1980

	We Don't Talk Anymore - Cliff Richard  2 weeks No.1  between week 3, 1980 and week 4, 1980 Label: EMI - Writer: Alan Tarney - Producer: Bruce Welch "We Don't Talk Anymore", released in July 1979, was written and produced by Alan Tarney and Bruce Welch, two members of Cliff Richard's former backing group, the Shadows. Coming just before his 39th birthday, and just when it was announced that he was to receive the Order Of The British Empire for services to music, the record cemented his comeback, which continued well into the 1980s and 1990s. In United Kingdom "We Don't Talk Anymore" was Cliff Richard's 10th number one smash and his first since "Congratulations" in 1968. It went also to number one in Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Ireland, furthermore no.2 in Italy, no.3 in Australia and no.7 in the United States.
	Another Brick in The Wall (Part II) - Pink Floyd  14 weeks No.1  between week 5, 1980 and week 18, 1980 Labels: Harvest / Columbia - Writer: Roger Waters - Producers: Bob Ezrin, David Gilmour, James Guthrie, Roger Waters "Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)" was released on November 30, 1979 as a part of Pink Floyd's rock opera The Wall that explores Pink, a jaded rockstar whose eventual self-imposed isolation from society is symbolized by a wall. The protest song "Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)" against rigid schooling, features a children's choir. It describes the protagonist's traumas including his overprotective mother and abusive schoolteachers become metaphorical bricks in the wall. Dave Gilmour recorded his impressive guitar solo in one take, with no editing or mixing. The song went to no.1 in many countries around the world, like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ireland and it was the biggest hit of the year 1980 globally.
	Call Me - Blondie  4 weeks No.1  between week 19, 1980 and week 22, 1980 Label: Chrysalis - Writers: Debbie Harry, Giorgio Moroder - Producer: Giorgio Moroder "Call Me" is the main theme song of the 1980 film American Gigolo and was published on February 1, 1980. Italian disco producer Giorgio Moroder originally asked Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac to help compose and perform a song for the soundtrack, but she declined as a recently signed contract with Modern Records prevented her from working with him. It was at this time that Moroder turned to Debbie Harry. Moroder presented her a rough instrumental track called "Man Machine". Harry was asked to write the lyrics and melody, a process that Harry states took a mere few hours. The lyrics were written from the perspective of the main character in the film, a male prostitute. "Call Me" went to the top position in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
	Funkytown - Lipps, Inc.  10 weeks No.1  between week 23, 1980 and week 32, 1980 Label: Casablanca - Writer: Steven Greenberg - Producer: Steven Greenberg "Funkytown" was the lead single from the disco act's debut album Mouth To Mouth (1979). Written by musician, composer, and record producer Steven Greenberg and sung by Cynthia Johnson, the song expresses the singer's pining for a metaphorical place that will "keep me movin', keep me movin' with some energy". Steven wrote the song while the band was living in Minneapolis with dreams of moving to New York. The Time Out magazine reported that 'Funkytown' expresses a simple, repetitive yearning for the pulse of a bigger city, goosed by a killer ten-note synth riff. 'Gotta make a move to a town that's right for me', sings Cynthia Johnson in a robotic, vocoderized voice (a precursor to the audio-tune sound) before busting out an unmodified, soulful wail, pleading for a trip to the party destination of her dreams. Released in March 1980, 'Funkytown' came late to the disco-party, but gave it a jolt of electricity... and it was a huge success, no.1 in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, and New Zealand. On the Global Year-End Chart 1980 'Funkytown' reached no.2 with a total of 9,479,000 points.
	Upside Down - Diana Ross  9 weeks No.1  between week 33, 1980 and week 42, 1980 Label: Motown - Writers: Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards - Producers: Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards It was a great comeback and also the biggest smash in the career of the former Supremes lead singer: "Upside Down", released in July 1980, was written and produced by Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. The song was issued as the lead single from Diana's tenth solo studio album, simply titled as Diana. As would be widely reported later, their studio liaison with Ross was not a success. She disliked the results of their sessions and gave them specific remixing instructions; they made slight changes and suggested that if she still did not like them, she could get them remixed herself. Ross did so, reworking the whole album with Motown producer Russ Terrana to downplay the funk element and make her voice more prominent. Rogers and Edwards were initially furious, and considered having their production credit removed. They eventually decided to leave the track unedited, as the sound they used for Chic remained heavily influential on the album. However, "Upside Down" was a huge global success, reached the no.1 position in the United States, Australia, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
	Emotional Rescue - Rolling Stones  1 week No.1  week 34, 1980 Label: Rolling Stones - Writers: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards - Producers: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards "Emotional Rescue", released on June 20, 1980, is a disco-influenced number, somewhat similar to the band's 1978 hit "Miss You". The song is notable as one of the earliest songs by the group to show the growing rift between Jagger and Richards. Although Richards plays guitar and added backing vocals towards the end of this track, he's believed to have disliked the disco-like direction in which Jagger was trying to take the band. Mick Jagger wrote the song on an electric piano and from the beginning it was sung in falsetto (similar to Marvin Gaye's lead vocal on his 1977 hit "Got To Give It Up"). When the song was brought into the studio they kept the electric piano and falsetto lead. With Ronnie Wood on bass and Charlie Watts on drums they worked out the song. "Emotional Rescue" had it biggest success in North America with a no.1 position in Canada and no.3 in the United States.
	Woman In Love - Barbra Streisand  9 weeks No.1  between week 43, 1980 and week 51, 1980 Label: Columbia - Writers: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb - Producers: Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten, Karl Richardson "Woman In Love" is a fantastic power ballad, released on August 16, 1980 and taken from Streisand's album Guilty, completely written by the Bee Gees. The song received the 1980 Ivor Novello award for the best song musically and lyrically. It became the biggest smash of Barbra's music career and with a total of 11,227,000 points "Woman In Love" was the fifth most successful smash of 1980s, behind "We Are The World" by USA For Africa, "Flashdance...What A Feeling" by Irene Cara, "Another Brick In The Wall" by Pink Floyd, and "I Just Called To Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder. The music video for the song included clips from the Hollywood movie "A Star Is Born", starring Streisand and Kris Kristofferson and other movies she made in the 1970s. "Woman In Love" jumped atop the hitlist in almost all countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, and Switzerland.
	(Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon  9 weeks No.1  between week 52, 1980 and week 8, 1981 Label: Geffen - Writer: John Lennon - Producers: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Jack Douglas "(Just Like) Starting Over" was released on October 23, 1980 as the lead single from Lennon's seventh and final studio album Double Fantasy (1980). Although its origins were in unfinished demo compositions like "Don't Be Crazy" and "My Life", it was one of the last songs to be completed in time for the Double Fantasy sessions. "We didn't hear it until the last day of rehearsal," producer Jack Douglas said in 2005. Lennon finished the song while on holiday in Bermuda, and recorded it at The Hit Factory in New York City just weeks later. Before Lennon was shot in New York City on December 8, 1980, the single had reached no.7 globally. After his death "(Just Like) Starting Over" propelled to no.1 for nine weeks. It went also at the summit in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, and Ireland.

1981

	Woman - John Lennon  9 weeks No.1  between week 9, 1981 and week 17, 1981 Label: Geffen - Writer: John Lennon - Producers: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Jack Douglas "Woman", another tune from Lennon's final studio album Double Fantasy (1980), was released on January 8, 1981. The track was chosen by Lennon to be the second single from the album, and it was the first Lennon single issued after his murder on December 8, 1980. Lennon wrote "Woman" as an ode to his wife Yoko Ono, and to all woman. It begins with Lennon whispering, 'for the other half of the sky...', a paraphrase of a Chineses proverb, once used by Mao Zedong. The romantic track climbed to the top position in United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland, in the United States it reached no.2.
	9 To 5 (Morning Train) - Sheena Easton  1 week No.1  week 18, 1981 Label: EMI - Writer: Florrie Palmer - Producer: Christopher Neill "9 To 5 (Morning Train)" was firstly released on May 16, 1980 in United Kingdom (later in the rest of the world) and becoming the biggest hit for the Scottish singer and actress. The song is about a woman who waits at home all day for her man to come home from work. In the United States and Canada, where the tune reached no.1, it was released under the title "Morning Train (Nine To Five)" to avoid confusion with the Dolly Parton song of the same name, which charted nearly simultaneously with Easton's record.
	Stars On 45 - Stars On 45  8 weeks No.1  between week 19, 1981 and week 26, 1981 Labels: CNR / Radio - Writers: Robbie Van Leeuwen, Jeff Barry, Andy Kim, John Lennon, Paul McCartney - Producer: Jaap Eggermont The origin of the single was the Netherlands where numerous bootleg disco singles were floating around. Willem van Kooten, the owner of one of the copyrights, decided to make a similar, legitimate record of a 12 inch single titled "Let's Do It In The 80s Great Hits" credited to a Canadian group called Passion (though the snippets of songs were taken from the original recordings). He found singers who sounded similar to John Lennon and Paul McCartney and decided to make the single focus on the Beatles. The medley was later extended to a full 16-minute album side and appeared on the Stars On 45's first full-length release, titled simply as Long Play Album. In some countries, including United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, the band was credited as Starsound and only the medley itself was named "Stars On 45". Released in January 1981, "Stars On 45" went to the top position in the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, Denmark, and Ireland. On the Year-End Chart 1981 the medley landed at no.2 with a total of 8.107.000 points.
	Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes  10 weeks No.1  between week 27, 1981 and week 36, 1981 Label: EMI - Writers: Donna Weiss, Jackie DeShannon - Producer: Val Garay "Bette Davis Eyes" was written in 1974 by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, the latter of whom recorded the song that same year on her album New Arrangement. In this original incarnation, the track is performed in an 'R&B lite' arrangement, featuring a prominent uptempo piano part, as well as flourishes of pedal steel guitar and horns. However, it was not until March 1981, when Kim Carnes recorded her version of the song in a radically different synthesizer-based arrangement, that "Bette Davis Eyes" became a sensational commercial success. It was the biggest smash of the year 1981 worldwide with a total of 10.602.000 points and reached the top position in the United States, Germany, France, Australia, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway. Actress Bette Davis was 73 years old at this time, and wrote letters to Carners, Weiss and DeShannon to thank all three of them for making her 'a part of modern times' and that her grandson now looked up to her. "Bette Davis Eyes" won the Grammy Awards for Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year.
	Hold On Tight - Electric Light Orchestra  2 weeks No.1  between week 37, 1981 and week 38, 1981 Label: Jet - Writer: Jeff Lynne - Producer: Jeff Lynne "Hold On Tight" was released on July 17, 1981 as the lead single of the band's ninth studio album Time (1981). It's a rousing rock & roll tune with fiery electric guitars and synthesized cellos. The song was the first global number one smash for Jeff Lynne and his Electric Light Orchestra. On the national hitlists "Hold On Tight" topped in Spain and Switzerland, in Germany and Austria it peaked at no.2, in United Kingdom at no.4 and in the United States at no.10.
	Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie  5 weeks No.1  between week 39, 1981 and week 43, 1981 Label: Motown - Writer: Lionel Richie - Producer: Lionel Richie The soulful ballad "Endless Love" was released on August 1, 1981 as the title track to the soundtrack for the Franco Zeffirelli's film adaption of Scott Spencer's novel Endless Love. Jamie Bernstein, as the character Susan, sings the song during the course of the movie. While the film was a modest box-office success, the song became a big smash globally, went to no.1 in the United States, Canada, and Australia, furthermore reached the Top 10 in many other countries.
	Start Me Up - Rolling Stones  2 weeks No.1  between week 44, 1981 and week 45, 1981 Label: Rolling Stones - Writers: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards - Producer: The Glimmer Twins "Start Me Up" was released on August 14, 1981 as the lead single from their 1981 album Tattoo You. The basic track was recorded during the January and March 1978 sessions for the Rolling Stones' album Some Girls. The song began as a reggae-rock track named "Never Stop", but after dozens of takes it was abandoned. "Start Me Up" was not chosen for the album and was saved for later use. Overdubs were completed on the track in early 1981 in New York City. The song opens with what has since become a trademark riff for Keith Richards. It is this, coupled with Charlie Watt's steady backbeat and Bill Wyman's echoing bass, that comprises most of the song. "Start Me Up" went to no.1 in Australia and to the runner-up slot in the United States and Canada.
	Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - Police  1 week No.1  week 46, 1981 Label: A&M - Writer: Sting - Producers: Hugh Padgham, Stewart Copeland, Sting, Andy Summers Although "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" was released on November 2, 1981, Sting wrote it as early as late 1976 prior to the formation of Police. The rousing new wave / pop rock / reggae tune landed finally of the band's fourth studio album Ghost In The Machine (1981). Unlike other Police songs, it features an arrangement dominated by piano and synthesizers. The lyrics concern unrequited love, telling the story of a hapless romantic who has attempted to pursue their romantic interest for a long period of time, but is too afraid to do so. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" topped the hitlist in United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
	Physical - Olivia Newton-John  13 weeks No.1  between week 47, 1981 and week 7, 1982 Labels: MCA / Jet - Writers: Steve Kipner, Terry Shaddick - Producer: John Farrar "Physical" was released on September 28, 1981 as the lead single from her eleventh studio album with the same name (1981). Originally intended to offer it to Rod Stewart, also had been offered to Tina Turner by her manager Roger Davies. But when Turner declined, Davies gave the song to Olivia Newton-John, another of his clients. The song's guitar solo was performed by Steve Lukather, best known as a founding member of the American rock band Toto. The controversial music video, directed by Brian Grant, featured Newton-John in a gym with well-built men in the last half. Some of the scenes have sexual subtext, such as the shower scene or when Newton-John rubs herself on the men. "Physical" is the most successful hit of Olivia's career, stayed ten weeks at no.1 in the United States alone, and went also to the top position in Canada, Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, and Switzerland. "Physical" ranked at no.6 on the Year-End Chart 1981 and at same place one year later.

1982

	Centerfold - J.Geils Band  6 weeks No.1  between week 8, 1982 and week 13, 1982 Label: EMI - Writer: Seth Justman - Producer: Seth Justman The rousing power-pop smash "Centerfold" was released on September 13, 1981 as the lead single from their album Freeze Frame (1981). The song is about a man who is shocked to discover that his high school crush appeared in a centerfold spread for an unspecified men's magazine. The song's narrator is torn between conflicting feelings: his disappointment due to her loss of innocence, and his lust until the end of the song. "Centerfold" jumped at no.1 in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
	I Love Rock'n Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts  3 weeks No.1  between week 14, 1982 and week 16, 1982 Label: Boardwalk - Writers: Alan Merrill, Jake Hooker - Producers: Ritchie Cordell, Kenny Laguna, Glen Kolotkin The powerful hard-rock hymn "I Love Rock'n Roll" was first recorded by the British rock band the Arrows in 1975. With Joan Jett's cover version, released in December 1981, it became a massive smash hit globally with no.1 positions in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and New Zealand. The music video featured Joan Jett & The Blackhearts traveling to a small, dingy bar and then exciting the drunken crowd by performing the song and yelling out its chorus.
	Ebony And Ivory - Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder  14 weeks No.1  between week 17, 1982 and week 30, 1982 Labels: Odeon / Columbia - Writer: Paul McCartney - Producer: George Martin "Ebony And Ivory" was issued on March 29, 1982 as the lead single from McCartney's third solo studio album Tug Of War (1982). Paul wrote the song at his farm in Scotland. It aligns the black and white keys of a piano keyboard with the theme of racial harmony and integration. While writing the song, McCartney envisaged singing it with a black male singer. It marked the first time in McCartney's solo career that he had sung a duet with another major star. "Ebony And Ivory" went to number one in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ireland and reached the runner-up slot on the Year-End Chart 1982 with a total of 10.216.000 points.
	Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor  16 weeks No.1  between week 31, 1982 and week 46, 1982 Label: Scotti Brothers - Writers: Frankie Sullivan, Jim Peterik - Producers: Frankie Sullivan, Jim Peterik "Eye Of The Tiger" was released on May 31, 1982 as a single from the band's third album of the same name and was also the theme song for the 1982 film "Rocky III", which was released a day before the single. The song was written by Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik, and it was recorded at the request of "Rocky III" star, writer, and director Sylvester Stllone, after Queen denied him permission to use "Another One Bites The Dust", the song Stallone intended as the "Rocky III" theme. "Eye Of The Tiger" topped the hitlists in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Norway, Finland, Ireland, and reached also the no.1 position of the Global Year-End Chart 1982 with a total of 10,251,000 points.
	Heartbreaker - Dionne Warwick  2 weeks No.1  between week 47, 1982 and week 48, 1982 Label: Arista - Writers: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb - Producers: Gibb-Galuten-Richardson "Heartbreaker" was released in September 1982 as the lead single for Dionne's same-titled album. The song blended the Gibb brothers' two schools of songwriting: it has the clear verse and chorus structure favored by Robin and Maurice, yet also has the longer spun-out verses Barry now preferred, both well balanced, so that it has instant appeal. Barry Gibb's backing vocal is heard on the chorus. "Heartbreaker" topped the hitlists in Sweden and Portugal, furthermore it reached the runner-up slot United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland.
	It's Raining Again - Supertramp  4 weeks No.1  between week 49, 1982 and week 52, 1982 Label: A&M - Writers: Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson - Producers: Supertramp, Peter Hnederson "It's Raining Again" was released in October 1982 as the lead single for the seventh studio album "...Famous Last Words" (1982) and became the biggest hit for the British progressive rock band. The end of the song incorporates the old nursery rhyme "It's Raining, It's Pouring". The Cash-Box magazine wrote about the song, it's "vintage Supertramp with all of the elements that have made the group's sound so distinctive" and that it's "bouncy and hook-laden." "It's Raining Again" reached its highest positions in France, where it went to no.1, in Germany at no.3 and in Switzerland at no.2.

1983

	Maneater - Daryl Hall & John Oates  2 weeks No.1  between week 1, 1983 and week 2, 1983 Label: RCA - Writers: Sara Allen, Daryl Hall, John Oates - Producers: Daryl Hall, John Oates "Maneater" featured on the duo's eleventh studio album H2O (1982) and was released as a single in October 1982. John Oates has explained that while it's natural to assume the lyrics are "about a woman, the song actually was originally written about New York City in the '80s. It's about greed, avarice, and spoiled riches. But we have it in the setting of a girl because it's more relatable. The bassline of the song has a certain resemblance to Supreme's "You Can't Hurry Love". "Maneater" topped the national hitlists in the United States and Spain.
	Do You Really Want To Hurt Me - Culture Club  4 weeks No.1  between week 3, 1983 and week 9, 1983 Labels: Epic / Virgin - Writers: Roy Hay, Boy George, Mikey Craig, Jon Moss - Producer: Steve Levine "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" was released on September 6, 1982 as the third lift-off from the bands debut album Kissing To Be Clever (1982). The fantastic reggae tune rose rapidly in the charts after the group's first appearance on the British TV show Top Of The Pops, which resulted in band leader Boy George's androgynous style of dress and sexual ambiguity making newspaper headlines. In 2007, Boy George said that the song was "not just about Culture Club's drummer Jon Moss, my boyfriend at the time. It was about all the guys i dated at that time in my life." "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" went to the summit in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, and Ireland.
	Down Under - Men At Work  3 weeks No.1  between week 5, 1983 and week 7, 1983 Labels: CBS / Columbia - Writers: Colin Hay, Ron Strykert - Producer: Peter McIan "Down Under" was originally released 1980 in Australia as the B-side to their first local single, "Keypunch Operator". This early version of "Down Under" has a slightly different tempo and arrangement from the later best-known version, released on November 2, 1981 as the second single from the band's debut album Business As Usual (1981). The lyric to the new wave / reggae song depicts an Australian man travelling the globe, meeting people who are interested in his home country. "Down Under" is perceived as a patriotic song in Australia; it remains popular and is often played at sporting events. It reached the top position there in December 1981, considerably later it went to no.1 in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Ireland.
	Billie Jean - Michael Jackson  7 weeks No.1  between week 10, 1983 and week 16, 1983 Label: Epic - Writer: Michael Jackson - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson "Billie Jean" was released on January 2, 1983, as the second single from Michael Jackson's legendary sixth studio album Thriller (1982). The innovative track blends post-disco, R&B, funk, and dance-pop. The lyrics describe a woman, Billie Jean, who claims that the narrator is the father of her newborn son, which he denies. Michael said the lyrics were based on groupies' claim about his older brothers when he toured with them as the Jackson 5. The music video, directed by Steve Barron, was the first video by a black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV. Michael's performance of the song on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever on May 16, 1983, introduced a number of Jackson's signatures, including the famous moonwalk, black sequined jacked, and high-water pants. "Billie Jean" topped the national hitlists in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, and it reached the runner-up slot on the Year-End Chart 1983.
	Let's Dance - David Bowie  10 weeks No.1  between week 17, 1983 and week 26, 1983 Label: EMI - Writer: David Bowie - Producers: David Bowie, Nile Rodgers "Let's Dance" was released on March 14, 1983, as the title track of Bowie's 15th studio album. Co-produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, it was recorded in late 1982 at the Power Station in New York City. With the assistance of engineer Bob Clearmountain, Rodgers transformed the song from its folk origins to a dance number through studio effects and new musicians Bowie had yet to work with. Bowie hired then-unknown Texas guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, who added a blues-edge. Embracing rock, funk, dance, new wave nd post-disco, the full-length seven-minute track features numerous solos, including trumpet, saxophone, guitar and percussion. Several music elements, from the bassline and the breakdown, were based on Rodgers' work with Chic, while the rising vocal intros were taken from the Beatles' version of "Twist And Shout". The lyrics describe a couple dancing under the moonlight and possess a sense of peril and ominousness. "Let's Dance" topped the hitlists in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, New Zealand, and Ireland.
	Flashdance...What A Feeling - Irene Cara  9 weeks No.1  between week 27, 1983 and week 40, 1983 Label: Casablanca - Writers: Giorgio Moroder, Keith Forsey, Irene Cara - Producer: Giorgio Moroder "Flashdance...What A Feeling" was released in March 1983 as the lead single from the soundtrack to the romantic drama dance film Flashdance, starring Jennifer Beals. Giorgio Moroder had been asked to score the film, and Irene Carey and Keith Forsey wrote most of the lyrics after they were shown the last scene from it in which the main character dances at an audition for a group of judges. They felt that the dancer's ambition to succeed could act as a metaphor for achieving any dream a person has and wrote lyrics that described what it feels like when music inspires someone to dance. "Flashdance...What A Feeling" was the biggest global hit in 1983 with a total of 11,953,000 points. It went to number one in the United States, Japan, France, Canada, Australia, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
	Every Breath You Take - Police  5 weeks No.1  between week 32, 1983 and week 36, 1983 Label: A&M - Writer: Sting - Producer: Police, Hugh Padgham "Every Breath You Take" is the Police's and Sting's signature song and was released on May 20, 1983, as the lead single from the band's final album Synchronicity (1983). Sting wrote the song in 1982 in the aftermath of his separation from Frances Tomelty and the beginning of his relationship with Trudie Styler. While recording, guitarist Andy Summers came up with a guitar part inspired by Béla Bartók that would later become a trademark lick, and played it straight through in one take. He was asked to put guitar onto a simple backing track of bass, drums, and a single vocal, with Sting offering no directive beyond "make it your own". "Every Breath You Take" topped the official hitlist in the United States for eight weeks and was the biggest hit of the year there. Furthermore it reached no.1 in United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and no.2 in Australia, Spain, Sweden, and Norway. The song won two Grammys for Song Of The Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Sting received 1983 the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
	Karma Chameleon - Culture Club  6 weeks No.1  between week 41, 1983 and week 7, 1984 Labels: Epic / Virgin - Writers: Boy George, Jon Moss, Mikey Craig, Roy Hay, Phil Pickett - Producer: Steve Levine "Karma Chameleon" is the lead single of the band's second album Colour By Numbers (1983) and was released on September 5, 1983. Boy George wrote the song while he was on vacation in Egypt, but the other members of Culture Club were initially hesitant to record it as they felt it sounded like a country song. About the lyrics explained Boy George: "The song is about the terrible fear of alienation that people have, the fear of standing up for one thing. It's about trying to suck up to everybody. Basically, if you aren't true, if you don't act like you feel, then you get Karma-justice, that's nature's way of paying you back." "Karma Chameleon" topped the htilists in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, and Ireland.
	All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie  3 weeks No.1  between week 44, 1983 and week 46, 1983 Label: Motown - Writers: Boy George, Jon Moss, Mikey Craig, Roy Hay, Phil Pickett - Producer: Steve Levine "All Night Long (All Night)", released on August 31, 1983, was taken from Lionel Richie's second solo album, Can't Slow Down (1983). It combined his soulful Commodores style with Caribbean influences. The song lyrics were written primarily in English, but Richie has admitted in at least one press interview that "African" lyrics in that song, such as "Tom bo li de say de moi ya" and "Jambo jumbo", were in fact gibberish. He has described these portions of the song as a "wonderful joke", written when he discovered that he lacked the time to hire a translator to contribute the foreign-language lyrics he wished to include in the song. "All Night Long (All Night)" went to the no.1 position in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Finland.
	Say Say Say - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson  11 weeks No.1  between week 47, 1983 and week 4, 1984 Labels: Parlophone / Columbia - Writers: Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson - Producer: George Martin "Say Say Say" was released on October 3, 1983, as the lead single from McCartney's 1983 album Pipes Of Peace. Produced by George Martin, it was recording during production of McCartney's 1982 Tug Of War album, about a year before the release of "The Girl Is Mine", the pair's first duet from Jackson's 1982 album Thriller. McCartney biographer Ray Coleman asserted that the majority of the song's lyrics were written by Jackson and given to McCartney the next day. "Say Say Say" topped the charts in the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

1984

	Thriller - Michael Jackson  1 week No.1  week 8, 1984 Label: Epic - Writer: Rod Temperton - Producer: Quincy Jones Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh and final single from Jackson's legendary album of the same name. The theatrical, disco / funk song featuring lyrics, a repeating synthesizer bassline and sound effects evoking horror films. It ends with a spoken-word sequence performed by horror actor Vincent Price. The spectacular music video for "Thriller" references numerous horror films, and stars Jackson performing a dance routine with a horde of the undead. It was directed by horror director John Landis. Jackson contacted Landis after seeing his film An American Werewolf in London. The pair conceived a 13-minute short film with a budget much larger than previous music videos. "Thriller" reached the Top 10 in many countries around the world, in Belgium, Spain, and Portugal even the top position.
	99 Luftballons - Nena  3 weeks No.1  between week 9, 1984 and week 11, 1984 Labels: CBS / Epic - Writers: Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen, Carlo Karges, Kevin McAlea - Producers: Reinhold Heil, Manfred Praeker While at a June 1982 concert by the Rolling Stones in West Berlin, Nena's guitarist Carlo Karges noticed that balloons were being released. As he watched them move toward the horizon, he noticed them shifting and changing shapes, where they looked like strange spacecraft. He thought about what happen if they floated over the Berlin Wall to the Soviet sector, that's how this song came about. Originally released in January 1983 in the German-speaking territories, "99 Luftballons" initially reached number one in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. One year later, the song surprisingly became a big smash in the United States, where it peaked at no.2. At the same time it topped the hitlists in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. US-American, Australian, and New Zealand audiences preferred the original German version, whereas an English translation of the song was released in the other three countries. Furthermore it was another big success in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, and even in Japan. "99 Luftballons" became an anthem for the peace movement in the 1980s.
	Jump - Van Halen  2 weeks No.1  between week 12, 1984 and week 13, 1984 Label: Warner Bros. - Writers: Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony - Producer: Ted Templeman The furious synth-rock hymn "Jump" was released in December 1983 as the lead single of the band's sixth studio album MCMLXXXIV (1984). It differs from earlier Van Halen songs in that it's driven by a keyboard riff. The synth line was written circa 1981 by Eddie Van Halen, but it was rejected by the other band members. In 1983, producer Ted Templeman asked Roth to listen to the unused song idea and he listened repeatedly to the tune. To come up with a lyric for it, he remembered seeing a TV news report about a suicidal jumper. Roth thought that one of the onlookers at such an event would inevitably yell "go ahead and jump". But instead of describing a potential suicide, the lyrics were written as an ontological invitation to action, life and love. David Lee Roth dedicated the song to martial artist Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez, of whom he was a student. "Jump" reached the top position in the United States and Canada.
	Hello - Lionel Richie  9 weeks No.1  between week 14, 1984 and week 23, 1984 Label: Motown - Writer: Lionel Richie - Producers: Lionel Richie, James Anthony Carmichael "Hello" was released on February 13, 1984, as the third single from Lionel Richie's second solo album Can't Slow Down (1983). The song is memorable for the line "Hello, is it me you're looking for?" The phrase started the song's composition, as when James Anthony Carmichael visited Richie, the singer greeted him the way, to which Carmichael replied, "Finish that song". Richie initially felt that the song was corny but ultimately "by the time I finished the verse, I fell in love with the song again". "Hello" reached the no.1 position in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, and New Zealand.
	Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) - Phil Collins  1 week No.1  week 18, 1984 Label: Atlantic - Writer: Phil Collins - Producer: Arif Mardin The power ballad "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)" was released in February 1984 as the theme song for the soundtrack to the film with the same name, directed by Taylor Hackford. Originally titled "How Can You Just Sit There?", the song's music was written by Collins during sessions for his debut solo album Face Value (1981), but it fell by the wayside as it was his least favorite of the several ballads he wrote at the time. Eventually, Collins presented the demo to Taylor Hackford when approached to write a song for the "Against All Odds" movie, which he loved. Then Collins penned the lyrics, which were for the film. The song reached the pole-position in the United States, Canada, Norway, Portugal, and Ireland.
	The Reflex - Duran Duran  3 weeks No.1  between week 24, 1984 and week 26, 1984 Labels: EMI / Capitol - Writers: Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, Nick Rhodes - Producers: Duran Duran, Alex Sadkin, Ian Little "The Reflex" was the third and last single to be taken from their third studio album Seven & The Ragged Tiger (1983). The dance / new wave / funk song was heavily remixed for the single release and came out on April 16, 1984. Producer Ian Little recalled the sound Nick Rhodes came up with on his Roland Jupiter-8 keyboard: "...whenever I hear that steel-drum part it always brings a smile to my face because it's so out of tune. Streel drums always are, but it was exactly right in terms of rhythm and tone. So a wood-block sound was mixed in to make it even more percussive and, successfully, it did the job." "The Reflex" topped the hitlists in the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland.
	Self Control - Laura Branigan  2 weeks No.1  between week 27, 1984 and week 33, 1984 Label: Atlantic - Writers: Giancarlo Bigazzi, Raffaele Riefoli, Steve Piccolo - Producers: Jack White, Robbie Buchanan Originally "Self Control" is a song by Italian singer Raf, released in 1984. It topped the hitlists in Italy and Switzerland, furthermore it reached the runner-up slot in Germany. Laura Branigan covered the song in the same year. It was released as the lead single from her third studio album of the same name on April 19. The keyboard hook in Raf's version was changed to a guitar riff and a vocal break was paired with a sharper and repeated percussive element. The song narrates the singer's slip into the world of nightlife, the allure of which has her "livin' only for the night" and deeming herself to "life among the creatures of the night". Rather than actually invoking more self-control, the singer addresses someone: "you take my self, you take my self-control". The accompanying video, directed by Academy Award-winnig film director William Friedkin, drew controversy, and MTV requested some edits before it could air. "Self Control" went to the top position in Germany, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Finland, and Portugal.
	When Doves Cry - Prince  5 weeks No.1  between week 28, 1984 and week 32, 1984 Label: Warner Bros. - Writer: Prince - Producer: Prince "When Doves Cry" is the lead single from Prince's legendary sixth studio album Purple Rain (1984) and was released on May 16, 1984. Prince wrote and composed the song after all other tracks were complete on Purple Rain. In addition to providing vocals, he played all instruments on the track. The song's texture is remarkably stark, there is no bass line, which is very unusual for an '80s dance song. It features an intro of a guitar solo and a Linn LM-1 drum machine, followed by a looped guttural vocal. "When Doves Cry" reached the top position in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
	What's Love Got To Do With It - Tina Turner  2 weeks No.1  between week 34, 1984 and week 35, 1984 Label: Capitol - Writers: Graham Lyle, Terry Britten - Producer: Terry Britten "What's Love Got To Do With It" was released in May 1984 as the second single from Tina Turner fifth studio album Private Dancer (1984). Although she had already scored a late-1983 hit with the first single, a rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together", "What's Love Got To Do With It" marked her big comeback. Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the song was originally offered to Cliff Richard, but it was rejected. Tina Turner's recording reached the no.1 position in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In February 1985, it received three Grammy Awards for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
	I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder  14 weeks No.1  between week 36, 1984 and week 49, 1984 Label: Motown - Writer: Stevie Wonder - Producer: Stevie Wonder "I Just Called To Say I Love You" was the biggest success in Stevie Wonder's career. Released on August 1, 1984, as the lead single from the soundtrack The Woman In Red (1984) it topped the hitlists in almost all countries around the world and it was also the leader of Year-End Chart 1984. The lyrics of this romantic love song have Wonder surprising someone in his life with an unexpected telephone call. Throughout the song, Wonder lists various events in a yearly calendar that might prompt someone to call a loved one. Yet he explains no special annual event such as New Year's Day or Halloween spurred the call. He simply wants to say that he loves them from the bottom of his heart. "I Just Called To Say I Love You" won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Original Song.
	Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid  6 weeks No.1  between week 50, 1984 and week 3, 1985 Labels: Mercury / Polydor / Columbia - Writers: Bob Geldof, Midge Ure - Producers: Midge Ure, Trevor Horn The charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was inspired by a series of reports made by the BBC journalist Michael Buerk in 1984, which drew attention to the famine in Ethiopia. Boomtown Rats singer Bob Geldof watched the broadcast and were deeply affected by it. He began recruiting musicians to make a charity record, among others with Sting, George Michael, Simon Le Bon, Boy George, Phil Collins, Bono, and Paul Young. Released on December 3, 1984, the song sold more than a million copies in the first week in United Kingdom alone, making it the fastest-selling single there at this time. Furthermore it reached the number one position in Germany, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, and New Zealand. In the United States it sold also more than a million copies but did not reach number one there, due to the more complex nature of the chart system, which counted airplay as well as sales. Despite outselling the official number one by four to one, it did not make the Top 10 due to a lack of airplay, ultimately peaking at no.13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1985

	I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner  7 weeks No.1  between week 4, 1985 and week 10, 1985 Label: Atlantic - Writers: Mick Jones, Lou Gramm - Producers: Mick Jones, Alex Sadkin The power ballad "I Want To Know What Love Is" was released on November 30, 1984, as the love theme and lead single from the band's fifth album, Agent Provocateur (1984). The song features backing vocals from the New Jersey Mass Choir affiliated with the Gospel Music Workshop Of America, Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holliday, and featured keyboard work by Thompson Twins frontman Tom Bailey. Songwriter Mick Jones said: "I always worked late at night, when everybody left and the phone stopping ringing. This song came up at three in the morning sometime in 1984. I don't know where it came from. I consider it a gift that was sent through me. I think there was something bigger than me behind it. I'd say it was probably written entirely by a higher force". However, "I Want To Know What Love Is" reached the top position in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand.
	Easy Lover - Philip Bailey & Phil Collins  1 week No.1  week 11, 1985 Labels: CBS / Columbia - Writers: Philip Bailey, Phil Collins, Nathan East - Producer: Phil Collins In 1984, Phil Collins was hired as the producer for Philip Bailey's solo album, Chinese Wall (1984). According to Collins, Bailey approached him at the end of the sessions for the album and asked him to write a song together. Collins said of the song: "So we just started having a jam one night, and went round and round and turned it into a verse and a chorus. We recorded it that night so we wouldn't forget it. That song doesn't sound like any particular era. It's just fantastic. "Easy Lover" was released on November 6, 1984, and reached the top position in United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, furthermore no.2 in the United States.
	We Are The World - USA For Africa  14 weeks No.1  between week 12, 1985 and week 25, 1985 Labels: CBS / Columbia - Writers: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Omartian Inspired by Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in the UK, the American entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte decided to organize a US equivalent. He planned to have the proceeds donated to a new organization, United Support of Artists for Africa. The organization would provide food and relief aid for the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia, which killed about one million people. The final night of recording was held on January 28, 1985, at A&M Studios in Hollywood with stars like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Cindy Lauper and many others. Released on March 7, 1985, the song was a massive success, especially in the United States, where the initial shipment of 800,000 records sold out within three days of release, the fastest selling single there up to that time! "We Are The World" topped the Year-End Chart 1985 with enormous 14,665,000 points and at the 1986 Grammy Awards, the song and its music video won four awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Music Video, Short Form.
	A View To A Kill - Duran Duran  4 weeks No.1  between week 26, 1985 and week 29, 1985 Labels: Parlophon / Capitol - Writers: Duran Duran, John Barry - Producers: Bernard Edwards, Jason Corsaro, Duran Duran "A View To A Kill" was released on May 6, 1985, as the theme for the James Bond film of the same name. Duran Duran were chosen to do the song after bassist John Taylor approached producer Cubby Broccoli at a party and somewhat drunkely asked, "If I give you a fiver, can I write a theme tune please?." The song's music video was filmed in the Eiffel Tower in Paris and was directed by the duo of Godley & Creme. "A View To A Kill" reached the no.1 position in the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, and furthermore the runner-up slot in United Kingdom, Norway, and Ireland.
	19 - Paul Hardcastle  2 weeks No.1  between week 30, 1985 and week 31, 1985 Label: Chrysalis - Writers: Paul Hardcastle, William Coutourie, Mike Oldfield, Jonas McCord - Producer: Paul Hardcastle "19" was released in April 1985 as the first single from Paul Hardcastle's self-titled fourth studio album (1985). The song has a strong anti-war message, focusing on the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War and the effect it had on the soldiers who served. The track was notable for early use of sampled and processed speech, in particular a synthesized stutter effect used on the words "nineteen" and "destruction". It also includes various non-speech, re-dubbed sampling, such as crowd noise and a military bugle call. Hardcastle was inspired to create the song after watching Vietnam Requiem, and comparing his own life at 19 to those of the soldiers featured: "...what struck me was how young the soldiers were: the documentary said their average age was 19. I was out having fun in pubs and clubs when I was 19, not being shoved into jungles and shot at." "19" went to the number one position in United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand.
	We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) - Tina Turner  6 weeks No.1  between week 32, 1985 and week 37, 1985 Label: Capitol - Writers: Graham Lyle, Terry Britten - Producer: Terry Britten "We Don't Need Another Hero" was released on July 8, 1985, as the lead single for the soundtrack album to the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, which starred Mel Gibson and Tina Turner. The accompanying music video for the power ballad features Tina Turner dressed in her Aunty Entity costume from the Mad Max film, a heavy chain mail gown. In the song she was backed by a choral group from King's House School in Richmond, London. "We Don't Need Another Hero" topped the hitlists in Germany, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Switzerland, furthermore it reached the no.2 position in the United States, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand. On the Year-End Chart 1985 it ranked also at no.2 with a total of 6,982,000 points.
	Dancing In The Street - David Bowie & Mick Jagger  4 weeks No.1  between week 38, 1985 and week 41, 1985 Label: EMI - Writers: Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson, Ivy Jo Hunter - Producers: Alan Winstanley, Clive Langer "Dancing In The Street" first became popular in 1964 by Martha & The Vandellas, when the R&B classic peaked at no.5 globally in October of that year. The furious dance / rock remix by the British music legends David Bowie and Mick Jagger was recorded, to raise money for the Live Aid famine relief cause. A rough mix of the track was completed in just four hours on June 29, 1985. Thirteen hours after the start of recording, the song and video were completed. Released on August 27, 1985, "Dancing In The Street" reached the no.1 position in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, and Ireland.
	Part-Time Lover - Stevie Wonder  2 weeks No.1  between week 42, 1985 and week 43, 1985 Label: Motown - Writer: Stevie Wonder - Producer: Stevie Wonder "Part-Time Lover" was released on August 24, 1985, as the lead single from Stevie Wonder's 20th studio album In Square Circle (1985). Lyrically, it tells the story of a man who is cheating on his wife with a mistress, only to find out in the end that his wife is cheating on him as well. The song featured R&B singer Luther Vandross singing the ad-libs and backing vocals, in addition to Syreeta Wright and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. "Part-Time Lover" topped the hitlists in the United States, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Ireland and New Zealand. Furthermore it peaked at no.3 in United Kingdom, France, and Australia.
	Take On Me - A-ha  6 weeks No.1  between week 44, 1985 and week 49, 1985 Label: Warner Bros. - Writers: Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, Pål Waaktaar - Producers: John Ratcliff, Alan Tarney The original 1984 version of "Take On Me" failed to the charts, as did the second version in the first of its two 1985 releases. The second of those 1985 releases became a huge international success, bolstered by the wide exposure on MTV of director Steve Barron's innovative music video featuring the band in a live-action pencil-sketch animation sequence. The video won six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. This final version "Take On Me" was the lead single for the Norwegian trio's debut studio album, Hunting High And Low (1985). The catchy synth-pop tune reached the top position in the United States, Germany, Australia, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, and Greece, furthermore no.2 in United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, and Ireland. Finally it landed at no.3 on the Year-End Chart 1985.
	Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie  8 weeks No.1  between week 50, 1985 and week 5, 1986 Label: Motown - Writer: Lionel Richie - Producers: Lionel Richie, James Anthony Carmichael "Say You, Say Me" was released on October 29, 1985, for the musical ballet drama film White Nights (1985), starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines. Film director Taylor Hackford asked Richie to write a title theme. Unable to compose a song with "White Nights" in the title, Richie submitted a demo of the ballad "Say You, Say Me". Eventually, Hackford approved the song and included the completed version in White Nights' closing credits. "Say You, Say Me" topped the charts in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

1986

	When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going - Billy Ocean  8 weeks No.1  between week 6, 1986 and week 13, 1986 Label: Jive - Writers: Wayne Anton Brathwaite, Barry James Eastmond, Mutt Lange, Billy Ocean - Producers: Barry Eastmond, Wayne Brathwaite "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" was released on November 15, 1985, as the main theme for the film The Jewel Of The Nile, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The accompanying video was shot at Brixton Academy in London, and features Douglas, Turner and Danny DeVito as lip-synching backing vocalists. By the way, the saxophone solo was played by Vernon Jeffrey Smith. "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" went atop the hitlists in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland. Furthermore it peaked at the runner-up slot in the United States, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland.
	Rock Me Amadeus - Falco  2 weeks No.1  between week 14, 1986 and week 15, 1986 Labels: Gig / A&M - Writers: Falco, Rob Bolland, Ferdi Bolland - Producers: Bolland & Bolland The furious German-speaking smash "Rock Me Amadeus" is about the prolific and influential Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his popularity and debts. The song was inspired by Miloš Forman's 1984 biographical drama film 'Amadeus'. It was originally released in May 1985 in the German-speaking territories as the lead single of Falco's third studio album Falco 3 (1985) and was a huge hit there, reached no.1 in Germany and Austria, no.2 in Switzerland. Almost a year later it became an enormous international success with no.1 positions in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Ireland, and New Zealand. The song's funny music video mixes elements of Mozart's time with 1980s contemporary society, Falco is shown in a 20th century-style dinner jacket, later dressed as Mozart, with wild colored hair.
	Kiss - Prince  4 weeks No.1  between week 16, 1986 and week 19, 1986 Label: Paisley Park - Writer: Prince - Producer: Prince "Kiss" was released on February 5, 1986, as the lead single from Prince's eighth studio album, Parade (1986). The song started as a rough acoustic demo, with a verse and chorus written by Prince. He gave his demo to the funk band Mazarati. But in the end, Prince decided to finish the song and added the signature guitar and falsetto vocal. The distinctive "ah-wah-ah" backing vocals were taken from 60s icon Brenda Lee. "Kiss" went to the number one position in the United States and reached the Top 10 in United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, and New Zealand.
	Live To Tell - Madonna  6 weeks No.1  between week 20, 1986 and week 25, 1986 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard - Producers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard Originally producer Patrick Leonard conceived the song as an instrumental for the score of Paramount's film Fire With Fire (1986), the studio rejected it, deeming it unfit for the movie. Leonard presented the track to Madonna, who decided to use it for At Close Range (1986), a film starring her then-husband Sean Penn. She wrote lyrics, came up with a bridge and a few melodies of her own, and co-produced the track alongside Leonard. A pop ballad with torch influences, its lyrics talk about deceit, mistrust and childhood scars. Released on March 26, 1986, as the lead single from Madonna's third studio album True Blue (1986), "Live To Tell" reached the top position in the United States, Canada, Italy, and Greece, furthermore it landed in the top three in United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Ireland.
	On My Own - Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald  1 week No.1  week 26, 1986 Label: MCA - Writers: Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager - Producers: Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager "On My Own" was written and produced by Burt Bacharach and his then-wife Carole Bayer Sager and originally recorded by singer Dionne Warwick for inclusion on her album Friends (1985). The song was eventually recorded by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald and released on February 23, 1986, for LaBelle's eighth studio album Winner In You (1986). Lyrically, the ballad was based on a relationship that had reached its end with both parties going their separate ways in a melancholy state with the occasional option of coming back together again one day. By the way, the two performers were in separate cities when they recorded their individual parts, which were then "married" during mixing. "On My Own" reached the top position in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
	Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel  2 weeks No.1  between week 27, 1986 and week 28, 1986 Labels: Geffen / Virgin - Writer: Peter Gabriel - Producers: Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois The furious dance / funk / soul / rock tune "Sledgehammer" was released on April 14, 1986, as the lead single from his fifth studio album, So (1986). The success of the song was driven by the spectacular video clip, which won a record nine Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards. The video was commissioned by Tessa Watts at Virgin Records, directed by Stephen R. Johnson and produced by Adam Whittaker. Aardman Animations and the Brothers Quay provided claymation, pixilation, and stop motion animation that gave life to images in the song. "Sledgehammer" went atop the hitlists in the United States and Canada, furthermore it peaked in the top five in United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, and Ireland.
	Papa Don't Preach - Madonna  9 weeks No.1  between week 29, 1986 and week 37, 1986 Label: Sire - Writers: Brian Elliot, Madonna - Producers: Madonna, Stephen Bray "Papa Don't Preach" was released on June 11, 1986, as the second single from her third album True Blue (1986). Its lyrics deal with teenage pregnancy, songwriter Brian Elliot was inspired by teen gossip he'd hear outside his recording studio, which had a large front window that way used as mirror by schoolgirls from the Los Angeles' North Hollywood High School. Originally intended for a singer named Christina Dent, Warner Records A&R executive Michael Ostin convinced Elliot he let Madonna record it instead. The song caused controversy because of its lyrical content and video. Women's organizations and others in the family planning field accused Madonna of promoting teenage pregnancy, while groups opposed to abortion saw the song as having a positive pro-life message. "Papa Don't Preach" topped the hitlists in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Greece and led also the Year-End Chart 1986 with 8,261,000 points.
	Dancing On The Ceiling - Lionel Richie  2 weeks No.1  between week 38, 1986 and week 39, 1986 Label: Motown - Writers: Lionel Richie, Carlos Rios, Michael Frenchik - Producers: Lionel Richie, James Anthony Carmichael "Dancing On The Ceiling", released in July 1986, is the lead single from Lionel Richie's third studio album of the same name (1986). The accompanying music video for the good mood party song was directed by Stanley Donen. The video reportedly cost somewhere around $400,000, making it the most expensive short form music video production at the time. In the video, Lionel Richie and friends attend a party and dance on the ceiling reminiscent of Fred Astaire's routine in Donen's 1951 film Royal Wedding. "Dancing On The Ceiling" went to the position in Norway and peaked at the runner-up slot in the United States and Australia.
	Stuck With You - Huey Lewis & The News  2 weeks No.1  between week 40, 1986 and week 41, 1986 Label: Chrysalis - Writers: Chris Hayes, Huey Lewis - Producers: Huey Lewis & The News "Stuck With You", written by guitarist Chris Hayes and lead singer Huey Lewis, was released on July 21, 1986, as the first single from the band's fourth album, Fore! (1986). According to Lewis, the song was written about a girl he liked; however, she did not like the song once he revealed it to her. The new wave / doo-wop tune reached the top position in the United States and Canada, furthermore the Top 10 in Australia and New Zealand.
	True Blue - Madonna  8 weeks No.1  between week 42, 1986 and week 49, 1986 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Stephen Bray - Producers: Madonna, Stephen Bray In early 1985, Madonna began dating actor Sean Penn, whom she met in the set of the music video for her single "Material Girl". They dated casually and married six months later, on her 27th birthday. "True Blue", the title song of Madonna's third studio album, takes its title after a favorite expression of Penn's, which signifies a very pure vision of love. Composed alongside with her former boyfriend Stephen Bray, the song was described as Madonna's unabashed valentine for Penn, and influenced by the direct antecedents of her sound: Motown and girl groups from the 1960s such as the Shirelles and the Dixie Cups. "True Blue" was released on September 29, 1986, went atop the charts in United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, and Ireland, furthermore it reached the top three in the United States, Belgium, and New Zealand.
	Walk Like An Egyptian - Bangles  6 weeks No.1  between week 50, 1986 and week 3, 1987 Labels: CBS / Columbia - Writer: Liam Sternberg - Producer: David Kahne "Walk Like An Egyptian" was released on September 1, 1986, as the third single from the band's second studio album, Different Light (1986). Songwriter Liam Sternberg said he was inspired to create the song while on a ferry crossing the English Channel. When the vessel hit choppy water, passengers stepped carefully and moved their arms awkwardly while struggling to maintain their balance, and that reminded Sternberg of the depiction of human figures in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings. The song went atop the hitlists in the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.

1987

	C'est La Vie - Robbie Nevil  4 weeks No.1  between week 4, 1987 and week 8, 1987 Label: Manhattan - Writers: Robbie Nevil, Duncan Pain, Mark Holding - Producers: Alex Sadkin, Philip Thornalley Originally "C'est La Vie" was recorded 1984 by gospel singer Beau Williams for his album Bodacious! Two years later songwriter Robbie Nevil created an own version for his self-titled debut album. Released in October 1986 the furious tune topped the charts in Canada, Switzerland, and Finland. Furthermore it reached the runner-up spot in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, New Zealand and no.3 in United Kingdom.
	Open Your Heart - Madonna  1 week No.1  week 6, 1987 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Gardner Cole, Peter Rafelson - Producers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard Written by Gardner Cole and Peter Rafelson, "Open Your Heart" was conceived as a rock and roll song titled "Follow Your Heart" for Cyndi Lauper, although it was never played for her. At the time, Cole's management was working with Madonna's, who were looking for material for her True Blue album. "Follow Your Heart" was among the songs offered to the singer. She liked it and, alongside producer Patrick Leonard, turned it into a dance song, changed its title and re-wrote some of the lyrics. Finally, it's an innuendo-laden love song where the singer expresses her determination and sexual desire for a man. Directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, the song's accompanying music video depicts Madonna as an exotic dancer at a peep show a little boy's trying to sneak into. Released on November 12, 1986, "Open Your Heart" went at no.1 in the United States.
	Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi  2 weeks No.1  between week 9, 1987 and week 10, 1987 Label: Mercury - Writers: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child - Producer: Bruce Fairbairn "Livin' On A Prayer" was released in October 1986, as the second single from the band's third studio album Slippery When Wet (1986). Jon Bon Jovi did not like the original recording of this song, but lead guitarist Richie Sambora, however, convinced him the song was good, and they reworked it with a new bassline and different drum fills. The glam-metal, power-pop hymn became the band's signature song and topped the hitlists in the United States, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and reached the top three in Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden.
	I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) - Aretha Franklin & George Michael  6 weeks No.1  between week 11, 1987 and week 16, 1987 Labels: Epic / Arista - Writers: Simon Climie, Dennis Morgan - Producer: Narada Michael Walden In 1984, George Michael was approached to write and produce a song for Aretha Franklin for an unspecified soundtrack album; however, his busy schedule with Wham! made it impossible for him to do so at the time. Michael was also anxious that writing for one of his favourite artists could be too nerve-wracking (considering himself to be unworthy) and that for Franklin to sing a song he had written would be ludicrous. Finally George and Aretha made a duet, written by Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan. Released on January 23, 1987, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" jumped atop the hitlists in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland. The song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
	La Isla Bonita - Madonna  5 weeks No.1  between week 17, 1987 and week 21, 1987 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard, Bruce Gaitsch - Producers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard "La Isla Bonita" was released on February 25, 1987, as the fifth and final single from Madonna's album True Blue (1986). Originally Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch created it as an instrumental demo and offered it to Michael Jackson, who turned it down. When Leonard met Madonna to start working on True Blue, he played the demo for her. Madonna came up with the title, wrote the lyrics and produced the song with Leonard. "La Isla Bonita" is Madonna's first song with Latin influences. Its instrumentation features flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, and maracas. The lyrics talk about an island named San Pedro, whose location has been debated. Madonna said the song was her tribute to Latin Americans. "La Isla Bonita" went at no.1 in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, and landed at no.3 on the Global Year-End Chart 1987 with 7,158,000 points.
	With Or Without You - U2  1 week No.1  week 22, 1987 Label: Island - Writer: Bono - Producers: Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno "With Or Without You" was released on March 16, 1987, as the lead single of U2's fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree (1987). The spherical rock ballad originated from a demo recorded in late 1985 that the group continued to work on throughout The Joshua Tree sessions. Ostensibly a song about troubled love, the track's lyrics were inspired by Bono's conflicting feelings about the lives he led as a musician and domestic man. The song features sustained guitar parts played by guitarist the Edge with a prototype of the infinite guitar. The instrument allowed sustained notes to be played, producing a similar effect to the E-bow. "With Or Without You" topped the charts in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Furthermore it reached the top five in United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, and New Zealand.
	I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston  8 weeks No.1  between week 23, 1987 and week 30, 1987 Label: Arista - Writers: George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam - Producer: Narada Michael Walden The song was written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, who wrote Houston's 1986 smash "How Will I Know", which became successful, and as a result, they were asked to come up with another song for Houston's then-new album. Originally the song that gave Merrill and Rubicam their global success as Boy Meets Girl, "Waiting For A Star To Fall" was intended by the duo to be a song for Houston. The duo sent it to Arista Records, but they passed on it, believing it was not suitable for Houston. Undeterred by this minor setback, the pair continued working on finding a song that would be ideal for Houston and was inspired to come up with "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". Released on April 28, 1987, the song was the biggest global success of the year with a total of 7,897,000 points, reached the no.1 position in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, and won a Grammy Award for the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
	I Want Your Sex - George Michael  1 week No.1  week 31, 1987 Labels: Epic / Columbia - Writer: George Michael - Producer: George Michael "I Want Your Sex" was released on May 18, 1987, as the third hit from the soundtrack to Beverly Hills Cop II and the first single from George Michael's debut solo album, Faith (1987). The controversial dance / funk tune was recorded in August 1986 at Sam West Studio 2 in London, roughly two months after the Wham! split that June. It was written entirely in the studio, with Michael playing all the instruments: a LinnDrum, a Roland Juno-106 and a Yamaha DX7. The music video, directed by Andy Morahan, featured Michael and his then-girlfriend Kathy Jeung to emphasize that he was in a monogamous relationship. "I Want Your Sex" went atop the hitlists in the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and reached furthermore the top three in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Austria, and New Zealand.
	Who's That Girl - Madonna  3 weeks No.1  between week 32, 1987 and week 34, 1987 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard - Producers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard "Who's That Girl" is the lead single from the soundtrack of the 1987 screwball comedy film of the same name, starring Madonna. The song continued hers fascination with Latin pop, a genre she had previously explored on her single "La Isla Bonita". It features instrumentation from drums, bass, and trumpets, and has lyrics sung both in English and Spanish. While shooting for the film, then called "Slammer", Madonna had requested Patrick Leonard to develop a song that captured the nature of her character; the producer worked on a demo and, afterwards, Madonna added the lyrics and decided to rename the song, as well as the film, to "Who's That Girl". The tune topped the charts in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, and went to the runner-up slot in Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greece, and New Zealand.
	I Just Can't Stop Loving You - Michael Jackson  6 weeks No.1  between week 35, 1987 and week 40, 1987 Label: Epic - Writer: Michael Jackson - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" was released on July 20, 1987, as the lead single from Michael Jackson's seventh album, Bad (1986). For the duet ballad he wanted to share vocals with Barbra Streisand or Whitney Houston. Streisand passed on the invitation because she had concerns about their large age difference (16 years), and thought the song's lyrics would be unbelievable for her and Jackson to sing together. Houston's label, Arista Records, thought that, if she performed on the song, it might detract from the promotion of her sophomore album, Whitney. Ultimately, a different singer duetted with Jackson on the song: Siedah Garrett. Interestingly, Garrett co-wrote another one of Jackson's ballads from the album called "Man In The Mirror". "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" reached the top position in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and no.2 in Germany, Canada, and Switzerland.
	Bad - Michael Jackson  6 weeks No.1  between week 41, 1987 and week 46, 1987 Label: Epic - Writer: Michael Jackson - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson "Bad" was influenced by a true story Jackson read about a young man who tried to escape poverty by attending private school but was killed upon returning home. Released on September 7, 1987, as the second single from Jackson's album, Bad (1987), he replaced himself atop of the Global Chart. The full music video for "Bad" is an 18-minute short film written by novelist and screenwriter Richard Price, shot by Michael Chapman, and directed by Martin Scorsese. The video was shot in Brooklyn over a 6-week period during November and December 1986. The video has many references to the 1961 film West Side Story. The uptempo dance-pop / funk tune topped the charts in the United States, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Ireland.
	Faith - George Michael  7 weeks No.1  between week 47, 1987 and week 1, 1988 Labels: Epic / Columbia - Writer: George Michael - Producer: George Michael "Faith" was released on October 12, 1987, as the second single from his 1987 debut solo album of the same name. The rockabilly tune incorporates the famed Bo Diddley beat, a classic rock and roll rhythm. It begins with organ played by Chris Cameron, referencing Wham!'s song "Freedom" from 1984, followed by guitar strumming, finger clicking, hand-claps, tambourine and hi-hat. The official music video for the song was directed by Andy Morahan. It features Michael, with noticeable stubble on his face, wearing a black leather jacket with Rockers Revenge and BSA logo, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses and a pair of Levi's blue jeans with cowboy boots, playing a guitar near a classic-design Wurlitzer jukebox. "Faith" went atop the hitlists in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand.

1988

	The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson  4 weeks No.1  between week 2, 1988 and week 5, 1988 Label: Epic - Writer: Michael Jackson - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson "The Way You Make Me Feel" was released on November 9, 1987, as the third single from Jackson's album Bad (1987) and it was also the third global no.1 success from the album. Musically it's a pop and R&B tune composed of blues harmonies. The song and its subsequent video was intended to show another aspect to public's perception of Michael Jackson in addition to his reputation as a lover ("I Just Can't Stop Loving You") and being streetwise ("Bad") they wanted to show him as a flirt or able to pick up girls. "The Way You Make Me Feel" topped the hitlists in the United States and Ireland. Furthermore it reached the top three in United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, and New Zealand.
	Heaven Is A Place On Earth - Belinda Carlisle  2 weeks No.1  between week 6, 1988 and week 7, 1988 Labels: MCA / Virgin - Writers: Rick Nowels, Ellen Shipley - Producer: Rick Nowels Released on September 14, 1987, as the lead single by Belinda Carlisle's second studio album, Heaven On Earth (1987), "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" became her signature song. It was described as a truly uplifting song, sporting an enjoyable and irresistible chorus. Carlisle's backup vocalists on the song include songwrites Nowels and Shipley as well as Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & Papas, Chynna Phillips of Wilson Phillips, and songwriter Diana Warren. It also features British musician Thomas Dolby on synthesizers. "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" went at no.1 in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand.
	Father Figure - George Michael  4 weeks No.1  between week 8, 1988 and week 11, 1988 Labels: Epic / Columbia - Writer: George Michael - Producer: George Michael "Father Figure" was released on December 28, 1987, as the third single from George Michael's debut solo album Faith (1987). It's an R&B ballad, and also features elements of Egyptian music and gospel. On the tracks origins Michael said: "It started off with a rhythm track with a snare, and when you play it like that it sounds a bit like Prince. But I must have been listening to it without the snare and gone, oh my god, that totally changes the record! It suddenly becomes a gospel record." The song reached the no.1 position in the United States and no.2 in Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland.
	Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car - Billy Ocean  8 weeks No.1  between week 12, 1988 and week 19, 1988 Label: Jive - Writers: Billy Ocean, Robert John 'Mutt' Lange - Producer: Robert John 'Mutt' Lange "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" based on a line in the Sherman Brother's song "You're Sixteen". It was released on January 18, 1988, as the first single from Ocean's seventh studio album Tear Down These Walls (1988). Part of its popularity lay in its cutting-edge (for the time) music video, which featuring animation mixed with live-action sequences. The saxophone solo is performed by Vernon Jeffrey Smith. "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" jumped atop the charts in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Ireland.
	One More Try - George Michael  6 weeks No.1  between week 20, 1988 and week 25, 1988 Labels: Epic / Columbia - Writer: George Michael - Producer: George Michael "One More Try" was released on April 11, 1988, as the fourth single from George Michael's debut solo album Faith (1987). It was also his fourth global number one success from the set. A ballad at almost six minutes in length, the song lyrically explores a young man's hesitancy to enter / revisit a new relationship because he had been emotionally hurt so many times previously. "One More Try" jumped atop the hitlists in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and reached the Top 10 in United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
	Dirty Diana - Michael Jackson  6 weeks No.1  between week 26, 1988 and week 31, 1988 Label: Epic - Writer: Michael Jackson - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson "Dirty Diana", released on April 18, 1988, was the fifth lift-off and the fourth number one from Jackson's seventh studio album Bad. After "Beat It" (1983) from the legendary "Thriller" album, "Dirty Diana" was the second hard rock song of his solo career with lyrics about a persistent groupie. Jackson hired Billy Idol's guitarist Steve Stevens to back him on the track. The five-minute music video for the song was directed by Joe Pytka and produced by Angela Jones. The woman who appears in the video is model Lisa Dean, chosen over hundreds of girls who auditioned for the role. "Dirty Diana" topped the hitlists in the United States and Belgium, furthermore it reached the top three in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ireland.
	The Twist (Yo, Twist!) - Fat Boys & Chubby Checker  3 weeks No.1  between week 32, 1988 and week 34, 1988 Labels: Tin Pan Apple / Urban / Polydor - Writer: Hank Ballard - Producer: Charles Stettler The original version of "The Twist" was written and originally released in 1958 by Hank Ballard. It was inspired by the twist dance craze and became a moderate hit, peaking at no.28 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Chubby Checker's 1960 cover version was a huge hit globally, peaked at no.2 in September 1960 and reached even the top position in Januar 1962, during its second chart life. In 1988, the composition again became popular due to a new, funny recording by the American hip-hop trio Fat Boys featuring Chubby Checker. This remix, titled as "The Twist (Yo, Twist!)" went to no.1 in Germany, Switzerland and at the runner-up slot in United Kingdom and Belgium.
	Monkey - George Michael  2 weeks No.1  between week 35, 1988 and week 36, 1988 Labels: Epic / Columbia - Writer: George Michael - Producers: George Michael, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis It was an interesting battle in 1987/1988 between George Michael's album Faith and Michael Jackson's Bad. The latter landed seven tracks in the Global Top 10, five of it jumped at no.1 with a total of 23 weeks at the top. Faith generated six Top 10 hits, also five of it reached the summit with a total of 20 weeks. "Monkey", released on July 4, 1988, was the latest chart-leader from the set. In a retrospective interview about the album in 2010, George Michael noted that the song was inspired by a friend of his dealing with drug and alcohol addiction but he didn't know how to help her. He used the term monkey to refer to her addiction. He asked his friend: Do you love the monkey or o you love me? The funky dance-rock tune jumped atop the hitlists in the United States and Canada.
	Sweet Child O'Mine - Guns n' Roses  2 weeks No.1  between week 37, 1988 and week 38, 1988 Label: Geffen - Writers: Guns n' Roses - Producer: Mike Clink "Sweet Child O'Mine" was released in June 1988 as the first single from the band's debut album Appetite For Destruction (1987). During a jam session at the band's house in Sunset Strip, drummer Steven Adler and Slash were warming up and Slash began to play a 'circus' melody while making facing at Adler. Rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin asked Slash to play it again. Stradlin came up with some chords, Duff McKagan created a bassline and Adler planned a beat. Lead singer Axl Rose was listening to the musicians upstairs in his room and was inspired to write lyrics, which he completed by the following afternoon. He based it on his girlfriend Erin Everly (daughter of Don Everly, of the Everly Brothers and Venetia Stevenson). On the next composing session in Burbank, the band added a bridge and a guitar solo. The hard rock / glam metal tune went atop the hitlist in the United States and reached the Top 10 in United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.
	Another Part Of Me - Michael Jackson  1 week No.1  week 39, 1988 Label: Epic - Writer: Michael Jackson - Producers: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson "Another Part Of Me" was released as the sixth single on July 11, 1988, for the singer's seventh studio album, Bad (1987). It became the fifth global number one smash from the set. As with earlier songs in Michael Jackson's career such as "Can You Feel It" (1981) and "We Are The World" (1985), the lyrics emphasize global unity, love and outreach. The song was featured in the trailer for Jackson's 1988 film Moonwalker, and was featured as a dance attack and level song for later revisions of Jackson's Moonwalker video game (originally the first revision used excerpts of "Thriller"). "Another Part Of Me" landed in the Top 10 in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, and Ireland.
	A Groovy Kind Of Love - Phil Collins  9 weeks No.1  between week 40, 1988 and week 50, 1988 Labels: Virgin / Atlantic - Writers: Carole Bayer Sager, Toni Wine - Producers: Phil Collins, Anne Dudley "A Groovy Kind Of Love" was released on August 22, 1988, for the soundtrack to the British romantic crime comedy 'Buster', starring Phil Collins, Julie Walters, Larry Lamb and Sheila Hancock. The song heavily based on the Rondo movement of Sonatina in G major, op.36 no.5, by Muzio Clementi. Firstly recorded as an upbeat guitar-based pop song by Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, it was a no.8 success in May 1966. Collin's version was a slow ballad with a prominent keyboard and strings, held the top position of the Global Charts for nine non-consecutive weeks and was the biggest success of the year.
	One Moment In Time - Whitney Houston  2 weeks No.1  between week 45, 1988 and week 46, 1988 Label: Arista - Writers: Albert Hammond, John Bettis - Producer: Narada Michael Walden "One Moment In Time", written and produced for the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. The song's melody was inspired by the timeless figure of Elvis Presley, with writer Hammond imagining it as being sung by Presley at the opening of the Olympics. The track is an anthem for believing in yourself against all odds as Houston asks for 'one moment in time / when i'm racing with destiny / then, in that one moment of time / i will feel eternity'. The video for the song does not show Houston performing the song but is a basic collage of clips from previous Olympic ceremonies. "One Moment In Time" went to no.1 in United Kingdom and Germany.
	Two Hearts - Phil Collins  8 weeks No.1  between week 51, 1988 and week 5, 1989 Labels: Virgin / Atlantic - Writers: Phil Collins, Lamont Dozier - Producers: Phil Collins, Lamont Dozier "Two Hearts", released on November 14, 1988, was the second lift-off and no.1 from the soundtrack 'Buster'. Phil Collins replaced itself atop the Global Track Chart and went to also to the hot spot in the United States and Canada, climbed at no.4 in Germany, no.5 in the Netherlands, and no.6 in United Kingdom. 'Two Hearts' won the Grammy Award for best song written specifically for a motion picture or television in 1989.

1989

	Straight Up - Paula Abdul  3 weeks No.1  between week 6, 1989 and week 8, 1989 Label: Virgin - Writer: Elliot Wolff - Producer: Elliot Wolff "Straight Up", released on November 22, 1988, was the third single from her debut album Forever Your Girl. According to Paula, her mother found this song for her. She knew someone whose boyfriend was an aspiring songwriter, and got "Straight Up" as an 8-track demo. The demo-version was 'so bad' that Abdul's mother was 'Crying laughing' at it, and threw it in the trash. But Paula heard something she liked in it, and retrieved it. The result was a very successful mid-tempo dance tune, which reached no.1 in the United States, Canada and Norway. The black and white video, directed by David Fincher and choreographed by Abdul herself, won four 1989 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video, Best Editing, Best Choreography and Best Dance Video.
	The Living Years - Mike & The Mechanics  2 weeks No.1  between week 9, 1989 and week 10, 1989 Labels: Atlantic / Warner Bros. - Writers: Mike Rutherford, B.A.Robertson - Producers: Christopher Neil, Mike Rutherford "The Living Years", released on December 27, 1988, addresses a son's regret unresolved conflict with his now-deceased father. It won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically & Lyrically in 1989. Some years later famed composer Burt Bacharach opined: "The Living Years is one of the finest lyrics of the last ten years". The poignant ballad went to no.1 in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and no.2 in United Kingdom.
	She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals  1 week No.1  week 11, 1989 Labels: London / MCA - Writers: Roland Gift, David Steele - Producers: David Z, Fine Young Cannibals "She Drives Me Crazy", released on December 26, 1988, was the most successful hit for the British rock band, whose name came from the 1960 film 'All The Fine Young Cannibals' starring Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. The unique snare drum sound of the song was created by recording the snare drum portion separately. A speaker was then placed on top of the snare drum, and a microphone below. The original recording of the snare drum part was played back through the speaker and re-recorded. "She Drives Me Crazy" reached no.1 in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Austria.
	Like A Prayer - Madonna  13 weeks No.1  between week 12, 1989 and week 24, 1989 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard - Producers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard "Like A Prayer", released on March 3, 1989 as the lead single for the album of the same name. It's an epic, hymn-like and danceable song religious-controversial and provocative texts. But the big bone of contention was the music video, directed by Mary Lambert. It portrays Madonna as a witness to the murder of a girl by white supremacists. While a black man is arrested for the murder, Madonna hides in a church for safety seeking strength to go forth as a witness. The clip depicts a church and Catholic symbols such as stigmata. It also features a Ku Klux Klan-style cross burning, and a dream about kissing a black saint. The Vatican condemned the video, while family and religious groups protested against its broadcast. They boycotted products by soft drink manufacturer Pepsi, who had used the song in their commercial. The company canceled their sponsorship contract with Madonna, but allowed her to retain the fee. Despite everything, it was a huge success with no.1 positions in so many countries and it became the biggest hit of 1989 globally with 9,520,000 points.
	Express Yourself - Madonna  5 weeks No.1  between week 25, 1989 and week 29, 1989 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Stephen Bray - Producers: Madonna, Stephen Bray "Express Yourself" was released on May 9, 1989 as the second single from the album Like A Prayer. The song is a tribute to American funk and soul band Sly And The Family Stone. The main inspiration behind the song is female empowerment, urging women never to go far seond-best and to always express their inner feelings. The accompanying music video, directed by David Fincher, was inspired by the Fritz Lang classic film Metropolis from 1927. It had a total budget of $5 million, which made it the most expensive music video made up to then. The video portrayed a city full of tall skyscrapers and railway lines. Madonna played the part of a glamorous lady and chained masochist, with muscular men acting as her workers. "Express Yourself" reached no.1 in Canada, Italy and Switzerland, no.2 in the United States and New Zealand, and no.3 in Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Finland, and Ireland.
	Batdance - Prince  6 weeks No.1  between week 30, 1989 and week 35, 1989 Label: Warner Bros. - Writer: Prince - Producer: Prince "Batdance" was released on June 8, 1989 for the Batman soundtrack. Helped by the film's popularity, the song reached no.1 in the United States, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and no.2 in United Kingdom and Australia. It was a last-minute replacement for a brooding track titled "Dance With The Devil", which Prince felt was too dark. "Batdance" is almost two songs in one, a chaotic, mechanical dance beat that changes gears into a slinky, funky groove before changing back for the song's conclusion. The track is an amalgam of many musical ideas of Prince's at the time. The music video, directed by Albert Magnoli and choreographed by Barry Lather, featured dancers costumed as multiple Batmen, Jokers and Vicki Vales.
	Swing The Mood - Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers  1 week No.1  week 36, 1989 Labels: Music Factory Dance / Atco / BCM - Writers: various artists - Producers: Andy Pickles, John Pickles "Swing The Mood", released on June 24, 1989 and produced by the father and son DJ team Andy and John Pickles, was a cut and paste record which fused a number of early rock and roll records, similar to the Dutch Stars On 45 project, eight years ago. Copyright problems caused a re-recorded version to be released, despite this version being derided by critics it nevertheless became a massive hit globally, partly aided by the Jive Bunny animated character. "Swing The Mood" went to no.1 in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Norway, New Zealand, and Ireland. In the United States it reached no.11.
	Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx  1 week No.1  week 37, 1989 Label: EMI - Writer: Richard Marx - Producers: Richard Marx, David Cole "Right Here Waiting" was released on June 29, 1989 as the second single from his second album Repeat Offender. Richard Marx wrote the song on the road as a love letter to his wife, the actress Cynthia Rhodes, who was in South Africa shooting on a film. The song featured none of the heavy drums and synthesizers popular at the time, with Marx's vocal accompanied only by classical guitar and keyboards. "Right Here Waiting" topped the charts in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, in Uinted Kingdom it climbed at no.2.
	Cherish - Madonna  4 weeks No.1  between week 38, 1989 and week 41, 1989 Label: Sire - Writers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard - Producers: Madonna, Patrick Leonard "Cherish" was released on August 1, 1989 as the third single from the album Like A Prayer. The song was built around the themes of love and relationships, with William Shakespears's Romeo & Juliet being one of the major inspirations. The track also included a line from the 1966 hit "Cherish" by the Association. Musically constructed as a doo-wop-style pop song, it's regarded as a light-hearted track by critics and includes instruments such as a drum machine, percussions, keyboards and a saxophone. Lyrically, it speaks of Madonna's devotion to her lover, and her promise to be always by his side. The black-and-white music video for the song was directed by photographer Herb Ritts at the Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California. In the video, Madonna plays herself, while three co-actors dressed as mermen swim in and out of the sea. "Cherish" reached only the no.1 spot in Canada, in the United States it peaked at no.2 and in United Kingdom at no.3.
	Sowing The Seeds Of Love - Tears For Fears  2 weeks No.1  between week 42, 1989 and week 43, 1989 Label: Fontana - Writers: Roland Orzabal, Curt Smith - Producers: Tears For Fears, Dave Bascombe "Sowing The Seeds Of Love" was released on August 21, 1989 as the lead single of the album The Seeds Of Love. The song incorporates a number of musical styles and recording techniques, with a number of reviewers considering it a pastiche of the Beatles, produces in a style reminiscent of their late 1960s output. It was written in June 1987, during the week of the UK General Election in which Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative Party won a third consecutive term in office. At the time of its release, Roland considered this to be the most overtly political song that Tears For Fears had ever recorded. The lyrics refer to Thatcher's election win with 'politician granny with your high ideals, have you no idea how the majority feels?' "Sowing The Seeds Of Love" went to no.1 in Canada, no.2 in the United States and Italy, no.3 in the Netherlands and no.5 in United Kingdom.
	Girl I'm Gonna Miss You - Milli Vanilli  2 weeks No.1  between week 44, 1989 and week 45, 1989 Labels: Hansa / Arista - Writers: Frank Farian, Peter Bischof-Fallenstein, Dietmar Kawohl - Producer: Frank Farian "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You", released on July 1, 1989, is another single from the debut album Girl You Know It's True by the German dance-pop group and the first number one for producer Frank Farian after his big success with Boney M. more than 10 years ago. The sweet love song is about a protagonist missing the loved one: '...it was a tragedy that the dream is over...' "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You" reached the number one spot in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and no.2 in United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Ireland.
	Lambada - Kaoma  2 weeks No.1  between week 46, 1989 and week 47, 1989 Labels: Epic / CBS - Writers: Chico De Oliveira, Gonzalo Hermosa-Gonzales - Producer: Jean-Claude Bonaventure "Lambada", released in July 1989, is a mix cover of Márcia Ferreira's 1986 hit "Chorando Se Foi" and the Cuarteto Continental's 1984 hit "Llorando Se Fue". Both tunes were adapted from the 1981 Bolivian song "Llorando Se Fue" by Los Kjarkas. The renewed version of the French-Brazilian project Kaoma became a worldwide summer-hit and kindled a massive dance-craze. The incredible music video was filmed on stage on Tago Mago Island in the Mediterranean Sea and on Cocos Beach in the city of Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil. It features the Brazilian child duo Chico & Roberta. "Lambada" reached the no.1 position in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
	Another Day In Paradise - Phil Collins  12 weeks No.1  between week 48, 1989 and week 7, 1990 Labels: Virgin / Atlantic - Writer: Phil Collins - Producers: Phil Collins, Hugh Padgham "Another Day In Paradise" was released on October 23, 1989 as the first single from Collins' fourth solo studio album But Seriously. The power ballad has as its subject the problem of homelessness. Collins sings the song from a third-person perspective, as he observes a man crossing the street to ignore a homeless woman, and he implores listeners not to turn a blind eye to homelessness because, by drawing a religious allusion: 'it's just another day for you and me in paradise'. Collins also appeals directly to God by singing: 'Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do? Oh Lord, there must be something you can say'. "Another Day In Paradise" won a Grammy Award for the Record Of The Year at the 1991 awards ceremony and topped the hitlists in the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.