1984: The Year In Music

1984 – Iconic films such as James Cameron’s “The Terminator” and Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street” premier. Apple Computer Inc unveils its revolutionary Macintosh personal computer in a Super Bowl TV ad directed by Ridley Scott. Britain’s Torvill and Dean dominate the ice dancing at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics. Not much happening in this year for news … but the music was sensational!

I’ll be looking at the popular and highest-rated songs / albums of the year, giving my opinions on their musicality and longevity as well as an overall verdict for the year as a whole.

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

Billboard Top 10 (Popular) Singles

Source: Wikipedia

10 – Karma Chameleon (Culture Club)

Culture Club are about as 80’s as it gets, and “Karma Chameleon” is one of their classics.

It’s bubbly and fun from start to finish, and I like the switch-ups in the bridge as well as the Bluesy harmonica solos.

9 – Ghostbusters (Ray Parker Jr.)

The “Ghostbusters” film took 1984 by storm and remains a personal favourite, so it’s only fitting that its leading song also slaps.

It’s tacky in all the best ways, and the call-and-response choruses are about as catchy as it gets.

8 – Owner of a Lonely Heart (Yes)

It might not be as creatively rich as their 70’s Prog Rock era, but Yes still knew how to make a banging 80’s tune.

“Owner of a Lonely Heart” has some eclectic verses and some really catchy choruses – when combined, the whole package is intensely memorable.

7 – Hello (Lionel Richie)

“Hello” is a lot slower than these other 80’s hits, which might be why I’m not as fond of it.

I know it’s regarded as a classic, and fair play to you if you love it, but I find it boring and overblown simultaneously.

6 – Jump (Van Halen)

The production and chorus on Van Halen’s “Jump” are utterly bombastic, but that’s why I like it.

5 – Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) (Phil Collins)

“Against All Odds” is in a similar vein to “Hello” in that it’s a cheesy 80’s ballad … but for some reason I actually like this one?

Maybe it’s because Phil Collins is so genuine and endearing as he’s singing, but I don’t mind this track.

4 – Footloose (Kenny Loggins)

Another movie tie-in track like “Ghostbusters”, and “Footloose” is just as fun. Maybe not as fun as the Ray Parker Jr. track, but still a good time.

3 – Say, Say, Say (Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson)

Two of the greatest music artists of all time combined for “Say, Say, Say”, and it’s good. I wish it was great, but it gets the job done.

2 – What’s Love Got to Do with It (Tina Turner)

Tina Turner is a breath of fresh air among the (admittedly catchy) 80’s cheese – her unique vocal style may be off-putting to some but I really like it, and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is one of her best.

1 – When Doves Cry (Prince And The Revolution)

In a year with stronger hits than most, you can count on Prince to still be head and shoulders above competition.

“When Doves Cry” is an outstanding track with impactful lyrics and one of the best choruses of the 80’s – and that production is incredible!

FAVOURITE – “When Doves Cry” (Prince And The Revolution)

LEAST FAVOURITE – “Hello” (Lionel Richie)

Top-Rated Songs

Source: http://www.besteveralbums.com

10 – For Whom The Bell Tolls (Metallica)

Cliff Burton’s distorted bass immediately makes “For Whom The Bell Tolls” a classic, and the rest of the song is awesome too.

9 – Once In A Lifetime (Stop Making Sense Version) (Talking Heads)

You don’t really get live songs making these lists, but it’s Talking Heads so I’m not complaining!

“Stop Making Sense” is an unbelievable live show, and “Once In A Lifetime” is my favourite song ever … which might be why the live version feels underwhelming compared to the studio recording.

8 – When Doves Cry (Prince And The Revolution)

The critics and general public were in agreement about this one – “When Doves Cry” slaps.

Prince was one of those great artists that managed to sway both critical and commercial opinions. It’s rare for an artist to win over both crowds!

7 – The Killing Moon (Echo & The Bunnymen)

“The Killing Moon” is a fairly recent find of mine, and it instantly became a personal favourite.

It’s dark and moody with a catchy chorus, but that melodramatic bridge is what I keep coming back to.

6 – Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want (The Smiths)

The Smiths are known for their fast-paced bops, but “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” is a welcome change of pace.

The mellow production and sombre production are sweet and yet melancholy, and it sounds absolutely gorgeous.

5 – Psycho Killer (Stop Making Sense Version) (Talking Heads)

I’ve waxed lyrical about Talking Heads and their live show “Stop Making Sense” a thousand times in other blog posts, and the opening number “Psycho Killer” already validates the price of admission.

It’s the starkest difference between recording and live version in the whole show, but the electronic beat and solo performance by Byrne are entrancing.

4 – Purple Rain (Prince And The Revolution)

The whole album of the same name is excellent, but once you’ve heard the title track of “Purple Rain” there’s no going back.

Prince’s genius shines through on every syllable and on every note played, and the extended eight minutes of glorious guitar playing and vocalisation always gives me goosebumps.

3 – This Charming Man (The Smiths)

“This Charming Man” opens with one of the most iconic guitar riffs in 80’s Rock, and the energy sustains throughout.

Morrissey’s downbeat lyrics take some getting used to at first, but the juxtaposition between moody words and vibrant instrumentation is lots of fun.

2 – Fade To Black (Metallica)

It doesn’t get much more Metal than “Fade To Black”.

The switch-ups from quiet to loud are engrossing, and the sudden shift in tempo near the middle rejuvenates the whole thing.

1 – How Soon Is Now? (The Smiths)

The production in “How Soon Is Now?” immediately catches you off-guard, and Johnny Marr’s sliding guitar cements it as an instant classic.

BEST SONG OF 1984 – “Purple Rain” (Prince And The Revolution)

Top-Rated Albums

Source: http://www.besteveralbums.com

5 – Let It Be (The Replacements)

The Replacements are a very niche band from the American Rock ‘n’ Roll underground scene, so it’s no surprise I wasn’t that into it.

There are hints of Country, Bluegrass and Punk, but I got a bit bored. A rare dip in quality in an otherwise flawless retrospective for 1984.

4 – Born In The U.S.A. (Bruce Springsteen)

Springsteen made a few Folky, quieter albums in a row, so I’m glad he’s back to his brazen Rock roots.

“Born In The U.S.A.” is outwardly derisive of American culture and society, and individual songs like “I’m On Fire”, “Dancing In The Dark” and the title track have lots of energy.

3 – The Smiths (The Smiths)

The Smiths had a great 1984 – their other album released in the same year, “Hatful Of Hollow”, ranked 6th in the best albums list!

This particular album has classics like “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make” … but to be honest, I think I prefer “Hatful Of Hollow” overall.

2 – Ride The Lightning (Metallica)

Metallica were on top form throughout “Ride The Lightning” – one of the best Rock albums of the 80’s.

I’ve already talked about classics like “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Fade To Black”, but other songs like the title track and “Creeping Death” hit hard.

1 – Purple Rain (Prince And The Revolution)

1984 has been a year with a wide variety of musical styles, but sometimes all you need is a classic Pop album to scratch that itch.

“Purple Rain” is a flawless album front to back, and even the lesser known songs like “Let’s Go Crazy” and “I Would Die 4 U” are awesome.

BEST ALBUM OF 1984 – “Purple Rain” (Prince And The Revolution)

Final Thoughts

Wow. What a year for music. I’ll be amazed if any year from now on comes close to touching the near-perfection of 1984.

Overall Grade: A

Aaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: