Wow, that’s a hell of a lot more suggestions than I can put on one CD. Well, unless I make it a multiple CD project. . .
At the very least, I’m glad somebody mentioned “The Safety Dance”.
By the way, does anybody know the name of the “Bmmmmm Ow Ow! Chik-a-chik-ahhh!” song from FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF?
That’s “Oh Yeah”, by Yello
“Rio” by Duran Duran
“Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen.
“The Look” by Roxette.
“Vacation” by the GoGos
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper practically screams 80’s.
“Oh Sheila” by somebody
“Its Raining Men” by the Weathergirls
“Where The Streets Have No Name” by U2
“Sad Songs Say So Much” by Elton John
“Wrapped Around My Finger” by The Police. Maybe it doesn’t have a high “cheeze factor”, but it is an incredible song, nonetheless.
Well, here’s my contribution:
Bon Jovi- Livin’ on a Prayer, Runaway
AC/DC- (You)Shook Me All Night Long
Our House (I don’t know who sang that)
Genesis- Land of Confusion
Midnight Oil- Beds Are Burning (I think that’s 80’s)
Our House was by Madness.
Modern Love by David Bowie
Karma Chameleon, by Boy George
Puttin’ on the Ritz by Taco
Purple Rain, When Doves Cry by Prince
Freeze-Frame - J. Geils Band
Well, the ones I’d say you have to have on any respectable cheesy 80’s compilation:
Always Something There to Remind Me – Naked Eyes
Fascination – Human League
either Jump or I’ll Wait – Van Halen
For quotes, may I recommend:
from Breakin’ (the original, unfortunately, not Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo)
“You owe me seven dollars.” “What for?” “For teaching you how to dance!”
from Better off Dead:
“I want my two dollars!”
This is the song I immediately thought of, but it’s actually 1991. Great song, however.
sorry… the most famous song of the 1980’s was actually released in '79.
and while it rates very low on the cheeze-o-meter, you simply must put on ‘there is a light that never goes out’ by the smiths. a truly wonderful song, starkly beautiful. the high point of the eighties.
also, for higher cheese, you can’t go past madonna’s ‘holiday’ or soft cell’s ‘tainted love’.
and starship’s ‘we built this city’. the ultimate in cheeze. up there with ‘walking on sunshine’ - katrina and the waves, or ‘echo beach’ - martha and the muffins.
Billy Squier–Everybody Wants You, In The Dark
The Motels–Only The Lonely
Missing Persons–Walking In L.A., Words
There was once a time when soul was hot, raw, funky and pretty cool all at once. It was the '80s:
“Word Up” and “Candy” by Cameo
“Rockit”, Herbie Hancock’s opus of scratching.
“Candy Girl” and “Telephone Man” by New Edition
Then there is “Telefone” and “Sugar Walls” by Sheena Easton.
And…oh yeah, the quintessence of funk: “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton.