As with every other decade, after weeding out the gems from the dross the ’80s had a plethora of superb songs and records. From the world of country we had George Jones’ immortal “He Stopped Loving Her Today”. Blondie gave us Giorgio Moroder’s dance rock hit “Call Me”.  Cyndi Lauper dazzled with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time”; while Tracy Chapman dropped her socially astute “Fast Car”. From the hard rock and metal genres we had such contenders as AC/DC’s “Back in Black”, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”, and Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” or “Sweet Child o’ Mine”.

            However, I’m limiting myself to five inimitable classics; so here goes- “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. This was the first rap record that spoke forcefully to me and, apparently, millions of others, depicting in dazzling poetry the powerful potential of socially conscious hip-hop. Credited also with bringing rap emcees like Melle Mel to the forefront, “The Message” has been honored by the likes of Rolling Stone magazine and the National Recording Registry.

            “Every Breath You Take” is reputedly one of the most played songs of all-time. In 1983 it was ubiquitous and it helped make the Police, for a little while, the biggest band in the world. I’ve always heard it as a stalker song. Sting sounds desperate and obsessive, but musically the Grammy winner is incredibly infectious.

            1983 was also the year of Michael Jackson. “Billie Jean” is arguably his best-loved single. Noted for its iconic drum and bass-line intro, it’s clear, sonic progression, Jackson’s strange but powerfully pained story telling lyrics and vocal expression, and it’s irresistible, danceable melody, “Billie Jean” is one of the most popular songs of the last half century as hundreds of critics and millions of fans can attest.

            In 1985, with Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie both near their commercial peaks, the two collaborated in writing a song that has become perhaps the most popular and successful attempt at raising both global consciousness and money on behalf of a humanitarian cause (African famine relief), “We Are the World”. Produced by Quincy Jones, the ad-hoc group of performers for the record included such illustrious names as Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Jackson, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Journey’s Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan, and Ray Charles.

            The final classic has to come from Madonna and no single record had such an impact as 1989’s “Like a Prayer” with its strange mix of carnal and religious elements, its rousing gospel outro, its polarizing reception, and its ultimate staying power.  

         -Steve Williams (9/25/23) Greatest Recording Artists Blog Post #48