Like, totally! I'm going a little stir crazy in our national quarantine. A few weeks ago I was inspired to go back and think about 1980, which was 40 years ago as you know. I started compiling a list of my favorite songs and then adjusting them in a roughly most favourite order. I referred to the Billboard Hot 100 and official U.K. charts from the day. Then I'd let the list sit and return with a few more adjustments and additions.
A week into our stay at home order (thanks, COVID-19) I pulled together a playlist on YouTube for 1980 with my biggest fave, Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes," at the top. It surprised me a bit, since at that time 13-year-old me wouldn't know exactly what to think of the song.
I should clarify: this list would likely be quite different if it were compiled by that teenage version of me. Remember, 2020's version of me has had 40 years to listen to these songs. Time has either enhanced my love for them(Gary Numan's "Cars") or my annoyance by them (Sorry, Pat Benetar's "Hit Me with Your Best Shot," you would have made the list in 1980, but not today). This playlist includes songs I wasn't even aware of in 1980, but which I've grown to love. (Example: OMD's "Messages" at #3. I wasn't aware of OMD until my college years.) It's been a fun exercise in nostalgia.
Since then, I've pulled together lists for 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986 as well. Blondie, Soft Cell, Eurythmics, U2, Echo & the Bunnymen, and New Order, top those lists, respectively.
These playlists are linked below for your entertainment. You're welcome.
- Andrew's Faves of 1980
- Andrew's Faves of 1981
- Andrew's Faves of 1982
- Andrew's Faves of 1983
- Andrew's Faves of 1984
- Andrew's Faves of 1985
- Andrew's Faves of 1986
