Hi Everybody! Welcome back as we continue the countdown! I understand that as we get into the late 80s, we are starting to lose that classic 80s sound. So, this can be depressing for some. But for me, this was a great time. I had just graduated high school. And because I was working a part time job, I was starting to get my own money. So of course I spent a lot of it on music. The late 80s were good to me as I was coming into my own.
Now, let’s Return back to the week ending November 5, 1988, and continue the countdown!
Great way to start the countdown today! I loved Vixen from the time they first came out and released this song. I actually had this on a 45. If you like this song, you should check out Vixen’s entire self-titled album. Every song is great, and the album would be one of my top “desert island” choices. It should also be noted that Richard Marx was one of the writers of this song.
This awesome song by the British band When in Rome, reached up to #11. It had a bit of a resurgence in recent years, as it was featured in the cult movie Napoleon Dynamite in 2004.
The hits keep on coming! I guess I was on a 45 kick in 1988, as I also owned this one. This song was written by one-time Sammy Hagar keyboardist Jesse Harms.
This was the second single released from Rod Stewart’s awesome Out of Order album. I had lost hope in Stewart staying “forever young” as he was only focusing on big band music in recent years. However, he just released a new pop album, Blood Red Roses on September 28, 2018.
I had totally forgotten about this song. This was the other song released from Elton John’s Reg Strikes Back album, after “I Don’t Wanna Go On with You Like That”. With the exception of a few songs, I still much prefer his 70s music.
This song was inspired for the Girl, Shannon Rubicam, when she saw an actual falling star at one of Whitney Houston’s concerts at the Greek Theatre. The folowing is from Wikipedia: “Initially, the duo did not consider recording it, and instead submitted the song to Clive Davis hoping he would decide to use it on Houston’s next album. He rejected it, suggesting that it did not suit her. The song was then offered to and recorded by Belinda Carlisle for her 1987 release Heaven on Earth, at the insistence of her label, but Carlisle disliked it and refused to include it on the album.”
Well that worked out for Boy Meets Girl, as it became their signature hit.
This was Anita Baker’s biggest hit on the Hot 100 as it would go on to peak at #3. It also topped the Billboard R&B chart for 2 weeks. It also won Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal performance and Best R&B Song.
This was never one of my favorite Def Leppard songs. However, it was their only #1 hit. I have warmed up to it over the years, and love it now. Part of the reason is the nostalgia factor, and part of it is that it is a great song!
That wraps up today’s list of songs. And what a great list it was! What do you think? What were some of your favorites? What were you doing this week in 1988. I’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, please come back tomorrow as we continue the countdown.
I’m sorry. Unfortunately, Bobby McFerrin had only one hit, so he makes this list. While this song was my #1 Worst Hit of the ’80s, it ranked #31 on VH1’s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s. It was also a #1 hit, so somebody must like it! So here we go…
Bobby McFerrin was born to be a musician. His father, Robert Sr., was the first African American to be a regular with New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Anf his mother, Sara is a former soloist with regional opera companies and in Broadway shows.
The Indian mystic and sage Meher Baba (1894–1969) often used the expression “Don’t worry, be happy”. In the ’60s, this expression by Baba was printed up on inspiration cards and posters. In 1988, McFerrin noticed this type of poster in the apartment of the jazz band Tuck & Patti in San Francisco. Inspired by the expression’s charm and simplicity, McFerrin wrote the now famous song. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” was included in the soundtrack of the movie Cocktail. While this song annoys me to no end, I do have to admit that Bobby McFerrin is very talented. The song is a cappella. The “instruments” that may be heard in the song are overdubbed voice parts and other sounds made by McFerrin. No instruments were used at all. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” won Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 1989 Grammy Awards.
The more things change the more they stay the same. Republican George H. W. used “”Don’t Worry Be Happy” as his 1988 official presidential campaign song (without Bobby McFerrin’s permission or endorsement). And like most artists McFerrin was a Democrat, and protested the use of the song. He even dropped the song from his own performance setlist. Bush then stopped using the song.
And No! Bobby McFerrin did not commit suicide! He is still with us today. In the early ’90s, there was an urban legend that Bobby McFerrin committed suicide. Somebody was probably trying to be ironic, and then word spread like wildfire. McFerrin makes regular tours as a guest conductor for symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. He is still very active in the music community.
Besides “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, you may know this other song by Bobby McFerrin:
So let’s go back to 1988, smoke a doobie if you have to, and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”:
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.
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
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.
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.
Hi Everybody! Welcome back as we continue the countdown! I understand that as we get into the late 80s, we are starting to lose that classic 80s sound. So, this can be depressing for some. But for me, this was a great time. I had just graduated high school. And because I was working a part time job, I was starting to get my own money. So of course I spent a lot of it on music. The late 80s were good to me as I was coming into my own.
Return to the 80s 