My Top 5 Song Recommendations for 1981

Welcome to 1981!  There was an explosion of country songs in the top 100 this year, including classics from Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.  I'm selecting Elvira by the Oak Ridge Boys because it seemed like everywhere you went in 1981 you could hear someone singing, "giddy up oom poppa oom poppa mow mow" in their deepest voice possible.  You'll see what I mean.  

Next, try out Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl and its overdramatic approach to pining over another somebody else's squeeze.    So, catchy!

What appears to be one of the laziest music videos ever shot was from Police this year - De Do Do De Da Da.  You may want to check it out for a few seconds just to see its place in history.  However, I'm going to recommend what I think is their better song Don't Stand So Close To Me.

You can't really think 1980s without including Devo and their unique sense of style.  So, check out there biggest hit: Whip It.

We will finish 1981 with Neil Diamond's America.  American Patriotism was HUGE in the 1980s.  Personally, I'm a fan of being patriotic whatever the decade.  So, give this song a listen and for a few minutes remember the hope the USA has to offer.

Honorable Mentions for 1981:

Kim Carnes Bette Davis Eyes,  the #1 song for 1981
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPOIS5taqA8

Juice Newton Angel Of The Morning,  nice song, good example of a country/pop mix, but mainly I wanted you to hear that the original lyrics weren't "closer than my peeps you are to me" as sang in a recent remake. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTzGMEfbnAw

Juice Newton queen of hearts, may actually be the better song and most definitely the cheesiest music video you'll ever see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0DK-0fIKCw

Kool and The Gang Celebration, I'm pretty sure that there is some unwritten rule that this song has to be played at any party.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M

Queen Another One Bites The Dust, a bit repetitive, but I guess that's the point.
Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (Official Video)

Joey Scarbury    Believe it or Not.  Famous song due to the TV show Greatest American Hero, which was one of my gfavorite shows as a youth.  I think a reboot of this show would be immensely popular today.  Come on TV producers!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsWgG5v7A3A

My Top 5 Song Recommendations for 1980 & Intro

Listed below are the top 5 songs from 1980 that I would recommend.  These tunes are from the Top 100, but aren't the top 5 songs from 1980 nor are they necessarily my favorite songs from this particular year.   They're just fun, catchy, and sometimes quirky songs that have a tendency to get stuck in your head, for better or worse.  

There are waaaay too many hits out there to share every song from my past, so each week I am going to pick 5 from each year of my life starting at age 7, which is 1980 (guess I'm dating myself).  Before 1980 the music in my life was mainly from Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers.  Which was nice, but "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", probably doesn't have that teenagish and above appeal that I'm going for.

Let's start with two Billy Joel songs:  You May Be Right and It's Still Rock & Roll to Me.  These are from Billy's "rebellious" album. They're uptempo, fun to sing, and just ooze with an independent spirit.

I've included Rupert Holmes,  Escape (The Piña Colada Song) as a little reminder to appreciate what you have and to hold on to the one you love.  Or forget all that and just have fun singing it with your friends.  Most people only remember the chorus anyway.

Lipps, Inc.    Funkytown.       Good way to say goodbye to the fun and funky 70s ...

... And hello to the weird and whacky 80s with Gary Numan's Cars.  The music video is so unintentially funny.  I think you'll get a kick out it.  At least I think it's unintentional.

If you still have time and want to check out a few more songs here's a few honorable mentions:

Call me, Blondie because it was the #1 song of 1980.  That's right, Blondie.  Who knew?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH3Q_CZy968

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Don't Do Me Like That.  My oldest son likes at least one Tom Petty song, so maybe another?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5sTa2gMlJM

Queen.   Crazy Little Thing Called Love.   I can't help appreciate the uniqueness of Queen coming up with a top 10 song that doesn't sound like it has any place in 1980 or on a Queen album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D_BAuYCI

Christopher cross.    Sailing.  You may remember the Beelzebubs singing this not too long ago on the Sing Off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMkIuKXwmlU

Ladies night.   Kool and the Gang.  For some reason this song has staying power and is probably still being played at Clubs on "Ladies Nights" everywhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLnUJQut-kc

Okay, now I need your feedback which may influence future choices. What tunes were your favorites? Any that shouldn't have made the list?  Was there one that should have made the list? Etc.