Category Archives: Hits – Horrible and Great

Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of the ’80s – Horrible and Great

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Here is a wrap-up of the Horrible and Great hits of the ’80s. I threw all the songs from my previous lists of each year, and picked my least favorite and favorite songs of the decade.
So, this is basically a Greatest Hits compilation of the Hits – Horrible and Great series.

The Horrible Hits came quite easy to me, and fell right into place. My favorites were a little tougher. They are always rotating in and out. Since I love so much ’80s music, it is difficult leaving some songs off the list.
Well, without further adieu:

Horrible

10. If This Is It – Huey Lewis and The News

Stick with the up-tempo songs, Huey! I loved every song on the Sports album – except for this one. It’s slow, boring, and there’s no feeling in it.

9. Harden My Heart – Quarterflash

This is one of the most overplayed ’80s songs out there. I’ve heard this song more in the past couple of years than I did during the entire ’80s decade! And it’s not even on my iPod! This may not have made the list if it were not so overplayed. This song is a little to slow for me, but not slow enough to be a good ballad. I can’t change the station fast enough when it comes on the radio.

8. Two Hearts – Phil Collins

I love Phil Collins, but this was probably the most overplayed among his overplayed songs.

7. Smooth Operator – Sade

The Stuck in the 80s guys were told to keep this song off their Horrible list. It did sound like they wanted it on there though. So, I will place it on my list yet again. Is this even a song? It is more like slow torture! Slow, slow torture.

6. True – Spandau Ballet

Ah, Ah-Ah-ah, AAAAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!! I can’t stomach this song. It is too boring, and it high on some kind of wuss factor. I’ll have to admit that it was funny seeing Steve Buscemi singing this song at the end of The Wedding Singer:

Unfortunately, since the song was included in the movie, it was also included on the movie’s soundtrack. Why didn’t they leave this song off, and put on “Do You Believe In Love”?

5. Stand – R.E.M.

This song is like a whiny “Hokey Pokey”. The only song I liked by R.E.M. was “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”, and then they disappeared.

4. Red Red Wine – UB40

Neil Diamond was a great songwriter. But, this was not one of his better songs, that’s for sure! I don’t know why it was remade, and I don’t understand why this was a hit. This is another song that comes on, and I can’t change the station fast enough.

3. Mandolin Rain – Bruce Hornsby and the Range

Bruce Hornsby has a unique sound on his piano. Unfortunately, every song I’ve heard by him sounds exactly the same. And they are all horrible. I can’t turn this song off fast enough as soon as I hear it.

2. The Girl Is Mine – Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

Two of the greatest music artists of all time took the biggest dump on the biggest album of all time! Uggh, this song makes me want to rip my ears off and rip all the skin off my face! The “doggon” song bites the big one! Especially when they start yapping in the song. This song should be taken off of all copies of Thriller, and be replaced by “Say, Say, Say”.

1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

How can I be happy when this crap comes on the radio!? Don’t tell me what to do, Bobby McFerrin! I was perfectly happy until this song came on and annoyed the crap out of me. Ooooooo! There’s no instruments. He makes all the sound effects with his mouth! Impressive! If I want that, I don’t have to subject myself to this dreck. I’ll just put on some Police Academy to watch Michael Winslow.

Great

10. Lost In Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson

My favorite Debbie Gibson song. Even people who weren’t into the teen music, at the time, liked this song. It is still great today.

9. Hard Habit to Break – Chicago

I still love this Chicago ballad! This was in the middle of their comeback during the David Foster years. I got sick of “You’re the Inspiration”, but I never got sick of this song. Unfortunately, the band became known more for their ballads. Their rock songs are just as good. But, “Hard Habit to Break” is one of my all time favorite Chicago songs.

8. Down Under – Men At Work

This song was a breakthrough for Men At Work, and basically introduced the U.S. to Australia and vegemite sandwiches. This is a fun song, and Colin Haye has a great unique voice. The band had a great string of hits. Will they get back together already?!

7. Hungry Like the Wolf – Duran Duran

This song got a lot of people into Duran Duran. The exposure on MTV didn’t hurt either. I liked it when it came out because the video reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark. But, even without the video, the song itself is really good.

6. Like a Prayer – Madonna

This was Madonna at the peak of her career. This is my favorite song by her.

5. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake

This is a great song without the video. But, much like “At This Moment” is linked with Family Ties, “Here I Go Again” will forever be linked with the video and Tawny Kitaen. How many of us guys wished that we were that car?!? 24 years later I still love this song. It stands the test of time for me.

4. Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard

A perfect rock anthem. This is a fun song, that really rocks, and is still popular today. With all the great smash hits that Def Leppard has, this is one of the best.

3. The Living Years – Mike and the Mechanics

A really emotional song that packs quite a punch. Paul Carrack sounds great. The music and message are just awesome.

2. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds

The ultimate ’80s song from the ultimate ’80s movie. You can’t think of one without the other. It even has staying power as this song is played while the losing American Idols are being booted. This song does get played alot, but somehow I cannot get sick of it.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey

“Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of my all time favorite songs, even after all these years. Everybody still gets into this song. And a new generation has even found it, as it became extremely popular from the television show Glee. Don’t Stop Believin’ this song will live on forever.

Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1989 – Horrible and Great

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Well, here is the final Hits of the Decade – Horrible and Great.
I hope you all enjoyed the articles as much as I enjoyed compiling them. In case you missed any, here are the links to each of the years. Feel free to comment on them, and leave your own lists:

1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988

On 8/6/10, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1989 podcast. Here is their list:

10. Hangin’ Tough – New Kids On The Block
9. Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
8. If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher
7. Girl You Know Its True – Milli Vanilli
6. Toy Solider – Martika
5. Stand – R.E.M.
4. If You Don’t Know Me By Now – Simply Red
3. Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird – Will To Power
2. I’ll Be There for You, Bon Jovi
1. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

Here is my list of Horrible Hits:

10. The End of the Innocence – Don Henley

This song sounds too much like a Bruce Hornsby song, which I am not fond of. “The Heart of the Matter” was a way better song off of this album.

9. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses

Much like “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, this is the type of song that should be in my wheelhouse. But I just didn’t like it at all. It just gives me a headache.

8. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

This is a little too sappy for me – and I didn’t even see “Beaches” (the movie from which this is from). Sheena Easton did a way better version of this song.

7. Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry

This song did nothing for me. I don’t know why it was a hit.

6. Real Love – Jody Watley

Ditto. Real Blah

5. Stand – R.E.M.

Although the last couple of songs were “blah”, I would prefer “blah” to annoying!
It’s like a whiney “Hokey Pokey”. The only song I liked by R.E.M. was “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”, and then they disappeared.

4. Girl You Know Its True/Blame It On The Rain – Milli Vanilli

These poor saps. If they came on the scene more recently, instead of 20+ years ago, all they would have needed was autotune. Then they would have been just as successful. Which is not a good thing.

3. Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird – Will To Power

I don’t even like the Peter Frampton version, let alone this one!

2. If You Don’t Know Me By Now – Simply Red

Boring! “If you don’t know me byzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

1. Two Hearts – Phil Collins

I love Phil Collins, but this was probably the most overplayed among his overplayed songs.

There were also some great hits that year:

10. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses

Now we’re talking! One of my all-time favorite Guns ‘N’ Roses songs. This was the perfect song for them. Axl sounds like this song belongs to him, Slash is awesome. And now that I’ve been watching Celebrity Rehab, I am very impressed with Steven Adler’s drumming in this song.

9. The Look – Roxette

Roxette burst on to the scene with this song. This was a fun and unique song. Roxette’s first 2 albums were great.

8. Eternal Flame – The Bangles

A great ballad by this awesome band. Susanna Hoffs sounds great.

7. After All – Cher and Peter Cetera

These two unique voices sound great together. Cetera was still going strong post-Chicago, and Cher was in the middle of one of her several comebacks. One of my favorite duets of the decade.

6. Look Away – Chicago

I had the cassingle of this song, and played it over and over. I kind of ruined the song for myself, but I could not get enough of it. “Look Away” was my favorite Chicago song for a while.

5. Surrender To Me – Ann Wilson and Robin Zander

Another great duet from this year. Ann Wilson has such an incredible voice. And Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander sounds really good with her.

4. Poison – Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper was great in the ’70s. But he had a pretty good revival in the late ’80s. This is probably my favorite song by him.

3. Like a Prayer – Madonna

This was Madonna at the peak of her career. This is my favorite song by her.

2. Lost In Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson

My favorite Debbie Gibson song. Even people who weren’t into the teen music, at the time, liked this song. It is still great today.

1. The Living Years – Mike and the Mechanics

Not only was this my favorite song of the year, but it may be one of my favorite songs of the entire decade. A really emotional song that packs quite a punch. Paul Carrack sounds great. The music and message are just awesome.

Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1988 – Horrible and Great

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On 6/25/10, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1987 podcast. Here is their list:

10. Red Red Wine – UB40
9. Wild Wild West – The Escape Club
8. I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That – Elton John
7. Dirty Diana – Michael Jackson
6. Don’t Be Cruel – Cheap Trick
5. Pink Cadillac – Natalie Cole
4. A Groovy Kind of Love – Phil Collins
3. Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
2. Wishing Well – Terence Trent d’Arby
1. Kokomo – Beach Boys

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

Here is my list of Horrible Hits:

10. Mercedes Boy – Pebbles

Ho-hum. Boring. You tell me which Pebbles song is better:

Alright, I’ll call it a draw!

9. Wishing Well – Terence Trent d’Arby

There’s a reason he was a one-hit wonder:

8. Hungry Eyes – Eric Carmen
7. She’s Like the Wind – Patrick Swayze

Didn’t Dirty Dancing take place in the ’60s? They should have kept only ’60s songs on the soundtrack. I loved Patrick Swayze the actor – but not the singer. It didn’t help that these songs seemed to play on an endless loop on MTV and on the radio.

Hungry Eyes
 She’s Like the Wind

6. I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That – Elton John

Here he goes again. The legendary Elton John came out with another crappy ’80s song. So disappointing, and so overrated and overplayed.

5. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses

I loved ’80s rock, so you would think that this would be in my wheelhouse. But, this song just grated on me. I could not stand this song and “Welcome to the Jungle” – the 2 songs that they were best known for. Give me “Paradise City”, “Mr. Brownstone”, and later on, “November Rain” any day.

4. Pink Cadillac – Natalie Cole

I don’t like this song at all. I don’t like Bruce Springsteen’s version either. Every time this comes on, I confuse Natalie Cole with Patti LaBelle. At least this is better that that creepy, spine-tingling “duet” Cole did with her dead father.

3. A Groovy Kind of Love – Phil Collins

I may have liked this song the very first time I heard it. But after it was on the radio for the 50th time on the first day, I was already sick of it. And it kept coming on the radio and on MTV for what seemd like a few times an hour for at least a few months. It made me want to stay away from any electronic devices, or else I would go insane. Then “Two Hearts” came out, and made me long for this one.

2. Red Red Wine – UB40

Neil Diamond was a great songwriter. But, this was not one of his better songs, that’s for sure! I don’t know why it was remade, and I don’t understand why this was a hit. This is another song that comes on, and I can’t change the station fast enough.

1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

How can I be happy when this crap comes on the radio!? Don’t tell me what to do, Bobby McFerrin! I was perfectly happy until this song came on and annoyed the crap out of me. Ooooooo! There’s no instruments. He makes all the sound effects with his mouth! Impressive! If I want that, I don’t have to subject myself to this dreck. I’ll just put on some Police Academy to watch Michael Winslow.

There were also some great hits that year:

10.Wait – White Lion

I loved White Lion when I first heard them. They set themselves apart from most of the rock bands at the time. The lead singer, Mike Tramp, had a unique voice, and Vito Bratta was an awesome guitarist.

9. Faith – George Michael

This is probably my favorite George Michael song. It is a nice simple song that has a great beat.

8. Heaven Is a Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle

The Go-Go’s were great, but Belinda Carlisle did not have a shabby solo career. She was in her prime with this song. I love it.

7. One Good Woman – Peter Cetera

Peter Cetera’s best known solo song was “Glory of Love”, but I really liked this one a lot. I always felt that this song was underrated.

6. Man In the Mirror – Michael Jackson

Great, inspiring song from the “King of Pop”. It proves that he could pull of a beautiful song just as well as a dance or pop song.

5. Could’ve Been – Tiffany

Tiffany is probably best known for her remakes of “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Saw Him Standing There”. But, “Could’ve Been” was a great ballad that reached #1 on the U.S. charts. She showed great emotional depth in this song. Especially considering it was on her debut album.

4. Shake Your Love – Debbie Gibson

Even though my taste in music leaned more towards rock music, I really liked Debbie Gibson. Not only was she cute, but she was extremely talented. She could play piano, write her own songs, and had a great voice. This was a fun song.

3. Hold On to the Nights – Richard Marx

Richard Marx had some really good uptempo songs from his debut album.
But his first ballad from that album was a knockout. I still like it.

2. One Moment In Time – Whitney Houston

I wish Whitney could have this one moment in time back. An incredible song, and perfect for the 1988 Olympics, for which it was written for.

And kids this is what drugs do to you. You go from that incredible song to this:

1. Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard

A perfect rock anthem. This is a fun song, that really rocks, and is still popular today. With all the great smash hits that Def Leppard has, this is one of the best.

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1987 – Horrible and Great

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On April 27, 2010, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1987 podcast. 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

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

I had a lot of great music memories from this year. But, there were also so many bad songs, that I couldn’t just whittle it down to 5 like I have done for all my other Horrible lists. So here are my 10 Horrible Hits of 1987:

10. Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung

The very first time I heard this song was at a dance/mixer. I got there early to set up, and the DJ played this song first, before the rest of the people showed up. I thought it sounded pretty good when it was being blasted on the big speakers. But upon further listening on normal radio, it slowly drove me crazy. “Everybody Have Fun Tonight! Everybody Wang Chung tonight?” Really?!? It seemed a bit desperate (or arrogant) to try to make their band name a part of our vocabulary. Well, it didn’t work, and they didn’t have too many hits after this song.

9. I Want Your Sex – George Michael

I was really sick of George Michael by the time this came out. The only song I really liked by him was “Faith”. Remember when this song was the most controversial thing that George Michael did? We all long for those days again!

8. Ballerina Girl – Lionel Richie

I love Lionel. But after an extremely long sting of successful hits, this stinker was kind of a jump-the-shark moment for him in my eyes. I even liked “Hello” better than this. I couldn’t listen to the whole song back then, and I can’t do it now.

7. Shake You Down – Gregory Abbott

This song is just meh to me. It might not have made my horrible list if it didn’t make the top 10. But, not only was this a top 10 song, it was a #1 hit! Not my cup of tea.

6. Looking for a New Love – Jody Watley

This was kind of boring for a dance song. I’ll take anything by Janet Jackson over this any day!

5. Hip to Be Square – Huey Lewis and the News

I don’t know why, but this song just rubs me the wrong way.

4. Mandolin Rain – Bruce Hornsby and the Range

Bruce Hornsby has a unique sound on his piano. Unfortunately, every song I’ve heard by him sounds exactly the same. And they are all horrible. I can’t turn this song off fast enough as soon as I hear it.

3. La Isla Bonita – Madonna

I love Madonna’s early music, and I even liked her music through the ’90s. But, this crappy boring song was the valley between her coned mountains of hits.

2. The Lady In Red – Chris DeBurgh

Let me know if there is anybody out there that hasn’t danced with a girl/woman in a red dress that actually still likes this song. This is too boring and whiny for me. I don’t care much for male singers that have wussy voices. However, I must admit that I do like DeBurgh’s “Carry Me (Like a Fire in Your Heart)“.

1. Songbird – Kenny G

This was the death of the sax in pop/rock songs, until Lady Ga Ga and the late, great Clarence Clemons brought it back last month. I don’t like the thought of elevator music appearing in the top 100, never mind topping at #4! I have a suggestion if you are planning a wedding. Do as I did, and tell the DJ: “NO KENNY G!!!”

And here is my list of Great Hits of 1987:

10. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi

“You Give Love a Bad Name” sent Bon Jovi into the stratosphere, and their follow-up song. “Livin’ on a Prayer” kept them there. I get sick of hearing the same song over and over again, but I could not get enough of this song when it came out. It was inspiring hearing about Tommy and Gina, who would go on to reappear in Bon Jovi’s 2000 smash hit “It’s My Life”.

9. Somewhere Out There – Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram

This is a guilty pleasure for me. But Linda Ronstadt has an incredible voice, and James Ingram is so smooth. Together, they sounded great.

8. Keep Your Hands to Yourself – Georgia Satellites

Georgia Satellites were a one-hit wonder with this song. I think this song might irritate some people, but I really like it. It’s a great Southern Rock song that makes you want to move to the beat.

7. Jacob’s Ladder – Huey Lewis and The News

This is one of my favorite Huey Lewis songs, if not my favorite. Unfortunately, this song was overshadowed by the other songs from the Fore! album, such as “Stuck With You”, “Doing It All for My Baby”, and “Hip to Be Square”. This song was actually written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby. If Hornsby did this song instead of Huey Lewis, I would either hate this song, or I would like Bruce Hornsby.

6. At This Moment – Billy Vera and The Beaters

This song was originally released in 1981, and topped out at #79. But, thanks to Family Ties, “At This Moment” made the charts again, and skyrocketed to #1. “At This Moment” will now forever be linked with Family Ties – which is not a bad thing.

5. Shakedown – Bob Seger

Kenny Loggins may be the king of ’80s movie soundtracks, but Bob Seger made a pretty good mark on movie soundtracks himself. He scored big time with “Old Time Rock and Roll” in an iconic scene in Risky Business. Then he had “Shakedown” for the Beverly Hills Cop II. I like Bob Seger alot, and this is one of my favorite songs by him.

4. Alone – Heart

In my opinion, Ann and Nancy Wilson are among the greatest females in Rock history. This is one of my favorite Heart songs. Ann sings this song with so much power and passion.

Here is an awesome acoustic version:

3. With or Without You – U2

U2 had some great rockin’ songs that I love. But this slower song is probably my favorite U2 tune. I love songs that starts slow, and becomes more and more powerful as it goes on.

2. Will You Still Love Me? – Chicago

Chicago, one of my favorite bands, proved that they could move on without Peter Cetera. Their rock songs are underrated. But, when they do great ballads like this, you can see why these are the ones that get the radio air play.

1. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake

This is a great song without the video. But, much like “At This Moment” is linked with Family Ties, “Here I Go Again” will forever be linked with the video and Tawny Kitaen. How many of us guys wished that we were that car?!? 24 years later I still love this song. It stands the test of time for me.

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1986 – Horrible and Great

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On January 11, 2010 Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1985 Podcast (Episode 187). Here is their list:

10. We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off – Jermaine Stewart
9. Stuck With You – Huey Lewis and The News
8. Spies Like Us – Paul McCartney
7. All Cried Out – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam With Full Force
6. Sleeping Bag – ZZ Top
5. Love Touch – Rod Stewart
4. Crush On You – The Jets
3. Holding Back the Years – Simply Red
2. Broken Wings – Mr. Mister
1. That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick and Friends

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

This was another tough one for me. I didn’t have too much of a problem with the Horrible songs. But there were so many songs that I liked, I had a hard time narrowing it down. If I compiled a list again for this year next week, there could be 10 totally different songs on the list. But, this is what I have right now.
First, the Horrible:

5. Kiss – Prince and The Revolution

I think that only dogs can hear Prince singing this song. It is waaaay to high pitched for me, and gives me quite the headache. I much prefer his Purple Rain songs, and a few others. But this song just goes right through me.

4. Take My Breath Away – Berlin/h3>

The Top Gun soundtrack had some great songs, such as Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone”, “Playing With the Boys” (despite the association with that horrific volleyball scene in the movie), and Loverboy’s “Heaven in Your Eyes”. This Berlin song just ruins the whole thing. It’s long, boring, droning song. “Heaven In Your Eyes” should have been the only ballad on this soundtrack – unless they got Soundtrack King Kenny Loggins to record one.

3. Stuck With You – Huey Lewis and The News:

This song spent 3 weeks at number 1! Are you kidding me!?! I think they were still be rewarded for their Sports album. This song was off of the Fore album. For me, “Stuck With You” feels like “If This Is It, Part 2”. And if you look at my list of 1984 Horrible Hits, you will notice that I didn’t think too much of that song either.

2. Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel

Much like Dire Straits’ “Money For Nothing”, this song was probably a huge hit because of it’s innovative video. This song was way too overrated. I love Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”, but I could never change the station fast enough when this crappy song came on.

1. Nikita – Elton John

I love a lot of Elton John’s songs. But, he also has many horrible songs. And this clunker is the bottom of the barrel for me. I like some of Elton’s 80s songs. But it’s songs like “Nikita” that make me prefer his songs from the ’70s.

And here are the Great hits of 1986:

10. Burning Heart – Survivor: This song was on the Rocky IV Soundtrack. It wasn’t as big a hit as “Eye of the Tiger”, but it’s still a really good song. Great for working out or running to at the time.

9. Something About You – Level 42: Level 42 is a very underrated English band. This is their best known song in the U.S., and I still like it today.

8. Why Can’t This Be Love – Van Halen: This was the first Van Halen song with Sammy Hagar as the lead singer. They proved that they could be successful without David Lee Roth. There was not a bad song on the 5150 album. And “Why Can’t This Be Love” proved that they could perform great ballads as well as rockers.

7. No One Is to Blame – Howard Jones: This is a nice song that is easy on the ears.

6. Your Love – The Outfield: The Outfield’s popularity exploded in the U.S. with the release of this song. This is a fun song that I enjoy a lot.

5. All I Need Is A Miracle – Mike + The Mechanics

This Supergroup was formed by Mike Rutherford of Genesis, and featured Paul Carrack and Paul Young (not to be confused with the Paul Young who sang “Every Time You Go Away”) on vocals. This is a really good, upbeat song. “The Living Years” is probably my favorite song from the ’80s, but this song isn’t too bad itself.

4. Amanda – Boston

After having a string of great songs in the late ’70s, Boston hadn’t had anything new for 7 years. Then they finally came back in 1986 with their Third Stage album, and “Amanda” was the lead single. The song went number one for 2 weeks in a row. Boston was consistenly great, and this is no exception.

3. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going – Billy Ocean

“When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” was the theme song for the Romancing the Stone sequel, Jewel of the Nile. Billy Ocean has a great voice, and this was a fun song.

2. You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi was a pretty good rock band, with two albums under their belt, when they released Slippery When Wet. When “You Give Love a Bad Name” was released as the first single, the band’s popularity went through the stratosphere. This was a great song as people that were into rock liked it, and people that were more into pop were still drawn to this.

1. Glory of Love – Peter Cetera

I was always a Chicago fan, so I was sad when Cetera left the band. But the band went on to continue being successful, and Peter Cetera didn’t do to shabby himself. “Glory of Love” was Cetera’s first solo song, and it was a smash hit. It was on his album Solitude/Solitaire, and was the theme song for The Karate Kid Part II. I could not get enough of this song when it came out.

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1985 – Horrible and Great

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On September 6, 2009, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1985 Podcast (Episode 178). Here is their list:

10. Walking on Sunshine – K.C. and the Sunshine Band
9. Neutron Dance – Pointer Sisters (vetoed by Steve)
8. All I Need – Jack Wagner (vetoed by Cathy)
7. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
6. Wild Boys – Duran Duran
5. One Night In Bangkok – Murray Head
4. Some Like It Hot – Power Station (vetoed by Cathy and Steve)
3. Sea of Love – The Honeydrippers
2. We Built This City – Starship
1. We Are the World – U.S.A. For Africa

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

This was a tough one for me. There were so many horrible songs from 1985, and there were so many great ones. But, I was finally able to compile my list, so here is my top 5 (or worst 5) of Horrible songs from that year:

5. Money for Nothing – Dire Straits

This is one of the most overrated songs of the ’80s. Sure, the video was different from anything else at the time. And MTV is mentioned in the song. This was the perfect storm for the video to play in a seemingly endless loop for a long time on MTV. This would have been my #1 for most horrible song, if not for the awesome guitar lick at the beginning of the song. Once that guitar part is done, I go off in a daze, and forget that it’s on.

4. Everytime You Go Away – Paul Young

I never cared much for this song at all. It was too boring for me. This song might not be on too many peoples’ lists of horrible songs, but I have a personal grudge against this song. As some longtime Return to the ’80s readers may know, I served in the military. The day I left, the recruiter picked me up at home to send me off to boot camp. I got in the car, and as we were pulling away, this song came on. Since this song mocked me, it is now on my Horrible list.

3. Solid – Ashford and Simpson

Typical song that lands on my Horrible list – boring and overplayed. I would have to turn off the radio whenever this song came on. I may be in the minority here, but I don’t like too many of this songwriting duo’s songs, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”, and “I’m Every Woman”.

2. Smooth Operator – Sade

The Stuck in the 80s guys were told to keep this song off their Horrible list. It did sound like they wanted it on there though. So, I will place it on my list. Is this even a song? It is more like slow torture! Slow, slow torture.

1. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!

Ecchhhh. Wham! ranks right up there with Culture Club as one of my least favorite groups. The only song I don’t mind by them is “Freedom”, so at least there’s that. I wasn’t sure if “Wake Me Up..” or “Careless Whisper” would be my #1 Horrible song. Since this song is played the most on the 80s on 8 radio station, and on all radio stations that play 80s songs, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” wins. Once you hear this crappy song, it sticks with you, whether you like it or not.

Here is my top songs from that year:

10. Loverboy – Billy Ocean:

I love Billy Ocean’s voice. This is a fun song.

9. Nightshift – Commodores:

This is a really good Commodore’s song without Lionel Richie. It’s a nice tribute about music legends.

8. St. Elmos Fire (Man In Motion) – John Parr:

This song is just as good as the movie. Great rockin’s song with a Joe Cocker feel to it.

7. What About Love – Heart:

Heart was at the beginning of their resurgence with this song. Great song, and Ann Wilson has one of the best female rock voices of all time.

6. Misled – Kool and The Gang:

Kool and the Gang may be best known for their party anthem – “Celebration”. But, their Emergency album is incredible, and “Misled” is perhaps the best of the bunch. Great rockin’ song.

5. Neutron Dance – Pointer Sisters

You can’t help but want to move to this song. “Neutron Dance” was the Pointer Sisters’ fourth top ten single in a row, which was on their album Break Out. It was also featured in Beverly Hills Cop. I love the Pointer Sisters, and this song is right up there among my favorites.

4.Crazy for You – Madonna

This was Madonna’s first ballad, which came off of the great Vision Quest soundtrack. This song was surrounded with controversy at the time. The Vision Quest soundtrack was on Geffen Records, and Warner Brothers had just released Madonna’s Like a Virgin album. Warner Brothers did not want “Crazy For You” released as a single, as it would take attention away from Like a Virgin. But Geffen producers Jon Peters and Peter Guber were able to convince Warner to greenlight the single. As a result, Madonna was able to prove that she had more talent than your typical attention-getting pop star. I believe that due to the fact that she could sing different styles of music, this song went a long way in making her an 80s icon.

3. I Can’t Hold Back – Survivor

This is one of my favorite songs by Survivor. This came off the great Vital Signs album, which was their first with lead singer Jimi Jamison. They had other hit songs from this album, such as “High On You” and “The Search Is Over”, but “I Can’t Hold Back” is my favorite. It was featured prominently in the recent movie “Paul Blart: Mall Cop“, which made it the best part of the movie.

2. Summer of ’69/Heaven – Bryan Adams

I had a hard time deciding which Bryan Adams song to throw on here, so why not add both? Summer of ’69 is a great rocker. I’m sure we can all relate to looking back at the “good ole days”, or you wouldn’t be reading this. And “Heaven” is a great ballad. It is a nice slow-dance song.

Summer of ’69
 Heaven

1. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds

The ultimate ’80s song from the ultimate ’80s movie. You can’t think of one without the other. It even has staying power as this song is played while the losing American Idols are being booted. This song does gte played alot, but somehow I cannot get sick of it.

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1984 – Horrible and Great

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On July 3, 2009, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1984 Podcast (Episode 171). Here is their list:

10. Karma Chameleon – Culture Club
9. Hello – Lionel Richie
8. Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell
7. Sunglasses At Night – Corey Hart
6. Dancing in the Sheets – Shalamar
5. The Heart of Rock ‘N’ Roll – Huey Lewis & the News
4. State of Shock – The Jacksons
3. Yah Mo B There – James Ingram and Michael McDonald
2. Talking In Your Sleep – Romantics
1. I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

Here is my top 5 (or worst 5) of Horrible songs from that year:

5. Hello – Lionel Richie

Before there was Ghost, there was the “Hello” video. I like Lionel Richie, but I never liked this song. I didn’t care for the video neither, and it didn’t help that MTV rammed it down our throats.
If you want to hear a better Lionel Richie ballad, listen to “Truly”. Even “Stuck On You”, which was also on the charts in 1984, is better than “Hello”. But “Hello ” ended up being a #1 hit on three Billboard music charts: the pop chart (for two weeks), the R&B chart (for three weeks), and the adult contemporary chart (for six weeks). Sure, there are songs a lot worse than this one, but, this was a bit overrated.

4. Karma Chameleon – Culture Club

3. Let’s Hear It for the Boy – Deniece Williams

I hated this song when it came out, and I still can’t listen to it! In my opinion, this is the worst song on the Footloose soundtrack. “Dancing in the Sheets” by Shalamar is on the Stuck In the 80s list, and is no prize in my book either. But I would still listen to that than that annoying “Let’s Hear It for the Boy”. It didn’t help that this Deniece Williams song was on an endless loop on the radio and on MTV.

2. If This Is It – Huey Lewis and The News

Stick with the up-tempo songs, Huey! I loved every song on the Sports album – except for this one. It’s slow, boring, and there’s no feeling in it.

1. I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder

I love Stevie Wonder, but I don’t like this overplayed song. It was featured on the soundtrack from The Woman in Red, and was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. The only other songs of his that may have been more overplayed was “Superstition”. I skip both of those songs when they come on.

Here are my favorite Stevie Wonder songs:

Higher Ground

Living for the City

And here is “I Just Called to Say I Love You”:

Here is my top songs from that year:

10. Borderline – Madonna

Remember when Madonna was relevant in the pop world? This is still one of my all time favorite Madonna songs.

9. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

: While “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” can be grating, Lauper shows off her beautiful voice here. When I say beautiful voice, I’m referring to her singing voice, of course. When you hear her speak, you would never imagine that she would have an incredible singing voice.

8. Undercover (Of the Night) – Rolling Stones

: The Stones get criticized for their ’80s and beyond music. But, this song and “Start Me Up” was basically my introduction to the group. I still like “Undercover” a lot. They still had some edge back then.

7. Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry

: Steve Perry was one of my favorite singers (behind Freddie Mercury), and the former Journey frontman proved that he could be successful as a solo act. It sucks that he hasn’t done anything in a long time. “Oh Sherrie” was his debut song when he went solo, and it was his biggest hit.

6. Legs – ZZ Top

: These rock legends slightly changed their style with the Eliminator album that “Legs” came off of, and it helped give their popularity a huge surge. Their trilogy of videos, which included this one, didn’t hurt.

5. Twist of Fate – Olivia Newton-John

: This is probably my favorite ONJ song. It’s a great up-tempo song. It came off of the Two of a Kind soundtrack. The movie, which she starred in, along with John Travolta, was a clunker. But, the soundtrack is great, and this song stands out.

4. I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters

: The songs was right in the middle of the Pointer’s great ’80s run. You can’t help but move to this song. It was also great in the movie Vacation.

3. Jump – Van Halen

: When this song came out, it was my favorite song of all time! The reason why this isn’t higher on the list is because it was also probably the most overplayed song of the year. I didn’t help matters any by playing it over and over again on tape, and by sitting in front of MTV all day just to watch it every time it came on. It was so funny seeing Eddie smiling through the entire video. I wonder, what made him do that? He wouldn’t have smoked anything to get him that way, would he have?

2. Hard Habit to Break – Chicago

: I still love this Chicago ballad! This was in the middle of their comeback during the David Foster years. I got sick of “You’re the Inspiration”, but I never got sick of this song. Unfortunately, the band became known more for their ballads. Their rock songs are just as good. But, “Hard Habit to Break” is one of my all time favorite Chicago songs.

1. Cum On Feel the Noize – Quiet Riot

: My introduction to heavy metal in the ’80s. Wow, you just didn’t hear anything else like this on the radio at the time! Quiet Riot pretty much opened up mainstream radio for Heavy Metal acts. Would heavy metal and hair bands have been as popular as they were if it wasn’t for Quiet Riot and “Cum On Feel the Noize”? Maybe not. This pretty much set my musical taste for the ’80s and early ’90s.

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of Phil Collins – Horrible and Great

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Since Phil Collins announced his retirement this week, let’s take a look back at some of his hits. To me, his music could be polarizing. Overall, I loved his music. After all, I did rank him as the #1 ’80s solo artist who had been in a successful ’80s band. But, some of his music was way way way overplayed. I pretty much love all of his Genesis work.

So, I present to you my list of the best and worst solo hits.

We’ll start off with the Bad:

5. Sussudio

This song was the first single released off of Collins’ third album, No Jacket Required. I did like it when it first came out. But just the name of the song started to irritate me. What the hell does it even mean?! It’s not even a friggin’ word! Even trying to find out what it means is irritating. Some sources say that it was just a word Collins used to fit the rhythm of the song, then ended up leaving it in. Apparently, other sources say that Collins said on VH1 Storytellers that “Sussudio” is an imaginary girl’s name. The song is about having a crush on someone when young. He used “Sussudio” as a name to symbolize any girl. So, maybe it’s a combination of both answers. Your guess is as good as mine. I already spent too much time and energy on it. So here’s the video:

4. Another Day in Paradise

This 1989 song was the first single off of Phil’s …But Seriously album. But Seriously, this song was on the radio and MTV constantly. It was too boring for me, and it was getting shoved into my ears. Ugh!

3. I Wish It Would Rain Down

This was the second song off of …But Seriously. See above. Eric Clapton plays guitar on the song, so I guess I’m suppose to like it. But, I don’t so I guess I don’t know anything about music. So, here is 8:35 of magic:

2. In The Air Tonight

This was Phil Collins’ first hit. This is another song I’m suppose to like – but don’t. When it comes on, I actually forget that it’s playing. The quick little drum part 3:16 into the song wakes me up – then I fall back asleep. Collins wrote this about the anger he felt after divorcing his first wife Andrea in 1979. He did not witness somebody drowning. It is an urban legend. Here is a quote from Phil Collins:

“I don’t know what this song is about. When I was writing this I was going through a divorce. And the only thing I can say about it is that it’s obviously in anger. It’s the angry side, or the bitter side of a separation. So what makes it even more comical is when I hear these stories which started many years ago, particularly in America, of someone come up to me and say, ‘Did you really see someone drowning?’ I said, ‘No, wrong’. And then every time I go back to America the story gets Chinese whispers, it gets more and more elaborate. It’s so frustrating, ‘cos this is one song out of all the songs probably that I’ve ever written that I really don’t know what it’s about, you know.

1. Two Hearts

This song came from the 1988 Phil Collins movie Buster. In my opinion, when it came out, this was the most overplayed song in the history of music. Well, at least out of all Phil Collins music. When it first came out, I actually bought the 45. I may have only had to play it once. Then it was on nonstop on the radio and on TV. I am still sick of it 23 years later!

A Groovy Kind Of Love

This one is in between for me. This song was overplayed, but I didn’t get sick of it too much:

And here are my favorites:

5. Easy Lover

I love this song, which Phil Collins sings with Earth, Wind and Fire’s Philip Bailey. It is a fun song, and they sound good together. The song appeared on Bailey’s solo album Chinese Wall.

4. Don’t Lose My Number

This song came off of Collins’ No Jacket Required album. I like the pace of the song. It’s not annoying like “Sussudio”. Everybody says that the drums are greatin “In the Air Tonight”, but I think they are even better here.

Against All Odds

I guess I’m kind of contradicting myself here as far as overplayed songs are concerned. But, for some reason I never got sick of this one, and I still like it. Here is Phil’s Live Aid performance:

2. Separate Lives

This is probably one of my favorite duets ever. This 1985 song that Collins performed with Marilyn Martin came from the White Nights soundtrack. It sounds just as good today as it did 26 years ago.

1. Disney’s Tarzan songs – Strangers Like Me/Two Worlds/You’ll Be in My Heart

I know – sacrilege – these aren’t ’80s songs! But I do love these songs – especially “You’ll Be in My Heart”. After what seemed like an eternity between solo projects, Phil Collins wrote the songs for this movie. It just feels like he put a lot of heart into these songs. It’s too bad he didn’t continue on with this success.
Phil, you will be missed! But, your music will live on forever.

Strangers Like Me

Two Worlds

You’ll Be In My Heart

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1983 – Horrible and Great

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On March 13, 2009, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1982 Podcast (Episode 159). Here is their list:

10. Mickey – Toni Basil
9. She Works Hard for the Money – Donna Summer
8. You and I – Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle
7. Mr. Roboto – Styx
6. Tell Her About It – Billy Joel
5. Never Gonna Let You Go – Sergio Mendes
4. Making Love Out of Nothing At All – Air Supply
3. What About Me – Moving Pictures
2. Puttin’ On the Ritz – Taco
1. The Girl Is Mine – Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

Here is my top 5 (or worst 5) of Horrible songs from that year:

5. Let’s Dance – David Bowie

Even though I love ’80s Music, I definitely prefer David Bowie’s ’70s music. No, David Bowie, I don’t want to dance! I’d much rather be Major Tom a “Space Oddity“! “Let’s Dance” is bad enough as it is. What makes it worse is that it is an “earworm” song. In other words, it gets stuck in your head. As I write this, I have not heard the song in years. But, just mentioning the title gave me earwormage (is that a even a word?) big time!
Well, that’s why I start with the ‘Horrible’ list, and end with the ‘Great’ list.

4. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics

Yes, this was the Eurythmics breakthrough hit, but I’m not a big Eurythmics fan. This song just drones on and on. Instead of ‘Sweet Dreams’, this song was more like a recurring nightmare when it came out. It was always on the radio and on MTV.
I do like the Eurythmics “Missionary Man” a lot. But, I just can’t take this song or “Here Comes the Rain Again“.

3. True – Spandau Ballet

Ah, Ah-Ah-ah. AAAAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!! I can’t stomach this song. It is too boring, and it high on some kind of wuss factor. I’ll have to admit that it was funny seeing Steve Buscemi singing this song at the end of The Wedding Singer:

Unfortunately, since the song was included in the movie, it was also included on the movie’s soundtrack. Why didn’t they leave this song off, and put on “Do You Believe In Love”?

2. Every Breath You Take – Police

I like The Police a lot. But, this song is one of my least favorites, and one of the most overrated songs of all time. I remember listening to the American Top 40 countdown of the top songs of the whole year, and this was number 1!! Really?!? “Synchronicity II” was my favorite song on the Synchronicity album by far – even though I don’t understand the lyrics too much.

1. The Girl Is Mine – Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

Two of the greatest music artists of all time took the biggest dump on the biggest album of all time! Uggh, this song makes me want to rip my ears off and rip all the skin off my face! The doggon song bites the big one! Especially when they start yapping in the song. This song should be taken off of all copies of Thriller, and be replaced by “Say, Say, Say”.

Here is my top songs from that year:
Runners up:
10. You and I – Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle: These legends made a song that was perfect for a wedding
9. Little Red Corvette – Prince: Probably my favorite Prince song. Not as overplayed as “1999”
8. Truly – Lionel Richie – My favorite Lionel Richie ballad
7. Africa – Toto: Great song by Toto. I love the music, and the lead singer Bobby Kimball has an incredible voice.
6. Mr. Roboto – Styx: A lot of people make fun of Styx because of this song, and how it made them more theatrical. But, there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun with music. There have been worse concept albums than Kilroy Was Here.

And Jeffster did a great cover of this in the TV show Chuck:

5. Photograph – Def Leppard

A great song by one of my favorite bands. Although Def Leppard had a couple of good albums before Pyromania (On Through the Night and High and Dry), “Photograph” became their first hit, and helped spur on the success of Pyromania. The video showed a lot of photos of Marilyn Monroe, so people incorrectly thought the song was about her. This is still a great song. Def Leppard has stood the test of time for over 30 years now.

4. Solitaire – Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” and “How Am I Suppose to Live Without You” were overplayed. But I think this song was way better than both of them. It rocks, and Branigan had a great voice. It sounds like she put a lot of passion into this song. This song also launched songwriter Diane Warren’s career.

3. Hungry Like the Wolf – Duran Duran

This song got a lot of people into Duran Duran. The exposure on MTV didn’t hurt either. I liked it when it came out because the video reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark. But, even without the video, the song itself is really good.

2. Down Under – Men At Work

This song was a breakthrough for Men At Work, and basically introduced the U.S. to Australia and vegemite sandwiches. This is a fun song, and Colin Haye has a great unique voice. The band had a great string of hits. Will they get back together already?!

1. Separate Ways – Journey

Silly video aside, this song rocks. As soon as you hear Jonathan Cain’s keyboard, you know what song is playing. It has a lot of energy and gets you pumped. After Journey had a very long hiatus, they went on tour with a new lead singer – Steve Augeri. Of course I went, and this was the song they came out playing first. What a way to come back! While I need to turn some songs off as soon as I hear them, I have to listen to this one all the way through when it comes on.

Here is the Live version with Steve Augeri:

Artists, Hits - Horrible and Great, Music

Hits of 1982 – Horrible and Great

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On March 13, 2009, Stuck in the 80s released their Horrible Hits of 1982 Podcast (Episode 159). Here is their list:

10. Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
9. Hurt So Good – John Cougar
8. Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner
7. Even the Nights Are Better – Air Supply
6. Love in the First Degree – Alabama
5. Blue Eyes – Elton John
4. Waiting on a Friend – The Rolling Stones
3. Young Turks – Rod Stewart
2. Hooked On America – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
1. Gloria – Laura Branigan

You can see the top 100 hits from Billboard that year.

Here is my top 5 (or worst 5) of Horrible songs from that year.

5. Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner

I love Foreigner, but this is one of my least favorite songs by them. It’s too slow, boring, and whiny.
People tend to trash “I Want to Know What Love Is”, but at least that song has a choir to lift things up a little. I definitely prefer their rock songs, such as “Juke Box Hero”, “Long, Long Way From Home”, and “Feels Liek the First Time”. They should stay away from ballads. The only exception is “With Heaven On Our Side”.

4. Harden My Heart – Quarterflash

This is one of the most overplayed ’80s songs out there. I’ve heard this song more in the past couple of years than I did during the entire ’80s decade! And it’s not even on my iPod! This may not have made the list if it were not so overplayed. This song is a little to slow for me, but not slow enough to be a good ballad. I can’t change the station fast enough when it comes on the radio.

3. Chariots of Fire – Vangelis

This instrumental was a humongous hit. It was alright, but I think I will punish it for being associated with one of the most boring and overrated movies of all time. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture, which proves my point. The song also won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. So I guess I’m supposed to love it, but what can I say?

2. Cool Night, Paul Davis

I do like a lot of Easy Listening music – in small doses – but I really can’t make it through this whole song. I think I would rather rock out to some “Chariots of Fire”.

1. Blue Eyes – Elton John

One of my least favorite Elton John tunes. I haven’t decided which was worse, this or “Nikita”. The ’80s was not a very good period for Elton. I like “I’m Still Standing” and “Healing Hands”. Other than that, his worst ’70s were still better than most of his ’80s songs.

“Blue Eyes” is too boring for me. It feels like it should have more emotion than it does.

Here is my top 5 songs from that year.

5. Always On My Mind, Willie Nelson

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Willie Nelson is one of my all-time favorites. He wrote some old time country songs, such as “Crazy” (made famous by Patsy Cline), he’s played with Aerosmith (or I should say Aerosmith has played with him), and he has even played Reggae.
But he had an incredible ballad with “Always On My Mind”. He put a lot of feeling into this song, and it shows. I never get sick of this one. I don’t think I ever heard a bad version of this song, but Willie has one of the best versions.

4. I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll – Joan Jett and The Blackhearts

One of the greatest women of rock of all time. At the time, Joan Jett and Pat Benatar were just about the only rocker women on the radio. And they were among the best out of anybody at the time.
“I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” delivers on its name – it is pure Rock ‘N’ Roll. Great music and great attitude.

3. Edge of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks

I like Fleetwood Mac, and I love Stevie Nicks. While “Stand Back” was one of her biggest hits, this is my favorite by her. Stevie has a unique and powerful voice, and she really rocks it in this song. It was great to see the song get a resurgence when it was featured in the Jack Black movie School of Rock.

2. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

This was my favorite song when this came out. It really gets your blood pumping. If you played any sports, this song could get you ready for any game or match. When you hear the opening chords of the song, you know exactly what it is. “Weird Al” Yankovic’s parody of it – “Theme From Rocky XIII” – was even good. Actually, we are getting pretty close to having a Rocky XIII. I wonder if they would really use that as the theme song.

Survivor’s lead singer, Dave Bickler, was only around for the first album. The band continued to be successful after he left. Bickler is best known now for singing for the Real Men of Genius Bud Light TV and radio commercials.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey

There was a toss-up between this and “Open Arms”. While “Open Arms” pretty much set the standard for power ballads, “Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of my all time favorite songs, even after all these years. Everybody still gets into this song. And a new generation has even found it, as it became extremely popular from the television show Glee. Don’t Stop Believin’ this song will live on forever.