According to the 1988 Billboard charts and KROQ playlist, this marked the beginning of my musical preferences veering away from the mainstream or popular. My favorite songs from 1988, not charting, were either B sides or 12” records Rex and others introduced me to. I will select three songs/records that I am somewhat less excited about this year.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1988
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need_You_Tonight
I loved INXS and watched the boys become superstars as expeditiously as possible. After Shabooh Shoobah most of the their singles were on the poppy side and I never purchased another record. I give Need You Tonight a generous 4/5 including the cool music video.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hazy_Shade_of_Winter
This selection represents the soon to be, fleeting 80s era. This song by The Bangles is a 60s cover. The 80s was a decade that recycled 60s music on the side. This song also represents the end of my adolescence. I’ll give it a noteworthy 3.5/5 stars.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Have_I_Done_to_Deserve_This%3F_(song)
I didn’t love What Have I Done to Deserve This initially but I was informed it is cult classic. It is a cut and I will give it a well-deserved 4/5 stars.