Songs- Robert Palmer- Addicted To Love; Steve Winwood- Higher Love; Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes, What You Need- INXS; Bon Jovi- Livin' on a Prayer. Albums- Peter Gabriel- So; Steve Winwood- Back In The High Life; Bon Jovi- Slippery When Wet; Springsteen- Live 1975-1985.
Songs: Arcadia - The Flame Big Country - Look Away Blow Monkeys - Diggin your scene Cutting Crew - I Just Died In Your Arms Cure - In Between Days Dead or Alive - Brand New Lover Honeymoon Suite - Feel It Again INXS - What You Need Jean Beauvoir - Feel The Heat New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle O.M.D.- If You Leave Van Halen - Why Can't This Be Love? Albums : Big Country - The Seer Cutting Crew - Broadcast Glass Tiger - The Thin Red Line Honeymoon Suite - The Big Prize Van Halen - 5150
Most people were either having fun or getting rich in the 80's. Unfortunately, these distractions masked the ill effects of our downward spiral. Delusions may be fun, and make us happy for a spell, but there will come a time when the Pied Piper demands payment. We're paying for it now and will be well into the future.
For the music, there's no doubt, that said, I do love the technology of today vs. the 80s. I'll take my big screen, surround sound, car, and other things over the ones I had back then.
@@JedWunderli : The average human being is becoming enslaved by intrusive technology. We don't need smart phones. We don't need smart televisions. We don't need Electric Vehicles. We don't need Arificial Intelligence. We don't need surround sound or a plethora of cheap plastic products. Little by little technology is making the common man obsolete. J.D. Rockefeller said he wanted a nation of workers, not a nation of thinkers, but now technology and automation is taking the work away at an alarming rate. For millions, there's no where to go and nothing to do.
The 80s spoiled us…and this list is proof. But when I look back, I believe that those of us that were 80s kids felt differently about music than kids today. We had radio, MTV, and cassette tapes and vinyl. But what we didn’t have was internet access to our music wherever, whenever. We held our music tight. Our music was the most important part of our life. We dubbed our friends albums and cassettes and cranked our DiscMan as we walked around or sat around. We also blasted our music in our boom boxes. Our music couldn’t be loud enough. We walked around our neighborhoods, our local malls. We found sanctuaries where we could gather, blast our music and not offend anyone. We danced, or at least thought we danced. We loved a girl or boy from afar. We had long or crazy hair. Boys wore mullets or big, long hair. The girls wore big hair and shoulder pads. We spent the night at our coolest friend’s house. We were outside. But doing all of this, music was a part of everything. We also listened to countdowns and argued that our songs should be at the top of the lists. Music from the 80s was all over the spectrum. It was in every genre. And even though some wouldn’t admit it, we liked most of it. But all we wanted to do was dress in the latest fashion and more importantly, find the newest music. We had to wait until the music was randomly played on the radio or on MTV. Creative videos were important as well. We made mixed tapes so we could hear “our” songs. We knew the problem with mixed tapes was that we may miss some new and amazing tunes. What connected us was our love and need for music. And my love for music, especially 80s music, has never changed. And the music is the main reason we use UA-cam. The 80s spoiled us
The time we would take "crafting" mixed tapes of our favorite songs that we would then listen to until the tape would stretch, warping the sound...music was a much bigger part of our lives for sure.
I was 28, married with two young boys in ‘86. These songs ushered in music videos for me. My late wife and I both loved the ‘’Invisible Touch’’ video among others of these and eagerly sang along with them. God I miss the music and my life as it was in the 80’s. I sit here with tears loving these songs and missing my wife who shared them with me. Next Wednesday will be two years since she passed away. Music is so bittersweet now. It brings back memories that I cherish but also hurts like hell. Love this countdown Professor. Keep them coming.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you love, joy, and happiness. I miss my mother and all the adventures we had in 80s before I left for grad school in 90s.
Very similar story and situation, within 2 years, just one son at that time. Just starting out, it was a fun, light time together. Went to many gatherings, weddings (being part of some), etc. Love it or hate it, this music was the fabric of the day. My wife passed three years ago, but I hold many memories quite fondly to this day.
@@kellyc2425 the 60s was the greatest decade for music and the 70s was also pretty cool the 80s was hair bands and pop, you would have to be a teenager at the time to think it was any good
I don't think I've ever told anyone this. In 86 I was 13. We were going on a family vacation and had to fly. I had my walkman and the Top Gun soundtrack cassette. I had it set to Danger Zone. When the plane's engines started to wind up for takeoff, I turned on Danger Zone and in my head I was taking off in a F14 just like Maverick!
Adorable. Thank you for sharing such a great 80s memory. I will do that on my next flight in your honor, fellow 80s kiddo... and it's a long one...Honolulu to Puerto Rico!
I never imagined that the late 80s would be the best era in my life. Looking back now and seeing the world around us now, I really wish I could travel back in time.
Listening to these songs again is as close to time travel as there is. Some songs take me right back to a day when I heard them, reminds me of someone in my life from that era. They were certainly a gift to us! The quality of music has diminished so much, I fear the latter generations may not have the same experience.
Just for interest, here's the UK top 10 of the same week in 1986 (some bangers here!). 1. Madonna: Papa Don't preach 2: Rod Stewart: Every Beat of my Heart 3: Sly Fox: Let's Go all the Way 4: Owen Paul: My Favourite Waste of Time 5: Wham!: The Edge of Heaven 6: UB40: Sing our own Song 7: Housemartins: Happy Hour 8: Bananarama: Venus 9: Amazulu: Too Good to be Forgotten 10. Chris De Burgh: Lady in Red
My children, 16 years old in 2024, love 80s music. An aunt gave them a used boom box, and play my CD collection from the 90s with all that amazing music. They laugh with some of my memories of those times, for example, when I tell them there was no internet, no cell phones, and we lived so happy without.
@@DRAT311 Unfortunately people of today can never recreate those times. Those people were different than us. I grew up in 80s but I have no illusions that even I no longer belong to those times. We have been broken beyond repair.
Like a Rock from Bob Seger is another one of those songs that after hearing it years later 2 years ago, it hits hard now knowing how fast times does fly
I never thought that these songs.....would ever just STOP!!!!!! They just stopped putting out music like this ALTOGETHER!!!!! I never thought that one day, all I would have is LOOKING BACK!!!.....
...ya should BEEN there! ...Prof. didn't mention Blow Monkeys, PSB, Bob Seger, Belinda Carlisle, HOJO, & The Fab Thunderbirds, OUTSIDE the Top Ten!! ...GOOD times...
@@bigtechisbigbrother8690Absolutely. For all the hype about how great things are now, the music on radio is shite!!! Wonder what AI music will.sound like? Hope it's not like garbage on radio now.
@bigtechisbigbrother8690 This is why so many channels are reacting to older music. Today's stuff is mostly bovine excrement. We need to clone Bob Seger, Boston, The Rolling Stones, Led Zep, SRV, ZZ Top, Jeff Healey, and a few more. I would put The Archie's up against today's stuff.
I’ve said for a long time that 1986 was one of the best years of my life and the music reflected it. Definitely my favourite year for music. Will never be another year like it from my perspective. I started a new career in the Toronto area and saw a ton of concerts. The best 2 concerts was Huey Lewis where every song he did was a hit. Epic band. The other amazing concert was a triple bill with BTO, Loverboy, and VanHalen on their 5150 tour. Great memories!
1986... I was 17, my first car, my first job and finishing high school. And the misic, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Tears for Fears, U2 and Iron Maiden!!!! To quote Brian Adams, those were the best days of my life!!!
A cool thing about “In Your Wildest Dreams” is that that they did a follow up “I know You’re Out There Somewhere” which continues the story told “In Your Wildest Dreams”. Very warming combination.
Peter Cetera's voice is amazing. It's like he had natural auto tune built into himself. It's hard to describe as in it has some type a 'metallic' quality/sound I just can't put my finger on it. Just the instant you hear him sing a single word, you know exactly who it is.
What’s really crazy is that he once got in a fight while watching a MLB baseball game and he ended up with a broken jaw while permanently altered the sound of his voice. Worked out quite well in the end though 😝
I like how you compared today's music if you can call it that to our era the 80s. There is no dispute. Our 80s music leveled today's "music" like a juggernaut shockwave and ground it into dust because 80s music was much more creative and enjoyable.
I knew every song from 1986 in it's entirety and have listened to each one dozens if not hundreds of times. When he put on the current "music" I was like WTF? Never heard any of that crap.
It's amazing how many great songs in the 80's couldn't get to number one because there were just too many great songs. Just getting into the top twenty was an impressive feat back then.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 The ‘70s and ‘80s, (and even the ‘90s), was a golden Age for rock and roll! For my age, the ‘70s were my favorite, but I kept up with the times and loved many songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s! After that, the bottom seemed to drop out!
It was more of the same with rock and metal bands in general. There were SO many extremely talented bands, and there was just no room for them. There were some outstanding songs and albums, that people have never even heard of the bands, let alone the music. If you're a pop fan, the 80's are absolutely ridiculous. It's just one monster after another. You almost can't believe how good so much of the music was. Even a lot of the "average" top 40 hit songs, sound like soundtrack songs. They sound epic from the first riffs. The beginning beats. The amazing harmonies. Need background music? Turn on the 80's hits station and you're golden.
And here is the list from Sweden, the same week in 1986: 10. Sun street by Katarina and the Waves 9. Oh, L'amour by Erasure 8. If you leave by OMD 7. A question of lust by Depeche Mode 6. Paradise by Pernilla Wahlgren 5. The final countdown by Europe 4. The edge of heaven by Wham 3. Lessons of love by Level 42 2. When tomorrow comes by Eurythmics 1. Mirage by Scott The radio show was called Tracks and I remember recording the song from radio to cassette trying not to get any of the talking when the song ended 😅
I HATED when they would ruin my songs with the talking. Years later I actually worked in radio and I was the one to ruin people’s lives with all the talking 😂
The nostalgia is very strong with this one. Its so very bitter sweat. I remember all these song very well. These Radio hits helped me escape the stress of school. I'm very grateful to have grown up in the 80's. Thank you.
Gotta love this particular episode. This was the countdown the week I met my wife. Karate Kid 2 was our first date movie and Glory of Love is still OUR song to this day 37 years later. Journey's "After All These Years" has now became our #2.
Man the Moody Blues. I hadn't listened to them much until 86. Back then it was just cool music. Now, years later, Wildest Dreams has a whole new meaning. That gut wrenching feeling of deep lost love. But life goes on.
In 1968, at age 14, I heard the Moody Blues’ first LP, Days of Future Passed. I was still listening in 1986. I’m not sure how many times I saw them in concert, They are actually better live than their amazing albums.
I always look forward to the Hit Song Redux episodes. The combination of counting down the top 10 songs of that week and talking about the popular movies and television shows really takes me back to a wonderful time-frame in my life. I remember all of the great music in 1986 and throughout the 80's. I'm grateful to have lived through it and have such great memories. Today, there is just nothing that compares.
I miss the 80's so much but i still find time to keep the 80's music playing in my life. I'm so proud to say that i raised 2 daughters to love 80's music as well ane we still have get togethers and play 80's music while having some drinks. Never nor will it ever get old.
I was 16 years old and working as an usher at my local movie theater during this week. What a great year for movies and music!!! A few weeks later I left for a 1 year student exchange in Japan and saw Phil Collins and Genesis live at Osaka Castle!!!
Goodness we were lucky to have been young in the 80s! July 1986, I was finishing my first year at University in the UK, and I was a college DJ too, but only because I wanted to share the music I loved, with more people. A very special time. As a Brit I was always so pleased when one of our artists or bands was successful in the US. What a terrific video.
Many of us here in the USA loved the UK artists. I had several great music stores for shopping where I live and I bought several UK faves! Housemartins, OMD, Pet Shop Boys, Dream Academy, Wham, Level 42, the Smiths, XTC, etc. That list didn’t even cover the heavy hitters like Duran Duran, The Rolling Stones, and Genesis.
....I went NUTS over Robert Palmers' "Hyperactive" that Summer, along with "Suzanne" from Journey....I can't remember ANYTHING else! ...welllllll.... ha-HAA!
It was the year the original “My Little Pony: The Movie” was one of the few animated feature films that hit rock bottom. The other animated films came out that summer were “The Great Mouse Detective” and “Transformers: The Movie”.
I graduated in May of 1986 so these songs were the summer before college. Pure happiness re-living these now. Loved the mixing in of van Halen eras and I think Sammy was better but I wasn't a fan until he came aboard. I appreciate the Dave era as a showman but to this day Sammy sounds better. I was a Sammy fan from his 3 lock box days. Better times back then for sure. I grew up in Dallas so every tour stopped there so I think I saw over 90+ concerts. Y'all remember when tickets were less than $30 for front row? Today you can't get even standing ones for less than $75 and they go up to $1000s. And MTV was life. When you showed the videos, I remembered sledgehammer right away. MTV was always on when I was home. And you talked about summer reruns!! Kids today have no idea what that was like. If you missed the first airing you had to wait for summer re-runs to catch it or record it on vhs. Thank you for this nostalgic look at the best years ever!
To do more of what? These kinds of channels? Music of the 80s? If you are able, go make this kind of channel, but such music, well, the 80s are long gone, and now you have some mediocre singers and songs that are made by AI.
2023 - 1986 = 37 years. 1986 - 37 years = 1949. I can't think of a single song I was listening to from '49 in '86. But today, the songs from '86 are just as powerful and popular now as they were then. That says A LOT about the song writing / performing talent we were surrounded by.
In 1949 Hank Williams had I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry and Lovesick Blues. Vaughn Monroe had Ghost Riders in the Sky. Margaret Whiting and Johny Mercer sang Baby it's Cold Outside. The fact that more people are currently alive that were conscious of music in the 80s is the main reason the music is currently so popular. Don't get me wrong, I was a teenager in the 80s and the music I listened to then, regardless of era (everything from old Hank Snow to Scritti Politti) has had an influence on my maturation and will always hold a special place in my soul.
@@woodsrdr The fact that the majority of mainstream music being created now is devoid of substance or talent and is (for the most part) completely forgettable is just one of the actual reasons that 80s music is still popular today. I will venture to say that 40 years from now there will not be a single re-charting song from this year or any of the 5 years prior. Glad you had a wide range of music you enjoyed in the 80s - but what you were listening to wasn’t garnering new fans yearly. The world has changed so much that sometimes I wonder if it will ever give us a chance to just settle in and feel at home again.
This is happening with almost everything. For instance, fighterplanes. F-15, F-16, F-18, Su-27, etc they keep are good planes. It is imposible to say the same with the F-86 in 1986. The world has slowed down.
I listen to all genres of music from all years up until mainly the mid 1990's! I will still listen to a few songs from the mid 1990's to now 2024, but they are few and far between. Yes, I love the older music like classical music/opera, big band/swing jazz (1910's - 1960's), country western (1930's - 1950's), country (1950's - 1990's), oldies, singers and standards/jazz of the 1940's through 1960's, classic rock of the 1970's and 1980's, Disco of the 1970's and 1980's, easy listening/pop/adult contemporary of the 1960's through 1970's, Polka, and others.
In July of 1986, I was 23. I worked third shift at a 7-Eleven in a small college town in Kansas. Every one of these songs played on the radio through the night, and whenever I hear these tracks, I am once again in that small store, watching the occasional car go by outside between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., waiting for the morning rush.
1986 was a great year for me. My wife and I met in November 1985 but didn't go out until March 1986. On March 21, 1986 we went on our first date. We went to see Top Gun. She was 19 and I was 24. We got married on May 21, 1989 and are still happily married.
15:04 Man, this was such a mega-hit! And it was artists like Simply Red, Sade and Anita Baker that had such success during that era that makes '80s music so timeless. I agree; this particular one only gets more gut-wrenching at time goes by and you can really feel the meaning behind the lyrics. But even back then, that smooth jazzy style just swept me away. Yeah, "Danger Zone" should be at the top. That was the summer of Top Gun, even though it wasn't that great of a movie. It just worked, though, especially with the groundbreaking footage they got of the real jets. Fun that the first Genesis frontman and his old band were still nip-and-tuck even after the redux. I also find myself betwixt and between on OG Van Halen and Van Hagar. You gotta love the rough, raw stuff that brought the band to fame, but I still like the mellower, more melodic Sammy Hagar era tunes, especially "Love Comes Walking In." ALL OF THEM out-do the modern stuff by about 50 country miles! I am just not that into hip-hop, much less all the obscene stuff that somehow gets on the radio even so. There are still some good tunes here and there these days, but for my money, it's nowhere NEAR back in '86, when I could flip on the radio any time of the day and just rock out for hours!
37 years from now, the current top hits that were played in this video will have been forgotten and nobody will be listening to them. 37 years from now we'll still be listening to these songs that will then be 74 years old.
How many of these songs have you actively sought out to give a listen to in the last few years? There ARE weeks during the 80s that had top 10s with stellar lineups. This just doesn't happen to be one of them. For example, from memory, there were four songs that were on soundtracks. Not a problem. But three of them would never have gotten any spins had they NOT been on soundtracks. "Glory of Love" being the exception. "Danger Zone" is completely tied to that film, and "Love Touch" and "Who's Johnny"? Really? I don't even hear those on retro radio stations. And the success of "Sledgehammer" was tied to the video, kind of like "Land of Confusion." It was not getting mad listens on its own. Unlike "Money for Nothing," which they've tried to bury for decades because of the original lyrics, but was a great (if overly long) song that just happened to also have a legendary video. That is not to argue against the idea that the music for at least the last decade has almost all been completely forgettable. Kids today will hear these songs decades from now and remember them as songs they listened to in high school, but they will not be the songs they are still listening to from time to time. I'm just pointing out that not all 80s "hits" were diamonds. And this is really a pretty weak top 10.
@@AJHart-eg1ysalso there are old songs i'd rather not listen to again. not because they're traumatic but because those songs remind us gen x of being bored to our wits. even though those songs are quite good they represent a memory of being really bored and annoyed 😅
I grew up listening to the 80s and I will die listening to the 80s. I couldn't even tell you what's on the charts these days and I have no desire to listen to any of it. The Moody Blues "In Your Wildest Dreams" struck a real chord with me. Back when online chat was nothing more than green text on a black screen, I fell hard for a girl 1800 miles away that I knew only online. One time when I was having a bad day, I said something that hurt her so badly that we never chatted again. It's something I haven't gotten over and I never will. I hope one day to find her and meet her in person-if only to say hi and apologize face to face-before it's too late.
Me neither. I don’t really care about Taylor Swift or all of that because 80s music is so damn compelling. Hopefully she will come back into your life in a magical way sometime in the future.
Holding back the years from Simply Red is probably my favorite from this list from 1986. I never knew the story behind the song until now. Thanks for sharing that. In my opinion, music today generally speaking can't hold a candle to 80's music. So many great songs and artists.
Man, thank you for all you do to help us reminisce about the greatest decade of music, the 80’s! Sooo many great tunes that you cover and the one I always tell my high school art students that, although so many great songs flood my memories, Your Love by the Outfield plays out first. It was my first summer in our church youth group and that song was playing over and over on the radio and all of the music talk that summer was about Your Love and that great, happy singalong experience that everyone knew, as soon as “Josie’s on a vacation far away…” started. Timeless moments to cherish.
Holding Back The Years made me love and appreciate Simply Red, his voice is beautiful and haunting. Nasty!! Epic! So was such a great album! The videos were cutting edge and just the BEST! Invisible Touch is still one of my "turn it up" tunes.
There is no comparison, 80s music is the best better than today's music. Thank you so much for creating these videos. It's great to know the back stories of all these songs.
True story. I was working in 1986 in North Dallas TX, I had a job as a landscaper/gardener/lawn mower at a studio complex, One day I heard that the band Genesis was there to practice for their Invisible Touch world tour, I was a rocker and always thought of Genesis as your little sister's rock band, so I wasn't that impressed. Later that week my boss walked up to me and said Genesis is doing a full dress rehearsal concert that night and as employees we could attend. Well seeing Michelob was sponsoring the tour I figured, "hey bet they'll have a keg of the stuff around" right? I went home jumped in the shower and told my cousin and we thought it was a interesting way to spend a week night. So we went. When we got there there was no keg, no beer, but the band went on with full light show. There were only 50 people total in the studio, all standing cuz there were no chairs and since they were on a 5 foot riser you had to move back 25 feet to have the angle of sight to see Phil. But it was an amazing 2 hour memorable concert, sounded great, played all their hits! I'm was glad I went.
A live performance that changed my impression of them was A-ha at Toronto's Massey Hall back in '86. I only went because a girl I liked loved the band and I quickly learned that listening to a song on the radio was no match for seeing them perform live. I probably ended up being a bigger fan than her. Thanks Caroline.
One of the best years of my life. 15yrs old, 3 smoking hot chick's chasing after me. And my 66 Ford step side just waiting for me to get my license. Still own the truck and the Kraco tapedeck still works. Lol
Hi this is Srinivas Raju from India....great fan of yours, used to listen to US top 10 on voice of America every Thursday evening out here in New Delhi without fail back in the 80's & used to get Casey kasem top hits recorded on audio tapes from relatives traveling back to India. Thanks for reviving the memories. Especially mid 80's.
Nice list. Especially the fact that "Dreams" by Van Halen was mentioned. I think that "5150" is one of the biggest rock albums of all time. But the original list also shows that you in the US have a different musical taste. Yeah, "Invisible Touch" or "Holding Back The Years" were absolut great songs back in the days until today. But I heard "Nasty" for the first time in my life. My favorite radio station in Germany is "R.SA" from Leipzig. And there, they have a weekly show where they present the weekly top 20 from Western Germany from 40 years ago. Yes, like you might imagine: The original Top 20 Countdown. What a great experience week after week. And I listen to a lot of music day-in, day-out. But some songs from your list are completely unknown for me. But here is the list of the entire year 1986 from Germany: 01 - Jeanny, Part I - Falco 02 - Midnight Lady - Chris Norman 03 - Lessons In Love - Level 42 04 - Ohne Dich - Münchener Freiheit 05 - Holiday Rap - MS Miker G & Deejay Sven 06 - Wonderful World - Sam Cooke 07 - Touch Me - Samatha Fox 08 - Geil - Bruce & Bongo 09 - The Final Countdown - Europe 10 - Venus - Bananarama Would be interesting to know what you think about this specific list as it is totally different to the music you listen to over there on the other side of the pond.
I just discovered your channel and I’m so appreciative of all your hard work and knowledge. Thank you for including song clips for each song you mention. It really brings me back and I rediscover songs I had completely forgotten about. It’s made me realize how much music has made an impact on me and the way I viewed life growing up. I still see as many concerts as I can. Just wish they still printed tickets like they used to! Keep rocking
Love this series, it's like the AT40 replays they do on radio these days. They're even re-running Rick Dees' Weekly Top 40 from the 80's now, it's a great way to spend a Sunday 🤘
....It's so WEIRD....I tried listening to those "AT40" shows on Sirius, and I actually REMEMBER them, from when I followed them....38 YEARS AGO! ...yeee-ikes.....
@@RBS_ I know, right? Every damn Sunday I was glued to the radio, no matter what I was doing (my Walkman had an FM tuner 😁). I forget which station had AT40, but ZOK had Rick Dees and I'd listen to them back-to-back.
@@spddiesel ....I still have me written CHARTS! .....I had no cash for the Billboards, so I'd write them down! ......the pages are YELLOW! ...ha-HAAA!!
@@RBS_ that's awesome! I used to send a SASE to the local station to get their free top 100 of the year "poster" every January. It was just a glossy 8.5x11, but it was cool as hell back in the day lol. And you bet your ass I was listening all New Year's Eve as they counted the whole thing down from noon to 10 pm 🤣
Genesis and Phil Collins are among my favs - have both of those albums. Janet Jackson was brilliant at that time too. We just had so much good music to choose from back then.
I just stumbled onto your channel this past week. Great stuff! You have a definite Casey Kasem vibe, I dig that. As someone who would wait every week with my mono tape recorder by the radio just to grab my favorite songs, your show is nostalgic mana. 🥰
I like this format, really shows the longevity of some songs over others, even some that charted far higher in the origianl week, over time, like a slow burn they surpass the original placement, I'd love to see more of these.
The comparison of today's Top 10 with the same week in 1986 Top 10 is NO comparison! 1986 music was so much better than the music created today. Pretty sad and makes me wanna cry. I'm so glad I was a teenager in the 1980s and can remember all of the lyrics and tunes from that great music back then! So much more thought and emotion went into music then. Really miss it and listen to it as much as possible. ❤
Great Video Content. The comparison of this music to the current top 10's really shows how far music today has fallen. Keep up the great work and maybe current musicians will begin to dive back into how to write a good song
I was 8😊. I had 11 cousins all over 14 and up. They took me ( probably illegally) to many many great concerts and quite a few punk concerts in bars😂❤ I had way too much fun most likely way too soon. But we had so much fun🖤😎✨
Thank you for yet another look back into my past!! Bringing back these great songs (and feelings) into my day. Good memories!! I don't know if you get told this enough but, Professor.......You Rock!!!! 😎
I saw Karate Kid II in a theater in Hawaii in 1986 and when Mokoliʻi (Chinaman's Hat) showed up in one of the scenes everyone in the theatre started to say "hey, that isn't Okinawa." My wife, who is Japanese, and I just laughed so loud, it was so much fun to be honest, everyone was laughing. Great movie to be sure, my wife and I were about the same age as Daniel and Kumiko so we really relate to the story and their relationship.
That's funny. People who have never been to Hawaii or Okinawa would never have known that, we all thought it was filmed in Okinawa. Beautiful scenery, regardless.
Appreciating Van Halen with both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar is the same as appreciating AC/DC with both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. Brilliant bands, either way.
I’m with you. Dave or Sammy both made great lead singers. I listen to both eras with no bias. If Eddie had left the band back then it would have been over. The same goes for Alex.
It's not like one went out to do the same music as the other. The Hagar years had a different sound. It should be easier for people to appreciate both (or at least hate one or the other on the actual merits). But some folks are just ornery.
I feel so grateful to have spent my teen years in th 60s and 70s. I worked in the music business in he 80s. So I feel so cconneccccccted to all this music. I was a music freak so I love these videos. THanks and all who conribute to Adam'''s channel!
Wow. Excellent episode. Didn't realize how much I needed this until the songs started playing. Wildest dreams really took me back. Perfect time machine. Thanks Prof!
I just found your channel today, and I absolutely loved this countdown with all of the linked videos and commentary. Oh, what a gem, your channel is! Thank you for making this! Such fond memories!
Never quite figured out how MacGyver could make paper clips and chewing gum useful, but with “Danger Zone” on the stereo and the Thundercats on TV, I didn’t stress it. And if I did, my friends and I would go to the movie theater and watch “Short Circuit”. Damn, I miss the 80s.
I love your channel. It definitely brings back the great memories of our childhood. Janet Jackson's control album was the first album I ever purchased so I can relate to Nasty being on this list. Now that I am in my late 40's I have to say Simply Red's - Holding back the years hits different. Hearing the background story added so much context for me, to the powerful emotions of this song. I Also loved Peter Gabriel's sledge hammer. Rock on 🤘
This was the year I met my husband. The first date we went on was to see "Top Gun", and 38 years since that first date we are still together, still madly in love, and happy as any two people can be. P.S. My husband is an engineer who designs systems for business aircraft. His dad was a barnstormer, and airplanes are part of his DNA. Makes sense, doesn't it?
Professor, this is my favorite series that you do on this channel. You guys do a great job. Well done. In 1986 I was 11. I can just about remember where I was when I first heard every one of these songs. I’ll always associate the song Who’s Johnny with getting stung by a yellow jacket on my ankle while eating a PB&J sandwich at the picnic table by my grandma’s pool. My aunt broke up one of her cigarettes to spread tobacco on the sting. It worked. I felt better. It’s funny how we remember a certain song.
I'm not surprised that Dreams by Van Halen made it to #6 in streams. It definitely deserved better than its #22 peak. I was surprised by Yankee Rose at #10 because I haven't heard that song since '86. Danger Zone is my all-time favorite "Mr. Movie Soundtrack" song.
One thing about the 80”s, the concerts were cheap. We got great music and we could all see these bands and artists live. Some artists would go into the parking lot and sign autographs. Today concerts cost way too much and you have to pay big bucks for a meet and greet . Bring me back to the more simple times with mo cellphones and no computers.
@@Limited_LightYeah but It’s doubt you were “online” since that didn’t start for the public until April 30 1993 and I’m not talking about a IBM AIX or a Compaq 🤣😂. I stand by my original statement. Social media has destroyed everything.
Summer of '86, oh the memories. I was 7 going on 8, roasting in the St Louis sun visiting my Grandma and cheering on the Cardinals and my baseball hero Ozzie Smith. There is so much parody in this top ten, so many legendary artists. Not like today's copy/paste format where you can't tell one act from the other. Thanks for the trip Professor!
I'm from Kansas City, so for me the best year was 1985 when the Royals beat the Cardinals in the World Series and I got to go to the last game as an 11 year-old kid.
I turned 21 in 1986 & was knee deep in the Air Force! I can't tell you how much I miss the entire 1980's. It was a special time that no other decade even comes close to. I guess I'm biased because I grew up in that time.
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest song and album of 1986?
Songs- Robert Palmer- Addicted To Love; Steve Winwood- Higher Love; Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes, What You Need- INXS;
Bon Jovi- Livin' on a Prayer.
Albums- Peter Gabriel- So; Steve Winwood- Back In The High Life; Bon Jovi- Slippery When Wet; Springsteen- Live 1975-1985.
Peter Gabriel "So", with the single "Sledgehammer" as my top song...
.......this is a story about Control.... *HER* Control..... ; )
Songs:
Arcadia - The Flame
Big Country - Look Away
Blow Monkeys - Diggin your scene
Cutting Crew - I Just Died In Your Arms
Cure - In Between Days
Dead or Alive - Brand New
Lover
Honeymoon Suite - Feel It Again
INXS - What You Need
Jean Beauvoir - Feel The Heat
New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle
O.M.D.- If You Leave
Van Halen - Why Can't This Be Love?
Albums :
Big Country - The Seer
Cutting Crew - Broadcast
Glass Tiger - The Thin Red Line
Honeymoon Suite - The Big Prize
Van Halen - 5150
Album: Iron Maiden - Somewhere In Time
Song: Iron Maiden - Wasted Years
In the eighties we all talked about how great the future would be.
Now, that it’s the future, we all want to go back to the 80’s!
Too true!
Most people were either having fun or getting rich in the 80's. Unfortunately, these distractions masked the ill effects of our downward spiral. Delusions may be fun, and make us happy for a spell, but there will come a time when the Pied Piper demands payment. We're paying for it now and will be well into the future.
Well said !!!!
For the music, there's no doubt, that said, I do love the technology of today vs. the 80s. I'll take my big screen, surround sound, car, and other things over the ones I had back then.
@@JedWunderli : The average human being is becoming enslaved by intrusive technology. We don't need smart phones. We don't need smart televisions. We don't need Electric Vehicles. We don't need Arificial Intelligence. We don't need surround sound or a plethora of cheap plastic products.
Little by little technology is making the common man obsolete. J.D. Rockefeller said he wanted a nation of workers, not a nation of thinkers, but now technology and automation is taking the work away at an alarming rate. For millions, there's no where to go and nothing to do.
The 80s spoiled us…and this list is proof. But when I look back, I believe that those of us that were 80s kids felt differently about music than kids today. We had radio, MTV, and cassette tapes and vinyl. But what we didn’t have was internet access to our music wherever, whenever. We held our music tight. Our music was the most important part of our life. We dubbed our friends albums and cassettes and cranked our DiscMan as we walked around or sat around. We also blasted our music in our boom boxes. Our music couldn’t be loud enough. We walked around our neighborhoods, our local malls. We found sanctuaries where we could gather, blast our music and not offend anyone. We danced, or at least thought we danced. We loved a girl or boy from afar. We had long or crazy hair. Boys wore mullets or big, long hair. The girls wore big hair and shoulder pads. We spent the night at our coolest friend’s house. We were outside. But doing all of this, music was a part of everything. We also listened to countdowns and argued that our songs should be at the top of the lists. Music from the 80s was all over the spectrum. It was in every genre. And even though some wouldn’t admit it, we liked most of it. But all we wanted to do was dress in the latest fashion and more importantly, find the newest music. We had to wait until the music was randomly played on the radio or on MTV. Creative videos were important as well. We made mixed tapes so we could hear “our” songs. We knew the problem with mixed tapes was that we may miss some new and amazing tunes. What connected us was our love and need for music. And my love for music, especially 80s music, has never changed. And the music is the main reason we use UA-cam. The 80s spoiled us
So true!
Well said, such a great comment brokl26✌
The time we would take "crafting" mixed tapes of our favorite songs that we would then listen to until the tape would stretch, warping the sound...music was a much bigger part of our lives for sure.
I’m an 80s kid myself and I agree with every word you said.
@Brock126
Couldn’t have said it better.
So dedicated that I carried around a 20lb boom box wherever I went. 👍🏻
I was 28, married with two young boys in ‘86. These songs ushered in music videos for me. My late wife and I both loved the ‘’Invisible Touch’’ video among others of these and eagerly sang along with them. God I miss the music and my life as it was in the 80’s. I sit here with tears loving these songs and missing my wife who shared them with me. Next Wednesday will be two years since she passed away. Music is so bittersweet now. It brings back memories that I cherish but also hurts like hell. Love this countdown Professor. Keep them coming.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you love, joy, and happiness. I miss my mother and all the adventures we had in 80s before I left for grad school in 90s.
My deepest condolences
I too have lost my husband and understand the pain that comes with losing your significant other
🕯
Very similar story and situation, within 2 years, just one son at that time. Just starting out, it was a fun, light time together. Went to many gatherings, weddings (being part of some), etc. Love it or hate it, this music was the fabric of the day. My wife passed three years ago, but I hold many memories quite fondly to this day.
I was was 26, married with two boys. I lost my husband 4 years ago.
When you actually play the 80s songs against todays songs it really hits you how far we’ve fallen.
Or how old you’ve got
@MrKevinlpowell you nailed it!
It's sooooo sad, and these days, month after month, we see our rock heros die off.
Man.... 😢
@@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549you had to be there, and clearly you weren't.
@@kellyc2425 the 60s was the greatest decade for music and the 70s was also pretty cool the 80s was hair bands and pop, you would have to be a teenager at the time to think it was any good
80's was tops. 60's , 90's and then the 70's. IMHO@@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549
I don't think I've ever told anyone this. In 86 I was 13. We were going on a family vacation and had to fly. I had my walkman and the Top Gun soundtrack cassette. I had it set to Danger Zone. When the plane's engines started to wind up for takeoff, I turned on Danger Zone and in my head I was taking off in a F14 just like Maverick!
Adorable. Thank you for sharing such a great 80s memory. I will do that on my next flight in your honor, fellow 80s kiddo... and it's a long one...Honolulu to Puerto Rico!
@theeverydaybombshell thank you so much! Have a great flight Maverick!
Love this!!! 👏👏👏
Whoa man... are you sure you want to tell people this?
Haha… i just did that the other day 😂
I never imagined that the late 80s would be the best era in my life. Looking back now and seeing the world around us now, I really wish I could travel back in time.
And I’d never come back
Same here. I didn’t know that was gonna be the best time frame of my life. ❤
Apparently all we need is Doc Brown’s DeLorean lol. I’d go. Wouldn’t it be nice to be there then, knowing what we know now?
Me too…and knowing what I know now, I’d stay there😉😉
Listening to these songs again is as close to time travel as there is. Some songs take me right back to a day when I heard them, reminds me of someone in my life from that era. They were certainly a gift to us! The quality of music has diminished so much, I fear the latter generations may not have the same experience.
Just for interest, here's the UK top 10 of the same week in 1986 (some bangers here!).
1. Madonna: Papa Don't preach
2: Rod Stewart: Every Beat of my Heart
3: Sly Fox: Let's Go all the Way
4: Owen Paul: My Favourite Waste of Time
5: Wham!: The Edge of Heaven
6: UB40: Sing our own Song
7: Housemartins: Happy Hour
8: Bananarama: Venus
9: Amazulu: Too Good to be Forgotten
10. Chris De Burgh: Lady in Red
Sly fox, let's go all the way I still love as much as I did back then.
@@AndreaAdams-c6s Sly Fox - Let's Go All the Way - the 12 inch version ... extending the intro by 8x .. Yes.
My children, 16 years old in 2024, love 80s music. An aunt gave them a used boom box, and play my CD collection from the 90s with all that amazing music. They laugh with some of my memories of those times, for example, when I tell them there was no internet, no cell phones, and we lived so happy without.
The older I get, the more I love Holding Back the Years. Such a fantastic song.
Danger Zone still crushes to this day. Incredible song.
The 80's where amazing, and unfortnatly, they will never happen again. We who lived through those times, know how great it was.
The best version of the Matrix in the future will be the 80's version. See you there.
@@DRAT311 Unfortunately people of today can never recreate those times. Those people were different than us. I grew up in 80s but I have no illusions that even I no longer belong to those times. We have been broken beyond repair.
@@zograf4572speak to your doctor about prosaic
I am so fortunate to be an 80’s child!
The best movies and music ever!
No kidding. Thanks Jenny!
Music for sure...Movies? Hmmm don't know about that one 🙂
@@kevinstarski1598 I agree. There were some good movies but it was hardly the best era. They sure did beat the crap coming out today, though.
The 80s were, like, totally awesome Jenny.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 For sure!
Some people long to be young again. I'm glad I'm 56. So many will never know
what those of us in the 80s had.
Holding back the years is one of those perfect masterpieces not realized until you are older.
Oh. . . I realized "THAT", after I finished hearing "Holding Back The Years" for the first time back in 1985. Simply Red is so underrated.
Like a Rock from Bob Seger is another one of those songs that after hearing it years later 2 years ago, it hits hard now knowing how fast times does fly
I never thought that these songs.....would ever just STOP!!!!!!
They just stopped putting out music like this ALTOGETHER!!!!! I never thought that one day, all I would have is LOOKING BACK!!!.....
It's bizarre to see this actually happened at one point. Music in the 80s was an entirely different breed indeed. Cheers!
Thanks RC32! So true. Have a great day!
...ya should BEEN there! ...Prof. didn't mention Blow Monkeys, PSB, Bob Seger, Belinda Carlisle, HOJO, & The Fab Thunderbirds, OUTSIDE the Top Ten!! ...GOOD times...
What's truly bizarre is how much society has declined in just a few decades.
@@bigtechisbigbrother8690Absolutely. For all the hype about how great things are now, the music on radio is shite!!! Wonder what AI music will.sound like? Hope it's not like garbage on radio now.
@bigtechisbigbrother8690 This is why so many channels are reacting to older music. Today's stuff is mostly bovine excrement. We need to clone Bob Seger, Boston, The Rolling Stones, Led Zep, SRV, ZZ Top, Jeff Healey, and a few more. I would put The Archie's up against today's stuff.
I’ve said for a long time that 1986 was one of the best years of my life and the music reflected it. Definitely my favourite year for music. Will never be another year like it from my perspective. I started a new career in the Toronto area and saw a ton of concerts. The best 2 concerts was Huey Lewis where every song he did was a hit. Epic band. The other amazing concert was a triple bill with BTO, Loverboy, and VanHalen on their 5150 tour. Great memories!
OMG ..... I was at the Van Halen concert and BTO were FRAKKIN AWESOME :) from London and was only my second concert in Toronto(KISS was first)
Huey’s Fore was a smash hit in 1986.
1986... I was 17, my first car, my first job and finishing high school. And the misic, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Tears for Fears, U2 and Iron Maiden!!!! To quote Brian Adams, those were the best days of my life!!!
A cool thing about “In Your Wildest Dreams” is that that they did a follow up “I know You’re Out There Somewhere” which continues the story told “In Your Wildest Dreams”. Very warming combination.
Peter Cetera's voice is amazing. It's like he had natural auto tune built into himself. It's hard to describe as in it has some type a 'metallic' quality/sound I just can't put my finger on it. Just the instant you hear him sing a single word, you know exactly who it is.
You described his voice well. Always loved his unique voice.
What’s really crazy is that he once got in a fight while watching a MLB baseball game and he ended up with a broken jaw while permanently altered the sound of his voice. Worked out quite well in the end though 😝
Holding Back the Years... powerful, soulful and haunting. Amazing song.
I like how you compared today's music if you can call it that to our era the 80s. There is no dispute. Our 80s music leveled today's "music" like a juggernaut shockwave and ground it into dust because 80s music was much more creative and enjoyable.
It was pretty obvious that the winner here was 1986 over 2023 by a far cry.
I agree todays noise isn’t music.
@@scottdickinson613 To many who grew up in 60's/70's. the 80's music was noise.
I knew every song from 1986 in it's entirety and have listened to each one dozens if not hundreds of times. When he put on the current "music" I was like WTF? Never heard any of that crap.
Yeah. "Love Touch" DEMOLISHES anything being put out by Taylor Swift or ... any of the obviously retarded people doing those rap songs in this vid. 🤣
It's amazing how many great songs in the 80's couldn't get to number one because there were just too many great songs. Just getting into the top twenty was an impressive feat back then.
Right. There’s only so many songs we can put at #1 in our hearts for just a week because it’s pretty hard!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 The ‘70s and ‘80s, (and even the ‘90s), was a golden Age for rock and roll! For my age, the ‘70s were my favorite, but I kept up with the times and loved many songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s! After that, the bottom seemed to drop out!
It was more of the same with rock and metal bands in general. There were SO many extremely talented bands, and there was just no room for them. There were some outstanding songs and albums, that people have never even heard of the bands, let alone the music.
If you're a pop fan, the 80's are absolutely ridiculous. It's just one monster after another. You almost can't believe how good so much of the music was. Even a lot of the "average" top 40 hit songs, sound like soundtrack songs. They sound epic from the first riffs. The beginning beats. The amazing harmonies. Need background music? Turn on the 80's hits station and you're golden.
Just hitting that Billboard 100 was a star maker.
The most notable is Waiting for a Girl Like You. For the longest time, it had the dubious record for weeks at 2 without hitting 1.
And here is the list from Sweden, the same week in 1986:
10. Sun street by Katarina and the Waves
9. Oh, L'amour by Erasure
8. If you leave by OMD
7. A question of lust by Depeche Mode
6. Paradise by Pernilla Wahlgren
5. The final countdown by Europe
4. The edge of heaven by Wham
3. Lessons of love by Level 42
2. When tomorrow comes by Eurythmics
1. Mirage by Scott
The radio show was called Tracks and I remember recording the song from radio to cassette trying not to get any of the talking when the song ended 😅
I HATED when they would ruin my songs with the talking. Years later I actually worked in radio and I was the one to ruin people’s lives with all the talking 😂
I love your list!
@Daphattack, that was always my pet peeve when it came to the radio.
Oh L’Armour is a great song.
@@DaphattackI was annoyed too when they ruined the songs
Mick’s delivery for the Simply Red tunes are some of the greatest ever done. The nonsense they put out today is not even good enough to call garbage.
The nostalgia is very strong with this one. Its so very bitter sweat. I remember all these song very well. These Radio hits helped me escape the stress of school. I'm very grateful to have grown up in the 80's. Thank you.
1986. The year I graduated from High School. What a great time to be alive and a fan of all the great music that was out then!!
Same here. Incredible movies and music during our era.
Me too!
Gotta love this particular episode. This was the countdown the week I met my wife. Karate Kid 2 was our first date movie and Glory of Love is still OUR song to this day 37 years later. Journey's "After All These Years" has now became our #2.
1986 is the year I graduated from high school. Such memories. I remember the words to every song. Music was such a part of my life.
Born in 1970…was the perfect age to revel in the 80s and it’s pretty much all I listen to now ❤️
Man the Moody Blues. I hadn't listened to them much until 86. Back then it was just cool music. Now, years later, Wildest Dreams has a whole new meaning. That gut wrenching feeling of deep lost love. But life goes on.
It is a meaningful song about lost love. I have experienced it with friends I went to school with.
"Wildest Dreams" is an Asia song. You mean "Your Wildest Dreams." :-) I agree about the magnificent Moody Blues.
@@bobdavis4848 You are correct, thanks. I haven't heard the asian song but I've sure listened to The Moody Blues.
@@NickFrom1228 You're welcome. Yes, the Moodies were great in concert, too. The band Asia's debut album's song was not a single but an FM airplay hit.
In 1968, at age 14, I heard the Moody Blues’ first LP, Days of Future Passed. I was still listening in 1986. I’m not sure how many times I saw them in concert, They are actually better live than their amazing albums.
I always look forward to the Hit Song Redux episodes. The combination of counting down the top 10 songs of that week and talking about the popular movies and television shows really takes me back to a wonderful time-frame in my life. I remember all of the great music in 1986 and throughout the 80's. I'm grateful to have lived through it and have such great memories. Today, there is just nothing that compares.
It sets the mood for a certain amazing year in music.
Really miss those days. Spent a lot of time going to different record stores searching for "buried treasure"
I could easily spend two hours in Tower Records, Sam Goody’s, or Licorice Pizza. Those were the days!
@@lovinlorne It was always a great feeling when you find something you were not expecting or looking for for a long time
Must have been fun!
I miss the 80's so much but i still find time to keep the 80's music playing in my life. I'm so proud to say that i raised 2 daughters to love 80's music as well ane we still have get togethers and play 80's music while having some drinks. Never nor will it ever get old.
Some radio stations do 80s Fridays every week and I love it
@@Dancestar1981 absolutely love that
Peter Cetera is one of the greats. "Holding Back the Years" and "Nights in White Satin" are some of my favorite songs
I was 16 years old and working as an usher at my local movie theater during this week. What a great year for movies and music!!! A few weeks later I left for a 1 year student exchange in Japan and saw Phil Collins and Genesis live at Osaka Castle!!!
That must hv been soooo cool!
Goodness we were lucky to have been young in the 80s! July 1986, I was finishing my first year at University in the UK, and I was a college DJ too, but only because I wanted to share the music I loved, with more people. A very special time. As a Brit I was always so pleased when one of our artists or bands was successful in the US. What a terrific video.
Many of us here in the USA loved the UK artists. I had several great music stores for shopping where I live and I bought several UK faves! Housemartins, OMD, Pet Shop Boys, Dream Academy, Wham, Level 42, the Smiths, XTC, etc. That list didn’t even cover the heavy hitters like Duran Duran, The Rolling Stones, and Genesis.
I was 5 in 1986
Summer 1986 was a great year of radio and MTV songs !
....I went NUTS over Robert Palmers' "Hyperactive" that Summer, along with "Suzanne" from Journey....I can't remember ANYTHING else! ...welllllll.... ha-HAA!
There were some really cool music videos as well!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Glory Of Love , Living on a prayer , Take My Breath Away, walk This way to name a few
@@duromusabc Sledgehammer being the mother of them all.
It was the year the original “My Little Pony: The Movie” was one of the few animated feature films that hit rock bottom. The other animated films came out that summer were “The Great Mouse Detective” and “Transformers: The Movie”.
First time watching this channel, really makes me nostalgic for Casey Kasems American Top 40. Even your voice sometimes feels the same. Good stuff!
Love Casey Casums shows
I graduated in May of 1986 so these songs were the summer before college. Pure happiness re-living these now. Loved the mixing in of van Halen eras and I think Sammy was better but I wasn't a fan until he came aboard. I appreciate the Dave era as a showman but to this day Sammy sounds better. I was a Sammy fan from his 3 lock box days. Better times back then for sure. I grew up in Dallas so every tour stopped there so I think I saw over 90+ concerts. Y'all remember when tickets were less than $30 for front row? Today you can't get even standing ones for less than $75 and they go up to $1000s. And MTV was life. When you showed the videos, I remembered sledgehammer right away. MTV was always on when I was home. And you talked about summer reruns!! Kids today have no idea what that was like. If you missed the first airing you had to wait for summer re-runs to catch it or record it on vhs. Thank you for this nostalgic look at the best years ever!
We need to do more of these! Absolutely my favorite thing you do!
To do more of what? These kinds of channels? Music of the 80s? If you are able, go make this kind of channel, but such music, well, the 80s are long gone, and now you have some mediocre singers and songs that are made by AI.
....dig ding-DING! ....I'm MAD I didn't get the message to leave my memories!
2023 - 1986 = 37 years. 1986 - 37 years = 1949.
I can't think of a single song I was listening to from '49 in '86.
But today, the songs from '86 are just as powerful and popular now as they were then.
That says A LOT about the song writing / performing talent we were surrounded by.
In 1949 Hank Williams had I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry and Lovesick Blues. Vaughn Monroe had Ghost Riders in the Sky. Margaret Whiting and Johny Mercer sang Baby it's Cold Outside.
The fact that more people are currently alive that were conscious of music in the 80s is the main reason the music is currently so popular. Don't get me wrong, I was a teenager in the 80s and the music I listened to then, regardless of era (everything from old Hank Snow to Scritti Politti) has had an influence on my maturation and will always hold a special place in my soul.
@@woodsrdr The fact that the majority of mainstream music being created now is devoid of substance or talent and is (for the most part) completely forgettable is just one of the actual reasons that 80s music is still popular today.
I will venture to say that 40 years from now there will not be a single re-charting song from this year or any of the 5 years prior.
Glad you had a wide range of music you enjoyed in the 80s - but what you were listening to wasn’t garnering new fans yearly. The world has changed so much that sometimes I wonder if it will ever give us a chance to just settle in and feel at home again.
This is happening with almost everything. For instance, fighterplanes.
F-15, F-16, F-18, Su-27, etc they keep are good planes.
It is imposible to say the same with the F-86 in 1986.
The world has slowed down.
I listen to all genres of music from all years up until mainly the mid 1990's! I will still listen to a few songs from the mid 1990's to now 2024, but they are few and far between.
Yes, I love the older music like classical music/opera, big band/swing jazz (1910's - 1960's), country western (1930's - 1950's), country (1950's - 1990's), oldies, singers and standards/jazz of the 1940's through 1960's, classic rock of the 1970's and 1980's, Disco of the 1970's and 1980's, easy listening/pop/adult contemporary of the 1960's through 1970's, Polka, and others.
@@ranua9327well, why don't you ask the Buff about that... '55 to at least '55.
In July of 1986, I was 23. I worked third shift at a 7-Eleven in a small college town in Kansas. Every one of these songs played on the radio through the night, and whenever I hear these tracks, I am once again in that small store, watching the occasional car go by outside between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., waiting for the morning rush.
1986 was a great year for me. My wife and I met in November 1985 but didn't go out until March 1986. On March 21, 1986 we went on our first date. We went to see Top Gun. She was 19 and I was 24. We got married on May 21, 1989 and are still happily married.
15:04 Man, this was such a mega-hit! And it was artists like Simply Red, Sade and Anita Baker that had such success during that era that makes '80s music so timeless. I agree; this particular one only gets more gut-wrenching at time goes by and you can really feel the meaning behind the lyrics. But even back then, that smooth jazzy style just swept me away.
Yeah, "Danger Zone" should be at the top. That was the summer of Top Gun, even though it wasn't that great of a movie. It just worked, though, especially with the groundbreaking footage they got of the real jets. Fun that the first Genesis frontman and his old band were still nip-and-tuck even after the redux. I also find myself betwixt and between on OG Van Halen and Van Hagar. You gotta love the rough, raw stuff that brought the band to fame, but I still like the mellower, more melodic Sammy Hagar era tunes, especially "Love Comes Walking In."
ALL OF THEM out-do the modern stuff by about 50 country miles! I am just not that into hip-hop, much less all the obscene stuff that somehow gets on the radio even so. There are still some good tunes here and there these days, but for my money, it's nowhere NEAR back in '86, when I could flip on the radio any time of the day and just rock out for hours!
Oh 1986! What a year for music! I spent a ton on 45's, 12" and albums that year! Every Friday I was at the record store getting a few tracks!
I graduated from college in ‘86 and couldn’t afford tv, but had my radio cranked up every day! Thanks for the memories! Great music!
37 years from now, the current top hits that were played in this video will have been forgotten and nobody will be listening to them. 37 years from now we'll still be listening to these songs that will then be 74 years old.
Almost no one is listening to about half of these 80s songs NOW. This was NOT an iconic, stellar top 10.
@@AJHart-eg1ys I'll just assume you have the official polling results hidden somewhere.
How many of these songs have you actively sought out to give a listen to in the last few years? There ARE weeks during the 80s that had top 10s with stellar lineups. This just doesn't happen to be one of them.
For example, from memory, there were four songs that were on soundtracks. Not a problem. But three of them would never have gotten any spins had they NOT been on soundtracks. "Glory of Love" being the exception. "Danger Zone" is completely tied to that film, and "Love Touch" and "Who's Johnny"? Really? I don't even hear those on retro radio stations.
And the success of "Sledgehammer" was tied to the video, kind of like "Land of Confusion." It was not getting mad listens on its own. Unlike "Money for Nothing," which they've tried to bury for decades because of the original lyrics, but was a great (if overly long) song that just happened to also have a legendary video.
That is not to argue against the idea that the music for at least the last decade has almost all been completely forgettable. Kids today will hear these songs decades from now and remember them as songs they listened to in high school, but they will not be the songs they are still listening to from time to time.
I'm just pointing out that not all 80s "hits" were diamonds. And this is really a pretty weak top 10.
we're closer to 2050 than to 1980 😀
@@AJHart-eg1ysalso there are old songs i'd rather not listen to again. not because they're traumatic but because those songs remind us gen x of being bored to our wits. even though those songs are quite good they represent a memory of being really bored and annoyed 😅
Great show!!! I have always felt 86 to 89 were some of the best years in pop music. So many genres of songs, all excellent
LOVE ❤️ the 80's and your EXCEPTIONAL video production, thank you....🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
I grew up listening to the 80s and I will die listening to the 80s. I couldn't even tell you what's on the charts these days and I have no desire to listen to any of it.
The Moody Blues "In Your Wildest Dreams" struck a real chord with me. Back when online chat was nothing more than green text on a black screen, I fell hard for a girl 1800 miles away that I knew only online. One time when I was having a bad day, I said something that hurt her so badly that we never chatted again. It's something I haven't gotten over and I never will. I hope one day to find her and meet her in person-if only to say hi and apologize face to face-before it's too late.
Me neither. I don’t really care about Taylor Swift or all of that because 80s music is so damn compelling. Hopefully she will come back into your life in a magical way sometime in the future.
Holding back the years from Simply Red is probably my favorite from this list from 1986. I never knew the story behind the song until now. Thanks for sharing that. In my opinion, music today generally speaking can't hold a candle to 80's music. So many great songs and artists.
Heck, we’ll never see a YEAR like 1986 again, let alone this week’s Top 10. Great trip down memory lane, Adam!
You got that right! Thanks Robster. What's your favorite of that year?
@@ProfessorofRock My personal fave of ‘86 is Broken Wings by Mr. Mister. It had such a great radio vibe to it!
Hell yeah!
With my Alzheimer’s I don’t forget the 80’s yet. Thank the rock gods.
Man, thank you for all you do to help us reminisce about the greatest decade of music, the 80’s! Sooo many great tunes that you cover and the one I always tell my high school art students that, although so many great songs flood my memories, Your Love by the Outfield plays out first. It was my first summer in our church youth group and that song was playing over and over on the radio and all of the music talk that summer was about Your Love and that great, happy singalong experience that everyone knew, as soon as “Josie’s on a vacation far away…” started. Timeless moments to cherish.
Full memory of the 80s; no better era of time I've lived so far
100% same here.
Holding Back The Years made me love and appreciate Simply Red, his voice is beautiful and haunting. Nasty!! Epic! So was such a great album! The videos were cutting edge and just the BEST! Invisible Touch is still one of my "turn it up" tunes.
He had an awesome voice!
Invisible Touch is not really the best of Genesis. That includes better Phil Collins lead singing tunes. I give you "Jesus He knows Me" as an example.
There is no comparison, 80s music is the best better than today's music. Thank you so much for creating these videos. It's great to know the back stories of all these songs.
I second that statement with emotion. No comparison at all. Long live the 80s
I loved how you shared the impact of Simply Red Holding Back the Years then and now . I'm going to be listening to in for weeks to come .
Your so right Adam , you revisit these songs in your fifties vs your teens and you realize just how great some of the singers really are
True story. I was working in 1986 in North Dallas TX, I had a job as a landscaper/gardener/lawn mower at a studio complex, One day I heard that the band Genesis was there to practice for their Invisible Touch world tour, I was a rocker and always thought of Genesis as your little sister's rock band, so I wasn't that impressed. Later that week my boss walked up to me and said Genesis is doing a full dress rehearsal concert that night and as employees we could attend. Well seeing Michelob was sponsoring the tour I figured, "hey bet they'll have a keg of the stuff around" right? I went home jumped in the shower and told my cousin and we thought it was a interesting way to spend a week night. So we went. When we got there there was no keg, no beer, but the band went on with full light show. There were only 50 people total in the studio, all standing cuz there were no chairs and since they were on a 5 foot riser you had to move back 25 feet to have the angle of sight to see Phil. But it was an amazing 2 hour memorable concert, sounded great, played all their hits! I'm was glad I went.
A live performance that changed my impression of them was A-ha at Toronto's Massey Hall back in '86. I only went because a girl I liked loved the band and I quickly learned that listening to a song on the radio was no match for seeing them perform live. I probably ended up being a bigger fan than her. Thanks Caroline.
One of the best years of my life. 15yrs old, 3 smoking hot chick's chasing after me. And my 66 Ford step side just waiting for me to get my license. Still own the truck and the Kraco tapedeck still works. Lol
Kraco tape deck 🤣 haven't heard about them in years 👍
Rock on 🤘
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980hii😊
Same here.. But my car was a Fiat brand new though with BMW rims my dad was, awesome.
Man. I turned 10 in 1986, and how lucky was I to grow up listening to all this greatness? I wish we still had artists like Billy Ocean.
I was 11 in 1986. I love how hearing old songs immediately takes you back to those periods and memories.
i turned 6 on ‘86 and to be honest i remember 88 and on bu i love 80’s music
I was 11! I miss this music
I sometimes see Billy Ocean around my area, Portobello/ Notting Hill
11 in 1986 🙂
Hi this is Srinivas Raju from India....great fan of yours, used to listen to US top 10 on voice of America every Thursday evening out here in New Delhi without fail back in the 80's & used to get Casey kasem top hits recorded on audio tapes from relatives traveling back to India.
Thanks for reviving the memories. Especially mid 80's.
I love music! So glad I came across Professor of Rock! Every episode is like a step into a time machine! Amazing! Thank you, Adam!
Nice list. Especially the fact that "Dreams" by Van Halen was mentioned. I think that "5150" is one of the biggest rock albums of all time.
But the original list also shows that you in the US have a different musical taste. Yeah, "Invisible Touch" or "Holding Back The Years" were absolut great songs back in the days until today. But I heard "Nasty" for the first time in my life.
My favorite radio station in Germany is "R.SA" from Leipzig. And there, they have a weekly show where they present the weekly top 20 from Western Germany from 40 years ago. Yes, like you might imagine: The original Top 20 Countdown. What a great experience week after week. And I listen to a lot of music day-in, day-out. But some songs from your list are completely unknown for me. But here is the list of the entire year 1986 from Germany:
01 - Jeanny, Part I - Falco
02 - Midnight Lady - Chris Norman
03 - Lessons In Love - Level 42
04 - Ohne Dich - Münchener Freiheit
05 - Holiday Rap - MS Miker G & Deejay Sven
06 - Wonderful World - Sam Cooke
07 - Touch Me - Samatha Fox
08 - Geil - Bruce & Bongo
09 - The Final Countdown - Europe
10 - Venus - Bananarama
Would be interesting to know what you think about this specific list as it is totally different to the music you listen to over there on the other side of the pond.
I just discovered your channel and I’m so appreciative of all your hard work and knowledge. Thank you for including song clips for each song you mention. It really brings me back and I rediscover songs I had completely forgotten about. It’s made me realize how much music has made an impact on me and the way I viewed life growing up. I still see as many concerts as I can. Just wish they still printed tickets like they used to! Keep rocking
Love this series, it's like the AT40 replays they do on radio these days. They're even re-running Rick Dees' Weekly Top 40 from the 80's now, it's a great way to spend a Sunday 🤘
Glad you enjoy it!
....It's so WEIRD....I tried listening to those "AT40" shows on Sirius, and I actually REMEMBER them, from when I followed them....38 YEARS AGO! ...yeee-ikes.....
@@RBS_ I know, right? Every damn Sunday I was glued to the radio, no matter what I was doing (my Walkman had an FM tuner 😁). I forget which station had AT40, but ZOK had Rick Dees and I'd listen to them back-to-back.
@@spddiesel ....I still have me written CHARTS! .....I had no cash for the Billboards, so I'd write them down! ......the pages are YELLOW! ...ha-HAAA!!
@@RBS_ that's awesome! I used to send a SASE to the local station to get their free top 100 of the year "poster" every January. It was just a glossy 8.5x11, but it was cool as hell back in the day lol. And you bet your ass I was listening all New Year's Eve as they counted the whole thing down from noon to 10 pm 🤣
I was only 3 in 86, but I remember it as the year of, "Don't Dream, It's Over."
Holding Back the Years.
That song was a favorite even as a 13 year old kid.
It mists the eyes now at age 50.
Thats my #1 from this list.
Genesis and Phil Collins are among my favs - have both of those albums. Janet Jackson was brilliant at that time too. We just had so much good music to choose from back then.
I just stumbled onto your channel this past week. Great stuff! You have a definite Casey Kasem vibe, I dig that. As someone who would wait every week with my mono tape recorder by the radio just to grab my favorite songs, your show is nostalgic mana. 🥰
I like this format, really shows the longevity of some songs over others, even some that charted far higher in the origianl week, over time, like a slow burn they surpass the original placement, I'd love to see more of these.
He has 21 of these shows in the "Redux" playlist on the playlist tab.
The comparison of today's Top 10 with the same week in 1986 Top 10 is NO comparison! 1986 music was so much better than the music created today. Pretty sad and makes me wanna cry. I'm so glad I was a teenager in the 1980s and can remember all of the lyrics and tunes from that great music back then! So much more thought and emotion went into music then. Really miss it and listen to it as much as possible. ❤
Great Video Content. The comparison of this music to the current top 10's really shows how far music today has fallen. Keep up the great work and maybe current musicians will begin to dive back into how to write a good song
I was 15 years old that summer.
What a time to be alive. 🍻
I was 8😊. I had 11 cousins all over 14 and up. They took me ( probably illegally) to many many great concerts and quite a few punk concerts in bars😂❤ I had way too much fun most likely way too soon. But we had so much fun🖤😎✨
I’m so glad you’re doing this. I can’t find the words to describe the contrast of the real music of the yesteryears and the bs of today. Keep it up!!
I once heard the saying: "Nothing telltales one's age more than criticizing the youth." 🤔👀
“Invisible Touch” was the first LP I ever bought as a kid. I think I must have played that album a hundred times.
I lived with Dreams and Dangerzone in my ears daily. They were like the launch pad into my Senior Year. Great times!
I feel exactly the same about Simply Red's 'Holding Back The Years'. I was too young/immature to enjoy it back then but love it now.
These Redux videos are my favorite from the Professor Of Rock. I'd love to see them more often. 😎
Thank you for yet another look back into my past!! Bringing back these great songs (and feelings) into my day. Good memories!!
I don't know if you get told this enough but, Professor.......You Rock!!!! 😎
Billy did have a pretty big hit in the 70s, "Love Really Hurts Without You"! 💕
I saw Karate Kid II in a theater in Hawaii in 1986 and when Mokoliʻi (Chinaman's Hat) showed up in one of the scenes everyone in the theatre started to say "hey, that isn't Okinawa." My wife, who is Japanese, and I just laughed so loud, it was so much fun to be honest, everyone was laughing. Great movie to be sure, my wife and I were about the same age as Daniel and Kumiko so we really relate to the story and their relationship.
That's funny. People who have never been to Hawaii or Okinawa would never have known that, we all thought it was filmed in Okinawa. Beautiful scenery, regardless.
The 80s was my favorite time in life. I have such good memories .
Appreciating Van Halen with both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar is the same as appreciating AC/DC with both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. Brilliant bands, either way.
I’m with you. Dave or Sammy both made great lead singers. I listen to both eras with no bias. If Eddie had left the band back then it would have been over. The same goes for Alex.
I agree 100%!
Not even close. Van Hagar went totally commercial. Van Halen was complete rock. Ac/dc stayed true to hard rock with both singers.
@@kennethkennair IMO they're all worth a listen. De gustibus non disputandum est.
It's not like one went out to do the same music as the other. The Hagar years had a different sound. It should be easier for people to appreciate both (or at least hate one or the other on the actual merits). But some folks are just ornery.
I feel so grateful to have spent my teen years in th 60s and 70s. I worked in the music business in he 80s. So I feel so cconneccccccted to all this music. I was a music freak so I love these videos. THanks and all who conribute to Adam'''s channel!
Wow. Excellent episode. Didn't realize how much I needed this until the songs started playing. Wildest dreams really took me back. Perfect time machine. Thanks Prof!
I just found your channel today, and I absolutely loved this countdown with all of the linked videos and commentary. Oh, what a gem, your channel is! Thank you for making this! Such fond memories!
Thank you for fulfilling this 80's kid's need for some old school MTV nostalgia 🤘
Truly exceptional episode today Professor!
Never quite figured out how MacGyver could make paper clips and chewing gum useful, but with “Danger Zone” on the stereo and the Thundercats on TV, I didn’t stress it. And if I did, my friends and I would go to the movie theater and watch “Short Circuit”.
Damn, I miss the 80s.
Me too! Love it!
So many things to do and see in the 80s. Rock on Christine 🤘
I love your channel. It definitely brings back the great memories of our childhood. Janet Jackson's control album was the first album I ever purchased so I can relate to Nasty being on this list. Now that I am in my late 40's I have to say Simply Red's - Holding back the years hits different. Hearing the background story added so much context for me, to the powerful emotions of this song. I Also loved Peter Gabriel's sledge hammer. Rock on 🤘
This was the year I met my husband. The first date we went on was to see "Top Gun", and 38 years since that first date we are still together, still madly in love, and happy as any two people can be. P.S. My husband is an engineer who designs systems for business aircraft. His dad was a barnstormer, and airplanes are part of his DNA. Makes sense, doesn't it?
Professor, this is my favorite series that you do on this channel. You guys do a great job. Well done. In 1986 I was 11. I can just about remember where I was when I first heard every one of these songs. I’ll always associate the song Who’s Johnny with getting stung by a yellow jacket on my ankle while eating a PB&J sandwich at the picnic table by my grandma’s pool. My aunt broke up one of her cigarettes to spread tobacco on the sting. It worked. I felt better. It’s funny how we remember a certain song.
Very cute memory- good aunty too!
I'm not surprised that Dreams by Van Halen made it to #6 in streams. It definitely deserved better than its #22 peak. I was surprised by Yankee Rose at #10 because I haven't heard that song since '86. Danger Zone is my all-time favorite "Mr. Movie Soundtrack" song.
One thing about the 80”s, the concerts were cheap. We got great music and we could all see these bands and artists live. Some artists would go into the parking lot and sign autographs. Today concerts cost way too much and you have to pay big bucks for a meet and greet . Bring me back to the more simple times with mo cellphones and no computers.
Saw Aerosmith and G N' R for $16.50 in 1988...front row...
Sorry, had a computer (purchased with paper route money) before I graduated in 1986.
Concerts were cheap... Amen. Who did you see in concert that year?
Wow. CRAZY.
@@Limited_LightYeah but It’s doubt you were “online” since that didn’t start for the public until April 30 1993 and I’m not talking about a IBM AIX or a Compaq 🤣😂. I stand by my original statement. Social media has destroyed everything.
Summer of '86, oh the memories. I was 7 going on 8, roasting in the St Louis sun visiting my Grandma and cheering on the Cardinals and my baseball hero Ozzie Smith. There is so much parody in this top ten, so many legendary artists. Not like today's copy/paste format where you can't tell one act from the other. Thanks for the trip Professor!
I'm from Kansas City, so for me the best year was 1985 when the Royals beat the Cardinals in the World Series and I got to go to the last game as an 11 year-old kid.
Go Cardinals! 😊
I actually remember, in actual 1986, “This is a great year for music.” Particularly when Bruce Hornsby dropped “The Way It Is”.
I turned 21 in 1986 & was knee deep in the Air Force! I can't tell you how much I miss the entire 1980's. It was a special time that no other decade even comes close to. I guess I'm biased because I grew up in that time.