Icon Turned STARK ACOUSTIC SONG into a ROCK ANTHEM-It Hit #1 but it LOST Its SOUL!-Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- You know, I agree with a lot of music historians who have called 1984 the greatest year in music. There were a ton of great songs and albums released that year… But, after going back and reviewing the music that came out in 1985… I am not so sure that ’84 is better than ’85. You will see what I mean when we countdown the Top 10 Song of 1985 NEXT on Professor of Rock... INCLUDING a Movie song -- Don't You Forget About Me -- that was turned down by everyone except for a female-fronted rock band. But she was pregnant and couldn’t do it so she talked her husband Jim Kerr of Simple Minds into it... and Born in the USA, which is the most misinterpreted song ever, and even to this day it played for all the wrong reasons... and another #1 hit by Tears for Fears that the band admittedly ripped off the title from a rival band’s song and paid him 5 bucks for it. It’s the best of 1985 next on Professor of Rock.
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#classicrock #80smusic #80srock #tearsforfears
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. if you remember the Doublemint twins You’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. make sure to subscribe below right now. Make sure to vote in our head-to-head poll on ProfessorOfRock.com for the next few weeks to set the seeding for our bracket. Today's head-to-head match-up is the Beach Boys Vs. Kansas! Go to ProfessorOfRock.com to make your pick!
Since we are into 2025 and it has now been over 40 years I thought I would do a top 10 song for 1985… and it was even tougher than 84! Again my criteria is that the song had to be a top 40 hit. Let’s get it on! Kicking off our countdown of the Top 10 Songs of 1985 is a track that, for years, was despised by the band that recorded it. At #10, it's Simple Minds with “Don’t You Forget About Me:” The song is the money track from The Breakfast Club. It is synonymous with the iconic legacy of the film directed by the late John Hughes. Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff penned this track exclusively for The Breakfast Club. Forsey, who also co-wrote movie hits like "Shakedown" for Beverly Hills Cop II and the title track for Flashdance, oversaw the Breakfast Club soundtrack.
Keith Forsey revealed that Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music was his first pick to record the song, but Ferry declined. A big fan of the Scottish band Simple Minds, Keith decided to pitch the track to them by personally delivering a cassette demo. Simple Minds originally wanted to use their own song, "Alive and Kicking," for the film, but Don't You (Forget About Me) had been written specifically for the script-it was the only option. At first, the band couldn’t wrap their heads around why that was the case.
Simple Minds' lead singer Jim Kerr opened up about their initial frustration over not being allowed to record the song they wanted. "Wait a minute-you want us because you love the songs we write, but now you want us to do your song?" he recalled. At first, they flat-out refused to even consider it. Kerr and his bandmates were firmly against recording anything they hadn't written themselves. A lot of people turned this amazing song down… Breakfast Club co-producer, Michelle Manning said, “I remember offering the song to Billy Idol. He didn’t understand. I think a lot of people that passed will never say they passed. Cause we had the movie, and that demo which was literally just like the final song with Keith. And people wer...
Poll: What is your BEST of 1985? You choose...Best song or album or artist?
New Holes in Old Shoes Nils Lofgren
Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Scarecrow - John Cougar Mellencamp
How did Money for Nothing by Dire Straits not make this list?
"Dare to be Stupid" album by Weird Al
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" always reminds me of the first time taking my 6y/o son roller skating. My son died a few weeks ago. It's good to remember the happy times.
Wow, I'm terribly sorry to hear that! That's so sad. 😪
Oh wow, sorry to hear that. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. "Don't take my heart, don't break my heart" 😥
So so sorry for your loss. You'll see him again someday.
I’m so sorry, Karen!
You will eventually realize......there were no bad times.
I graduated in 85, so these songs... I can't even say what they mean to me, there are no words...
Awesome! Happy 40th!
Born in 67 graduated 85 and could not agree more.. We had it the best.. Peace
Same
Born 66, Grad HS in 85, these songs are all so great still to this day - the Movies too!
Ditto.
Being a Vietnam Vet myself, the first time I heard Born in the U.S.A., I got the true meaning right away. It struck a chord with me. I had a hard time with everyone thanking vets for their service when, as you said, the Vietnam vets were shunned and spit on. It took me a long time to finally let it go, and accept the gratitude. Your lineup does music good!
Thanks for your service. ✌️✌️✌️💜💜💜
I thought of myself as a hippie back then. (I was very young). Worried my brothers would get drafted. The war made no sense to me.
I hope you understand people like me hated the WAR (use of agent Orange & napalm, the My Lai massacre etc) but not the individual SOLDIERS, who had their reasons for joining up. I hated the men in power for sending boys over to die.
I had three Uncles and my father served over there. One Uncle who was a medic died there. When I joined in the early 80s, I had a lot of friends who were very disparaging and negative about my choice to join. It seemed to all turn around with Desert Storm. Still, even now, I get thanked for my service. I think many realized that the Vietnam Vets were treated wrong and many tried to change it. Thank you for the service you gave our country.
As a vet (non war time), I have a problem with people thanking me for my service too. I feel like its something they feel they have to say here in America. And then there is the fact that I feel a certain way about our involvement in certain campaigns around the world...I've learned to let it go as well.
My father served in Vietnam. He was a Marine. Agent Orange took his life. I was born at Camp Pendleton . I have two Uncles that served in the Navy. Now, one is near his end of the struggle with agent orange.
My dad taught me to respect all soldiers. Like when they have put poppy’s … my dad would bend down on one knee and have such respect and explained to me it wasn’t just a flower.
My father served veterans all his life. And according to the hymn, is guarding the streets of gold.
Careless Whisper was the first dance my wife and I shared. Almost 40 years later we’re still together. Of course that is our song.
Strange that your song is one about being unfaithful.
Well, this yr would've been our 40th anniversary, but in my case, our favorite song, Careless Whisper, actually turned just into that. Ironically, I thought we were still great! So after 31yrs of marriage, we divorced. Hardest thing I've ever had to do. Still love George Michael & that song! Congrats on your 40yrs together!
@@NailHeavenAshford I agree. It's beautiful but I wouldn't make it my wedding dance song lol.
That's a strange wedding song but it's a good one.
Beautiful ❤❤
I graduated in 85. These songs hurt. Best ever! Reminds me of when I still had hope.
Hey!! You just keep your mind in the present and enjoy everything. If you are worried about things and stressing out? Sit down and right a list on what you are Grateful for. Nothing to be grateful for. Start small. I'm grateful for this cup of coffee. I'm grateful for my next breath. I'm grateful for this warm, sunny morning, etc. Apparently it's impossible to be worried and grateful at the same time.
Go get yourself an Attitude of Gratitude.
It's helpful. I wish you all the Best. Don't worry everything will be alright.
@Bruce-h8t I'm all OK brother! My comment might've been a little melodramatic! I'm positive and settled in life well enough. A few key areas in life didn't go anything like I wished and in the context of missing those things, it makes it hard to reflect on those days when the future was all rosy looking.
HOPE IS THE REAL '4 LETTER WORD' IT'S an evil thing ! & Probably leads to more self endings when it's shown to be ' hopeless ' in a cruel manner.
One can be positive and enjoy a good life while seeing the world and our species realistically and our prospects for what they are.
Stop all mainstream media, all news. Create a healthy environment for yourself. Maya Nagelou told Chapelle to take the focus away from himself and concentrate on others. Find as many volunteer jobs as you can. It will help you
I was 15 and a sophomore in high school in 1985.. I always try and tell my kids what a fantastic, and now alien time the 80s were. The great music just kept coming and I can close my eyes and smell it and taste it all when the songs are playing. Peace!
Awesome!
Is telling your kids how wonderful it was really the best thing for them? It must be depressing to hear all the time that the past is so much better than the present. Use your effort and energy into making THEIR lives the best! Good grief!
I was a year behind you and started high school in 1985. I thought it was going to be a John Hughes movie. Boy was I wrong. Really, really wrong.
Agreed the 80s were special. It seems like America is in some kind of post Pinnacle situation now.
@@22lyricok dr Phil thanks
Saw Mr Mister perform “Broken Wings” by sheer luck Nov 14, 1985 on Mississippi State campus. I was a freshman. A friend of mine was given tickets by a classmate who couldn’t make the concert and he invited me to go! I immediately developed a newfound appreciation for Mr Mister and Tina Turner was just phenomenal during the “Private Dancer” period! 1985 was, without doubt, a phenomenal year for music!
Your channel is the gold standard of click-bait.
You don't lie.
You don't exaggerate.
You don't insult your audience.
You just give us a tantalising question which you then answer.
I wish more channels followed your lead.
I actually hate it.. well, I hate the fact it doesn't properly summarise the content.. 1985Top10.. Could you imagine other channels doing this while you're trying to find specific content, and everyone has some obscure reference for you to validate.. oh god, the horror.. I like the breadcrumb "quote", but it should be a part of a series that can be summarised by a couple of letters/numbers.. so you can associate and categorise it better.. each to their own.
@@bonestomp Clickbait will always exist. Content creators need views. This guy piques interest without lying about the content.
@@bonestomp ... Bingo! I love this channel, and watch many of the videos, but I hate when the clickbait makes me think it's about one subject, but then it's a top 10 that i wasn't in the mood for. This should have been promoted as a top 10 of 1984. I likely might have clicked it anyway, without feeling messed with.
@ 100% spot on.. you get it. These aren't 2 minute clips/shorts that you just watch whatever.. they should be categorised into something sensible, like a series that you have a general understanding of what you're getting into before clicking.. is it a top 10, is it 60's, 70's, 80's, whatever.. Even if you didnt change the title which you should - the thumbnail could provide that clarity.
@ I see what you mean, but channels always need a hook. Are you more or less likely to click on a Top 10 of 1985, or the teaser trivia question?
Always loved Huey Lewis’s cameo in “Back to the Future” saying Marty’s band was just “too loud” while playing a cover of Huey’s “Power of Love”.
OMG i have seen this movie 100 times and never realized that 🤦♀️
me neither!
That part always made me laugh 😂
In ‘85 we listened to ‘80s music and a little ‘70s music. We wouldn’t have thought about listening to music from ‘45. 40 years later, I am still listening to 80’s music.
...every generation does that... Your parents stopped listening to "new" music in their 20's and never believed anything could touch the music they grew up with.
@@garystackhouse5787 - yeah, exactly. Most people stop exploring new things in their 20's... Even if you keep up with music, you still retain a fondness for that high school and college music.
I was in high school and loved 40s music, but my grandparents played it and we watched old movies on TV, so I was exposed to it.
I grew up living with my mom, aunt and grandparents, all of which liked different music. My father was a musician and played as road guitarist and local back up (He played guitar; accoustic, electric, bass, steel. He played banjo, keyboards and drums.). I was steeped in genres galore. My great grandparenfs had a Victrola. So I had access to "music". I like a bit of almost everything. Including modern music. As did my mother and aunt and brother and cousins. I don't know anyone who shut down musically in their 20s.
You, maybe. I loved Big Band before and after the 80s. Still listen to both -and a lot more-as a Gen X.
I'm 43 and married to a Swedish Gen Xer who had never seen any John Hughes movies before very recently. Over Christmas break we watched a few, including Breakfast Club. When it was over, he said, "I see why it's such a classic!" Of course, he knew the Simple Minds song but finally he got to hear it in its most iconic context. Thank you, Professor! 🙏
Awesome!
You know what? I think I’m going to watch Breakfast Club this weekend.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 👍🏻✌🏼😊🌹
Nightshift is a wonderful tribute and I am glad that it showed the beautiful soulful voices of the Commodores as probably only this song could do, it brings me calmness and peacefulness, I remember being shocked when Marvin Gaye was killed like he was, this song was a love letter to these men with the golden voices. Rock and Roll Heaven had the same feeling in a slightly different way back in the 70s. Adam, I loved this show, it was great as usual, please enjoy your weekend, do something fun. In 1985 I was busy raising two little boys and taking care of my husband and the house, I still listened to my Boston, Bob Seger and the songs of the 70s that I had listened to as a teenager, the only exception was I loved John Mellencamp, one day after a business trip my husband was a bit frustrated when he got home from the airport, he had gone by Fed X to pick up a package and they gave him one that belonged to “ some guy named Mellencamp “ he said he had to turn around and take it back, I jumped up and yelled at him, did you say Mellencamp? Don’t you know who that is? He said no, I said Johnny Cougar, John Mellencamp is Johnny Cougar, I laughed and told him that he should have brought it home, maybe he would have made the trip from Indiana to Cincinnati to pick it up. True story. I learned to enjoy Van Halen from my two year old jumping off a retaining wall and yelling Jump! as he jumped down that’s when I learned he and his five year old brother were watching the forbidden MTV while I did housework, I started watching it with them every once in a while and it opened me up to a whole new kind of music. Good night Adam, I don’t know where you live, but I live in t Southeast Tennessee and everything has gone crazy here because we are expecting a few inches of snow, schools and businesses are already closed, I don’t have to worry about any of that as I live in a nursing home, my son sent me plenty of drinks and food so, I don’t have to worry about that, lol if you have never experienced a winter here, you’d be in for a treat if you tried to buy needed items at the grocery store, all the shelves are empty of bread and milk, I love where I live but not “where” I live, stay warm.
I was born June 1977. My late wife was born Feb 1968. We got together in December 2003. She was a legit 9 face model. 9.5 years older than me but looked my age. She was the most interesting person I will ever know. Her 2 years in the UK, one year treated as peerage class cotillion debutant & the other serving beer to Jim Capaldi from Traffic as he was the local drunk. Heather Graham’s License to Drive face on *now* Brie Larson’s body. I made her ashes into a diamond. Btw, it wasn’t just looks: music, bathroom cleanliness, paying bills on time, morals, family values and level of partying - we gelled on everything. Sometimes when it just meshes, don’t fight it and ride it out. Only one life. Use it.
You picked the song that I think defined the 80’s with, ‘Everybody wants to rule the world’. Nailed it.
Love Bryan Ferry but so happy he refused Don’t You Forget About Me…Simple Minds version is a haunting masterpiece!
For real!
I could never imagine him singing that.
With Bryan Ferry it's about HIM 🚫 the Song. Simple Minds made the song A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and the film made it ICONIC. It would never have worked with Ferry. He was great at what he HAD done. This was passing the baton year!
Good God I’m almost 69. I graduated high school 1974. I truly enjoy your site, the stories and tidbits behind each song 🎵
Isn’t it great how music can transport you back in time?
Nothing can do that as well as music.
Congrats you made it!
For me, the core years of the 80's (1984, 1985, 1986) were the absolute best years for music, but 1985 is the peak year all around: music, film, entertainment. Thanks for this countdown, Professor. Once again you've triggered a lot of memories!
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, however as a 75 year old geezer, music is kinda generational, personally, late 50’s, thru the 70’s were the best groups & bands. All Music can be appreciated by everyone….it’s all good…..
1975 to 85 were the best years!!!!!
Didn't expect to see Night Shift on the list. One of my all time favorites. Such a perfect tribute.
1985
The Cure - Head On The Door
The Smiths - Meat Is Murder
Oingo Boingo - Dead Man’s Party
New Order - Low-Life
Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair
1985 was the transition year from New Wave to College Rock (precursor to Alternative)
Yes. I love all of those RECORDS!
And, Tears for Fears is in Vegas for a few shows next month!!!🎉🎉
@ Wonder if they’ll ever play “Mothers Talk” again
You aren’t wrong Heff!
How the hell do you learn to write like that at 17? Staggering. George was a unique talent, one of the best Britain has produced.
He was an incredible song writer. Not as good as Bon Scott. But he was good.
Gen Xer here and we really did have the best music. I was just listening to INXS and Echo and the Bunnyman before playing this video. So many great tunes from the 80s and 90s.
I'm 54 years old now and hearing all these songs just puts me in such a DEEP state of nostalgia. And here's what's even stranger about it -- I lived my entire childhood in the Dominican Republic ... and they loved these songs there too ... even though most Dominicans had no idea what the lyrics said! 😂
Voices Carry should've been in the top 5: a phenomenal song. Aimee Mann's voice is so powerful, and the video is well done.
It was so tough leaving it out!
Her toe in The Big Lebowski.
@@ProfessorofRockdo an episode on this song. Please.
@@dustybrand Her toe? (I didn't see the movie...or the breakfast club..or pretty much any of the 'choice ones'🤷♀️)
Raise your hand if Aimee Mann inspired a rat tail! I had one for years. I wanted white hair too but had to wait until I went prematurely gray.😃
That Ah-Ha music video wrecked me. I couldn't think about much else for weeks after i saw it the first time. At one time i had that on a 45 single.
It is an amazing video and still holds up today, when most from the 80s definitely do not.
It’s such an iconic video, forty years later.
When I first saw the video for “Take On Me” it solidified my interest in Art as a career ❤ 😍 I thought, “YEESSS! I wanna make stuff like that!!”
Loved that album!
Same for me. It didn't hurt that Morten was so hot!
I love Chrissie Hynde. She's an amazing songstress. That said, Alive & Kicking is my favorite Simple Minds song. Don't You (Forget About Me) was a powerful outro to The Breakfast Club. I can remember the feeling walking out of the theatre having just heard it for the first time. I have to agree with you about On the Night Shift. Great song. Everybody Wants to Rule the World corresponds with the best time in my life.
Sanctify yourself is my favorite
The Breakfast Club is the only movie, in my life, that as soon as it was over, I bought a ticket to see it next showing!
We just used to stay in our seats to watch it again. No one threw us out then. I sat through a view to a kill twice in 85.no one bothered you
Don’t blame you. Wicked came close for me.
I recently reconnected with that movie. I saw it in the theater when it first came out, but I didn't give it the appreciation that it deserved. Now I see the brilliance in all aspects of it, a movie perfect for its time!
Why?
The characters were not good people, showed little respect or interest in one another.
I still love the Breakfast Club.
Simple Minds were smart to have finally figured out to sing this song vs their own! What a song and what a movie! I was in college at the time and then went on to join the Army spring of 86 after graduating. Best thing I ever did! Met my beautiful wife who was also in the Army and was in training with me when we met, married 38 going on 39 years of marriage! I’ve grown chubby and ugly myself, she is truly a beauty and looks 45 vs her actual 59! I’m a lucky man! This girl is still in love with me to this day and she tells me that several times a day. Music plays a huge roll for both of us. Love your videos sir! You are very impressive with your knowledge. Keep this rolling!
Love these countdowns! Some great songs here ... "Power of Love" ALWAYS gives me feel good vibes, Back to the Future is also one of my favorites!
Amen!
@@ProfessorofRockI like how Huey Lewis turned it down saying that he didn’t know how to write a song called BACK TO THE FUTURE and they let him write what he wanted
Back to the future is about love.. if Marty doesn't get his mom and dad to fall in love, he is doomed.
‘Don’t you forget about me’ contains the most sublime drum roll I’ve ever heard: comes almost at the end of the song, just after “will you call my name?” and before the outro of “I said la, la la la la-ah’. I could listen to it on a loop for hours, it’s so good. Talk about being in the pocket.
Honestly, this year was one of the most creative in all of music history. With some of the artists Adam didn't have time to mention like Dead Or Alive, Madonna, REO Speedwagon, Howard Jones, Hall and Oates, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, David Bowie, Thompson Twins, Level 42, Talking Heads, ABC, John Cougar, Pet Shop Boys, Mike + the Mechanics, Corey Hart, The Cars, Lionel Richie, Paul Young, James Brown, and SOOOOOO many more all putting out legendary stuff, it is one of my very favorite music years of all time. SO SO many one-hit wonders around this time, too, like Ready For The World, Baltimora, and The Dream Academy. How Prof managed to choose 10 songs I have no clue!!! 🤘
In 1985 I was a senior in high school, met the woman who would become my wife and had so many happy memories cruising around Los Angeles to a soundtrack of great songs. My wife has since gone on ahead, but I'm sitting here misty-eyed and grinning from ear to ear. Thanks for the memories, Professor!
Good picks, Professor. I’m not sure I appreciated it sufficiently back in ‘85 (as a high school senior). But now - 40 years later - I think “Night Shift” may be the pick of this litter! Great, great song.
I graduated from DeVry, started my career, and got married in 1985. These songs all bring back awesome memories. The 80's were a great time to be alive. I'm stil married to the same person and technically show that I still work for the same company (several different positions and company ownerships, but they all kept my original hire date). Anyway...great stuff from the Professor as always.
These are some of the most iconic songs of the 80's. I love them so very much. I had these on cassette tape. Thank you.
I graduated high school in 1985 and still remember "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" playing on the radio when we pulled into Daytona Beach for Spring Break my senior year.
Amen!
It’s a beach song alright!
Same here except it was Ft. Walton Beach for us. My buddy loved that song. Almost 6 months later, we were watching Tears for Fears in concert in Baton Rouge.
Absolutely a great list! My eldest daughter was born in 1985 so a very happy and emotional year for sure. Man I remember singing "Take on Me" to my baby girl whenever it was playing lol.
Again Professor I'll say it, you deserve 10m subscribers. It's obvious you love these golden years of great music.
Cheers all.
Great list! The video for Take On Me truly was next level. I remember being absolutely captivated as a young teen by both it and the song. What a voice! And the Commododres' Night Shift - mournful and poignant, yet profoundly joyful all at the same time. Absolutely beautiful tune.
I've recently found this channel and you have been entertaining me ever since. Additionally, I graduated HS in 1985 and never thought why I loved certain songs until you noted, they all were big in 1985.
The 80s were an incredible time for music; '83 to '88 being the most influential. The marriage of movies with songs was mind-blowing, as evident in today's list.
For real!
I would argue 1983-1987 was the true golden age.
Check out the lyrics to "sowing the seeds of love" you will be surprised.
Awesome list!! Senior in High School in '85!! What a great list. Two songs affected me very strongly...Everybody Wants to Rule The World...but nothing grabs me immediately and so strongly as Boys of Summer - from the very first time I ever heard it! I have the same powerful reaction to it every time it plays on the radio. Whoa!!! Thanks Professor!
I was stationed in Guam recovering from a near fatal accident. These songs helped me pass the time when MTV actually played Music! Great Songs, Great Era and forever Grateful I survived to say Thank you for this Epic List!😎💪🕺
Great Island 🏝️ I also lived there in 1990 and I loved it except for the Typhoon's. Lmao 😂
@@jeanninesnyder9627I was there from 83 to 86 and survived 4 Typhoons!!😂😂😂
@@EddieT23 I survived 3 alone and the first one was really frightening but, the next two were not so bad. What was worse is the animals,I felt sorry for the skinny 3 legged booney animals. All in all I loved living on Guam. Wonderful island 🏝️
Graduated HS in '85 and to this day I get excited when I hear these songs. I jumped off my couch when you named the #1 hit, since it is my alarm on my phone. Who doesn't want to wake up to "Welcome to your life....."? My Favorites playlist must meet the criteria, Could I hear this song once a day for the rest of my life? And the best part is, my grown ass son has it on his playlist now! P.S. While taking care of my mom, who has dementia, she fell and busted up her face. I spent 5 hours in the ER with her, forfeiting my tickets to see TFF. Someday.
They are in Vegas next month.
OMG! Qbert! That was one of my favorite games in the day!
My daughter is a HS junior now and a musician (percussion and violin) with musician friends. They all still play Careless Whisper and it’s a school favorite.
Awesome!
85 was the year I graduated. This music brings me back to a time that I was so sad but would still love to go back to.
For sure!
Eddie money said it better than anyone.. I wanna go back and do it all over, but i can't go back, I know
Not sure anything rings more true than those immortal words..
@@execatty Too Right!
@@Laney-yf4hh and I too graduated 85. Great great days, in so many ways.. Jeez
84 here. Can't believe I survived.
Another Countdown Episode!!!! 🎉🎉🎉
1985 will always be remembered for Live Aid. The resurgence of Queen. Simple Minds was all over radio. Great movies also.
Thanks Professor. Just love these countdowns.
Everyone have a great day! (Q*Bert too).
Thanks Roger!
What are we gonna do to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid?
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
Celebrate Life.
Am so glad I was born in 77. I remember listening to all of these wonderful songs. Till this day those songs stand the test of time.
I just came across your channel and, being an ‘80s kid, it is my absolute favorite! I’ve always been a music junkie and the memories that come from watching your videos are priceless! ❤
So glad you’re enjoying the channel!
Welcome! Very positive community here. Good vibes from music junkies and rock nerds on every episode!
Brothers in Arm's!!! INCREDIBLE Album.. I discovered music a little later than most on a sense. My parents had such opposing musical tastes I could never agree where my musical taste would go. BIA changed all that, AND was probably the 1st album as a family we could all listen to together and let it take us all to our happy place. Please do a feature on albums, Professor and start with this banger.
Hard to leave them off the list, such a ground breaking album
I really enjoy your covering the 80's as I was 20 at the time in 1985
and this definitely is the best of 1985 and the MTV years with the
best rock and pop artists Simple Minds, Huey Lewis and the News, George Michael, Journey, Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, a-ha,
the Commodores, Mr. Mister and at number one Tears for Fears
I'm 60 now and as always I thank you for keeping the 80's alive here
thanks again Professor.🎶🎶📻📻🎶🎶
I graduated high school in 1985. This count down brought tears to my eyes because it brought back so many great memories but also made me sad because our world isn't anything like the way it was back then. You definitely picked the greatest for number one. Tears for Fears really was the greatest.
I'm still impressed with your extensive knowledge of the genres and the subsequent presentations on your channel. Thanks, Adam.
Perfect #1. Visited Florida that spring and road tripped the weekend. Orlando to Daytona Beach, down the east beach cities all the way to Key West, back up to Miami, then crossed to the west coast, up those beaches to St. Pete, then back to Orlando. Like, 1000 miles in two days. EVERY radio station l'd tune in played Everybody Wants to Rule the World! Loved it then, love it now. Never gets old. An all time favorite.
The great thing about being 65 and British is the amazing music that has pervaded my life.
I solidly agree with you about the way the Viet vets were treated. I did my best, for both the returning vets, and for the families of my friends that didn't. I attended more funerals than I have gone to, both before and since. I had 3 vets in my family, a father from WW2, and two older brothers. So I was always sensitive to those in the service. In the late 60's-early 70's I traveled a lot through Chicage O'Hare and there were always protesters there, so I got hit with a lot of that. I'm wasn't pro-war or pro-Vietnam, but I didn't think it was right, them taking it out on the servicemen thenselves. It wasn't like they had any choice. Most were draftees, they weren't going by choice. There was a USO in O'Hare so I would drop off a few bucks, just to help. You do what you can.
Thank you for this trip down my memories.
I was 20 years old in ‘85.
In the 80’s I had a good job and had this great Walkman knockoff ( it was a Panasonic) that I could listen to the radio and record songs when I did.
I’d be walking around EVERYWHERE ( why own a car when you can walk or ride a bus) in my black high top Reeboks and listening to music and recording songs.
Oh how I loved my life! It was much simpler then. So carefree.
Wow man 1985! My dad's friend from Vegas brought me a present Sanyo radio cassette walkman with amazing Pickering headphones and I was in awe by all of these songs!
In 1985 I was turning 13 and very awkward, my dad went from classic rock to country and mom was into bubblegum rock from the fifties and Elvis. My uncle just moved in that summer and brought with him Black Sabbath, Ratt, Quite Riot, Motley Crue, Nazarath, and many more hard rock/heavy metal bands to my awareness. That summer i bought Accept - Metal Heart, White Lion-Fight To Survive, Autograph-That's the Stuff, Night Ranger-7 Wishes, Ratt - Invasion Of Your Privacy, The Cult-love, and Twisted Sister-Come Out and Play. metal heart and invasion of your privacy are still my top favorites albums and twisted sisters version of leader of the pack is great.
All of these iconic songs bring me right back to my junior year of college. They were in the bars, on the radio, and of course on MTV. That was probably the last year I really listened to new music. I consider the best decade of music 1975-1985. After that I got busy being an adult, and looked to the past for the songs I wanted to hear from my youth.
I can't even begin to tell you how much the music of 1985 resonated with me. It was such a pivotal year for me and your song choices touched me deeply. You've really stirred me today, Professor. I recently watched Bruce Springsteen. He happened to do an amazing cover of, Nightshift. When the Boss covers a song, you know it's an amazing song. This might just have been my favorite of all your top 10s.
Amen! I like it too!
Man, what an amazing list. So glad I got to be a teenager in the 1980s. I turned 14 in 1985 and so many of these songs are just iconic to me.
Only the Young is the only one i don't know. The rest are my youth!! The lyrics of Born in the USA are truly tragic.
I remember girls in my class not understanding "guilty feet have got no rhythm" 🤦
Thank you so much for this trip down memory lane!
your number one song made me exclaim the most satisfying “Oh Man!” I have ever uttered in my life. I love Tears for Fears. I hope I can see them live now that they’re back touring together, I think. Love Head over Heels too!
Careless Whisper was the one 80s song my father liked. My mom liked My Prerogative and we listened to the 45 frequently ( later in the decade)!
What did your father listen to otherwise, most of the time?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 classical music 24 7
Everyone wants to rule the world is my favorite song of all time! I was stationed in Athens Greece in the Air Force when it came out. It was during a peak of the cold war. Living in Europe, the beauty of Athen's summers has engrained this in my mind forever. I'm back there every time I hear it!
So great!
TFF is at Vegas for about 5 shows in Feb!
Man... 1985! Movies at the mall, marching band, Friday night games, bus rides to away games... All with these songs as the soudtrack to our lives. I graduated in '86 so '85 for me was wrapping up my junior year, working over the summer, and then transitioning to my senior year in the fall. Of course wearing my "Go to hell world, I'm a Senior" pin on my letterman jacket bequested to me by an '85 grad. It was an amazing time. These songs really bring out all back. Thanks Prof.
Professor,
I was born in ‘67, graduated high school in ‘85. What a magical time to be alive. This may sound silly, but I feel blessed to be a part of such a great era.
Thanks so much for keeping the music relevant and alive.
Born 1/3/67, grad '84
Right there with you
I agree with your picks. This was a time of such fun in life. I feel sorry for the younger folks of today, they are totally missing out on this kind of joy.
Agreed janes!
At least we have Internet Archives and TH-cam!
Thank-you for all your insights for 85, each of which I love so much, interesting about Jim Kerr.... 😊😇
The number 1 song was used in the movie Real Genius. The song aligns with that classic movie.
I love your list, it brought me back to the and of my freshman year and the start of my sophomore year of college. The 80s was incredible.
Awesome work not spoiling the countdown. Most commenters aren't as polite.
Thanks. :)
Brothers in Arms was an epic classic. Best album of the year for sure, among top 5 for the decade as well. Masterpiece.
I was working in a ski resort in Oz when Everybody Wants to Rule the World came out. It was an instant hit on the hotel's dance floor, and was played every day for the rest of the snow season. Will never forget how that song made all of us staff feel about life and the world. It was collectively "our" song.
1985 was a time of transition for me. Finishing 8th grade and going into my Freshman year in H.S. makes for a seminal connection in time for me. Musically, there are so many memories connected as well. Money For Nothing - Dire Straits, Somebody - Bryan Adams, Can't Fight This Feeling - REO, One More Night - Phil Collins, just to name a few.
I got tired of having to keep rewinding to listen to Broken Wings that I made mix tape exclusively with only Broken Wings on it. 1 full hour of only that tune was what we did back then, because we could!
Great list.
Cheech & Chong - Born In East LA. That one hits different now, another BANGER. Cheech was Kendrick before Kendrick.
Well done.
Nightshift was indeed an awesome song. What a vibe.
I turned 8 years old in 1985. My parents always had the radio on in the car and we always had MTV going in the living room. These songs were part of the early sound track to my life. Even though I later became a punk and eventually a metal head, I will always love all of these pop songs.
❤ Class of 85 here and I couldn't agree more! Where has 40 years gone? The best of times!
The mid 70s had a huge period. Boston, Foreigner, Rumors, and more.
☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶
Best 70's music ever! By the time 85 came I was getting married
I turned 19 in Jan 1985, and all these songs resonate with me, though some I scorned back then, because I was an early 80's punk rocker in DC at the time, and these songs were mainstream. Which as a punker, I was somewhat against. In the many years since, I've come to appreciate most of these songs. It's very nice to hear some of the behind-the-scenes info you're dropping, because back then, it was hard to find info like this (no interwebs!! 😱😉). 🤘😑🤘
Yeah I was a punk at that time and I have to say I despised every single song on this list LoL. Still don't like em, but music's pretty subjective so I'm glad people can find what they like.
I was 15 in '85, music junkie, in a band (new wave, all synths of course). Truly one of, if not the best music year in my life. As a 50-something, when I have a few libations and want to get nostalgic, spinning songs from '85 on Spotify always hits the spot.
I'd forgotten how good the music from 1985 was. Thanks for the countdown!!!
In Ontario, Canada in 1985 a Toronto radio station called Q107 ran a contest. The contest was to write and sing a song to the tune of "Born in the U.S.A." . The Winner was "Born in a Flower Bed". It was Awesome!
Cheech and Chong did a better parody!
Born in East LA was a staple!
I was 10 in 1985. The Power of Love was the first 7 inch I bought for myself. Still one of my favourite songs.
I would say 1983 through 1985 were the most epic years for popular music. One incredible song after another for three years straight. I'm so glad I grew up during that time because my youth had the best soundrack of any generation before or since.
Dire Straits Brothers In Arms was the first cassette tape I bought as a kid… man, the memories! Still a phenomenal album! Your top 10 is spot on
Me too sort of. At the same time Godly and Cream's cassette was in the discount bin for 3 bucks so I bought it because of the song "Cry". Another awesome 80s song.
I blew the engine in my Honda listening to Money For Nothing (way too loudly) in the middle of winter on the highway to a very small town.
Its just so crazy how similar our musical tastes are. All these great songs you bring up are always my all time favorites.
My favs from 85
How Will I know Whitney Houston
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Voices Carry- til Tuesday
Raspberry Beret - Prince
Smooth Operator - Sade
We Belong- Pat Benatar
Summer of 69 Bryan Adams
I feel for you- Chaka Khan
Im on Fire- Bruce Springsteen
Great picks professor, you defined 85 perfectly with ypur picks
How Will I Know actualypeaked in 86! thanks My Name!
@ProfessorofRock lol you definitely are the professor, thanks for your knowledge!! Good call, I had to look it up, you're correct
Raspberry Beret! The kind you find at the secondhand store.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 my favorite line is doing something close to nothing but different than the day before
@ That’s a great one!
There will never be an era with such iconic songs. Its strange how song soundtracks always seemed to be such classics.
Alive and Kicking is still on my playlist. 80's music rocks!
Great songs , Brings back good memories of when I used to work in my Garage at night and have these song going.
I loved that Tears For Fears album. I got to see them in concert my junior year in high school 1985 in Atlanta. Great memories.
1985 was different in that most of the good songs actually hit the top 40.
My top 10:
1. Take on Me - A-ha
2. Shout - Tears For Fears
3. Driver 8 - R.E.M.
4. Voices Carry - Till Tuesday
5. I'm on Fire - Bruce Springsteen
6. One Lonely Night - REO Speedwagon
7. Freedom - Wham
8. View to a Kill - Duran Duran
9. Fortress Around Your Heart - Sting
10. That Was Yesterday - Foreigner
THanks!
Sting’s Dream of the Blue Turtles was my entry into jazz music.
Maybe put in there “Head over Heels”?
A-ha is still my favorite band. They have more than 10 studio albums (the most current one just released 2024 called True North) All of their albums are English language but individual members have several solo projects and lead singer Morten Harket has both English and Norwegian albums. Still rocking the original lineup, They are one of the biggest bands in the entire world, hold records for Rock in Rio from 1991 and Morten has an unofficial record for single longest note in a song for 'Summer Moved On' and yet they are still considered a one-hit Wonder.
@deborahhanna9126 Two hit wonder in the states.
I got a kick out of Sade jokingly referring to herself as the "Anti-Madonna" when she first burst on the scene in US at that time.
A former model her public appearences included old school formal gowns and gloves. Then for Live Aid she was in a snazzy stylized black jacket but when it came off she was in a striking backless number. Loved the photo taken from behind of that little powerhouse in front of that enormous crowd.
Sade is always on my most played Spotify list every year. Her voice is just smooooooth.
Sade has one of the most beautiful voices ever!
Sade best female singer of the year 84/85? Beat by non other Whitney
The Q*bert shirt is my favorite shirt you've worn so far. Can't beat the 80's
Amen! Used to LOVE playing it!
I had love/hate relationship with Q*Bert. I loved playing it, but I was terrible at it.
My favorite part of qbert was the speaker in the bottom of the cabinet that you heard the thud from when you fell.
@@Whisper_292 I was terrible at it as well. My favorite is Galaga.
The downside of the game was that any kid named "Hubert" was known as "Q*Bert" after it's release. Also- a lot of boys named "Doug" became known as "Dig-Dug".
Take on me was my song has a teen ! Did I ever have fantasies of love forever listening to that song and the video was hypnotic to me anyhow lol ! Wow ! Time sure slipped by ! ☺️ thanks loved your list brought back a lot of fond memories 🫶🏻
Wow! The back ground at 1:30 is a Yamaha powered mixer that I was using with our band Actor in 1985 in central Washington. Thanks for the flashback!
When Careless Whisper came out I was working in a Spinal Cord Injury Unit and I had a patient who was a Disco Dancer. Because of Hippa and privacy laws I will not reveal his identity. This young man had broken his neck and was devastated he would never dance again and unfortunately his injury was so severe he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. I was assigned to him for 3 months and every morning he would ask me to play the song for him. It broke my heart and to this day I think of him when I hear this song. Where ever he is I hope he’s doing well and I want him to know he’s always in my heart and prayers ❤️
Good morning Professor and music friends! Dont You Forget About...1985; where have forty years gone? Have a great day!
Good morning!
Vision Quest has one of the best sound tracks of the 80's. Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider is still my favorite workout jam.
I actually just watched Vision Quest for the first time last week. Good movie. Basically, a wrestling version of Karate Kid.
Duran Duran "A View to a Kill"
Prince "Raspberry Beret"
The Cult "She Sells Sanctuary"
Great Year for Music! Wonderful Memories!
Everybody wants to rule the world is still one of my favorite songs. Something about it just stirs up my insides like I can feel the song. Just love it.
Great selection. I'm a '84 grad. So much good music it would be tough to whittle down to 25, let alone 10.