Legendary 80s Rock Band SPENT a RECORD, 10 Weeks At #2...NEVER Did Hit #1 | Professor Of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- The coveted #1 HIT! It’s the top of the summit that every artist desires, whether they admit it or not. I”m not saying they are all writing for #1 But every artist I've interviewed who’s topped the charts is proud of the achievement... and of course the record labels lived for this. But what about the bridesmaids? The rung just below. The close but no cigar #2? Today I’m counting down the 10 greatest #2 hits from my favorite decade… The 80s! With artist commentary including Def Leppard, Air Supply, Crowded House and a host of great #2 hits by the Cure, Tears for Fears, Foreigner, Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Journey … NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you’ve ever recorded songs off the radio, hoping the DJ wouldn’t talk over the beginning or end. Then this is your channel… I think you’re going to dig it. Just subscribe below by hitting the red button. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out with exclusive video content you’ll only find there.
Okay, so in the 1980s there were 94 songs that climbed all the way to the #2 position on the billboard HOT 100 without getting to that coveted #1 spot. About 4 months ago I did a livestream talking about #2 hits. And over the last few months as I’ve gone over some interviews and listened to all the songs that peaked at #2, I’ve revisited this and figured out my definitive top 10 picks. And I have to tell you, it was tough.
The 80s were so packed, that pulling 10 #2 hits out of 94 proved was nearly impossible. But after listening, pondering, scratching and crawling, I think I got close. After every slot I’m going to play one honorable mention so that you get the idea of how difficult this was. I’m also including artist commentary to give us even more insight. So let’s get into it…
Coming in at #10, it is a group that over a four-year period from 1980-1983, had as many top 5 hits as any act in the history of music... including the Beatles who inspired them to become a group in the first place. It’s Air Supply with Making Love out of Nothing at All. Air Supply had an amazing 8 top 5 hits in a 3-and-a-half-year period... including Lost in Love, All Out of Love, the #1 hit The One the You Love, and this Jim Steinman creation that should’ve been #1.
Speaking of Jim Steinman... The late maestro actually had the #1 and #2 hit at the same time. When Making Love was kept out the #1 spot, it was by another track he wrote and produced: Total Eclipse of the Heart, sung by Bonnie Tyler.
Making Love Out of Nothing at All peaked at #2 on October 8, 1983, and stayed there for 3 weeks. Here’s what Air Supply co-leads Graham Russel and Russel Hitchcock told me about this period of their success:
Alright, so for my first honorable mention, I’m going with Journey’s own Open Arms. It’s hard to believe, but this is the closest that Journey ever got to #1. I know right? It doesn’t make sense to me either. Apparently, Steve Perry was the only one who liked the song. Neal Schon hated it, and Jonathan Cain who wrote it, was second-guessing himself. I really didn’t like this song either. For most of my life actually. But I have to admit, I had a change of heart when I heard it on Cobra Kai. This third single from Escape was the band's highest charting single and launched the album’s sales into the stratosphere.
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest #2 hit of all time?
Definitely Love Song by the Cure. You nailed it!
Baker Street ~ Gerry Rafferty
"Eleanor Rigby"/“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles.
#2 on US Billboard Hot 💯.
Waiting for a Girl Like You. It was huge in 1981. "Physical" kept it out? Ugh!
Hurt So Good by John Mellencamp. He has said in interviews he was convinced it was a #1 tune, but the song he almost didn’t record, Jack & Diane, got him his first #1.
It is so hard to believe that journey never hit number one , wow !
I know, right? I was absolutely gutted when I found out that they couldn’t make it to the top.
I could not believe that either. That was shocking.
My oldest son when he was young would swear Steve Perry was female.
Right?!
@@carolharris2357 I can see why!
As a child of the 80s, we really did have the best era of music.
I was born in 1960, so each new decade has been a new decade of my life. The 80s were the decade of my 20s. College, grad school, starting a career, buying a home. That was a happy time for me, and what a marvelous soundtrack!
This has been a sore spot for me since HS. How Foreigner's "Waiting For A Girl Like You" were locked out of the #1 and Journey's "Open Arms" as well! Can't forget "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House and Johnny Hates Jazz "Shattered Dreams". Talk about poetic!
Man, all these great songs! Can’t believe “Waiting” didn’t go to #1!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 This was a great episode. "Shattered Dreams" came to mind when Professor mentioned "Hands To Heaven". There were a number of duo and trios, many from Britain who produced one outstanding album and then fell short on the follow-up or were never heard from again.
Don't Dream It's Over is the one that always gets me, especially as it only reached #27 in the UK.
I didn't know Shattered Dreams was a hit in the US. I've been thinking of mentioning them to Adam, to see if he'll cover that song.
@@Elwaves2925 I hope he does. That CD is timeless. I still play it regularly. Similarly bands like Waterfront, Love and Money and the Kane Gang.
@@seanswinton6242 It’s super sad! Johnny Hates Jazz should have been bigger than they were in the US.
More proof that the “charts” did not matter in the 80s. All the music was so, so good.
The 80s: _Lived ‘em. Loved ‘em. Miss ‘em._
I think the cool thing about 80s music is that the scene was too crowded for all these great songs to get the number 1 spotlight.
Facts
Including Crowded House 🤔
Truth.
You nailed it 👍🏻🎸🕺
And now it’s just filled with crap😂
What a great idea! Tons & tons of songs to choose from. My biggest memory was when Foreigner had 9 weeks at #2 under their belt with 'Waiting For A Girl Like You." The next week, "Physical" dropped to 3 or 4. I thought it was FINALLY Foreigner's turn. Then when Casey Kasem was getting ready to announce #2, I heard the Foreigner keyboard chord in the background, giving them their 10th week at #2. I was a shocked 10 y/o top 40 fan!!! 😯 Hall & Oates jumped over them!
Amazing thing is Foreigner kept this record until 2002! That’s twenty whole years!
Waiting for a girl like you is the best #2 song ever.
Hall & Oates said “No Can Do” to Foreigner
Dude, I was right there with you! I was far more a rock fan, but I loved following American top 40 by Casey Kasem, and was always annoyed when great songs were beaten by mediocre crap. But... that's the way it goes.
That Crowded House self titled album is fire start to finish. I just love it.
The eighties were fantastic! The music was absolutely mind blowing. All of these song are just out of this world good. From listening while working, relaxing, cleaning the house or cruising. They are all fantastic. Thanks Professor.
❤️💜💚
It’s amazing to see so many classic songs in the charts and on the radio at the same time. I’m a Gen Xer and I may not always like my age, but I am so grateful for being my age and growing up during the 1980s. We are the last generation before technology took over the world. We had icons, true icons, making some of the best music. We had MTV when it meant something. And we had songs that were so great they were kept out of being #1 by even greater songs.
I’m a Gen Xer as well. Love my age man. Close to retirement, experienced the greatest decade ever in the 80’s, actually did things outdoors. No phones, no social media, no worries.
I can’t imagine growing up in this era lol.
Sowing In The Seeds of Love, absolute masterpiece!
To quote Bill Lumberg from Office Space: “Yeeeah, I’m gonna have to disagree with you on that one”.
Absolute!!!
Pure Magic. It was as if the Beatles had regrouped for one more track...,,
Springsteen was my hands down all time favorite artist for many years. You can absolutely do deep dives into any and all of Bruce's albums!
I always appreciate your love and respect for The Cure , my favorite band of all times, they deserve to be mentioned in every 80s topic
You did it again! These songs could've/should've been number ones! Most of them are still playing on classic rock stations today. If they're not, I'm sure the DJ would dig it up and play it on request. The '80's definitely had the best music! Whether it's pop, rock, glam rock, whatever, it was the decade not to be forgotten!
The 80s was a great decade to be a teen. Love these songs. Love all these songs.
Teen? Alive i wasn't teen until 88 but I was a early bloomer when it came to music. Being 5 in 1980 music just hit me so hard from country to metal. It was the last decade to still be innocent in America. I like the grunge era but it changed too much in America
I totally agree with this list. Im surprised you had Hands to Heaven by Breathe, 99 Luftballons by Nena, Purple Rain by Prince, Rosanna by Toto, Dont Dream Its Over by Crowded House, and Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears Although Im a certified Durannie, the early 80s were just an amazing time to be alive, with so many great singers and bands.
I’m a really young Duranie and I love the 80s!
I agree with you 100%! Especially that POF talked about Nena and Air Supply; those were two that I was certain would be ignored.
Hands to Heaven is probably the best "most forgotten" song of the '80's!
Hehe yeah well said.
What amazes me with this list, and by the way I agree with every song on this list, is just how different each song is from each other. It just shows you how amazing music was in the eighties. I am so thankful that I grew up in the decade.
You lit me up when you mentioned Breathe. I discovered a radio promotional copy of All That Jazz in a discount bin at an indie record shop. I played Hands to Heaven for my wife, about a month before they hit the charts. I knew it was going to be huge. Still love this band. Yes, please do an interview! Great songs stand the test of time.
They’re such a cool group!
I agree Michael! This is an interview I want to hear....
Unfourtunately it seems like an interview will be unlikely, but Breathe was a seriously underrated band with some amazing songs, and both of their albums are fanatstic
I found a CD copy of All That Jazz a couple years ago. Turned out to be a great thrift store find. I knew three of the songs already. The rest of the album turned out to be pretty good. Key Song- Don’t Tell Me Lies ( extended version)
@@MillerGenuineDraft1980 Don't tell me lies is definitely their best track.
Ok..OK... The Professor LOVES a LOT of songs and artists.
But...
Wouldn't it be interesting to hear his BOTTOM 10???? Songs he doesn't understand why it was popular... Yup. I think MANY would find it fascinating....
Well, he does always do that anyway, but in a round-about, subtle way, always focusing on the songs that should have been hits, or are hits in our hearts.
@@TaskerStreete I'm like that with a number of the songs on his list. Especially as he nears the top of his 10. I'm like... yeah that song sucked. You liked that?
.. perhaps he’s smart enough to know not to say anything negative in the press .. badmouthing loses listeners .. sit on the air at all sayin musician A sucks then fans of musician A say what? I liked this guy till he said bad stuff about musician A ..
A spotlight on songs that were great but never became anywhere near being huts, would be great to hear.
Neil Finn is one of the greatest living New Zealanders a true national treasure we are very proud of down here
A truly nice man too. I've been a fan so long he remembers me when he sees me 🙂
That’s why we’ve claimed him in Australia.
@@tonyclayton6975 we don't mind sharing
6:19 "Breathe Hands to Heaven" been waiting to hear you say those words for a long time. I really hope you get that interview someday. I suspect I'm not the only one here who does. :)
I hope there is an interview too, however it seems unlikely (as of now)
Literally (yes, mean it) every song you chose gave me goose bumps.
80's music is a hill I am willing to die on to defend!
Hey Professor, since you asked for it, here are my picks for the top #2 hits of the 1980s -- some which were on your list:
1. "Waiting For A Girl Like You" -- Foreigner (#2 for 10 weeks 1981-1982)
2. "Open Arms" -- Journey (#2 for 6 weeks in 1982 -- behind "Centerfold" and "I Love Rock And Roll" each for 3 weeks)
3. "Rosanna" -- Toto (#2 for 5 weeks in 1982)
4. "More Than I Can Say" -- Leo Sayer (#2 for 5 weeks in 1980)
5. "Electric Avenue" -- Eddy Grant (#2 for 5 weeks in 1983)
6. "Hurts So Good" -- John Cougar (#2 for 4 weeks in 1982 -- behind "Eye Of The Tiger")
7. "Shame On The Moon" -- Bob Seger (#2 for 4 weeks in 1983 -- behind "Billie Jean")
8. "All Out Of Love" -- Air Supply (#2 for 4 weeks in 1980 -- behind "Upside Down" and "Another One Bites The Dust").
9. "Ride Like The Wind" -- Christopher Cross (#2 for 4 weeks in 1980)
10. "Don't Talk To Strangers" -- Rick Springfield (#2 for 4 weeks in 1982 -- behind "Ebony And Ivory")
Of course, I have a list of honorable mentions as well. These include "Gloria" by Laura Branigan (#2 for 3 weeks in 1982), "Say It Isn't So" by Hall & Oates (#2 for 4 weeks in 1983 -- behind "Say Say Say"), "Cherish" by Kool & the Gang (#2 for 3 weeks in 1985), and "Friends And Lovers" by Carl Anderson and Gloria Loring (#2 for 2 weeks in 1986).
To your credit, Professor, your list covers the entire 80's better than my list does. Great content, Professor! ☺
Actually 2 Cherishes peaked @ #2!
Madonna’s & Kool & The Gangs!
great trivia question
This is the one I couldn't believe. I just saw Air Supply in January of this year and I don't understand how they only had one number one song. What a shock. Great song writing duo and Russell has an amazing voice.
I loved this so very much. This brings back so many memories of my teen years in the 80's. I love all the great artists and songs shown here. This is the incredible soundtrack to our generation. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.
I fell in love with Sewing the Seeds of Love as soon as I heard it great song
As soon as I finished watching the video on MTV, I was in love with it.
1984. What a year!! The best of my teenage years. I was living in Uruguay. Because I was an American, all of my friends wanted me to translate the lyrics to these songs.
The first time I heard Journey's "Open Arms" was in of all places....while watching the movie "Heavy Metal". The movie was released less than 2 weeks after Journey released the album, and "Open Arms" wasn't released as a single for another 5 months.
“Of all places??”
Isn’t that where EVERYONE first heard that song??
Hands to Heaven is such an awesome song, also love "How can I fall?" from them
And Don’t tell me lies
Say a prayer was my favourite
very underrated band..also have Don’t Tell Me Lies on my playlist!
I have NO IDEA how you do it!!!!?? So many details, backstories, and music clips!!! The editing is amazing and must be pain staking!! You do Casey Kasem great honor! Thank you!!
How was Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue" not even mentioned? That is the greatest #2 song of all time.
And also, We Got The Beat by The Gos Gos peaked at #2 as well
Because "Electric Avenue" stinks. 🤧.....compared to all the rest.
Had to go listen to it because you mentioned it 😅
That's my all time favorite 1chord song!
I’m a Springsteen fan, and I’m always up for a deep-dive.
In fact “Dancing in the Dark” became a very personal track for me about 15 years ago. I had been through a series of failed relationships and was working part-time, trying to find some success as an author, and I met a girl who… for reasons I won’t get into, I had no business being involved with. We were both broken and feeling alone in different ways, and we shared, for a little while, a spark that I think set us both on a path to healing.
We talked a lot about music, and we had a playlist of songs that were about us.
Anyway, I’d known this song since I was a kid but it took on a new life when I realized it was exactly about what I was feeling when I met her.
“Hey baby, I’m just about starving tonight, I’m dying for some action, I’m sick of sitting around here trying to write this book, I need a love reaction, come on gimme gimme just one look”
I own all of one Springsteen album. The Seeger Sessions.
Though like many people my age, I did (still do) enjoy his more popular tracks when I hear them on the radio.
Sean gates, I wouldn't admit that I was a bruce Springsteen fan.......
@@amandabooth7399 okay? Well obviously I would.
I feel crazy. Just by memory alone, I was 100% sure that Open Arms was number one song for like 10 weeks in 1981 or 1982. Like... POSITIVE. How could this have been only a #2?
Mutt Lange made everything he produced sound incredible!
He’s awesome!
Never understood why he divorced Shania.
When you produce artists from AC/DC & Def Leppard to Shania Twain, and those albums blow up, yeah, you're pretty freaking good at what you do!
@@freedomrider266 Exactly.
Must have been how he always replaced the drummer with synth pop keyboard drums. A one trick pony, indeed. Oh, well Bob Ezrin had his child choirs, too.
Hands to Heaven, by Breathe, holds some bittersweet memories for me. In the Autumn of 1987 I had moved to University, from my home town in Scotland, to the south of England. Me, and my then longtime girlfriend, had tried to keep a long distance relationship, but, by the end of my first year, in the summer of 1988, we knew it wasn't, and wouldn't, work. It was to that summer soundtrack, including Hands to Heaven, we excepted our fate, and broke up. In time the heartbreak and sadness ended, but, when I hear that song, I'm back in that summer of 1988, and feel that wee twinge again.
Air Supply just never gets much love when it comes to 80s lists. They were amazing and put out so many beautiful songs 🤩
Been waiting on a video covering 'Hands to Heaven'. Such a big song from my memory of growing up in the 80s
I don’t often hear it when I’m out and about. It’s so underrated.
Great album, their follow-up was great as well. A shame they didn't last.
I thought I was the only one.
Wow, I don't think you've ever used such hard language (as I saw in the former title) in your videos themselves. You're definitely passionate about music - this much is obvious to one who's watched you as long as I have.
It's REALLY great to see your work, always! We appreciate you, Adam; take care!
When an 80s classic does not get the justice it deserves, then it is total bull🤬 indeed!
Open Arms...OHHH....I wish I could relive the moments at my high school dances to that song. Puts it at #1 for me. Lol
Classic prom song!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I commented too quickly. He brought up Foreigner just as i posted. That was also big at the dances.
@@johnbarney5787 Another great song for a prom!
You’ve played some of my favorite bands and songs...Def Leppard, Hall and Oats, Tears For Fears, Crowded House, Air Supply,Rolling Stones,Journey, Foreigner...just where in heck is 38 Special...one of my Favorite bands, EVER!!!
“Ride Like The Wind” also has an incredible guitar outro played by none other than Christopher Cross himself! It just gets a bit lost in the mix, but you should listen close to it.
Finally Breathe get some good thoughts. I remember watching the charts on that one and watching each week for it to hit number 1 and watching it never reach that peak... so dissapointing. Would love to do a deep dive into them
Would love to see Adam cover “Hands to Heaven” and “How Can I Fall”.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Well hello again. I love that album too. The three top 10s from it were awesome, and I especially loved Liberties of Love (track 7 as I recall).
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 and Don’t Tell me Lies
@@bobbo0616 Adam needs to cover this whole album All That Jazz!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 he seems to like them too so I say yes to a deep dive
What about Madonna? She had 4 #2 singles; her signature song Material Girl, Causing A Commotion, Express Yourself, Cherish! She’s the queen of #2 songs in the 80’s
Growing up in the 80’s so many memories here seems that generation of music is just SO MUCH BETTER than anything else
Always liked Christopher Cross - still have his first release on vinyl. Little fun factoid, he was warm up band for Fleetwood Mac during part of their original Tusk tour. That was one great concert in the New Mexico State Univ. arena.
This may have been my absolute favorite PoF episode ever (at worst, it's in my top 3).
SO many goosebumps and heart palpitations! Thank you Adam! ❤️
Lovesong, is such a lasting song. There are so many covers of it for a reason. It's so good.
"Rosanna" gave Toto the Song of the Year at the Grammy's, at least they got that right!
Well deserved! I love this song so, so much. And even though everything about it is excellent, my absolute favorite part is how it ends. After they sing that final chorus, they lurch into bluesy piano jazz with some guitar shredding, and it’s just ear candy for me every single time. It’s perfect. It’s pure freaking genius.
Officially it won Record of the Year (for the overall song). Song of the Year went to the writers of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”. I know, it sounds ass backwards.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 tell me that piano ending didn’t remind you of a Peanuts cartoon. Both Rosanna and Africa were a solid 1-2 punch
I love these shows because as an 80s kid and back in the days when you had Casey Kasem, MTV top ten and for me being a Canadian I had muchmusic and the fun part of these countdowns was you were always rooting for your favorite song to be the number one or at least in the top 3 so it's shows like these that bring back such memories for me
Much music was cool.. Believe me, I used to root for my faves as well!
@@ProfessorofRock I didn't just root for them, I kept notebooks and wrote them all down with little up and down arrows on whether or not they were moving up or down the charts. Casey Kasem's voice totally reminds me of my childhood weekends.
@@vaskylark I remember writing lists of Casey Kasem's Top 40 in the late 60s and early 70s. I should have saved them!
Air Supply made such classics back in the day, love them.
Yea, slow dancing at the roller rink to "All out of Love"
Love Song by The Cure is a great one. Rick Springfield had a great #2 song with Don't Talk To Strangers.
Don’t Dream it’s Over…. One of my favorites of all time
Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You”, and Tina Turner’s “We Don’t Need Another Hero” should definitely have gone to #1. “Sowing the Seeds of Love” and “Woman” probably should have gone to #1 also.
Agree!
Lived the 80's in my twenties. Waiting for a girl like you was the worst song of the 80's. Super slow, super boring.
@@OttoByOgraffey Clearly, you’re in the minority with that belief…considering it went to #2 on the charts.
Tina Turner's other song she put out in 1985, One of the Living, should have also been just as big a hit as We Don't Need Another Hero, but both are good and marvelous songs regardless.
I'm crying missing the 80s.
Crowded House (Split Enz & Finn Brothers) are criminally underrated IMHO
The Finns rule!
Heck yeah----they had that one great hit Don't Dream It's Over on the charts in the U.S., but the three albums they made after that didn't have any more major hits--in the U.S., that is--and got completely ignored afterwards. They had a marvelous song off their 1993 album called Distant Sun that should have been a hit in the U.S., but was a hit in other countries. The group itself for back together recently, and even put out a new album, so that's cool to hear.
@@alondathomas293 Locked Out was also good. Crowded House and Split Enz had a lot of Great Songs.
It is rather surprising how many comments there are in support of Breathe..... and I like all the rest thought I was the only one..... GREAT group.
Fun fact: Nenas "99 Luftballons" only stayed on #1 in Germany for 1 week xD
I'd love you to make a video of underrated songs by the band A-ha.
Show us watchers what we are missing on.
The sun always shines…on TV! 📺
wasn't Take On Me the video of the yr in '85 ?
@@daveyboy_ Take on Me is pretty much the only song anybody younger than 20 knows today cause of the meme status.
What about songs like:
- This Alone Is Love (1988, Stay on these Roads)
- Little Black Heart (2000, Minor Earth Major Sky)
- We're Looking for the Whales (1986, Scoundrel Days)
- The Weight of the Wind (1986, Scoundrel Days)
- Sycamore Leaves (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon)
- You'll End Up Crying (1988, Stay on these Roads)
- Out Of The Blue Comes Green (1988, Stay on these Roads)
- And You Tell Me (1985, Hunting High and Low)
- Slender Frame (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon)
- I Call Your Name (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon)
- Rolling Thunder (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon)
- Soft Rains of April (1986, Scoundrel Days)
Those are some rarely listened to song. I bet many haven't even heard of at least 5 of these songs.
'High and Low' and 'The Sun Always Shines on TV' were great from the first album- the first cassette tape I ever owned. The unplugged versions of 'Take On Me' and 'The Sun...' are on YT and pretty incredible. Morten sounds as good as ever.
Prof, I really love this one. 🥰 I turned 16 right around the time these songs were peaking on the charts. Sure, I would've put Def Leppard, Prince, and Tina Turner higher in the list, but I can't fault the ones you chose. Can't wait for the next one! Oh, and thanks for mentioning Air Supply; they are often overlooked as being too emotional, but that's part of what made them so wonderful to hear.
I've played Sowing The Seeds of Love & Waiting For A Girl Like You a zillion times, and that Cure song is now a classic!
I'm only disappointed you don't have one of the most famous, most played songs of the rock and roll era as at least an honorable mention that was kept out of the top spot by the amazing JUMP by Van Halen! That #2 that was a song originally written from a male's perspective, but was turned into legendary pop gold in the reworked, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", by Cyndi Lauper! To hear the original, and then hear her version of it - just wow. She has such a gift for vocal riffs and sounds.
It's no wonder that when Paula Abdul had to turn down singing the duet version of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town alongside Frank Sinatra's old track, because she couldn't get the pitch right, that Cyndi came in to the studio and did it in one take! Cyndi's "Girls" has inspired many artists, and it's been covered a lot.
I had All That Jazz by Breathe on cassette! Thanks for mentioning them.
so did I…great sound and lyrics!
I always loved Foreigner, Waiting for a girl like you. Best song they ever made!
Waiting For a Girl Like You being held out of No. 1 by Physical is nothing short of criminal.
It’s a masterwork.
Much agreed. The most overrated number 1 of the 80’s in my opinion.
I was a DJ in a strip club for a while and I can't hear "Pour Some Sugar On Me" without saying "Coming up next to the main stage is Cinnamon! If you like the scenery, break out the greenery. These ladies love your applause but they can't pay rent with it, so please tip generously!"
What? It's unbelievable that Journey has never scored a number 1 hit... In my head they have at least five! For my money, "Who's Cryin' Now" (got to #4) > "Open Arms"
Isn’t it crazy as hell? When I was a younger kid checking out the history of the pop charts for the first time, I was like, “Okay, Journey better have gone to #1 at least some point in time.” When I found out they didn’t, boy was I surprised.
They have had nineteen Top 40 singles in the U.S. (the second most without a Billboard Hot 100 number one single behind Electric Light Orchestra with 20)
I thought they at least had 1 or 2.
Love, love, love the SCTV shout out for Ride Like The Wind. One of my favorite comedy moments from one of my favorite comedy shows involving one of my all time favorite songs. Perfection.
Can't argue with any of these...I'd add "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" by Elton John. It peaked at #2 in August 1988, though it did hit #1 on the AC chart.
Good one! You can’t go wrong with Elton!
Although born in '80, I was raised on 50s and 60s music, so I didn't get into too much 80s music until I was in my late teens. Every time I so much as hear the Cure's name, it takes me straight to the Wedding Singer's scene when Adam Sandler plays his song for "Julia"
Can't believe "Waiting For A Girl Like You" got shut out of the # 1 spot-Lou Gramm has an extaordinary voice!
That song reminds me of Saturday night at the roller rink haha
He is long overdue for the Rock Hall!
It sounded like he was crying through the whole song. It stunk. The song stunk.
Kind of crazy that "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson is not heard much, but the songs it kept out of the top spot are both classics. This makes you wonder if the record companies might have had their finger on the scale.
I dont know if these were #2 singles in the 80's or not, but worth a mention... "Sweet Dreams (Are made of this), " by The Eurhythmics, and " Sunglasses at night" by Cory Hart... are exactly the same song musically and by beat, just different words and artists, or, am I hearing things??? haha 😆
“Sweet Dreams” was actually #1! It’s a perfect song. And it really does sound like “Sunglasses”.
Wow, now that you mentioned it... 😮
This is the best segment you've ever done, professor. And I've liked every video of yours I've watched.
I can’t believe how many of my favourite songs were on your list and that none made it to number 1. I always thought 1987 was my favourite year in music but you have me questioning this now Prof. Cracking episode!
Daryl Hall & John Oates actually sent up the "bookends" to Olivia Newton-John's ten week run at the top with "Physical". As you already mentioned, that run was ended by "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)". However, that run was preceded by "Private Eyes". 🙂
It's sad you missed out on Vienna, the first song I always think of as a #2 of the eighties...
But where did it chart in the US? Quick search doesn't give any US details. It was a crime not to have been a British number one!
It should have been given more recognition here in America, but it unfortunately never charted.
Excellent timing mentioning Tears for Fears, just seen them last night in Jersey and they were epic! Played the new songs off their album and was a very eclectic mix as well as the classics including "Sowing the Seeds of Love" they rocked the house!
I have a few favorite songs that didn't reach#1. All I need is a Miracle by Mike and the Mechanics peaked at #5.
Two albums mentioned in this countdown I really like: Christopher Cross debut album and Crowded House. I like the artwork on the cover of the Crowded House record. You could do a countdown on favorite album covers. I think this would be a fun poll.
“All I Need is a Miracle” is a great song. There’s a math teacher at my school who is a big fan of that song because it was one of the most popular songs when she was born.
Favorite album covers countdown would be great!
Brilliant idea! So many great album covers especially in the 70's!
@@williambenner5550 😊❤
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 😊❤ It sounds like you have some cool teachers. One of the favorite albums covers in my collection is Sargent Pepper by the Beatles. A fun game is how many famous people can you identify?
@@catherine6653 Some of my faves would probably be Dark Side of the Moon or Purple Rain.
I do go to a school with cool teachers! Some of them were born when these songs that Adam mentioned were #2! I love talking to a lot of the teachers at my school about what life was like in the 80s and what their favorite songs were as children. It’s such a joy for me to do!
"Sowing the Seeds of Love" was just incredible when I saw them two weeks ago in Tampa. A more spiritual experience than when I bought the album new when I was 13. Fantastic that it was included so highly on this list.
I saw them about a month ago. Amazing!! I knew that I was going to enjoy the show but I was completely blown away. 💜
love that you included Lennon's 'Woman'! Would love to see a video on his song 'Nobody Told Me'! Such a great one :)
One of my favorite Lennon songs!
I also love “Watching The Wheels” as well.
Strange days indeed
Most peculiar, mama
greatest channel on youtube man i love it - so many good points made in this one. turned 21 in 1989, so I really lived the 80's from age 12-21
It has been amazing how many of these didn't make it to #1, until you hear the songs that locked them out then it makes a lot more sense. Some GREAT music...love going back to my teen years with you. Thanks! ☺️🎶
Sometimes finishing #2 is merely just a number. Look at Adam Lambert... He finished #2 one year when American Idol was interesting. Not many remember who won it all that year...
I wonder what happened to Kris Allen? Do people listen to his music nowadays? Have they taken it to high places on the Hot 100?
Jennifer Hudson didn't even make it to the top four in the year she was on, and look at her now. She just became an EGOT.
Chris Daughtry finished #4 and yet he went on to have the #1 overall album of 2007.
@@bobbo0616 I was rooting for Daughtry all the way back then for sure..
Good lord, every time I hear "Pour Some Sugar on Me" I'm swept right back to Plymouth Elementary School in Taylorsville, Utah. My sisters would have been across the school's playground at Taylorsville High, or right down Redwood Rd. at Eisenhower Jr. High, and I LOVED their taste in music. This channel is such a wild flashback to those days, listening to Casey Kasem every Saturday while we did housework at the home I grew up in in T-Ville.
Such a trip . . .
Wow! Sowing the Seeds of Love! Great inclusion in this list. That song is amazing. I listened to that cassette everyday (on my walkman and headphones) that summer while changing sprinklers in the alfalfa fields in smaller town BC! This song and Woman in Chains were the 2 I liked the best on that album. Listening to Tears for Fears meant I couldn't hear the 1000s of mosquitoes swarming me, made it bearable! Thanks for the great memories.
"Sowing the Seeds of Love" by Tears for Fears is by far the best song you mentioned. By the time grunge (actual rock) took over in the nineties, I realized most of what I liked (settled for) in the 80s sucked. Couldn't remember how or why I liked any of it beyond the fact it was something different from hearing 70s (classic rock) over and over again.
I’m seriously contemplating starting a roller rink based 100% in the 80s. A walk back in time.
You have my vote, Professor, to do a Deep Dive on Dancing In The Dark! 😊
Introduced me to Courteney Cox!!!
As someone who was a teen in the 80s, I can honestly say this list is a full of number 2 with the exception of start me up.
Def Leppard peaking on my birthday is awesome! One of my top 5 bands.
I must admit I've NEVER heard of that Cure song. "Sowing the Seeds of Love" beats both it and the thoroughly mediocre "Miss you Much",
Are you kidding me? You’ve been living for years and have never even heard this masterpiece of pop music until JUST NOW? It’s an amazing song.
The video for Tears for Fears' "Sowing the Seeds of Love" is one of my favorite ones of all time. What a visual trip that is!
Was so glad to see you include Toto's "Roseanna" on this list. One of my all time favorite songs! I got to see them live a few months back on my birthday and Luke plays that guitar solo just as well now as he did in the 80s! Such a travesty it never reached the #1 spot. Thanks for your content - always enjoy it!
Whisper to a Scream came to mind while watching this episode. Maybe I'll catch an interview you do on this song one day.
For The Cure , just being in the top 10 of the 🇺🇸 charts was amazing.
It would have been cooler if they were #1.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Fascination Street made it to #1 on the billboard modern rock charts and stayed there for 7 weeks.
@@zoeherriot I’m happy to hear that! Great song!
Wow, I didn't know Journey didn't make #1 ever! I love a lot of their songs, not the most played though.
Brother I graduated High School in 1984 and I believe with all the diversity in music from 1978-1987 is just amazing, I listened to it all maybe not Country (Hawaii ya know?) but even Hawaiian music at the time was amazing C&K and Kalapana were huge in Hawaii!
This isn't the 80s decade, but the ultimate example of "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" has to be Creedence Clearwater Revival, who in 1969 and 1970 had a remarkable five #2 hits without ever hitting #1. During this period, they had two other songs reach #3 and #4, but again no #1. Imagine that... in a two-year span, it was close but no cigar so many times.
A couple of those songs I had never honestly heard, as I recall. On many of the others, however, I couldn't believe they didn't make number one! Great videos! 😉
Dancing in the Dark definitely worthy of a deep dive. In Australia I remember this song never got above #6 but was on the charts for such a long time that it was comfortably the biggest song of the year due to its longevity.
This list is fantastic! The 1980s were truly a magical time for the music industry. You uncovered some real gems here; Hands to Heaven is one I'd completely forgotten about and I remember when Waiting for a Girl Like You got shut out from the number 1 spot.