All those 1980s hits that are slowly creeping onto “classic rock” stations are still pretty quality today. Some of these earworms are popular enough to get stuck in our heads 30 years later. Wait, 30 years? That can’t be right, can it?
Incredibly, it is. The 1987 Billboard Hot 100 is overflowing with incredible tracks from Prince, Gloria Estefan and Whitney Houston. It was also the year Dirty Dancing came out and gave us that incredible soundtrack and that iconic lift. Sigh.
More: These Are the Songs That Would Have Been On Your Summer Playlist in 1997
These jams would have been your soundtrack while you did your hair, put on your makeup and made sure your look was super fresh before you hit the mall. Today, they make a great soundtrack for that chores list you keep avoiding. Why not turn on some tunes and clean the kitchen? The best way to sing along to these songs is standing on a chair using your broom as a guitar. Truly.
Let’s take a trip back in time and see just how many of our favorite songs were at the top of the charts 30 years ago.
1. Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
We couldn’t make this list without Whitney! Kick things off with this catchy pop hit.
More: Whitney Houston’s 8 Best Musical Moments
2. Starship, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”
This track is super uplifting… and super romantic.
3. Prince, “Sign O’ the Times”
This one will always be relevant, won’t it? An artist ahead of his age.
4. U2, “With or Without You”
Let’s slow it down with a little Bono before we get too worked up.
5. Heart, “Alone”
Great for a shower solo, great for a dish sponge solo. Belt it!
6. Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”
Who hasn’t wished they could be lifted in the air like Baby while listening to this song? Swoon.
More: How Well Do You Remember the Plot of Dirty Dancing?
7. Fleetwood Mac, “Little Lies”
Stevie Nicks sounds amazing, as usual, on this song — and the music video is peak ’80s.
8. George Michael, “I Want Your Sex”
Is it getting hot in here, or is it just this video?
9. Michael Jackson, “Bad”
Michael Jackson videos were always big productions, but “Bad” is literally a short film. Here’s the full version.
10. Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”
This one will be stuck in your head all day, but at least it’s got a stellar beat.
Leave a Comment