Tag Archives: Elton John

1988, Artists, Music, Top 40

Top 40 This Week – Week Ending November 5, 1988: Songs 30-21

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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!

30. “Edge of a Broken Heart” by Vixen

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.

 

29. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

I’ll be happy when this annoying song is over.

 

 

 

28. “Don’t Be Cruel” by Cheap Trick

OK, I’m happy now. This is a pretty cool cover of Elvis’ hit. This is a good follow-up to Cheap Trick’s comeback #1 smash hit, “The Flame”.

 

 

27. “The Promise” by When in Rome

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.

 

 

26. “Walk On Water” by Eddie Money

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.

 

 

25. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

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.

 

24. “A Word in Spanish” by Elton John

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.

 

23. “Waiting for a Star to Fall” by Boy Meets Girl

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.

22. “Giving You the Best That I Got” by Anita Baker

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.

 

21. “Love Bites” by Def Leppard

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.

Artists, Music, Remember That Song?

Remember That Song – 4/20/18

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Can you name the artist and song:

Here’s your ticket pack your bag
Time for jumpin’ overboard
The transportation is here
Close enough but not too far

Last Song: “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” by Elton John from the album Jump Up! (1982)

Great job Mary (@nakedplanet2)!!!

Now we pray for rain and with every drop that falls
We hear, we hear your name

If you’d like to get this song from Amazon, you can click on the album cover below

1986, Artists, Music, Top 40

Top 40 Songs This Week – April 5, 1986: Songs 10-1

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Well we have arrived at our Top 10 of the week. If you missed the previous songs, check out songs 40-31, 30-21, and 20-11. This has been a fun week so far. So, let’s get this going, and Return to the week ending April 5, 1986, and wrap up this week’s countdown! And as usual, if you’d like to listen to the song on YouTube, click on the song title. And if you want to listen or buy this song on Amazon, you can click on the album cover.

10. “Nikita” by Elton John

Ah, the good ole days of the Cold War. Too bad those days are over, right? Right? Well, maybe we’ll get a Nikita ’18 update version this year.
One cool thing about this song that I didn’t know, is that George Michael and Nik Kershaw are on the backing vocals.

 

9. “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer

This is one of the most iconic music videos ever. The five models in the video are Julie Pankhurst (keyboard), Patty Kelly (guitar), Mak Gilchrist (bass guitar), Julia Bolino (guitar), and Kathy Davies (drums). Andy Taylor of Duran Duran (and a bandmate of Palmer’s from The Power Station) provides lead guitar.

 

8. “Let’s Go All the Way” by Sly Fox

This very cool song was the only Top 40 hit for Sly Fox, making them a one-hit wonder.

7. “Manic Monday” by The Bangles

This worldwide smash hit was The Bangles’ first hit single. It was originally intended for the group Apollonia 6 in 1984. And yes, that means it was written by Prince.

 

6. “What You Need” by INXS

This was the first Top 10 hit for INXS in the U.S. At the Countdown Music and Video Awards for 1985, in Australia, this won for Best Video.

 

 

5. “These Dreams” by Heart

This was the first Heart single on which Nancy Wilson performed lead vocals instead of Ann. It would also be Heart’s first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

4. “Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr

This was was Atlantic Starr’s true breakthrough hit on the pop charts in both the US and UK.

 

 

3. “Kiss” by Prince & The Revolution

I still remember listening to the radio while playing a computer game, when the DJ said that they were going to play the new Prince song, “Kiss”, for the first time. It was exciting for me to be able to catch the debut of a song on the radio. I’ve been a fan of this song ever since.

2. “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” by John Cougar Mellencamp

This is a fun rocker by Mellencamp, who had quite a good run of hit songs throughout the ’80s.

1. “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco

And we have arrived at the #1 song of the week! Of course, it’s a song that will be stuck in your head the rest of the day. While Falco was wildly popular in Germany, his native Austria, and much of Europe, this was his only #1 hit in both the U.S. and U.K. With “Rock Me Amadeus”, Falco became the first German-speaking artist to be credited with a number-one single in all mainstream US pop singles charts: the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 Singles. Prior to Falco, “99 Luftballons” by Nena got to number one on Cashbox, but peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

Well that wraps up this week’s countdown. I hope you enjoyed it. What were some of your favorite songs this week? And get your passports ready! The next time, we will go back to the U.K. to do a Top 40 there! Until then, Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.

1985, Artists, Music, Top 40

Top 40 Songs This Week: January 19, 1985 – Songs 40-31

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Welcome back to a new week of the Top 40 countdown! This will be a slightly different format. My comments will be limited to 1 or 2 sentences. If you would like to hear the song/see the video on YouTube, you can click on the song title. If you’d like to listen or buy the song from Amazon, you can click on the album cover. We are in the heart of the 80s for this countdown, so there will be some great songs this week. So, let’s Return to the week ending January 19, 1985, and begin the countdown.

40. “The Old Man Down the Road” by John Fogerty

Remember when we had to hidey-hide, and jump and run because the old man was down the road? Well fellas, the table has turned. 32 years later, we are the old man down the road.

 

39. “Mistake No. 3” by Culture Club

Mistake No. 1 = “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”
Mistake No. 2 = Thinking Boy George was a woman, despite his name

 

38. “In Neon” by Elton John

Maybe things would be less depressing if we Returned to a time where we dress in neon again. It would make world a brighter place.

 

37. “The Heat is On” by Glenn Frey

The world would also be a less depressing place if we had fun songs like this.

 

 

 

36. “Sugar Walls” by Sheena Easton

My innocence was lost when I discovered that Sheena Easton was singing about her poontang in this Prince-penned song.

35. “No More Lonely Nights” by Paul McCartney

Great song from a not so great movie.

34. “Money Changes Everything” by Cyndi Lauper

I’ll take your word for it, Cyndi.

33. “Tender Years” by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

The other song from Eddie and the Cruisers.

32. “Misled” by Kool & The Gang

My favorite Kool & The Gang song.

31. “Bruce” by Rick Springfield

I never knew this existed. And yes, it is about THE Bruce.

 

 

 

That wraps up today’s list of songs. I’m liking this countdown so far. Come back tomorrow as we continue the countdown.

1980, Albums of the 80s, Artists, Music, Podcast, Remember That Song?

Episode 17: Glass Houses

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Hi Everybody! Here is the Return of the Return to the ’80s podcast!

We welcome Scott Ryan back to the show. This is the first of our Billy Joel album series. The gang discusses the loss of Tom Petty. Then there is some Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination talk. We have our regular segments, Play This, Not That, featuring the other Piano Man, Remember That Song, and ’80s Trivia. Then we get into our main topic – Billy Joel’s Glass Houses album.

Show Notes

– Welcome back Scott Ryan, author of thirtysomething at thirty: an oral history (available at www.scottryanproductions.com), who last appeared on Episode 15.

News

– R.I.P. Tom Petty
– “Rock and Roll” Hall of Fame nominees (https://www.rockhall.com/class-2018-nominees)

Play This, Not That

Instead of: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues”

Play “Kiss The Bride”

Or “Healing Hands”

Shall We Play a Game?

Remember That Song

Last song: “If You Leave” by OMD

New Song:

Some love is just a lie of the heart
The cold remains of what began as a passionate start

If you know the artist and song, you can email us at returnto80s@gmail.com with your answer.

’80s Trivia

Last Question: What was the name of the company Michael and Elliot owned in the first season of thirtysomething?

Answer: The Michael and Elliot Company

New Question: How many Friday the 13th movies were released in the ‘80s.

If you know the answer, you can email us at returnto80s@gmail.com with your answer.

Main topic: Glass Houses

You can click on the album cover to purchase the album or listen to it on Amazon:

1. “You May Be Right”

2. “Sometimes a Fantasy”

3. “Don’t Ask Me Why”

4. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”

5. “All for Leyna”

6. “I Don’t Want to Be Alone”

7. “Sleeping with the Television On”

8. “C’était Toi (You Were the One)”

9. “Close to the Borderline”

10. “Through the Long Night”

Closing

You can contact Scott at the following places:

@30somethingpod
Facebook
www.scottryanproductions.com

@bluerosemag1
bluerosemag.com

In addition to purchasing the book from www.scottryanproductions.com
you can also click on the link below to purchase the book from Amazon:

And you can find Return to the ’80s on iTunes
Also,
returntothe80s.wordpress.com
Find Return to the ’80s on Facebook
Twitter: @returntothe80s
Email: returnto80s@gmail.com

Artists, Music, Remember That Song?

Remember That Song: 10/10/17

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Can you name the artist and song:

Catch as catch, catch as catch can
Anybody in their right mind could see, it’s you and me

Last Song: “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) ” by Elton John from the album Jump Up!” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Jump Up! (1982)

Great job southernhon (@peacesong464) and Citizen O’Kane (@mjnokane)!!!

And we are so amazed we’re crippled and we’re dazed
A gardener like that one
No one can replace

If you’d like to purchase this song from Amazon, click on the album cover below:

1983, Artists, Music, Top 40

Top 40 Songs This Week: August 27, 1983- Songs 40-31

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Hey Gang! We’re back with another Top 40 this week! This time, we go back to a time when MTV was coming into full swing, as cable television was coming into more and more homes. There were some acts that still did not catch on to the music video trend, and others full embraced it, and reaped the rewards. Now, let’s Return to August 27, 1983, and begin the countdown!

[If you’d like to see the YouTube video of the song, you can click on the song title. If you’d like to purchase or listen to the song on Amazon, you can click on the album cover]

40. “Saved By Zero” by The Fixx


This song was released just before The Fixx released their signature hit, “One Thing Leads to Another”. “Saved By Zero” was used in a 2008 Toyota campaign. OK, I just realized that when those commercials came out, I already had my current Toyota Corolla for 4 years – and I still have it to this day! Sure, you all have touch screens, and cameras in your car now. But, I bet you don’t have a cassette tape deck like I do!

39. “You’re Driving Me Out Of My Mind” by Little River Band


The Little River Band began changing musical direction here. Meh. It’s kind of like how Saturday Night Live has a great run, then goes into a transitional phase, which sucks, before they go on another great run.

“38. Lady Love Me (One More Time)” by George Benson


Oh man! You can’t go wrong with the smooth sound of George Benson! This really brings me back to the early 80s. This song is a classic.

37. “King of Pain” by The Police


Another classic! This song from their Synchronicity album, was the final original single released by the band.

36. “All Time High” by Rita Coolidge


This is from MY James Bond movie. Cable TV was new in our house, and we had HBO, where I watched Octopussy several times a week. I’m not sure if this is a good song or not, but I do love it because it brings me back to that time.

35. “Kiss The Bride” by Elton John


This is my favorite Elton John song of the ’80s, if not of all time. What a great rocker!

34. “Don’t You Get So Mad” by Jeffrey Osborne


I love early ’80s R&B! And it doesn’t hurt that this song is by Rhode Island’s own, Jeffrey Osbourne. He is an awesome guy who does a lot of great charity work. So, he can be forgiven for letting The Bachelor use his signature song, “On the Wings of Love” in 2010.

33. “Never Gonna Let You Go” by Sérgio Mendes (with Joe Pizzulo & Leza Miller)


Classic early ’80s ballad that is awesome! I still listen to this.

32. “True” by Spandau Ballet


Classic early ’80s ballad that irritates me! I couldn’t stand this song when it was first released. I do like it now, as it does make me feel nostalgic about a better time.

31. “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant


This is one of those songs that come to mind when you mention ’80s music. I loved this when it came out. Then got sick of it, after the constant radio and MTV airplay – even after he released the better “Romancing the Stone” single. But, I like it again now, and limit how many times I listen to it.

That wraps up today’s list of songs. What do you think? Do you have any favorites, or any “I forgot about that one!” moments. This is going to be great week, so come back tomorrow to check out the next 10 songs!

Artists, Music, Remember That Song?

Remember That Song: 3/1/17

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Can you name the artist and song:

I saw your eyes
And you touched my mind
Although it took a while
I was falling in love

Last Song: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” by Elton John from the album Too Low for Zero (1983)

Great job Jim (@JimVilk)!!!

Just stare into space
Picture my face in your hands
Live for each second without hesitation
And never forget I’m your man

1984, Artists, Music, Top 40

Top 40 Songs This Week – November 10, 1984: Songs 30-21

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Welcome back as we continue this week’s countdown! If you missed the first 10 songs, you can go ahead and check out songs 40-31. My addiction to MTV was still in full force this week. There are some classics here today. So, let’s Return to the week ending November 10, 1984, and move on with the countdown.

30. “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar

Sammy’s signature song. This is a classic song and classic video. In 1994, Sammy was interviewed on the show In the Studio, and said this about the song:

“I was in a rent-a-car that wouldn’t go much faster than 55 miles an hour. I was on my way back from Africa. I did a safari for three months throughout Africa. A really great vacation after Three Lock Box. I was traveling for 24 hours, I got to New York City, changed planes, Albany, New York. Got in a rent-a-car. Had a place in Lake Placid at the time, a little log cabin, I used to go there and write with my little boy. Aaron, at that time, went to North Country school when I was on tour. I would go there and see him. It was a really cool getaway. But it took two and a half hours to drive there from Albany. And I was driving from Albany, New York at 2:00 in the morning, burnt from all the travel. Cop stopped me for doing 62 on a four lane road when there was no one else in sight. Then the guy gave me a ticket. I was doing 62. And he said, ‘We give tickets around here for over-60.’ and I said, ‘I can’t drive 55.’ I grabbed a paper and a pen, and I swear the guy was writing the ticket and I was writing the lyrics. I got to Lake Placid, I had a guitar set-up there. And I wrote that song there on the spot. Burnt.”

29. “Teacher, Teacher” by .38 Special

Another great song! This was the theme for the film, Teachers. I really need to get back and revisit this movie. I remember enjoying it at the time. And check out this cast: Nick Nolte, JoBeth Williams, Ralph Macchio, Richard Mulligan, Laura Dern, Crispin Glover, and Morgan Freeman.

28. “The Wild Boys” by Duran Duran

Yet another classic song. This was one of Duran Duran’s biggest hits, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video was pretty cool too. It had a post-apocalyptic feel too it, like the Mad Max movies. The video should have been good. It cost over one million British Pounds to make, which was a staggering amount for a music video at that time.

27. “Walking On a Thin Line” by Huey Lewis & The News

This was the fifth and final single released from the Sports album. All the previous singles from the album was severely overplayed. This song was one of my favorites from the album, and I don’t ever remember hearing it on the radio! This was Heuy Lewis and the News’ commentary on the Vietnam War.

26. “It Ain’t Enough” by Corey Hart

This song ain’t played enough! As much as I like “Sunglasses At Night“, it would be nice to hear some more of Corey Hart’s other work.

25. “Sea of Love” by The Honeydrippers

Originally a #1 R&B hit in 1959 by Phil Phillips. The Honeydrippers were formed by former Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant. The band also included fellow former Led Zeppelin member Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and other friends and well-known studio musicians. They scored a big hit with this song, peaking at #3. The band released only one recording, an EP titled The Honeydrippers: Volume One. With the EP’s success, Plant stated that a full album would be recorded, but it never was.

24. “I Can’t Hold Back” by Survivor

My favorite song by Survivor. This was the first single released from the Vital Signs album, which was the first Survivor album featuring Jimi Jamison on lead vocals.

23. “Swept Away” by Diana Ross

This isn’t bad for a dance song. We are broken away from disco, and now have the ’80s sound in full swing now. This song was written by Daryl Hall with Sara Allen.

22. “Cool It Now” by New Edition

This title track to New Edition’s second album, was their big breakthrough. It would peak at #4 on the Hot 100. They were trying really hard to be the new edition of The Jackson 5. They did have some pretty decent music, including this song.

21. “Who Wears These Shoes” by Elton John

I didn’t remember this song at all. It was released off of elton John’s Breaking Hearts album, which featured the song “Sad Songs (Say So Much)“. This may be blasphemous on this page, but I much prefer Elton John’s ’70s music to his ’80s music. He does have some really good ’80s songs. But a lot, like this song, are just middle-of-the-road.

Well that wraps up today’s list of songs. What do you think, now that we are halfway through? Any favorites? The countdown is just going to keep getting better. Come back tomorrow as we continue the countdown.

1982, Music, Top 40

Top 40 Songs This Week – September 25, 1982: Songs 20-11

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Hi Everybody! Welcome back to this week’s Top 40 Countdown. Today, we will cover songs 20-11. If you missed the previous songs, you can go back and check out songs 40-31 and 30-21.
Just like the previous songs, this list has a mixed bag of styles. There is rock, country, pop, and R&B. This was a very interesting time. The ’70s were disappearing, but we have not really gotten to the classic ’80s sound yet. Looking over this list, everybody here had gotten their start in at least the ’70s or earlier. So let’s get to it, and Return to the week ending September 25, 1982, and continue the countdown.

20. “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

I love when the list starts with a great rock song! I used to love this song – until 5 minutes ago when I found out that this is actually a Gary Glitter song. Now this song takes on a whole new meaning. If you aren’t aware of Gary Glitter’s history, I don’t want to get into details here, but you can look him up. But. I’ll still listen to Joan Jett’s version, and rock out to it.

19. “Hold On” by Santana

This is a very good Santana song, which features Alex Ligertwood on vocals. Santana is still around today. Just this year the album Santana IV was released and reunited the ’70s classic lineup of Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Mike Carabello and Michael Shrieve. This was the first time in 45 years they recorded together.
I know that most of us say that music sucks these days. But, I feel that it’s just Top 40 music that sucks. A lot of our bands are still releasing new work, but we never hear about it through normal channels. You just need to know where to look. As I am writing this, I’m thinking that I can help keep us informed.

18. “Let Me Tickle Your Fancy” by Jermaine Jackson

This is the title track of Jermaine Jackson’s final album for for Motown Records.
He married Berry Gordy’s daugther, Hazel, just as he started his solo career, while still playing with the Jackson 5. When The Jackson 5 left Motown for CBS records, Jermaine broke with the group and stayed loyal to Motown. After Jermaine’s 9th studio album here, he left Motown for Arista Records.

17. “Only Time Will Tell” by Asia

I really enjoy all of supergroup, Asia’s songs. The band consists of John Wetton (former bassist/vocalist of bands including King Crimson, Family, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, UK and Wishbone Ash), Steve Howe (guitarist of Yes), Geoff Downes (keyboardist of Yes and The Buggles) and drummer Carl Palmer (of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, and Atomic Rooster). This song, “Only Time Will Tell”, is my favorite by them.

16. “Think I’m In Love” by Eddie Money

Gotta love Eddie Money! This song is classic. It was just after this that Money’s career was starting to fall apart. I’m sure his drug use didn’t help. But, he did have a huge comeback a few years later with the album Can’t Hold Back, which featured “Take Me Home Tonight” and “I Wanna Go Back.” As far as I know, his most recent work was in this Geico commercial:

15. “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) by Michael McDonald

This song was off of If That’s What It Takes, Michael McDonald’s first solo album away from The Doobie Brothers. I think that in every single countdown I’ve covered, Michael McDonald has been involved in at least one song that week in one way or another, whether it’s singing lead, backup, part of a duet, or even written. I was not a fan at all. Now I’m loving everything he has done. I think my friend Jim performed some sort of jedi mind trick on me. Hey, whatever works, right? I like this song a lot now, where in the past, I may have skipped right over it. Now, somebody has to get me to like Bruce Hornsby, and one other band which will be featured in the top 10 this week.

14. “Blue Eyes” by Elton John

I know this may be blasphemous on this site, but I much prefer Elton John’s music in the ’70s than I did in the ’80s. There are some ’80s songs by him I love. But, overall there is nothing like his earlier music. This is one of those songs I don’t love. I do like it a lot if I’m in the mood for it. Otherwise, this is kind of boring for me.

13. “Love Will Turn You Around” by Kenny Rogers

Earlier, we heard my favorite Asia song. Now we get to hear my favorite Kenny Rogers tune! This was also the theme song for the movie Six Pack, in which Kenny Rogers starred. I watched it constantly when it came on HBO. I haven’t seen that movie in years. I really need to revisit it though. In addition to Rogers, the movie stars some other actors you may have heard of: Diane Lane, Erin Gray, and Anthony Michael Hall.

12. “You Can Do Magic” by America

This was a small comeback for the folk rock duo, America. This is a pretty good song. It does have that late ’70s/early ’80s sound to it.

11. “Take It Away” by Paul McCartney

Not the greatest song in the world. But, it should be noted that this song features Ringo on drums, and produced by George Martin.

Well, that wraps up today’s list. We’ll be back to finish up the Top 10 songs on Friday.