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Stuck in the ’80s “Horrible Hits of 1987”

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The Stuck in the ’80s gang released their most recent podcast this weekend, with their topic being The Horrible Hits of 1987. They count down the worst songs that became hits in 1987. Some of their choices are controversial. Here is their list:

10. I’ve Had the Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
9. Songbird – Kenny G
8. I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany
7. With or Without You – U2
6. Head to Toe – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
5. Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi
4. Respect Yourself – Bruce Willis
3. La Isla Bonita – Madonna
2. Always – Atlantic Starr
1. Heaven is a Place on Earth

I can’t believe “With or Without You” was on there. Same with “Wanted Dead or Alive”. But I do remember how MTV was heavily promoting Bon Jovi’s new video at the time, but would not say what it was. Everybody assumed that it would be “Never Say Goodbye”, but it ended up being “Wanted Dead or Alive”. I did not care too much for the song until Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora performed their historic unplugged version on the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

Does anybody think that any of these other songs don’t belong on the list? Are there other hits from 1987 that should be on the list instead?

2 thoughts on “Stuck in the ’80s “Horrible Hits of 1987””

  1. Where do I start? I turned 15 in 1987, and was immersed in music then. When I first heard “With or Without You” on the radio, it was such a disappointment to me coming off of The Unforgettable Fire album. However, it launched what has become my favorite album of all time, in any genre. Now I consider the song to be just as much of a work of art as the rest of the project. I’ve seen U2 live four times now, but it was the Joshua Tree tour that kicked it all off. I just can’t see how anyone would choose “With or Without You” over gems like these:

    “Looking For A New Love”…..Jody Watley
    “Shake Your Love”…..Debbie Gibson
    “I Want Your Sex”…..George Michael
    “Touch Me (I Want Your Body)”…..Samantha Fox
    “Somewhere Out There”…..Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram
    “Ballerina Girl”…..Lionel Richie

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  2. I love your list, Suitenectar! I totally agree about Jody Watley. I always hated that song, and would change the station as soon as it came on. It will never appear on my ipod. I would agree with you about Debbie Gibson, but I had a crush on her. But I can’t really listen to “Shake Your Love” now. I really can’t stomach George Michael. The only song I can take from him is “Faith”. Samantha Fox was kind of fun, but I can only take her in small doses. “Somewhere Out There” just reminds me of the “American Tail” movie (which I never saw). This was on MTV nonstop when it came out. If you want to listen to a good James Ingram song, listen to “Just Once”. And ah, “Ballerina Girl”! If you can apply a “Jump the Shark” song in music (which I do), this would be it for Lionel Richie.

    I would also add “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby & The Range to the list. I thought that the song was overrated, and is another one that I have to turn off as soon as I hear it.

    Thank you so much for your comment. Keep ’em comin’.

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