Harper Hall
The year 1985 gave us some of music’s most unforgettable treasures. These songs weren’t just popular back then – they’ve become timeless classics that continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. From soaring vocals to guitar riffs that make your hair stand on end, these twelve tracks from ’85 deliver emotional punches and musical brilliance that many of today’s auto-tuned hits simply can’t match.
1. “Take On Me” by a-ha
Those opening synth notes are instantly recognizable anywhere on planet Earth. Norwegian band a-ha created magic with this synth-pop masterpiece featuring Morten Harket’s incredible vocal range hitting that famous high note.
The revolutionary pencil-sketch animation video broke new ground, telling a comic book romance story that captured imaginations worldwide. Decades later, both the distinctive keyboard riff and that impossibly high chorus still give goosebumps to first-time and millionth-time listeners alike.
2. “Shout” by Tears For Fears
An anthem of empowerment wrapped in new wave packaging. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith crafted a protest song disguised as a chart-topper, encouraging listeners to let their voices be heard against the powers that be.
The driving rhythm and explosive chorus create an irresistible tension-and-release pattern. When that “Shout, shout, let it all out” hook kicks in, it’s nearly impossible not to join in at top volume. The song’s political undertones give it substance beyond its catchy exterior.
3. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
The Boss captured middle-America’s bittersweet nostalgia in this rock classic. Over a deceptively upbeat melody, Springsteen tells stories of former high school athletes and old flames who peaked early and now reminisce about better times.
The saxophone solo by Clarence Clemons provides the perfect emotional punctuation mark. What makes this track endure is how it balances fond remembrance with subtle regret – something we all experience as we age. Every bar crowd in America still erupts when those opening notes play.
4. “In Between Days” by The Cure
Robert Smith and The Cure created a perfect contradiction with this track – upbeat, jangly guitars paired with lyrics of heartache and uncertainty. The frenetic acoustic strumming creates an urgency that perfectly matches the emotional confusion of a relationship in limbo.
Unlike their goth-heavy material, this song showed The Cure’s pop sensibilities without sacrificing emotional depth. The track’s irresistible energy masks its melancholy core – a technique that makes it particularly effective. When Smith sings “Yesterday I got so old, I felt like I could die,” you feel it.
5. “One Vision” by Queen
Freddie Mercury’s operatic vocals soar over Brian May’s razor-sharp guitar work in this arena rock masterpiece. Written after their legendary Live Aid performance, Queen channeled that communal energy into a song about unity and purpose.
The track builds with military precision – from the opening heartbeat rhythm to the explosive chorus. May’s guitar solo remains a masterclass in melodic rock playing. The playful “fried chicken” ending (Mercury’s studio joke that made the final cut) adds that quintessential Queen quirkiness to an otherwise anthemic rock statement.
6. “Part-Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder
Wonder’s genius shines in this deceptively complex tale of infidelity. The bouncy synthesizer hook and Luther Vandross’ backing vocals create an irresistible groove that masks the moral complications in the lyrics.
Stevie’s trademark harmonica adds soulful punctuation between verses about secret affairs. The song’s sophisticated arrangement demonstrates why Wonder remains in a league of his own – multiple melodic layers weave together seamlessly. Despite its mature subject matter, the infectious chorus had people of all ages singing along to what is essentially a story about cheating.
7. “A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran
James Bond themes don’t get more ’80s than this synth-driven masterpiece. Duran Duran made history as the first band to score a #1 hit with a Bond theme, blending their new wave style with the cinematic drama required for 007.
Simon Le Bon’s theatrical vocals perfectly complement the orchestral flourishes and pulsing bassline. The song’s tension-filled bridge builds to an explosive chorus that captures the danger and glamour of the spy franchise. John Taylor’s driving bass work provides the perfect foundation for Nick Rhodes’ atmospheric keyboard textures.
8. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon
Power ballads reached their emotional peak with this REO Speedwagon classic. Kevin Cronin’s vulnerable vocals tell the story of a man finally surrendering to love after trying to keep his feelings hidden.
The song’s gradual build from gentle piano to full-band power chorus mirrors the emotional journey in the lyrics. Guitar legend Gary Richrath provides tasteful accompaniment that never overshadows the song’s heartfelt message. The track’s sincerity connected with listeners in a way that today’s more calculated ballads rarely achieve.
9. “Pop Life” by Prince
The Purple One delivered this funk-infused commentary on fame and the music industry with his trademark blend of genius and attitude. Following the massive success of Purple Rain, Prince turned his critical eye toward celebrity culture and artistic integrity.
Layered synthesizers and a bouncy bassline create an irresistible groove beneath Prince’s sardonic observations. The orchestral flourishes and backing vocals add richness to what might be one of his most underappreciated mid-80s gems. Prince’s ability to critique the very industry that made him famous while still delivering an infectious pop song showcases his unmatched musical intelligence.
10. “Tonight It’s You” by Cheap Trick
Robin Zander’s pristine vocals shine in this criminally underrated power-pop gem. Cheap Trick balanced their hard rock roots with perfect pop sensibilities, creating a song that should have been a much bigger hit.
The track’s shimmering guitar work and driving rhythm section create an urgent backdrop for a tale of romantic anticipation. Rick Nielsen’s distinctive guitar style adds just enough edge to keep the song from becoming too saccharine. The band’s knack for combining Beatles-esque melodies with harder rock elements is perfectly showcased in this forgotten ’85 classic.
11. “Lucky in Love” by Mick Jagger
The Rolling Stones frontman stepped away from his day job to deliver this synth-heavy solo track with a gambling metaphor at its core. Jagger embraced the ’80s production aesthetic while maintaining his signature swagger and vocal style.
The pulsing electronic beat and processed guitars were a departure from Stones territory, showing Jagger’s willingness to experiment. Despite the slick production, Mick’s unmistakable voice cuts through with the same raw energy he brought to his band’s classics. The song represents a fascinating moment when rock icons were adapting to the synthesizer-dominated musical landscape of the mid-80s.
12. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler’s fingerpicking mastery elevates this tale of an unappreciated jazz band to legendary status. While originally released in 1978, the song found renewed popularity in 1985 when Dire Straits exploded with their “Brothers in Arms” album.
Knopfler’s distinctive guitar tone and understated vocals create an atmosphere that transports listeners directly to that smoky London club. The narrative storytelling style was a refreshing alternative to typical rock lyrics of the era. The extended guitar solo section remains one of rock’s most tasteful displays of virtuosity without unnecessary showboating.
Comments
Loading…