1980–1989 · Playlist
The eighties in song — synths, power ballads, and second acts.
The eighties gave our artists new sounds and new comebacks: Hall & Oates ruling the charts, Chicago reborn as balladeers, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle finding fresh grooves. Each link opens the full behind-the-song story.
1980–1982: The new decade opens
America — Neil Diamond1980 · Behind the SongsLove on the Rocks — Neil Diamond1980 · Behind the SongsWoman in Love — Barbra Streisand1980 · Behind the SongsKiss on My List — Hall & Oates1980 · Behind the SongsLady — Kenny Rogers1980 · Behind the SongsCrying — Don McLean1980 · Behind the SongsMagic — Olivia Newton-John1980 · Behind the SongsPrivate Eyes — Hall & Oates1981 · Behind the SongsPhysical — Olivia Newton-John1981 · Behind the SongsBeing with You — Smokey Robinson1981 · Behind the SongsHold Me — Fleetwood Mac1982 · Behind the SongsHard to Say I’m Sorry — Chicago1982 · Behind the SongsManeater — Hall & Oates1982 · Behind the SongsTell Me Tomorrow — Smokey Robinson1982 · Behind the Songs
1983–1985: The mid-eighties peak
If Only You Knew — Patti LaBelle1983 · Behind the SongsYou’re the Inspiration — Chicago1984 · Behind the SongsNew Attitude — Patti LaBelle1984 · Behind the SongsStir It Up — Patti LaBelle1984 · Behind the Songs