Welcome back as we continue this week’s countdown! If you’d like, you can go back and check out songs 40-31, 30-21 and 20-11. Once again, as has been the case all week, there are some classic ’80s tunes on today’s list. And even though we have reached the top 10, there still managed to be a song that I was not familiar with. So, let’s go ahead and Return to the week ending December 4, 1982, and count down the 10 biggest hits in the country.
10. “Muscles” by Diana Ross
We’ll begin with the song that I did not know about. This song isn’t too bad. I don’t know how it got in the top 10, but it isn’t too bad. The song was written and produced by Michael Jackson. Diana Ross earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for this song.
9. “Dirty Laundry” by Don Henley
Don Henley’s take on tabloid journalism was the second single from his debut solo album, I Can’t Stand Still. It would eventually peak at #3.
8. “The Girl is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney
If you thought Thriller was the scariest song from it’s album, you thought wrong. This monstrosity was the worst song on the Thriller album (in my humble opinion). This stinker was the first single released from the album, so at least they got it out of the way.
7. “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson
I always liked this Joe Jackson song. This would be Jackson’s biggest hit in the U.S., peaking at #6. For some reason, when I hear this songs, it makes me think of roller skating. They must have played this often at our roller skating rink.
6. “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
This smash hit theme song from An Officer and a Gentleman was at the top of the charts for 3 straight weeks in November. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Academy Award for Best Original Song. This song was also my introduction to Joe Cocker. I had no idea that had been active since the ’60s. Then in one of my history books in school had a section on Woodstock. There was a picture of Joe Cocker performing. I didn’t think that could possibly be Joe Cocker since he had no beard! Of course I know a lot more of his music now.
5. “Heartlight” by Neil Diamond
Like it or not, I group up with Neil Diamond’s biggest fan. My mother owned every album he ever came out with, including Beautiful Noise on 8-track. So, all of his songs are sizzled into my brain.
I really disliked this era of Neil Diamond. I much preferred his older stuff that rocked a little. I didn’t care too much for his “easy listening” stuff. So, I don’t like this song at all, even though it was influenced by E.T.
4. “Maneater” by Daryl Hall and John Oates
I love classic Hall & Oates!! This smash hit will hit #1 in a couple of weeks, and hold on to that top spot for three weeks.
3. “Mickey” by Toni Basil
Next up is a polarizing song. Some people, like me, love it. It is classic ’80s. I love my ’80s upbeat and fun. But, I know that there are a lot of people that are irritated by this song.
One thing we can agree on is that this was a huge hit for choreographer Toni Basil. It had reached the top of the charts and made Basil one of the most famous one-hit wonders of our decade.
2. “Gloria” by Laura Branigan
I love all of Laura Branigan’s music. This was her signature song. It helped earn her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance Female Grammy Award. Although, it didn’t appear on the actual soundtrack, it was featured in the movie Flashdance. I haven’t seen that movie since the ’80s. But, correct me if I’m wrong, I believe the song was playing for Jennifer Beals’ friend in an ice skating competition. That’s about the only part of the movie I remember, other than the obvious part where she pulls the string and dumps the water on herself.
Before we reveal the number one song, let’s see what was topping some of the other charts this week in 1982.
Top Country Song: “You and I” by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle
Top R&B Song: “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye (5th week out of 10 as #1)
Top Rock Song: “Down Under” by Men At Work
Top Dance Song: “1999” by Prince
I don’t know how this happened, but the real 1999 song is on YouTube! Well, actually, it’s the first 34 seconds of the song. But, we’ll take what we can get. Let’s see if he takes down the video by the time I post this article.
Top Album: Business As Usual by Men at Work
Side 1
Finally the Top R&B song is also the top of our countdown:
1. “Truly” by Lionel Richie
This beautiful song is one of my all-time favorite Lionel Richie songs. It was his debut solo single of an illustrious career. This was the second week in a row that the song topped the charts.
Well, that wraps up this week’s countdown. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have. I’ll try to have another one out soon – maybe even next week! In the meantime, “Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.”
Return to the 80s 
I love “Steppin’ Out” and “Maneater”!
Forgot about “Muscles.” As you said, not a bad song. When it comes to “Mickey,” I’m kind of on the fence. I won’t buy the song, but I can listen to it sometimes.
Might not be *the* best countdown you’ve shared, but it’s probably in the top five!
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I agree with you 100%. I forgot what week it was, but I think it was a 1983 one that was my favorite so far. But, this ranks right up there. There were some stinkers for me, but there were quite a few classics that I still really enjoy.
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