Hi Everybody, welcome to a new Top 40 Countdown. This week, we will Return to the dawn of the ’80s – the week ending October 4, 1980. I always get nervous when we get to the very early ’80s, because I really don’t want to listen to the ’70s leftover disco music, and miss out on the classic ’80s sound. However, those fears are unwarranted here. This is going to be a great week of music. So, let’s Return to the week ending October 4, 1980, and begin the countdown.

40. “Let Me Be Your Angel” by Stacy Lattisaw

Stacy Lattisaw was an influential R&B star. She has an incredible voice in this song – especially for a 13 year old! She would go on to have a successful career throughout the ’80s. Then she retired from the music business in 1990 at the ripe old age of 23.

39. “Lady” by Kenny Rogers

What happens when you have one of the greatest crossover artists of all time sing a song written by the lead singer of The Commodores? You have yourself a smash hit that becomes a #1 song on three music charts – Country, Hot 100, and Adult Contemporary, as well as htting #42 on the Top Black Singles chart.
Not only did Lionel Richie write this song, he also produced it. The song’s success gave his career a great boost. His days with the Commodores were numbered, and he would embark on an incredible solo career.
Kenny Rogers already had a successful career going for himself, and would continue to have a string of hits throughout the ’80s.

38. “I’m Almost Ready” by The Pure Prairie League

This is a very good song by the Pure Prairie League, with future Country music legend Vince Gill on the lead vocals. And with this video, not only do you get a good song, but you also get to see the opening of Solid Gold. Ah, the good ole days!!

37. “Whip It” by Devo

Classic ’80s! This was my introduction to Devo. They had a unique look, especially with those hats, and they had a unique sound.

36. “Out Here On My Own” by Irene Cara

Longtime readers know of my love for Irene Cara. She already scores points with me for being on one of my favorite children’s television shows – The Electric Company. I have yet to hear a song by her that I don’t like. This is a beautiful ballad from the movie Fame. This won’t be the only song by Irene Cara from this movie on this week’s countdown.

35. “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” by The Charlie Daniels Band

This is a very cool Southern Rock song.

34. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross

Ow! Music whiplash! We go from Southern Rock to a Disco dance song.

33. “Dreamer”by Supertramp

For some reason, Supertramp tends to be grating to me. But, I don’t mind this song.

32. “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder still has an incredible voice. Did you catch his performance of “Sir Duke” on The Tonight Show? He still sounds the same. In the immortal words of Joan Rivers, “Can we talk?” I’m sure Stevie Wonder has a lot of people in his life – friends, family, people who work for him. They do realize he’s blind, don’t they? Then why doesn’t one of them tell him that his big-ass ponytail looks stupid!?! The rest of his head is completely bald. I just want to take scissors to that ponytail! Ugh!! OK, rant is over.

31. “Who’ll Be the Fool Tonight” by The Larsen-Feiten Band

Sounds like it could be a Chicago song.

We’ll wrap up today’s list with a very good song that I was unfamiliar with. This sounds like a song that the band Chicago would do.

Well, I’m liking these songs so far. We’ll be back tomorrow to continue the countdown.

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