast in America. I really liked this song then and still listen to it all the time now.
9. The Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band
I always thought this single came out sooner than 1979. Another 45 I bought.
8. I Can't Tell You Why by Eagles
This is probably my favorite Eagles song. I may have already said that about another one, but I really do like this song. So pretty.
7. Rock With You by Michael Jackson
This song always makes me think of one of our fellow fifth graders doing a dance routine to this song for the whole class.
6. Breakfast in America by Supertramp
Great song.
5. Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Joe Jackson
This is another great song. So iconic to me.
4. Deja Vu by Dionne Warwick
OK I had completely forgotten about this song until I was doing this exercise. I loved this song in 1979 and it still sounds fantastic today.
3. Rainbow Connection by Kermit
Ah the Muppet Show, the Muppet Movie. Such great memories from 1979.
2. Images by Saga
For a long time this was my favorite song by Saga. Just love the sound of it. Maybe no other song represents their early work better than this song.
1978 was a good year. You can really feel a change in the air with music and there are some real standout albums in 1978. Kate Bush explodes onto the scene, The Cars put out what is one of the best debut albums of all time. Lots and lots of good music.
20. Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty
There was that whole 70's easy rock movement and this song in many ways for me represents it. In my mind I also think of this song as kind of the end of it. Curious to do 1979 and see what we see.
19. Just What I Needed by The Cars
This is an amazing debut album. So many good songs, but this one for me is the perfect Cars song. If you want to introduce The Cars to someone put this song on.
18. Cry Together by The O'Jays
OK I discovered this song in like 2005 or so when a friend of mine encouraged me to listen to all the O'Jays albums. Love this song.
17. Tired World by Saga
This is off of Saga's debut album. I've been playing this song a lot lately just for the guitar solo. I really like Ian Crichton as a guitarist.
16. You Belong to Me by Carly Simon
This is a great song.
15. Blue Collar Man by Styx
I debated whether to do Renegade or Blue Collar Man for this list. It's probably been 40 years since I've heard this song and the second I heard that opening I remembered it all.
14. In the Warm Room by Kate Bush
Kate Bush put out two albums in 1978. This has always been my favorite song on Lionheart.
13. Runnin' With the Devil by Van Halen
Another great debut album. I was never a big Van Halen fan growing up but I have come around to them as I've gotten older. I had a hard time deciding what song to pick off this album, but nothing represents them better than this song. Now when I listen to this music I'm struck by how incredibly influential it would be on so much of the 80's rock that would follow.
12. Mirage by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Another debut album and another very influential artist. If you want to introduce someone to the sound of Siouxsie and the Banshees this is a great song to start with.
11. Heart of Glass by Blondie
Blondie put out two albums in 1978, their second album Parallel Lines made them stars. Love this song.
10. I'm Every Woman by Chaka Khan
I have learned that Chaka Khan is in many ways the mother of modern R&B female vocalists. No one really sounds like Aretha or Patti. They all want to be Chaka.
9. Is This Love by Bob Marley
What a great song.
8. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
If I were to pick a song to represent 1978 this would probably be it.
7. Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
Such a classic.
6. Here Come Trouble by Tuff Darts
I was tempted to pick a few songs off of this album for this list, but just narrowed it down to this one.
5. Spellbinder by Foreigner
OK this song ranks so high because of how much I loved it when I was in middle school.
4. Candy's Room by Bruce Springsteen
Always my favorite song off of this album, it has held up well.
3. Moving in Stereo by The Cars
The use of this song in "Fast Times" is just amazingly brilliant.
2. Reminiscing by Little River Band
When I would work on Saturdays for my dad I was usually working alone. I wasn't allowed to have music and I often found myself just singing songs. This is one I would always come back to.
1. Feel It by Kate Bush
Off of her debut album this song is Kate Bush to me more than any other.
An interesting year 1977. One thing that stood out to me when putting this together is how long so many songs are. I also feel like if there were a graph we'd see some sort of change about to happen here going into 1978. Anyhow here are my 20 songs.
20. (Love Is) Thicker than Water by Andy Gibb
I always liked Andy Gibb. Listening to this song in 2024 I realized it has aged very well.
19. Feel So Good by Chuck Mangione
Maybe nothing says 1977 more than this song, well if it weren't for Saturday Night Fever.
18. Alison by Elvis Costello
Costello is someone I discovered in college and really more as an influence on the people I really liked than from his own music.
17. Heroes by David Bowie
This is 1977, but honestly this song could have been on soundtrack of any John Hughes teen movie and everyone would have thought it was a new release. Such an influential song.
16. I Feel Love by Donna Summer
It's funny in putting together this list I could never skip past this song. It gets me every time.
15. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett
Such a classic.
14. Strawberry Letter 23 by The Brothers Johnson
These guys didn't do a lot, but for a couple of songs they really knocked it out of the park.
13. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
You knew the album had to be represented on this list. What song would you have picked?
12. Psycho Killer by Talking Heads
I'm not a Talking Heads fan, but this song is great.
11. The Closer I Get to You by Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway
Such a beautiful song. I wish music like this would make some sort of a comeback on the R&B side.
10. Mr. Blue Sky by ELO
Always liked this song. Always puts a smile on my face.
9. Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
It seems like this did make it on a number of 80's teen movies. :)
8. Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley & the Wailers
I really like this song.
7. Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
This really does define 1977, at least when it comes to what was happening in pop culture.
6. Dream of the Archer by Heart
Meanwhile Heart was putting out their best album. This song makes me think of sitting around the house as a kid playing board games and messing around with D&D.
5. Anarchy in the UK by Sex Pistols
Let punk begin. This is a great song, just great.
4. Just Remember I Love You by Firefall
This is an all time love song for me. It's so pretty and I really like the lyrics.
3. Dust in the Wind by Kansas
This song has aged extremely well. Sounds just as good today as it did in 1977.
2. Barracuda by Heart
It's funny but going through this 1977 music I realized just how different Heart was with anything else that was going on at the time. At least that was popular.
1. Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton
This is an all timer for me. By far the best song Dolly Parton ever did. I really like the album version. It has a sense of sadness about the whole thing that I really like. That gets lost on the live versions.
