My kids swear Bowling For Soup's "1985" was written about me, so there was little doubt I'd appreciate a disc which had so many classics from my youth. I've commented before that I like compilation CDs because they tend to contain all punch and very little filler, and The '80s #1s certainly fits that rule.
As the title indicates, all of the songs spent time in the top position on Billboard's charts. Whether it be sugarcoated ultra-sweet pop songs like "Down Under" or "Karma Chameleon" or progressive hits like "Owner of a Lonely Heart," Pure '80s #1s is a collection of memories.
But it's not centralized to one specific type of music. Or maybe that's what was so unique about '80s music; there was diversity. Instead of the current chart containing 40 songs sounding pretty much the same, artists like Tears For Fears and Simple Minds co-existed with Men At Work and Culture Club.
Many of the artists on the CD came and went nearly as fast as their songs climbed and fell, others were mainstays for the decade and even longer. "What's Love Got to Do With It" is just one of many top charters that Tina Turner has had and The Police's "Every Breath You Take," not only spent eight weeks in that number one position, but it won two Grammys in 1984 (Song of the Year and Best performance by a group or duo). The sedate black and white video went on to chart in MTV's and VH1's list of "Best Videos Ever."
MTV was in its infancy when these songs were being played on every radio station in the country, and some are probably almost better known for their videos, "Addicted To Love" comes immediately to mind. Though it would be considered simple by today's standards, Robert Palmer and his guitar backed by a band of five girls in short black dresses, slicked-back hair, and red lipstick became an image for the driving beat and simple chord changes which are instantly recognizable.
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