BEST 80s #83 “Two Tribes” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood “When you hear the air attack warning, you and your family must take cover.” In a furious reply to the unbearable tension of the Cold War, singer Holly Johnson rages over a thick, dizzying anti-war dance track that whirls & slams like a tornado.

BEST 80s #84 “Atomic” by Blondie Blondie speed down the highway with the top down & the volume up, beautiful hair flying. An exercise in synthesizing styles by Jimmy Destri & Debbie Harry, “Atomic” is a campy blend of disco, rock, and spacey new wave; it charges into the future with its eyes closed.

BEST 80s #85 “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” by Hall & Oates Daryl Hall draws a line in the sand over a funky groove that’s in no hurry; it takes the spotlight and holds it while Hall & Oates back each other up amid a myriad of hooky features, including a soaring sax and Rhodes keyboard sparkle.

BEST 80s #86 “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits Mark Knopfler overheard disdainful comments from an appliance store worker watching videos by the “yo-yos” on MTV and turned it into pop art - with help from Sting on the hook & ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, who advised Knopfler on the iconic guitar riff.

BEST 80s #87 “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC Sung by Brian Johnson but with numerous lyrics from the late Bon Scott (Including the poetic “She told me to come but I was already there”), this vein-popping valentine to an earthshaking lover rocketed the Australians into global superstardom.

BEST 80s #88 “Raspberry Beret” by Prince & the Revolution It’s all about the details: inside a bouncy, string-laden pop melody, Prince remembers his first time and the whole world around it from Mr. McGee to the horses, but especially, the vintage beret – raspberry – that she wore, with little else.

BEST 80s #89 “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye Rub the sleep out of your eyes, because Marvin needs sexual healing & you’re his medicine. Over a rhythm track that creates the warm, woozy world of sleepy stimulation, he knows just how to flatter, in sweetly pleading tones. It was the legend’s last hit.

BEST 80s #90 “Gloria” by Laura Branigan A triple threat of crazed mania: Laura Branigan’s soaring, scolding vocals, the cranked-to-eleven synth-happy disco track, and the vivid lyrics, translated from original Italian, about poor, deluded Gloria: “If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody calling?

BEST 80s #91 “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House Neil Finn’s longing tone rides the sway & the rising swell of the instrumental track on this rich, melodic plea to keep our troubles, the world’s troubles, & the imagined troubles in our heads from harming the love that might ease the troubles.

BEST 80s #92 “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul Paula asks an eternal pop query, “do you really wanna love me forever or am I caught in a hit-and-run?” with self-possessed charm; it’s clear anyone who lets her get away is a fool. The track, filled with hesitation & oh-oh-ohs, says that he might be a fool.

BEST 80s #93 “Back on the Chain Gang” by Pretenders A sparkling track about despair. Chrissie Hynde could sing stronger & tougher than many; when she let her steely resolve soften, as on this gorgeous self-penned memory of bandmate James Honeyman-Scott, lost to an overdose, it was affecting.

BEST 80s #94 “I Got You” by Split Enz “I don’t know why sometimes I get frightened.” “I Got You” is a neurotic, spiraling, and relentless ride, a power-pop blend of Squeeze and Cars. The song, written and artfully performed by Neil Finn, quickly became the top-selling record ever in Australia.

BEST 80s #95 “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi With a full-throated vocal by Jon Bon Jovi and a chorus made for screaming out the car window, the song, written by Bon Jovi with Desmond Child & Richie Sambora, was inspired in part by the sad impacts of Ronald Reagan’s “trickle-down” economics.

BEST 80s #96 “More Than This” by Roxy Music A satiny comforter of a song that champions living in the moment. Written by Bryan Ferry, “More Than This” captures a melancholy longing for, well, more than this. But it ultimately circles back to… maybe there’s *nothing* more than this & maybe that’s OK?

BEST 80s #97 “Square Biz” by Teena Marie The first white female artist to perform on “Soul Train,” Teena Marie crafted a unique sound that mixed soul, disco, funk, rock – all of which can be heard on “Square Biz,” which concludes with some very credible rap verbosity, bragging on her own virtuosity.

BEST 80s #98 “The Glamorous Life” by Sheila E. Prince was a generous pop genius, gifting the talented drummer (and for a brief time, his fiancée) Sheila Escovedo with a percussion-packed, dizzying #1 dance track, all about falling for the illusions of the good life at the expense of good love.

BEST 80s #99 “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie Opening with a tip-toe melody, it soon transforms into a soaring piece of epic empathy, emoted by two of rock’s most legendary vocalists. “It’s the terror of knowing what this world is about, watching some good friends screaming ‘let me out!’”

BEST 80s #100 “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield A rickety rattle of instruments gives way to triumphant fanfare and we’re into the Top 100. A hook-filled, exquisite few minutes of charming post-breakup regret from wry Neil Tennant and wistful Dusty Springfield.

BEST 80s #101 “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode Written by Vince Clarke, “Just Can’t” is a key moment in dance music’s journey from disco to new wave. With bouncy drums, slippery synths, and boyish chants of desire, Depeche Mode made it – after this one hit big, they all quit their day jobs.

BEST 80s #102 “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton The lyrics might not make much sense, but the melody is so buoyant & overflowing with happiness that the song soars. Originally written by the Bee Gees for Diana Ross, it became a country pop classic in the hands of Kenny & Dolly.

BEST 80s #103 “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush A beautiful, tender song from the “So” LP that pulses with the despair & fears we often keep hidden. Gabriel is a family man who can’t find work; Bush is the wife who responds with love & encouragement. Gorgeous empathy, forever relevant.

BEST 80s #104 “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads David Byrne sings with such boss authority that “Burning” *must* be filled with meaning, right? Nope! Once the band developed the thick, angular track, Byrne simply tossed off random phrases, including the title, inspired by a P-Funk lyric.

BEST 80s #105 “Cruisin’” by Smokey Robinson Smokey might be cruising, but he’s in no hurry. On this warm & inviting bath of a song, his voice, as smooth as his come-ons, is both tender and teasing. Co-written with former Miracle Marv Tarplin, the team behind the 60s classic “Tracks of My Tears.”

BEST 80s #106 “Open Your Heart” by Madonna Madonna brought the fullness of her voice to this sparkling pop banger, playing the girl in the shadows, unseen & unloved. It’s not a role she can play for long though – the tiger growl in her tone makes it clear: she’s going to get whoever she desires.

BEST 80s #107 “Pump Up the Volume” by M|A|R|R|S “Yo, all you homeboys out in Bronx: this one’s for you.” This sample-heavy British house hit was a global dance smash, embraced by homeboys and everyone else, too. A true studio one-off, the collaborators called M|A|R|R|S never produced another record.

BEST 80s #108 “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat A breakthrough single spotlighting the pressures of being gay in the rampantly homophobic ‘80s. “Smalltown Boy” employs a nervous dance beat to establish relentless tension; Jimmy Somerville’s heart-rending lyrics & plaintive vocals ring with pathos.

BEST 80s #109 “The One I Love” by REM The downbeat riff that kicks off REM’s first top ten hit hints that its title might be a touch insincere. With lyrical clarity, Michael Stipe dedicates some very un-Hallmark words to his “love” — aka the “simple prop to occupy my time,” the one he left behind.

BEST 80s #110 “What Have You Done for Me Lately?” by Janet Jackson Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis built an aggressive & funky beat to accommodate a confident, accusing Janet vocal. She delivers the sass with a touch of sadness. The song, inspired by her divorce from James DeBarge, was her first big hit.

BEST 80s #111 “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates A joyful pop pogo ride. “You Make My Dreams” launches immediately into its spirited & uninhibited bouncy rhythm. Daryl Hall performs an acrobatic vocal flex (with woo-woos by John Oates) about the delirious sensation of romantic fantasies fulfilled.

BEST 80s #112 “I’m on Fire” by Bruce Springsteen A compelling, intimate song capturing the intensity of 2-in-the-morning obsession; Springsteen’s hushed vocals deliver just-right, tortured emphasis to the confessional lyrics (“sheets soaking wet…freight train running through the middle of my head”)

BEST 80s #113 “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield “Jessie is a friend,” Rick confides in a low voice that makes it clear that there’s more to the story. Featuring antsy guitar noodling alongside envious confessions about Jessie’s girl, the song regularly explodes in fun & petulant “No fair!” fury.

BEST 80s #114 “Situation” by Yaz “Moving through the doorway of a nation.” Alison Moyet’s powerhouse soul vocals bring the heat, Vince Clarke’s synth orchestra provides the hustle. “Situation” is a funky disco steamroller, decorated with hand-claps, supernatural tingles & Moyet’s lusty chuckle.

BEST 80s #115 “Fortress Around Your Heart” by Sting Sting creates vivid medieval metaphors for a crazed romantic obsession on this moody gray hit. Arriving with a crack of thunder, chiming guitar punctuates Sting’s jazzy possessiveness, with the band swinging into support on the downbeat chorus.

BEST 80s #116 “1999” by Prince From a time when 1999 felt so far away —and purple apocalyptic skies felt so nearby. Prince & the Revolution demonstrated a very funky pop strategy, still relevant for anyone who feels like we’re runnin’ outta time & could die any day. “I’ll dance my life away!”

BEST 80s #117 “In Between Days” by The Cure The drums almost trip over each other as the band launches into the swirling, sprinting track. Robert Smith’s urgent vocal is all about frantic regrets and passionate second-thoughts. “Without you,” he realizes, what’s the point? And the music subsides.

BEST 80s #118 “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie First written as a folk tune, Bowie’s collaborator Nile Rodgers put thick meat on the bones & created something a little more “Chic.” The tune - #1 around the world - sweeps, whooshes, and slams while Bowie charms, cajoles, and demands dancefloor action.

BEST 80s #119 “I Want a New Drug” by Huey Lewis & the News All Huey wants is something (sniffed, chugged, injected) that’ll intoxicate him as much as *you* do. A hi-energy “Sports” hit, “Drug” kicks off with a delirious bow-wow guitar lick & sprinkles urgent shredding riffs & wailing sax throughout.

BEST 80s #120 “It’s Tricky” by Run-DMC Run-DMC rock the mic. Over a slapping track, the duo bemoan life on top, correcting the lies (“we aren’t thugs, we don’t use drugs”) & warning against trying to climb their mountain: “It’s tricky to rock a rhyme that’s right on time!” Produced by Rick Rubin.

BEST 80s #121 “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac Christine McVie, who wrote the song with her then-husband, pleads for the “sweet little lies” that might maintain the illusion of love. Sweeping synths and longing vocals swirl above a steady drum beat; Nicks & Buckingham join in for hook support.

BEST 80s #122 “Misunderstanding” by Genesis Phil Collins considers a host of reasons for his lover’s disappearing act until a trip to her house brings the shocking reveal: “Still don’t believe it…he was just leaving.” In spite of the ominous gallows-steps beat, there *must* be some misunderstanding!

BEST 80s #123 “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaata & the Soulsonic Force Rapper Bambaata & producer Arthur Baker loved the robotic tracks of German band Kraftwerk & opted to drop a party rap over the outer-space new wave grooves “Trans-Europe Express” & “Numbers.” The result was an epic early mash-up.

BEST 80s #124 “Shake You Down” by Gregory Abbott Self-assured & suave, Abbott is the handsome stranger across the dancefloor: “Girl, I’ve been watching you.” Though the melody may be laid-back, the lyrics reveal a man crazed with desire. (Wikipedia: “According to Billboard, the song is about sex.”)

BEST 80s #125 “Tempted” by Squeeze “Tempted” is a slinky confessional about the exciting temptations of youth. “Alarmed by the seduction” — but does he really wish that it would stop? Featuring lyrics & music by Difford & Tilbrook, production by Elvis Costello, and a lead vocal from Paul Carrack.

BEST 80s #126 “Upside Down” by Diana Ross “Upside Down,” about a woman turned on & all about by a charismatic cheater, is a giddy, sparkling disco ball with a chickety saw open, a strutting beat, and a dynamic Diana vocal. Produced by Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards of Chic, it was a global #1 smash.

BEST 80s #127 “White Wedding” by Billy Idol This dark and ominous dance/rock track is an ideal setting for Billy Idol’s sneering, snarling growl. Entering after Steve Stevens’ lightning guitar introduction, Billy throws a lot of shade - along with the rice - at little sister’s shotgun wedding.

BEST 80s #128 “Words” by Missing Persons Missing Persons’ Dale Bozzio was an early MTV attention-getter with rainbow hair & out-there makeup. But even she could feel unheard. Over slicing New Wave guitars & a pulsating party beat, she wonders, “What are words for, when no one listens anymore?”

BEST 80s #129 “Seven Year Ache” by Rosanne Cash Rosanne Cash applied the deep talent in her DNA to this moody, melancholy song about a flawed, charismatic Romeo stumbling his way through small-town bars & leaving heartache in his wake. Her soothing, forgiving vocal pours compassion on the track.

BEST 80s #130 “Generals and Majors” by XTC Generals and majors, in XTC’s jaunty, satirical telling, were eager for the Cold War to get hot: “Generals and Majors always seem so unhappy 'less they got a war.” The record is all giddy anticipation, with whistling, ringing guitars & a marching cadence.

BEST 80s #131 “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama Bananarama’s bratty take on the oppressiveness of a long, hot, lonely summer. Their first US Top 10 hit, the song features the trio’s expressive chant singing, a cranky, stomping beat, and a Caribbean-like marimba melody to evoke the humid aesthetic.

BEST 80s #132 “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” by Prince Prince can’t commit to a woman on the rebound in this burst of high-energy precision pop. A likely future influence on Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” the track is bright crunchy candy built of clapping drums, swirling guitar riffs & flourishes.