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Forty Years. Yes, 40 Years. Let that sink in. 40 Years ago today, though it seems like only yesterday. A bit unbelievable. On this day in music, June 4, 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his 7th studio album Born In The USA, which became the best-selling album of 1985, and the Boss’ best-selling album of all time. The album spawned 7 top 10 singles, tied with Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Twice as much time has passed since its release compared to the Beatles arrival in the US to its release. Just crazy.
In addition to the Boss, music in 1984 was dominated by Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Duran Duran, The Cars, Wham, Lionel Richie, Bryan Adams, Huey Lewis, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, and Van Halen. And beyond 1984, George Orwell’s novel notwithstanding, music continued with classic, progressive, punk, and hard rock, though also evolved beyond disco to new wave, techno pop, rap, glam or hair metal, and as we bid a sad farewell to the end of the decade, on the cusp of the new decade, grunge.
“I’ve Got A Rock & Roll Heart” – ‘80s Rock & Pop Hits, “Rock You Like A Hurricane” – ‘80s Hard Rock Hits, “Rock Me “– ‘80s Metal Favorites, “Rhythm of the Night” – ‘80s Dance Hits, and two also released in a previous blog, though tweaked for this blog, “Just Can’t Get Enough” – Techno Pop, and “This Is The Day” – ‘80s New Wave College Faves. All in all, a wopping 6 playlists totalling approximately 48 hours (no not the Eddy Murphy – Nick Nolte movie) of glorious ‘80s tunes. Enough to keep even the most particular of ‘80s listeners happy for quite some time.
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life. Live in the moment. Enjoy the moment. Love the moment. Listen to the MUSIC!
I did include "What About Love" by Heart. I was trying to include more upbeat rock songs than ballads or slow songs, so though big hits, I didn't include "Alone," "What About Love," and "These Dreams". Good catch on Greg Kihn - added not only "Jeopardy" but "The Break Up Song" as well 🙂
My favorite rock band, Scorpions, is on tour celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their album, Love At First Sting. It was released March 1984, and went to no. 6 on the US Billboard charts, eventually going triple platinum by 1995. The album had three big hits on the charts, Rock You Like A Hurricane, being the biggest, then Still Loving You, and Big City Nights.
They had a Vegas residency in April - May, but I just couldn’t make the trip. ☹️ Next year, the band will celebrate its 60th Anniversary, so maybe next year!
Yes, it’s a great album. Their set list includes all but one song, As Soon As The Good Times Roll. I don’t know why they left it off, maybe to make room for their other hits, or they just didn’t like it that much. They came up with a cool opening with Coming Home (fan vids on YouTube). Also from the 80’s:
Make It Real and The Zoo from Animal Magnetism
Blackout and Can’t Live Without You from Blackout.
For ballads, it’s hard to beat “Lady Starlight” from Animal Magnetism.
You came up with some great playlists for your reunion. I’m sure the gang will enjoy the music. That’s a lot of work!
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