“Situation” by Yazoo ticks a lot of “Eightie-est” boxes for me.
Still love it.
I remember in the early to mid 1980s when Michael Jackson ruled the world. It’s fascinating that when we think of the quintessential 80s song something by Michael Jackson, Madonna, or Genesis isn’t on most people’s list. I include myself. If you ask me what the eightiest song is I’m not going to point to Thriller, Beat It, or Smooth Criminal. I’m more likely to point to something like “True Faith” by New Order, “Send me an Angel” by Real Life, or even “I Ran” by Flock of Seagulls than I am from much more successful groups or individuals.
Agreed. I think that’s because the Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc. songs were and still are so overplayed that they’ve never really had a chance to elicit nostalgia.
I’m surprised I didn’t think of this one right off the bat:
Sting’s “Russians” comes to mind as it addressed the Cold War. Along those lines, Nena’s “99 Red Balloons” (Luft Balons?) also should be considered. My favorite song of the 80’s has got to be Madness’ “Our House”, though. I love the fun piano riff and full horn section.
I’m a big fan of Midnight Oil, although when I think of their '80s stuff, it’s generally the two albums before the one you posted. “Beds are Burning” came from the Diesel and Dust album (1987), but I actually prefer Red Sails in the Sunset (1984) and 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 (1982). The 10,9,8… album has legendary status in Australia, where it remained on the album charts for something like 170 weeks, or over three years.
For me, the Oils song that I associate most with my '80s childhood is probably “The Power and the Passion,” partly because of its rather vivid descriptions of Australian life. Their music doesn’t really fit too well into the most prominent '80s genres, although I will say that what is often referred to as “pub rock” was big in Australia in the '80s, and is a genre that I associate closely with the period.
For the 1780s? 
Cool, I’ll have to give more of their catalog a listen, thanks. I picked “Beds are Burning” for this thread because I think that’s the song of theirs that got the most radio play in the U.S.
Sting’s song “Russians” is timeless. The melody and orchestration is like something from 100 years ago but definitely not like anything you hear in the 80’s or anytime else. Great music and great words.
Ha! Good one.
I remember “Beds are Burning” but I am not really familiar with Midnight Oil. I am posting because you mentioned a 1984 album titled Red Sails in the Sunset.
For the last few weeks I have been talking with an older guy in my apartment building about my favorite 50s vocal act, The Platters. We talked about their biggest hits and I mentioned a cover song from their greatest hits album that is probably about their 10th biggest hit (closer to 20th in actual chart performance) titled Red Sails in the Sunset.
It is a 1935 song that has been covered by a ton of the vocal acts. I notice that Midnight Oil did not cover it on that album.
Well, coincidence over, back on the rails to your regularly scheduled 80s thread.
FInally some love for Vince Clarke. Another good option from him would be
Obsession by Animotion. Requisite cheesy 80s video included.
Saw em live with Howard Jones. They were the worst live band I have ever heard but this song is catchy.
I feel this really should be included.
Yeah, I guess you can’t get much more Eighties than a song called “Eighties”, right? That song is kind of a jam BTW, enjoyed the video.
Excellent submission. One thing i’ve really enjoyed about this thread is that for a lot of the song video submissions, like this one, i’m well familiar with the song from radio play over the years, but I never saw the cheesy video before now.
…just working my way through some of these recent video postings. Another excellent dose of Eightiesness. What a rich tapestry of musical cheese was the 80s.
Rumors by The Timex Social Club
And the parody Roaches by Bobby Jimmy and the Critters
Were free tickets involved? j/k
I searched and didn’t see this song posted yet.
Things Can Only Get Better - Howard Jones
