Welcome to another Sun-Soaked episode of The Songs Of The Summer Series from friend and Contributing Author Ozmoe!
This week: Remembering 1985…
As a reminder or for those just joining us, I categorize a summer song basically as the fun tune you’d like to do at karaoke with your friends. It’s hummable, singable, danceable, and probably some other kind of optimistic labels I can’t think of right now.
tnocs.com summer charts expert ozmoe
We reached “Peak 80s” on the Hot 100 in The Summer of 1985.
There were hits by almost every leading act of the decade between Memorial Day and Labor Day that year except for Michael Jackson. Acts making the top 10 alone included Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Whitney Houston, Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Cyndi Lauper, Phil Collins, Sting, Tina Turner and Wham! featuring George Michael. Wow!
And yet… I’ve chosen none of their songs for this episode. Why?
Well, their entries came up somewhat lacking the feel-good, singalong, dance-along vibe that I associate with a summer song. I think you’ll see what I mean when reviewing this very strong slate of candidates.
Oh, and note that for one song I’ve omitted, Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams, I cited my reasons for doing so in my very first episode of this series.
Of course, you may disagree and want to add it along with some others not listed, which is fine. Just comment and rank your top three below, with one being your favorite.
Without further ado, here are the following candidates, listed chronologically based on their Hot 100 peak.
• Tears for Fears: Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Beyond summer songs, this is a contender for greatest driving song ever. Don’t believe me? Find a quiet backroad and crank this up in your car. The song’s dynamics alone are stunning. It begins and ends as mellow as possible, but the sound builds up through the first two verses and chorus and then explodes with a wall of sound, which seems appropriate given the lyrics:
There’s a room where the light won’t find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
Add to that superb vocals, lyrics, music and production, and you’ve got a keeper here.
• Kool And The Gang: Fresh
A catchy shuffling tune if there ever was one, Fresh came across about midway between the funky sounds that established Kool and the Gang and the slightly syrupy ballads the group did in the 1980s (for example, Joanna). JT Taylor’s tantalizing tenor matched the peppiness of the rest of the gang’s instruments for a nice diversion, kind of the aural equivalent of getting a dessert or cold beverage (or both) to cool down on a hot summer day. Surprisingly, Fresh was released in November 1984 but took more than half a year to peak on the Hot 100.
• Katrina and the Waves: Walking on Sunshine
If I had only one record to define the term “power pop,” this likely would be my example. It’s bright and light yet rocking pretty hard (think of the jangly guitar lines throughout). Walking On Sunshine also manages the trick of making you feel optimistic without coming across as too adorable or precious. About the only surprise is that it peaked at number nine even though it sounded like a number one. Describing the song’s legacy in 2010, an article in NPR noted that “Every spring, as the sun starts to shine, DJs reach for the song Walking on Sunshine.” (https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127091908)
• Eurythmics: Would I Lie to You?
Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart decided to go old school and take a break from their luscious string-drenched synth pop to give a listeners an R&B-flavored shouter, and this was the enjoyable result. The many attractions included a horn section that sounded like it came from Stax Records in the 1960s, Stewart’s propelling guitar licks and of course Lennox’s always expressive vocal phrasing. It may have been too much of a departure for some US fans, as the duo never made the top 10 after this, but this stomper really holds up well.
• The Power Station: Get It On
Should a remake be considered as a summer song, even if the original is a glam rock classic? That’s for you to decide. Get It On first became a top 10 US hit for T-Rex in March 1972, highlighted by Marc Bolan’s vocals and wonderfully sleek guitar lines. Here, the Power Station had Tony Thompson’s intense drumbeats lead into chanting female vocalists, strong playing by guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor, and finally Robert Palmer’s trademark smoky voice. Overdone? Maybe. But I think it’s a catchy reinterpretation that holds its own.
• Aretha Franklin: Freeway of Love
Who said we have to consider only one song that works well with driving this year? After being out of the pop top 10 for 11 years, Lady Soul came roaring back with a number that showed she could still enliven a party. Reportedly Aretha contacted producer and co-writer Narada Michael Walden with this simple request: “Let’s make some hits.” And they did, with this leadoff single: her trademark strong vocals perfectly complementing the funky, occasionally electronic backing sounds. The album version is nearly two minutes longer and well worth a listen.
• Huey Lewis and the News: The Power of Love
OK, this is one quintessential 80s act that made the cut for this survey, and one listen should tell you why. Huey’s vocals and the horns, guitars and all the rest are vibrant in this production, and the lyrics are catchy and fairly clever right from the opening (“The power of love is a curious thing/Makes one man weep, makes another man sing”). Appearing in the movie Back to the Future, it lost the Oscar for Best Song to Say You, Say Me and the Grammy for Record of the Year to We Are The World, both of which haven’t held up as well as this one.
• John Parr: St. Elmo’s Fire
“St. Elmo’s Fire” was a movie starring Rob Lowe and other members of the Brat Pack, proving again how very 80s this summer was. Fresh off his semi-hot Naughty Naughty, John Parr joined songwriter and producer David Foster to create a title tune. After rejecting Foster’s first effort, the two men collaborated on this effort, with lyrics by Parr that were inspirational and incorporated the movie’s title albeit with a wrong reference (St. Elmo’s Fire was the name of the gang’s bar). It wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Song despite hitting number one.
Let me know what you thought my nominees. And add any other deserving ones below in the comments, while picking your top three.
And look forward to another year – and another episode -next week!
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1) Walking on Sunshine: “Seymour Stein” doesn’t slap.
2) The Power of Love: What was I listening to in 1985? Sad bastard music. Sports isn’t better than The Head in the Door, but it’s “Fresh”. Huey Lewis and the News is also on my list of musical artists I ignored because there used to be a thing called indie cred and you didn’t want to lose it.
3) Everybody Wants to Rule the World: “Turn your back on mother nature.” Russell Mael would like a word.
1985 is the year Prefab Sprout’s Two Wheels Good was released. “Faron Young” is upbeat enough to be considered summer-ish. It opens the album. And then on a dime, it veers into sad bastard music territory, like a “Walking on Sunshine” 45 played at 33. Or you have Mark Kozelek cover it.
Thanks, Ozmoe. This is always a lot of fun.
I was only 4 years old in 85, but these songs all made a huge impression on me a little bit further down the road, when I could actually remember stuff.
Well, except for Power Station’s cover of “Get It On.” I never knew that existed. And…I’m okay either way. I’ve heard worse covers, and better.
My top 3 from the picks here would be Freeway of Love, Walkin On Sunshine, and Power of Love. Great as they are, Tears for Fears’ lyrics are a bit too somber for summer fun.
But man, you’re right, 1985 has so many other songs to consider. In terms of covers, there’s David Lee Roth’s take on “California Girls,” and Chaka Khan’s superior version of Prince’s “I Feel For You.”
In terms of season/temperature themes, there’s “The Boys of Summer,” “Summer of 69,” “The Heat Is On,” and “Cool It Now.”
Then there’s “Rhythm of the Night,” “Take On Me,” “We Built This City,” “Obsession,” “Don’t You Forget About Me,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Sussudio.”
Not to Mention: “And We Danced” by The Hooters, “So in Love” by OMD, “How Will I Know” by Whitney, “You Spin Me Round” by Dead or Alive.
Aaaand: “Running Up that Hill” by Kate Bush.
But despite all that….I’d rather jitterbug!
Jitterbug.
🙂
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark describes their music up to Dazzle Ships. “Tesla Girls”(from Junk Culture) practically announced that we’re OMD now. You can jitterbug to it. You can’t jitterbug to “ABC Auto-Industry”.
I made sure that “Tesla Girls” was played at my wedding. That is dance floor dynamite.
Though, I probably listen to “ABC Auto-Industry” more overall…
This scene says it all… easily my choice for ’85’s Song of the Summer:
https://youtu.be/dEonJJHFEGg
As our good friend Ozmoe often does: He fools us into thinking that this will be easy!
Real life is calling; I have to run into a meeting. But I’ll be back later with my three picks.
Sorry I’m late. OK:
3 . Katrina,et al: Too bouncy not to include.Gina Fantucci, wherever you are: this one’s for you.
2 . Orzabal and Smith: It says something when such a thoughtful and serious record can be thought of as a “Summer Song.” But it definitely was for me; perhaps my favorite 80s record. I wrote about it over at SG when it came up for discussion. If there’s interest here, maybe I’ll re-post the piece here at tnocs.com
1 . Huey, et al: Back To Future was everywhere, and it helped make The Power Of Love into a bigger record than it may have been on its own. And like the movie, it was also everywhere. It’s the one that I first think of for 1985’s SOTS.
Speaking of: I absolutely love seeing an audience on the receiving end of an unexpected surprise. This was a nice thing from a few years ago. I get such a kick out of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0VGRlEJewA
I actually hadn’t seen that Kimmel clip before, thanks for that mt, that was fun!!
Of course, I laughed hardest seeing Biff. That was brilliant.
Re: #2, consider this my vote for “interest”. 😊
Seconded for interest.
Two votes! Ok, It’s a done deal. Let me find it and I’ll put it up within the next few days.
I spent most of the summer of ’85 on my High School trip to Israel, and I definitely remember the Song of the Summer being Raspberry Beret.
Oh, oh!! Way too much awesomeness in ’85!!
Power Station’s Get it On has to be my #1 pick. I’ve since come around to appreciate Arcadia’s album as a lovely, artsy gem, but at the time I was solidly 100% “Rock Duran” Camp. It was like Andy was a caged tiger finally let loose to shred to his heart’s content without that pesky Nick Rhodes always getting in the way, lol, and John doing his damndest to prove to Bernard Edwards (that album’s producer) that he WAS a worthy funky rock bass god. It almost felt like Bernard was telling Tony for the entire album- dude, no, LOUDER!! And you top all that off with Mr Smooth Suave Sophisticated Best Dressed Rocker Ever Robert Palmer, the only way you get better than “Get it On” is……… “Some Like It Hot”. 😁
The other choices are a 3 way tie for 2nd. Each one immediately takes me back to that summer, and no one is better than the others in my mind.
#2A – “Everybody Wants to Rule The World”. It’s timeless. It’s got a killer bassline. It’s a perfect song that makes me feel invincible.
#2B – “Would I Lie to You” My All time favorite Eurythmics song. Annie’s all power and pissed off-ness, robust horns complimenting the angry guitar; man I played that song to death in 1985.
#2C – “Power of Love” That whole pre chorus with the guitar stabs after ‘don’t need money’ [umph UH!!!], that is some seriously giddy pop rock music perfection right there.
Crikey, what a strong set of songs… my choice for “perfect song” (Everybody Wants To Rule The World) doesn’t even make my top three here.
1. Walking On Sunshine
2. The Power Of Love
3. Freeway Of Love
A write-in vote for Sussudio, which would probably bump Aretha down to #4.
This is so hard to sort out. So many great songs.
1) “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”
2) “Walking On Sunshine”
3) “Would I Lie To You”
The first two are safe but I could easily sub in “Freeway Of Love”, or “Power Of Love” or “St. Elmo’s Fire’ in slot #3.
Honorable mention for others – “Crazy For You” and “Don’t You Forget About Me”
1985 may be the best year of the decade for summer songs.
I swore my #2 was going to be Number One until “Walking on Sunshine” appeared. It HAS to be that one, right?
Songs not on this list:
My dream E.P. is a collection of all the musical artists who turned down “Don’t You(Forget About Me)”.
Still hear Centerfield at almost every baseball game. Had to be the song of the summer. Maybe just the song of summer. Not my favorite by him, but the “summeriest.”
This is your toughest list yet, Ozmoe (but then I’m pretty sure I’ve said that before). Summer of ’85 was my graduation year from college, and every song on your list could contend in my top three (along with Bruce’s “Glory Days,” which manages to be an evergreen that sounds like a summer song — neat feat, that).
OK … after much fussing about No. 3 …
3) Would I Lie to You?
2) Freeway of Love
1) Walking on Sunshine
Honorable mentions (those that fought for that No. 3 spot): The Power of Love, St. Elmo’s Fire, Everybody Wants to Rule the World.
And, of course, a song that would easily have been Top 3 had it been a Billboard Hot 100 hit but wasn’t a commercial 45: Madonna’s “Into the Groove.”
Whoa.
I Completely forgot about the Madonna record.
This kind of changes everything for 1985. Although not eligible on a technicality that you cited, I think that just pole vaulted into first place for me.
Dang, this one is hard. Not necessarily in order of my personal preference, but according to the criteria of summer songs as listed by Ozmoe,
Walking on Sunshine
Freeway of Love
St. Elmo’s Fire
Is it really shallow to notice how many really beautiful people are in these videos? Annie Lennox, Robert Palmer, of course, Rob Lowe, and most of the Brat Pack.
Not at all shallow. It is likely that all of these people worked very hard to maintain an attractive appearance, as well as being musical vanguards.
Well, almost all of them. Try to get to the 4:50 mark if you can.
https://youtu.be/9mronRVvdmw
That was really painful. But he did still look really good.
Tales from pop-culture:
Rob Lowe is a good example of someone who did a regrettable thing when they were younger, but tried to atone for it and be a better person later in life.
I think about this a lot. Some folks in the pop-culture arena mess up, and are never forgiven. I fully understand that sometimes they have it coming to them, but it’s generally nice to see folks get a second chance.
I made the occasional stupid mistake when I was a younger guy, and I kind of cringe when I look back. I hope that I’ve made up for at least some of it.
Maybe it’s just a symptom of getting older, but I am increasingly seeing the value in forgiveness.
I am thankful every day that I was young before social media, so that there are records of the foolish things that I did and said. Second chances for foolish mistakes should always be given. I also believe in second chances for mean or petty behavior, especially if there is genuine remorse.
I have quoted her before on the mother ship, but I’m going to do it again. Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, do better.” Someone should always be given the chance to do better, once they realize they were wrong (I am, of course, not referring to actual criminal behavior). Doesn’t meant there aren’t consequences, but people can grow and change. I know that I have.
And forgiveness is just as, if not more, freeing for the person who forgives as for the one who is forgiven.
That is a mindful quote. I remember when you first shared it. Good on you.
Oh what memories this contribution brings on.
On Tom’s Stereogum site about Number Ones, I told the story of how I met my future wife on Memorial Day of 1985.
A very short synopsis.
She was a single mom and whenever she got a night out, she would go with friends to different bars. She happened to notice me one night on one of her nights out but didn’t have the courage to approach me. After several close encounters, she saw me at my favorite night club and had the courage to ask me to dance and we boogied to “You Spin Me Right Round” by Dead or Alive.
We spent the whole night dancing and talking and have been a couple ever since (married in 1986).
These songs were the soundtrack of our lives that summer, driving in a convertible up the canyons to “Everyone Wants to Rule the World”, listening to “Would I Lie to You” on her car’s cassette, dancing to “Walking On Sunshine” as the (probably) oldest couple at our favorite night club.
The manager, and old friend, confided in us one night that several of the “young un’s” were commenting on our age and he replied “You’re never to old to dance!”.
Aretha’s return to prominence after Tina Turner’s comeback, some of my favorite lyrics “Knew you were a vision in white, how’d you get your pants so tight!”.
To this day, I use “Dancing on Sunshine” as a warmup for my summer school P.E. class.
It was our summer of love,so, as no surprise, they are all number one in my book!
I love this series, Ozmoe, and now I know how much older I am than many of the commenters.
Really, Phylum, 4 years old when they ruled the charts?
Don’t blame me; blame my parents!
A universal reply!
I’d argue that “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is by far the best song here, but it’s not a summer song. That title goes to “Walking On Sunshine.”
But, Virgin, we’ve seen your Halloween costumes. How’d you get your tights so tight!