ratethisrecord.net

Author: 53206survivor@gmail.com

1984

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_number-one_dance_singles_of_1984

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hot_Black_Singles_number_ones_of_1984

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1984

In 1984, as I approach the age of 15, Prince embarks on his decade-long reign over the pop, black, and dance charts simultaneously. Interestingly, the realm of R&B and black music seems to have lost some of its funk, with George Clinton now underground. The Hot 100 seems to have cooled compared to the previous year. It will be interesting to observe if this trend persists into the following year, especially considering that 1985 is anticipated to be a remarkably prolific year in the music industry. I intend to shed light on another genre that was prominent in 1985, one that may not necessarily be reflected in the billboard hits.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Horse_(Laid_Back_song)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reflex

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infatuation_(Rod_Stewart_song)

March 27, 2025
1983

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1983

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Black_Singles_number_ones_of_1983

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_number-one_dance_singles_of_1983

I will focus on the charts from the 1980s, as other songs and records from 1983 have crossed my mind despite not making it to the charts. It is important to note that the selection of songs I am posting here represents only a fraction of the grandiose amounts of music that deeply affected my life.

In 1983, the music charts began to exhibit a noticeable shift towards a more mainstream pop sound, predominantly catering to a white audience. However, my personal taste leaned more towards the new wave and dance genres. Some dance tracks did receive airplay and mainstream success. This trend really picks up when Madonna shows up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobody%27s_Diary

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascination!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Is_There_Something_I_Should_Know%3F

March 24, 2025
Alternative Rock/Kate Bush

Between 1982-1983 a lot is happening with me as I become more independent and competent. I am using the classified ads to find my first band mates. I am in possession of the best music equipment made for show biz.

My taste in music is changing. I’m transitioning from a fan of new wave music into a fan of alternative rock. I fell in love with the song “Sat in Your Lap” the first time I heard it on KJET. Kate Bush would eventually become my favorite recording artist of all time.

This is also around the time I stopped listening to funk music from the 70s. Cameo was my favorite band just one year ago. By 1983, the white suburbs will start influencing my aesthetic preferences.

March 23, 2025
Family Support

In 1982, my father, Willie, openly embraced and encouraged my musical pursuits as I embarked on my journey as an aspiring guitarist. I would like to take this moment to express my deep gratitude to both of my parents for nurturing my passion for music during my formative years. I am truly thankful for the unwavering support and guidance I received from my family and the mentors who inspired me to pursue a career in music. While many of these influential figures are no longer with us, their words and actions continue to resonate within me, serving as a constant reminder of their impact on my musical journey.

March 23, 2025
1982

I smell something good, just around the corner.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_number-one_dance_singles_of_1982

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Black_Singles_number_ones_of_1982

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-En d_Hot_100_singles_of_1982

In 1982 the Top 40 charts were still amazing with a good variety of genres. New wave is very popular by now. Black music is not as popular as it was in the 70s. MTV and other music video shows are introducing music to all ages.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_It_Whip

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lips_Are_Sealed

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_(Olivia_Newton-John_song)

March 23, 2025
Setting the Stage (MTV)

In 1981, according to the music charts and memory, my mother’s taste (her name was Mossie) is still very much influencing my own. Soon, I will be listening to the radio and television away from mom’s ears. The baby bird is getting ready to leave the nest. I was nurtured and prepared to find my own food, aka good music.

March 23, 2025
1981

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1981

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hot_Soul_Singles_number_ones_of_1981

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_number-one_dance_singles_of_1981

The Top 40 or Hot 100 in this case, was outrageously fine in 1981. I think I will take three songs from that chart for 1981 year in review.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Davis_Eyes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Another_One_Bites_the_Dust

h ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stars_on_45_(song)

March 23, 2025
1980

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_number-one_dance_singles_of_1980

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hot_Soul_Singles_number_ones_of_1980

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1980

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off_the_Wall_(Michael_Jackson_song)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Give_Me_the_Night_(song)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_Still_Rock_and_Roll_to_Me

March 20, 2025
The Early 80s

When the 80’s began I was still too young to go to the record store alone, that would change in a few years. I started playing the guitar in 1981. I was still listening to black or soul music, pop or top 40 music and I was still loving dance music. Disco transforming into many new genres.

Are you old enough to remember when Americans recorded radio programs onto cassette with one machine? I became good at recording songs off the radio. A prerequisite for my home studio recording career which commenced in high school.

I’m choosing one symbol for the early 80’s. By the end of the decade the cassette tape was going out of business.

March 20, 2025
Leaving the 70s

I was born in 1969 so the 70’s was the decade that influenced me first. Did it influence me the most? My mother who I called “mama” bought records (45s) for me. This was NOT an inconvenience for her since she was a dance music lover and record collector. I followed her lead. A lot of my favorite records were hers first.

I was fully competent on the turn table in elementary school. I wanted to play the guitar when I was small. I had to wait just a little while longer to start guitar lessons.

I am posting less than 1% of the songs I grew up listening to and loved to life. I hope you find something you love too.

I am pretty sure the Grease Soundtrack was mine, not my mom’s. I played this album everyday for only God knows, how long.

March 18, 2025