About Music of the Fifties… Things You Need To Know
Rock and Roll, Jazz and Doo Wop evolved from the Blues, which came from the African-American community in the decades after slavery with gospel, spirituals, work songs, and chants which, with the addition of some instruments, became Rhythm and Blues. It’s a much longer story than on a web page, so check out these books.
Cleveland radio Dee-Jay Alan Freed was credited with inventing the phrase ‘Rock and Roll,’ but could not copyright the term. He was pushed out of the radio and TV industry over Payola – taking bribes to play some records over others. The 1978 film American Hot Wax was a fictionalized version of his life.
Frank Sinatra was not a big fan of rock and roll music at first. He called it “The most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear.” On a related note, Frank Sinatra has not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In the 1950s, black artists performed many songs and then outplayed on the radio by white artists. One of the first songs to break that barrier was Only You, by the Platters (#5), beating out the Hilltoppers (#8). Conversely, Harry Belafonte’s Calypso album edged out Elvis’ Elvis Presley to be the first million-selling album in 1956. Bing Crosby had his last hit in 1956, True Love, which he sang with Grace Kelly (#3).
Who was Bing Crosby? He’s the ‘old guy’ who sang Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth with David Bowie in 1977.
To understand how successful Mr. Crosby was, Elvis Presley wanted to be like Frank Sinatra, while Frank Sinatra WISHED he was Bing Crosby. Bing had 36 #1 songs and 317 in the top 40. Elvis had 18 #1’s and 114 top 40 hits. The Beatles had 20 #1’s and ‘only’ 52 top 40 hits. Bing Crosby outscored both Elvis & The Beatles on the charts combined!
The Day The Music Died: February 3, 1959
Outside of Clear Lake, Iowa, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson died in a plane crash. “Three Stars” by Tommy Dee was a tribute song for the trio of rock stars, as was 1972’s America Pie by Don McLean.
The 25 Fifties’ Songs That You Need To Make Your Collection Complete
1. The ABC’s Of Love – Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
2. Mack The Knife – Bobby Darin
3. Stood Up – Ricky Nelson
4. Book Of Love – Monotones
5. The Banana Boat Song (Day-O) – Harry Belafonte
6. That’ll Be The Day – Buddy Holly and the Crickets
7. The Great Pretender – Platters
8. Whispering Bells – The Dell Vikings
9. Tonite Tonite – The Mello-Kings
10. Little Girl Of Mine – Cleftones
11. Yakety Yak – The Coasters
12. Cry – Johnny Ray
13. Love Potion No. 9 – Clovers
14. Rocket 88 – Jackie Brenston
15. Woo-Hoo – Rock-A-Teens
16. Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home) – Impalas
17. Mr. Sandman – The Chordettes
18. Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley
19. I Wonder Why – Dion & the Belmonts
20. Bony Maronie – Larry Williams
21. Hey Good Lookin’ – Hank Williams
22. Why Do Fools Fall In Love – Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
23. Red River Rock – Johnny and the Hurricanes
24. Work With Me Annie – Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
25. Sincerely – Moonglows
The Fifties’ Songs That Mom And Dad Hated
1. Wake Up Little Suzie – The Everly Brothers
2. Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
3. Tutti Fruitti – Little Richard
4. Rumble – Link Wray
5. Yakety Yak – Coasters
6. Love For Sale – Billie Holiday
7. Ragtime Cowboy Joe – The Chipmunks
8. Endless Sleep – Jody Reynolds
9. Standing On The Corner (Watching All The Girls Go By) – Four Lads
10. Tequila! – Champs
The 50s Songs That Everybody Hated
1. The Happy Organ – Dave “Baby” Cortez
2. Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom) – Perry Como
3. Beep Beep – The Playmates
4. Lonely Boy – Paul Anka
5. Banana Boat Song – Steve Lawrence
6. Teen-Age Crush – Tommy Sands
7. Kookie Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb) – Connie Stevens with Edd Byrnes
8. Dance With Me, Henry – Georgia Gibbs
9. Western Movies – The Olympics
10. Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat – Paul Evans
Very Old School Summer Songs
1. Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran, 1958
2. Take Me Out To The Ball Game – Billy Murray (or many others), 1908
3. We’re Gonna Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets, 1955
4. Summertime – Sam Cooke, 1957
5. Sleepwalk – Santo & Johnny, 1959
6. Sh-Boom – Crew Cuts, 1954
7. Heartbreak Hotel – Elvis Presley, 1956
8. Little Darlin’ – The Diamonds, 1957
9. School Day – Chuck Berry, 1957
10. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling – Chauncey Olcott, 1913
11. Summertime – Billie Holiday, 1936
12. Harbor Lights – Sammy Kaye, Bing Crosby and various others, 1950
13. There Goes My Baby – The Drifters, 1959
14. Splish Splash Bobby Darin, 1958
15. Mona Lisa – Nat ‘King’ Cole, 1950
16. Teenager In Love – Dion and the Belmonts, 1959
17. Little Star – The Elegants, 1958
18. Love Letters In The Sand – Pat Boone, 1957
19. Yakety Yak – The Coasters, 1958
20. Stormy Weather – Leo Reisman or Ethel Waters, 1933
The Fifties’ Dancehall Music Hits
1. Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley and His Comets
2. Rock and Roll is Here To Stay – Danny & the Juniors
3. Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino
4. At The Hop – Danny and the Juniors
5. Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris
6. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
7. All Shook Up – Elvis Presley
8. Little Darlin’ – The Diamonds
9. Come Go With Me – Dell-Vikings
10. Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison
11. Love Is Strange – Mickey and Sylvia
12. Be-Bop-A-Lula – Gene Vincent
13. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly
14. School Day – Chuck Berry
15. What’d I Say – Ray Charles
16. The Stroll – The Diamonds
17. I’m Walkin’ – Fats Domino
18. Goody Goody – Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
19. Yakety Yak – The Coasters
20. Chantilly Lace – Big Bopper
The 50s Party Rock Hits
1. Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
2. Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On – Jerry Lee Lewis
3. Maybellene – Chuck Berry
4. Long Tall Sally – Little Richard
5. Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
6. Rock and Roll Music – Chuck Berry
7. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
8. Do You Want To Dance – Bobby Freeman
9. Book Of Love – Monotones
10. Rockin Robin – Bobby Day
The 1950s Must-Have Doo-Wop Songs
1. Earth Angel – Penguins
2. In The Still Of The Night – Five Satins
3. I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
4. At The Hop – Danny and the Juniors
5. Little Star – Elegants
6. Little Darlin’ – Diamonds
7. A Teenager In Love – Dion & the Belmonts
8. 16 Candles – The Crests
9. Come Go With Me – Del-Vikings
10. Gee – The Crows
The 50s Must-Have Slow Jams
1. Sea Of Love – Phil Phillips
2. Earth Angel – The Penguins
3. Chances Are – Johnny Mathis
4. Sleepwalk – Santo and Johnny
5. You Send Me – Sam Cooke
6. In The Still of The Night – Five Satins
7. It’s All in The Game – Tommy Edwards
8. Only You (And You Alone) – The Platters
9. Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka
10. Come Softly To Me – the Fleetwoods
11. It’s Just a Matter of Time – Brook Benton
12. I Only Have Eyes For You – Flamingos
13. All the Way – Frank Sinatra
14. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing – Four Aces
15. April Love – Pat Boone
The 50s Big Money Songs
And/Or One Hit Wonders
1. Donna/ La Bamba – Richie Valens
2. Sea of Love – Phil Phillips
3. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
4. Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home) – Impalas
5. Trickle, Trickle – the Videos
6. Silhouettes – The Rays
7. To Know Him, Is To Love Him – The Teddy Bears
8. Mr. Lee – Bobbettes
9. Sea Cruise – Frankie Ford
10. Woo-Hoo – Rock-A-Teens
The Late Fifties’ Biggest #1 Hits
According To Billboard
1. Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog – Elvis Presley (1956) – 11 weeks
2. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White – Perez Prado (1955) – 10 weeks
3. Sincerely – The McGuire Sisters (1955) – 10 weeks
4. Singing The Blues – Guy Mitchell (1956) – 10 weeks
5. Mack The Knife – Bobby Darin (1959) – 9 weeks
6. All Shook Up – Elvis Presley (1957) – 9 weeks
7. Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley and His Comets (1955) – 8 weeks
The eighties brought Summer Songs to us via movies (Kokomo, Axel F, Flashdance, and Eye of The Tiger), Michael Jackson’s songs, and more ‘sunshine’, ‘hot’, and summer-ready songs. If a song’s title or primary lyrics are about Summer, that usually bumps it in nostalgia value on our Summer Music lists.
This PCM Top 125 Summer Song of the Eighties list includes over eight hours of the best of 80’s summer music classics.
We tried to combine both, the classic summer songs and songs that dominated the airwaves during the summer, with our own Pop Culture Madness look at the songs that outlasted others from their era. Summer Songs come in two different varieties:
1. The classic songs that describe summertime, vacations, beaches, and the boardwalk.
2. The songs that were played in constant rotation on the radio and dance clubs
1980s Summer Songs
1. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves, 1985
2. We Got The Beat – Go Go’s, 1982
3. I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, 1982
4. Kokomo – Beach Boys, 1988
5. 867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone, 1982
6. Boys of Summer – Don Henley, 1985
7. Funkytown – Lipps, Inc, 1980
8. Beat It – Michael Jackson, 1983
9. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners, 1983
10. Vacation – Go Go’s
11. Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel, 1986
12. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor, 1982
13. Love Shack – B-52s, 1989
14. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer, 1985
15. Every Little Step – Bobby Brown, 1989
16. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston, 1987
17. Hot In The City – Billy Idol, 1982 (and 1988)
18. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2, 1987
19. Endless Summer Nights – Richard Marx, 1988
20. Flashdance (What A Feeling) – Irene Cara, 1983
21. Sunglasses At Night – Corey Hart, 1984
22. Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen, 1984
23. Summer Of ’69 – Bryan Adams, 1985
24. Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham, 1983
25. Magic – The Cars, 1984
26. The Reflex – Duran Duran, 1984
27. Cruel Summer – Bananarama, 1984
28. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson, 1983
29. Like A Prayer – Madonna, 1989
30. Rio – Duran Duran, 1983
31. Nasty – Janet Jackson, 1986
32. It Takes Two – Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, 1988
33. The Greatest Love Of All – Whitney Houston, 1986
34. Some Like It Hot – The Power Station, 1985
35. Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard, 1988
36. Addicted To Love – Robert Palmer, 1986
37. The Heart of Rock & Roll – Huey Lewis and the News, 1984
38. Don’t You Want Me – Human League, 1982
39. I’ll Be There For You – Bon Jovi, 1989
40. I’ll Be Loving You (Forever) – New Kids On The Block, 1989
41. Let It Whip – Dazz Band, 1982
42. Cars – Gary Numan, 1980
43. Magic – Olivia Newton-John, 1980
44. Shakedown – Bob Seger, 1987
45. Centerfield – John Fogerty, 1985
46. Suddenly Last Summer – The Motels, 1983
47. Magic – Olivia Newton-John
48. Once Bitten Twice Shy – Great White, 1989
49. On My Own – Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald, 1986
50. Jeopardy – Greg Kihn Band, 1983
51. Take Your Time (Do It Right) – The S.O.S. Band, 1980
52. Dirty Diana – Michael Jackson, 1988
53. Twistin By The Pool – Dire Straits, 1983
54. I Can’t Wait – Nu Shooz, 1986
55. Express Yourself – Madonna, 1989
56. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship, 1987
57. Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder, 1982
58. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds, 1985
59. Summer of Love – B-52s, 1985
60. Little Red Corvette – Prince, 1983
61. Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry, 1984
62. Every Breath You Take – The Police, 1983
63. Electric Avenue – Eddie Grant, 1983
64. She Blinded Me With Science – Thomas Dolby, 1983
65. When Doves Cry – Prince, 1984
66. Betty Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes, 1981
67. Sussudio – Phil Collins, 1985
68. Get Down On It – Kool and the Gang, 1982
69. Coming Up (Live At Glasgow) – Paul McCartney & Wings, 1980
70. Wipeout – Fat Boys featuring The Beach Boys, 1987
71. All Those Years Ago – George Harrison, 1981
72. Let’s Hear It For The Boy – Deniece Williams, 1984
73. Tainted Love – Soft Cell, 1982
74. Time (Clock Of The Heart) – Culture Club, 1983
75. America – Neil Diamond, 1981
76. Almost Paradise – Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, 1984
77. Do You Believe In Love – Huey Lewis and the News, 1982
78. The Rose – Bette Midler, 1980
79. All I Need Is A Miracle – Mike + The Mechanics, 1986
80. Crush On You – The Jets, 1986
81. Key Largo – Bertie Higgins, 1982
82. With Or Without You – U2, 1987
83. I Want Your Sex – George Michael, 1987
84. Invisible Touch – Genesis, 1986
85. Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna, 1986
86. Don’t Talk To Strangers – Rick Springfield, 1982
87. Glory Of Love – Peter Cetera, 1986
88. We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off – Jermaine Stewart, 1986
89. Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins, 1986
90. Baby Don’t Forget My Number – Milli Vanilli, 1989
91. Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx, 1989
92. Freeze-Frame – J. Geils Band, 1982
93. Roll With It – Steve Winwood, 1988
94. La Isla Bonita – Madonna, 1987
95. Jump (For My Love) – The Pointer Sisters, 1984
96. The One That You Love – Air Supply, 1981
97. Head To Toe – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, 1987
98. Steal Away – Robbie Dupree, 1980
99. West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys, 1986
Bonus 80s Summer Tracks:
100. Close My Eyes Forever – Lita Ford with Ozzy Osbourne, 1989
101. Toy Soldiers – Martika, 1989
102. Sign Your Name – Terence Trent D’Arby, 1988
103. You Make My Dreams (Come True) – Hall and Oates, 1981
104. Shout – Tears For Fears, 1985
105. Chariots Of Fire (Main Titles Theme) – Vangelis, 1982
106. The Finer Things – Steve Winwood, 1987
107. A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) – Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio, 1981
108. Little Jeanie – Elton John, 1980
109. You Keep Me Hangin On – Kim Wilde, 1987
110. I Like It – Dino, 1989
111. Sexy Eyes – Dr. Hook, 1980
112. Make a Move On Me – Olivia Newton-John, 1982
113. Blister In The Sun – Violent Femmes, , 1982
114. Wot’s It To Ya – Robbie Nevil, 1987
115. Forever Your Girl – Paula Abdul, 1989
116. Heaven – Bryan Adams, 1985
117. Batdance – Prince, 1989
118. 1-2-3 – Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, 1988
119. New Sensation – INXS, 1988
120. Elvira – Oak Ridge Boys, 1981
121. Rosanna – Toto, 1982
122. Naughty Girls (Need Love Too) – Samantha Fox, 1988
Summer Songs come in two different varieties:
1. The classic songs that describe summertime, vacations, beaches and the boardwalk.
2. The songs that were played in constant rotation on the radio and dance clubs.
Included are timeless, obvious songs like Summertime by New Kids On The Block and Summer Love by Justin Timberlake and there were songs that were played non-stop on the radio over the summer like Hot In Herre, Yeah! and Poker Face. Don’t Speak by No Doubt was released in late 1996, but stayed on the Billboard Charts for over a year, and dominated during the summer of 1997.
If a song’s title or primary lyrics are about Summer, that usually bumps it in nostalgia value on our lists. Songs like Hollaback Girl and Poker Face get a beggir nostalgic/retro vote than In The End by Linkin Park for example.
In many ways, older songs are easier because fewer outlast the rest from their era, songs only a decade or two old have more competition for eardrums, so this list is longer than our typical top 100 music list. We tried to combine both, the classic summer songs and songs that dominated the airwaves during the summer, with our own Pop Culture Madness look at the songs that outlasted others from their time.
1. The classic songs that describe summertime, vacations, beaches and the boardwalk.
2. The songs that were played in constant rotation on the radio and dance clubs. We tried to combine both the classic summer songs and songs in different genres that dominated the airwaves during the summer, with our own Pop Culture Madness look at the songs that outlasted other songs from their era.
1970s Summer Songs
1. Summer Nights – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, 1978
2. Summer – War, 1976
3. You’re The One That I Want – Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, 1978
4. School’s Out – Alice Cooper, 1972
5. Last Dance – Donna Summer, 1978
6. Bad Girls/Hot Stuff – Donna Summer, 1979
7. Afternoon Delight – Starland Vocal Band, 1976
8. In The Summertime – Mungo Jerry, 1970
9. Summer Breeze – Seals and Crofts, 1972
10. Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) – Looking Glass, 1972
11. You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor, 1971
12. Live and Let Die – Wings, 1973
13. Got To Give It Up – Marvin Gaye, 1977
14. Saturday In The Park – Chicago, 1972
15. The Morning After – Maureen McGovern, 1973
16. Lean On Me – Bill Withers, 1972
17. Beach Baby – First Class, 1974
18. Band of Gold – Freda Payne, 1970
19. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash, 1972
20. Get Down Tonight – KC and the Sunshine Band, 1975
21. Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet, 1977
22. We Are Family – Sister Sledge, 1979
23. Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones, 1971
24. Shining Star – Earth Wind and Fire, 1975
25. Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple, 1973
26. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John and Kiki Dee, 1976
27. Miss You – Rolling Stones, 1978
28. The Logical Song – Supertramp, 1979
29. (They Long To Be) Close To You – The Carpenters, 1970
30. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Elton John, 1974
31. Hotel California – The Eagles, 1977
32. Feels Like The First Time – Foreigner, 1977
33. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac, 1977
34. The Hustle – Van McCoy, 1975
35. Love Will Keep Us Together – The Captain and Tennille, 1975
36. Take A Chance On Me – Abba, 1978
37. The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles, 1970
38. Thanks God I’m a Country Boy – John Denver, 1975
39. You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics, 1974
40. Reunited – Peaches and Herb, 1979
41. Beginnings/Color My World – Chicago, 1971
42. I Just Want To Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb, 1977
43. Billy, Don’t Be A Hero – Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, 1974
44. Someone Saved My Life Tonight – Elton John, 1975
45. Wildfire – Michael Murphy, 1975
46. Ring My Bell – Anita Ward, 1979
47. Jive Talkin’ – Bee Gees, 1975
48. I’m In You – Peter Frampton, 1977
49. Sara Smile – Hall and Oates, 1976
50. Jet Airliner – Steve Miller Band, 1977
51. Looks Like We Made It – Barry Manilow, 1977
52. Love You Inside Out – Bee Gees, 1979
53. Jackie Blue – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
54. Love Is Alive – Gary Wright, 1976
55. Rikki Don’t Lose That Number – Steely Dan, 1974
56. Joy To The World – Three Dog Night, 1971
57. Hollywood Swinging – Kool and the Gang, 1974
58. I’m Not In Love – 10cc, 1975
59. Listen To What The Man Said – Wings, 1975
60. Welcome Back – John Sebastian, 1976
61. Brother Louie – Stories, 1973
62. Shadow Dancing – Andy Gibb, 1978
63. The Love You Save – Jackson 5, 1970
64. Silly Love Songs – Wings, 1976
65. The Entertainer – Marvin Hamlisch, 1974
66. Easy – Commodores, 1977
67. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown – Jim Croce, 1973
68. Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty, 1978
69. Swearin’ To God – Frankie Valli, 1975
70. Sister Golden Hair – America, 1975
71. Pease Mr. Please – Olivia Newton-John, 1975
72. It’s Too Late – Carole King, 1971
73. How Long – Ace, 1975
74. Get Ready – Rare Earth, 1970
75. Why Can’t We Be Friends? – War, 1975
76. Magic – Pilot, 1975
77. Sunshine On My Shoulders – John Denver, 1974
78. Moonlight Feels Right – Starbuck, 1976
79. Use Ta Be My Girl – The O’Jays, 1978
80. With A Little Luck – Wings, 1978
81. Everything Is Beautiful – Ray Stevens, 1970
82. Shambala – Three Dog Night, 1973
83. Shannon – Henry Groos, 1976
84. Ventura Highway – America, 1974
85. Annie’s Song – John Denver, 1974
86. Get Up And Boogie (That’s Right) – Silver Convention, 1976
87. Coconut – Nilsson, 1972
88. Rock Your Baby – George McRea, 1974
89. I Want You To Want Me – Cheap Trick, 1979
90. Make Me Smile – Chicago, 1970
91. Too Late To Turn Back Now – Cornelius Brothers
and Sister Rose, 1972
92. The Letter – Joe Cocker, 1970
93. O-o-h Child – The 5 Stairsteps, 1970
94. My Love – Paul McCartney and Wings, 1973
95. Shine A Little Love – Electric Light Orchestra, 1979
96. Song Sung Blue – Neil Diamond, 1972
97. Treat Her Like a Lady – Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, 1971
98. When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman – Dr. Hook, 1979
99. Grease – Frankie Valli, 1978
100. Love Won’t Let Me Wait – Major Harris, 1975
101. Rockaway Beach – The Ramones, 1978
102. Wildwood Weed – Jim Stafford, 1974
103. Gold – John Stewart, 1979
104. Hitchin’ A Ride – Vanity Fare, 1970
105. Kiss and Say Goodbye -Manhattans, 1976
106. The Wonder of You – Elvis Presley, 1970
107. Kodachrome – Paul Simon, 1973
108. Love Is Like Oxygen – Sweet, 1978
109. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart – The Bee Gees, 1971
110. Black and White – Three Dog Night, 1972
111. The Groove Line – Heatwave, 1978
112. Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian) – The Raiders, 1971
113. Mama Told Me Not To Come – Three Dog Night, 1970
114. I’m Not Lisa – Jess Colter, 1975
115. The Streak – Ray Stevens, 1974
116. Tighter, Tighter – Alive and Kicking, 1970
117. Lonely Boy – Andrew Gold, 1977
118. Da Doo Ron Ron – Shaun Cassidy, 1977
119. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Olivia Newton John, 1974
Some of the most notable genres and sub-genres of music from the 2000s include:
Pop: Pop music remained popular in the 2000s, with artists like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera achieving widespread success.
Rock: Rock music remained popular in the 2000s, with many subgenres emerging and gaining traction. Some of the most notable sub-genres of rock music from the 2000s include indie rock, emo, and post-punk revival.
Hip-Hop: Hip-hop, which had gained popularity in the 1990s, continued to dominate popular music in the 2000s. Artists like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Outkast were among the most notable hip-hop artists of the decade.
Electronic: Electronic music, including dance, techno, and trance, also gained popularity in the 2000s.
R&B: R&B, a genre of music that combines elements of soul, funk, and pop, also remained popular in the 2000s. Artists like Usher, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey were among the most notable R&B acts of the decade.
2000s Bubblegum Pop Hits
1. Firework – Katy Perry (Capitol)
2. Baby – Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris
3. Party In The USA – Miley Cyrus
4. You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
5. One Time – Justin Bieber
6. Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefani and Akon
7. Numa Numa (Dragostea Din Tea) – O-Zone
8. Airplanes – B.o.B Featuring Hayley Williams Of Paramore
9. When I Grow Up – Pussycat Dolls
10. Whip My Hair – Willow
11. Say Hey – Michael Franti & Spearhead
12. Sk8er Boi – Avril Lavigne
13. Lip Gloss – Lil Mama
14. What Dreams Are Made Of – Hilary Duff
15. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
The 2K Songs That Mom And Dad Hated
1. Because I Got High – Afroman
2. F— It (I Don’t Want You Back) – Eamon
3. What’s Your Fantasy – Ludacris
4. Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra Starship Featuring Leighton Meester
5. Tipsy – J-Kwon
6. Thong Song – Sisqo
7. Magic Stick – Lil Kim & 50 Cent
8. Ignition – R Kelly
9. Ridin’ – Chamillionaire
10. Shake That – Eminem & Nate Dogg
11. I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry
12. My Neck, My Back – Khia
13. A** Like That – Eminem
14. Bad Touch – Bloodhound Gang
15. Blame It – Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain
16. Money Maker – Ludacris ft. Pharrell
17. Candy Shop – 50 Cent and Trina
18. Lick It – Rulaah
19. Crazy B*tch – Buckcherry
20. Who’s a Ho – Ludacris
The 2000s Songs That Everybody Hated
1. Popozao – Kevin Federline
2. American Pie – Madonna
3. Magic – B.o.B Featuring Rivers Cuomo
4. All Day Long I Dream About Sex – JC Chasez
5. Lonely – Akon
6. Who Let The Dogs Out – Baha Men
7. Butterfly – Crazytown
8. Black Suits Comin’ – Will Smith
9. My Humps – Black Eyed Peas
10. I Played Chicken With A Train – Cowboy Troy
11. Black and Yellow – Wiz Khalifa
12. A Little Less Conversation Elvis vs JXL
13. Country Girl – DF Dub
14. Shut Up – Kelly Osbourne
15. Starry Eyed Surprise – Oakenfold
16. Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus
17. Sorry – Justin Guarini
18. Freedom – Paul McCartney
19. These Boots are Made for Walkin – Jessica Simpson
What is a Summer Song?
1. The classic songs that describe summertime, vacations, beaches and the boardwalk.
2. The songs that were played in constant rotation on the radio, boardwalks and dance clubs that summer.
Included are timeless, obvious songs like Summertime by Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince LFO and Summer in The City by The Lovin’ Spoonful and some songs were played non-stop on the radio over the summer like Step By Step by New Kids
On The Block, MMMBop by Hanson and All Star by Smash Mouth.
We also noted that some of the best-known summer songs did not come out over the summer at all. Don’t Speak by No Doubt was released in late 1996, but stayed on the Billboard Charts for over a year, and dominated during the summer of 1997.
We combine the classic summer songs and songs that dominated the airwaves during the summer, with our own Pop Culture Madness look at the songs that outlasted others from their era.
1. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince, 1991
The 1980s was a time of great musical diversity, with a wide range of genres and sub-genres that emerged and gained popularity. Some of the most notable genres of music from the 1980s include:
Pop: Pop music is a genre that encompasses a wide range of styles, from upbeat, catchy tunes to more emotional, introspective ballads. Pop music was trendy in the 1980s, with artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince achieving tremendous success.
Rock: Rock music was also popular in the 1980s, with several sub-genres emerging and gaining traction. Some of the most notable sub-genres of rock music from the 1980s include hair metal, punk, and alternative rock.
Hip-Hop: Hip-hop emerged in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity, with artists like Run-DMC, Public Enemy, and N.W.A. leading the way.
Electronic: Electronic music, including synth-pop and dance music, also gained popularity in the 1980s. Artists like Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and New Order were among the most notable electronic acts of the decade.
New Wave: New Wave was a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1970s and gained popularity in the 1980s. A mix of punk, pop, and electronic influences characterized it.
Top 15 Eighties’ Bubblegum Pop Hits
1. I Love Rock and Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
2. Mickey – Toni Basil
3. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
4. We Got The Beat – The Go-Gos
5. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
6. Only In My Dreams – Debbie Gibson
7. Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
8. I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany
9. We Built This City – Starship
10. Foolish Beat – Debbie Gibson
11. Walk Like An Egyptian – The Bangles
12. Straight Up – Paula Abdul
13. Break My Stride – Matthew Wilder
14. I Wanna Dance With Somebody Who Loves Me – Whitney Houston
15. Could’ve Been – Tiffany
The 13 Saddest Songs of the 1980s
1. Careless Whisper – George Michael
2. I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner
3. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
4. If You Leave Me Now – Chicago
5. Purple Rain – Prince
6. Alone – Heart
7. Missing You – John Waite
8. Faithfully – Journey
9. Drive – The Cars
10. No One Is To Blame – Howard Jones
11. Empty Garden – Elton John
12. Voices Carry – Till Tuesday
13. Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division
The 80s Top 20 Biggest Movie Soundtrack Hits
1. Footloose – Kenny Loggins
2. You Lost That Lovin’ Feeling – Righteous Brothers
3. The Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
4. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
5. I’m Alright – Kenny Loggins
6. Old Time Rock and Roll – Bob Seger
7. Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
8. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
9. Fame – Irene Cara
10. St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) – John Parr
11. Flashdance (What A Feeling) – Irene Cara
12. Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) – Phil Collins
13. On The Dark Side – Eddie and the Cruisers
14. Burning Heart – Survivor
15. Take My Breath Away – Berlin
16. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
17. Chariots Of Fire Theme – Vangelis
18. The Power Of Love – Huey Lewis and the News
19. Batdance – Prince
20. In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins
Top 20 Summer Songs 1980-1989
1. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves, 1985
2. We Got The Beat – Go Go’s, 1982
3. I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, 1982
4. Kokomo – Beach Boys, 1988
5. 867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone, 1982
6. Boys of Summer – Don Henley, 1985
7. Funkytown – Lipps, Inc, 1980
8. Beat It – Michael Jackson, 1983
9. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners, 1983
10. Vacation – Go Go’s
11. Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel, 1986
12. The Boys Of Summer – Don Henley
13. Love Shack – B-52s, 1989
14. Axel F – Harlod Faltermeyer, 1985
15. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor, 1982
16. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston, 1987
17. Hot In The City – Billy Idol, 1982 (and 1988)
18. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2, 1987
19. Endless Summer Nights – Richard Marx, 1988
20. Flashdance (What A Feeling) – Irene Cara, 1983
Top 10 80s Songs That Mom And Dad Hated
1. Me So Horny – 2 Live Crew
2. Fight For Your Right (To Party) – Beastie Boys
3. Like A Virgin – Madonna
4. We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister
5. Da Butt – E.U.
6. I Want Your Sex – George Michael
7. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
8. Wild Thing – Tone Loc
9. I Want a New Drug – Huey Lewis and the News
10. Birthday Suit – Johnny Kemp
Top 11 Eighties Songs That Everybody Hated
1. Morning Train (9 to 5) – Sheena Easton
2. Rock Me Amadeus – Falco
3. To All the Girls I Loved Before – Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson
4. We Didn’t Start The Fire – Billy Joel
5. Sussudio – Phil Collins
6. Puttin On The Ritz – Taco
7. Harlem Shuffle – Rolling Stones
8. Word Up – Cameo
9. Invisible Touch – Genesis
10. Goonies R Good Enough – Cyndi Lauper
11. The Twist (Yo, Twist!) – Fat Boys featuring Chubby Checker
Top Ten 80s Biggest Sing-A-Long And Air-Guitar Pop Hits
1. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
2. Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
3. 867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone
4. Living On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
5. I Love Rock and Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
6. I Melt With You – Modern English
7. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
8. We Built This City – Starship
9. Born In The USA – Bruce Springsteen
10. Red Red Wine – UB40
Some Of The 80s Biggest Dance Music Hits
(That Didn’t Involve Michael Jackson)
1. Funkytown – Lipps Inc.
2. Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths
3. Let’s Groove – Earth Wind and Fire
4. Superfreak – Rick James
5. Celebration – Kool and the Gang
6. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls
7. Double Dutch Bus – Frankie Smith
8. Upside Down – Diana Ross
9. Give It To Me Baby – Rick James
10. Into The Groove – Madonna
11. Pump Up the Jam – Technotronic
12. Tainted Love – Soft Cell
13. So Many Men, So Little Time – Miquel Brown
14. She’ A Bad Mama Jama – Carl Carlton
15. Take Your Time (Do It Right) – S.O.S. Band
16. Feels Like I’m In Love – Kelly Marie
17. Last Night a DJ Saved My Life – Indeep
18. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
19. You Dropped A Bomb On Me – Gap Band
20. **1999** – Prince
The 80s Biggest Dance Music Hits
(That Did Involve Michael Jackson)
