CzVUa4Lolqc

PoTz3WgZm4c

StfLy3pzno0

This was a one-hit wonder back in 1985; "Life In a Northern Town" by Dream Academy. It peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the Australian charts and #15 on the UK charts. It was the band's only major chart success. It's a shame really that "Life In a Northern Town" has largely been forgotten, because it's a good song, in my opinion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5uxQElYu68

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qH4CT4f7fk
This was a big hit in several territories when it first came out, but it bombed in the United States, and aside from "The Riddle" and maybe "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," Nik Kershaw didn't have many other hit singles and seems to have become mostly forgotten. Gotta love the intensity of both the lyrics, as well as the grinding guitars and hammering drums.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAuL_noJLoo
This was moderately successful upon its release, but probably because the movie it came from was such a failure, it's nowhere near as iconic as the hits from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Shame, because it's one of the most epically adrenalizing anthems of the decade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xrKQub1cu0
Branigan herself didn't write anything on Self Control, but like her other albums, it's nonetheless easily one of my favorite pop records of the decade, and this single is testament to what an untouchable singer she was. Unfortunately, it only did moderately well on the charts, peaking at #20, during a time when Madonna and Cyndi Lauper were the dominant divas in pop, and after this single, Branigan's commercial success began to falter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-PgsM0bPcE
Now this is a treat for me if there ever was one! Not only am I flat-out in love with the sharp, giddily focused production and sweetly enthusiastic vocals, the song also unintentionally comes across as being about a lesbian crush because Fiorillo talks about smelling her crush's perfume (a tad odd for a straight guy to have at the time, unless it's cologne), her subject's name can easily be female, she doesn't use gender-specific pronouns, and her anxiety over her attraction would be heavily plausible for somebody discovering that they're queer in 1987. Fiorillo herself isn't a lesbian (though she was a major colleague of Prince, who was sexually experimental), but the song she's handed can certainly be interpreted as queer-themed. I have to say it's such a breath of fresh air to have a lesbian-ish song that's actually done in a style I full-on appreciate and identify with, as opposed to all those dreary acoustic rock and so-so Tegan and Sara indie pop tracks that the lesbian community primarily consumes today. Fitting that this song shares its very name with me, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0jyh0v5zvw
Another fantastic song cursed by its association with a notorious turkey of a film. This synthpop masterpiece is just so darn smooth and soulful, yet simultaneously sharp thanks to Thomas Dolby's wackily piercing vocals. Props to the unique employment of a harmonica, too. It's a winning combination of elements to create what should have been a smash hit single.

Everyone knows songs like Losing My Religion but R.E.M.'s entire catalog from Murmur up to Out of Time is some of the best music I've ever heard. 6 amazing albums in a row... 83's Radio Free Europe did decently on the hot 100 (especially for such a new band playing this very new style of music) but was a big hit on the rock charts.
Ac0oaXhz1u8

Husker Du are another quality band. One of the best 80's alt/college rock bands. From 1985.
J1sYN0PuRs4

The Head on the Door is where I pin the beginning of the classic Cure era where they perfectly their brand of poppy gothic alternative rock. Just Like Heaven or Friday I'm in Love may be their well known hits but every album from The Head on the Door to Wish rules and people looking to explore the band some more won't be disappointed in checking out those records. In Between Days from '85 was a minor hit but their first to hit the hot 100.
-Mx7K1pQess

Diesel - Sausalito Summernight (1981)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YILvKkCckhw

Two things I love about this song: 1) The way the hook grabs you almost immediately and 2) how a band from the Netherlands has such an intricate knowledge of California culture. 



Zebra - Who's Behind The Door (1983)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ofz0iJQd-xU

Great mix of acoustic guitars and synthesizers. Probably my favorite forgotten 80's gem.




Tony Carey - A Fine Fine Day (1984)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJFh3_jifoA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ8ixlQT_20
More Thomas Dolby! Only he can pull off reggae with such originality, smoothness, and popping intensity all in one. Too bad he's only known for "She Blinded Me with Science" in America and "Hyperactive!" in his native UK.

Everyone knows songs like Losing My Religion but R.E.M.'s entire catalog from Murmur up to Out of Time is some of the best music I've ever heard. 6 amazing albums in a row... 83's Radio Free Europe did decently on the hot 100 (especially for such a new band playing this very new style of music) but was a big hit on the rock charts.
Ac0oaXhz1u8

Oh man R.E.M. was great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msWi0c4tHV8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6mDZqIMNrU

Oh man R.E.M. was great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msWi0c4tHV8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6mDZqIMNrU


Totally! South Central is another great underrated song. Reckoning's just one of those albums I can listen to front to back and enjoy every song.

If it weren't for my dad, I would've never heard this song.

xhQm48rH8Vw

The La's - There She Goes (1988)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX9TDQcCyVE

Although it was covered by Sixpence None The Richer 11 years later, I always thought the original was far superior.

This was a one-hit wonder back in 1985; "Life In a Northern Town" by Dream Academy. It peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the Australian charts and #15 on the UK charts. It was the band's only major chart success. It's a shame really that "Life In a Northern Town" has largely been forgotten, because it's a good song, in my opinion.



I enjoy that one too. I even hear it frequently on the radio where I am. However, even though the band had its biggest success with that song, other songs of theirs did become minor hits, including "Edge of Forever" and "The Love Parade" (both 1986, also off their self-titled album).

"China" - The Red Rockers (1983):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG0hH

The Red Rockers were an American new wave band; this is the song they were best known for. Therefore they could be considered a one hit wonder.

Quickly trying to listen to these without too much sound, I can tell you I've seen or heard at least part of Life in a northern town.  I know I've seen and heard the song that starts out with dear lord.  Don't turn away  yup.  I need some lyrics for these.

Julian Lennon-Stick Around

https://youtu.be/tl0wA2hhLv4


The Other Ones-All the Love

https://youtu.be/U_qqm_kG3h4


Dream Academy-Humdrum

https://youtu.be/5o6jhczPYBA


Yello-Desire

https://youtu.be/GAF8qrR1pdE


The Cars-Go Away

https://youtu.be/Wetk8Cr5MdA


Adding one more,

Killing Joke-Love Like Blood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnpwuRlXbhk

I don'y know if I know any other of these songs except Go Away maybe.  I seemed to maybe pick up a few words. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFlnCbmV69Q
Go Home- Stevie Wonder (1985)

One more, sorry. I love this song....

Asylum Party-Pure Joy in My Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LJwtVdKu0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8TjTTxJuK4
Kenny G- Hi, How Ya Doin? (1983)

Julian Lennon-Stick Around



I don't know that one, but I do know other songs of his... that hardly get much attention anymore. Case in point, "Valotte" and "Too Late For Goodbyes" were big hits for him, but you don't hear 'em much on the radio, if at all, anymore, which is kinda sad.

don't ring a bell here

b3LdMAqUMnM

Man, I remember when the longest war in American history was 20 years old.  The year was 1985.  The artist was Paul Hardcastle.  He was twenty-eight.

b3LdMAqUMnM

Man, I remember when the longest war in American history was 20 years old.  The year was 1985.  The artist was Paul Hardcastle.  He was twenty-eight.


I heard this song a lot.

Man, I remember when the longest war in American history was 20 years old.  The year was 1985.  The artist was Paul Hardcastle.  He was twenty-eight.

It contains a lot of voiceovers pertaining to the seriousness of the Vietnam War, backed by techno beats.

And of course, the repetitive "Nnnnnnineteen!" occurring frequently.

no the beet and remember someone getting their hair shaved off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhPQrMlhWy4
Donna Summer- Love Is In Control (1982)

I know i've heard this at some time in my live        love is in con tro ol  right?          music sounds kind of like Sweet Dreams

Some favorites:

ELKVW8HiUTE

uejh-bHa4To

BO6N8lQMBYM

8I8mWG6HlmU

yuxss1kBQWw

Huang Chung - China (1982)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMzFIH-r1pw


The band later renamed themselves Wang Chung, and scored hits with "Dance Hall Days" and "Everybody Have Fun Tonight".

not this time

God I love this topic.  Love all these deep cut tracks!!!

Red Rockers, "China".

https://youtu.be/8eoqz6GfjTM


Payolas, "Eyes of a Stranger".

https://youtu.be/1C_fVnE3xHY


Bronski Beat, "Small Town Boy".

https://youtu.be/Xuz94ZIPfJk


New Order, "True Faith".

https://youtu.be/mfI1S0PKJR8


Front 242, "Headhunter".

https://youtu.be/m1cRGVaJF7Y


Berlin, "You Don't Know".

https://youtu.be/A30sfHhMzaA

nope back to Love Is In Control      maybe my brain will process more this time

Beastie Boys - Car Thief

K3WBWy1Rf94

The Lemonheads - Glad I Don't Know

gY3lG54qeY8

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make?

XbOx8TyvUmI

Beastie Boys - Car Thief                  I'm sure I'd know that    I know I've heard of the band and title

Beastie Boys - Car Thief                  I'm sure I'd know that    I know I've heard of the band and title

I know several songs by that band, just not that one.

I know several songs by that band, just not that one.


same here, I know most of their songs too.

I might know a couple other songs beyyer

This was a huge, huge hit in the 80's but it seems many people nowadays have either forgotten it exists or don't even know of it at all.
ObjLb6ElTvs

nope

This was a huge, huge hit in the 80's but it seems many people nowadays have either forgotten it exists or don't even know of it at all.
Chaka Khan - I Feel For You



I know that one quite well! It was a huge hit in 1984; the title track from Chaka's album from that same year. However, it had been written and first recorded by the late Prince five years beforehand.

This was a huge, huge hit in the 80's but it seems many people nowadays have either forgotten it exists or don't even know of it at all.
ObjLb6ElTvs


I already knew she had that hit.

I already knew she had that hit.

Me too. It was one of her most popular.

Seems nowadays that everyone forgot it existed. :-\\

John Foxx had several songs I like, and Underpass is just one of them.  I don't any of his songs ever charted in the US. 

Rk83Gu9V0kg

Wang Chung had a couple of hits here (Everybody Have Fun Tonight and Dance Hall Days) but they had some other sings I like as well, that seem unappreciated.

OlfxIViXzGk

Seems nowadays that everyone forgot it existed. :-\\


It is still played on the radio in the UK - I heard it twice last week

Here are a couple more I just though of:

2w1Q8ZkXZ1Q

V09KMMOjoKI

Plus a bonus, starring the immortal Bill Paxton:
cnxOY4soITM

nope

Here are a couple more I just though of:



Interesting choices. I never knew any of these, although the only song I know of by the band Aztec Camera is "Oblivious"; all this time I'd thought they were like a one hit wonder. Guess I was wrong!

Obviously, David Bowie has had a lot of hits, but here's one from the Cat People soundtrack from the early 80's that doesn't get a lot of attention:

YWX_MFNOL_Y

This is definitely an underrated song by RHCP!

0MBljztEeg0

no

VcQvyRDRJ2k

This song reminds me very much of Pete Townshend's music.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ekDxWH7XTas

In my opinion, this is INXS's greatest song, outmatching even "Need You Tonight" and "New Sensation," and yet it barely made any impact on the charts, missing the top 40 in both the UK and the US and merely peaking at #28 in its native Australia.

well I'm not hearin