1985 was a landmark year in music, with a wide range of genres and styles represented in the charts. From pop and rock to R&B and hip hop, this year saw some of the biggest hits of the decade. Here are 10 of the most popular songs from 1985 that continue to be loved and remembered today.
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael
This soulful ballad was the first solo single by George Michael, who was then still a member of the popular duo Wham!. With its catchy saxophone riff and emotional lyrics, “Careless Whisper” became a massive hit, reaching the top of charts in over 25 countries
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna
Madonna continued her reign as the queen of pop with this upbeat dance track. “Like a Virgin” was a huge commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the charts and cementing Madonna’s status as one of the biggest pop stars of the 80s.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
This power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner was a massive hit in 1985, reaching the top of charts around the world. With its soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, “I Want to Know What Love Is” remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s.
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
This upbeat pop-rock track was a huge hit for Katrina and the Waves in 1985, reaching the top 10 in several countries. With its catchy chorus and joyful energy, “Walking on Sunshine” is still a staple of 80s pop music.
“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News
This upbeat track by Huey Lewis and the News was a huge hit in 1985, reaching the top 5 on the charts. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “The Power of Love” remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s.
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
This classic rock track by Dire Straits was a huge hit in 1985, reaching the top of charts around the world. With its memorable guitar riff and sarcastic lyrics, “Money for Nothing” remains one of the most iconic songs of the 80s.
“Take on Me” by A-ha
This synthpop track by the Norwegian band A-ha was a huge hit in 1985, reaching the top of charts in several countries. With its catchy chorus and innovative music video, “Take on Me” remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s.
“Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins
This upbeat duet by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins was a huge hit in 1985, reaching the top 5 on the charts. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “Easy Lover” remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon
This power ballad by the American rock band REO Speedwagon was a huge hit in 1985, reaching the top 5 on the charts. With its emotional lyrics and soaring vocals, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s.
“We Are the World” by USA for Africa
This all-star charity single was recorded in 1985 to raise money for famine relief in Africa. With its memorable chorus and heartfelt lyrics, “We Are the World” became a massive hit, reaching the top of charts around the world and becoming one of the most memorable songs of the decade. The song brought together some of the biggest names in music, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder, to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause.
1985 was a landmark year in music, with a wide range of genres and styles represented in the charts. From pop and rock to R&B and hip hop, this year saw some of the biggest hits of the decade that continue to be loved and remembered today. These 10 hit songs from 1985 showcase the diversity and creativity of the music scene at the time and demonstrate why this year remains a standout in musical history.
Why were these songs so popular in 1985?
There are several reasons why these songs were so popular in 1985.
- Innovative production: Many of these songs were notable for their innovative production techniques, which combined elements of different genres to create a new and exciting sound. For example, “Take on Me” by A-ha combined synthpop with a traditional rock band setup, while “We Are the World” brought together a diverse group of artists to create a unique sound.
- Memorable lyrics and hooks: Many of these songs had memorable lyrics and hooks that stuck in listeners’ minds and made them want to sing along. For example, “Like a Virgin” by Madonna had a catchy chorus that was easy to remember, while “Careless Whisper” by George Michael had emotional lyrics that resonated with listeners.
- Timeless appeal: Many of these songs have a timeless appeal that has allowed them to endure for decades. For example, “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News has an upbeat energy that continues to make it a popular choice for soundtrack and playlists, while “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits remains a classic rock anthem.
- Cultural significance: Some of these songs had a cultural significance that made them popular at the time and helped them to endure over the years. For example, “We Are the World” by USA for Africa was a charity single that raised awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa, making it a popular choice for those who wanted to support a worthy cause.
Overall, these songs were popular in 1985 because of their innovative production, memorable lyrics and hooks, timeless appeal, and cultural significance. They remain popular today because they continue to resonate with listeners and evoke memories of a time when music was both exciting and meaningful.
The economy of 1985 and 10 Hit song relationship
The economy of 1985 was characterized by a period of growth and stability, and this had a significant impact on the music industry. With the economy on the upswing, people had more disposable income to spend on entertainment, which allowed the music industry to thrive. This, in turn, led to increased investment in the industry and the production of more high-quality music, including the 10 hit songs from 1985.
The strong economy also allowed the music industry to reach a wider audience, as people had more money to buy albums and attend concerts. This was particularly true for the youth market, which was a key demographic for the music industry in the 80s. With more disposable income, young people could afford to buy records and attend concerts, which helped to spread the popularity of these 10 hit songs.
Furthermore, the economy of 1985 was characterized by a sense of optimism and hope, which was reflected in the music of the time. Many of the hit songs from 1985 were upbeat and energetic, capturing the mood of the moment and giving people a reason to dance and celebrate.
In conclusion, the strong economy of 1985 had a significant impact on the music industry and the popularity of the 10 hit songs from that year. With more disposable income and a sense of optimism in the air, people were more likely to invest in entertainment and enjoy the music of the time. This helped to create a vibrant and thriving music scene that continues to be remembered and celebrated today.
Editor’s eyes
The social background of 1985 was marked by significant changes and cultural shifts, which had a significant impact on the music of the time. Here are a few key social and cultural factors that shaped the popular music of 1985 and its relationship to the 10 hit songs.
- Youth culture: The 80s was a time of great change for young people, as they embraced new styles and forms of self-expression. This was reflected in the music of the time, which was often aimed at the youth market and celebrated their energy and creativity. Many of the 10 hit songs from 1985, such as “Like a Virgin” by Madonna and “Take on Me” by A-ha, captured the spirit of the moment and gave voice to the hopes and aspirations of young people.
- The rise of technology: The 80s saw significant advances in technology, particularly in the realm of music production and distribution. This allowed musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles, and to reach a wider audience with their music. For example, the music video for “Take on Me” by A-ha was a pioneering example of how technology could be used to enhance the visual appeal of a song.
- The impact of the Cold War: The 80s was a time of great tension between the Western and Eastern blocs, as the threat of nuclear war loomed large. This sense of uncertainty and fear was reflected in some of the hit songs from 1985, such as “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits, which dealt with themes of consumerism and the desire for material wealth in a world that seemed uncertain.
- The rise of social activism: The 80s was also a time of increased social awareness and activism, as people began to demand greater equality and justice in society. This was reflected in some of the hit songs from 1985, such as “We Are the World” by USA for Africa, which was a charity single that raised awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa.
In conclusion, the social background of 1985 was marked by significant changes and cultural shifts, which had a significant impact on the popular music of the time. The 10 hit songs from 1985 reflected the hopes and fears, the joys and sorrows of the moment, and helped to shape the cultural landscape of the 80s. Today, these songs continue to evoke memories of a time when music was both exciting and meaningful, and they remain an important part of the cultural heritage of the 80s.
