A few weeks ago, I booked a Roanoke, Virginia area DJ gig for the Northside High School Class of ’86 and their 40-year reunion celebration event. Obviously, I will be playing many of the top singles from the year these folks graduated from high school in 1986.
With this latest edition of my music blog, I will be highlighting the popular hits of 1986 and counting down what I consider to be the best songs on Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) 40 years ago.
After I scheduled the Northside Class of ’86 reunion, I needed to brush up on the top 100 singles of 1986 according to trade publications Billboard and Cash Box. I also read up on the most popular MTV videos in ‘86 that the cable TV music channel aired.
At the beginning of 1986, I lived in Roanoke, Virginia and my own listenership of CHR radio had started to wane. Whenever I did listen to the hits from 40 years ago, the station I most often tuned in to was legendary K92 Roanoke (WXLK 92.3 FM).
K92 signed on the air on New Year’s Day in 1980. Throughout the entire 80s decade, this top 40/CHR outlet was the most listened to radio station in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.
One of the original K92 DJ’s in 1980 was Vince Miller Wilkes, whom I have known since we both worked for WROV Roanoke in the mid 70s. I asked Wilkes via Facebook Messenger to describe what it was like to work for the high powered, fast paced sound at K92 after coming over crosstown from the low powered WROV 1240 AM station.
Miller shared, “The first thing I remember, having come from a 1000 watt, 250 at night AM (WROV 1240), was how far the 93,000 watt FM signal got out. I went from talking to the Roanoke City limits to parts of five states. We could drive 75 miles to make a personal appearance, and be received as stars.”
Above: Night time DJ Vince “The Prince” Miller inside the main K92 studio sometime during 1980. Photo courtesy of Vince Miller Wilkes.
During the first few years after signing on the air, K92 played some local Roanoke hits in addition to all of the national top 40 hits. I spoke with another one of the 1980 original K92 DJs, David Lee Michaels, last month, and we talked about the music selection on his station during the early years.
Michaels credited former 70s WROV DJs Bucky Stover, Vince Miller Wilkes and Bart Prater that came over to K92 in the early 80s as all being influential with K92 playing popular Roanoke singles and album tracks.
Examples of popular regional hits played by K92 during 1980 were by the Robbin Thompson Band: “Sweet Virginia Breeze” as well as “Candy Apple Red” and “Brite Eyes.” K92 also regularly played the album track “South City Midnight Lady” by the Doobie Brothers, which was a favorite 70s Roanoke area track when Bart Prater worked at crosstown top 40 WROV 1240 AM.
By 1986, the music played on K92 closely followed the national hits from the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The “K-Crew” morning drive host that year was Larry Dowdy. The K92 DJ and I first met at WROV Roanoke in 1974 when we both worked for that Top 40 station. I recently had the opportunity to speak Dowdy about the musical direction and types of songs that he played 40 years ago.
In my conservation with Dowdy, he proclaimed “that the song selection on K92 was much tighter in 1986, with fewer current hits on the station’s hot rotation.” Dowdy also said that K92’s playlist tended to lean toward rock songs, synth-pop and dance-oriented singles. It was a transitional year for the CHR format.
Above photo: K92 Roanoke morning “K Crew” staff September 1984: Larry Dowdy, Mike Stevens and Bill Jordan inside K92 studio. Photo courtesy of Larry Dowdy.
For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the most significant CHR singles from 1986. The songs I feature were all national hits in the U.S.
As I survey the prominent hits from 40 years ago, this countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.
For my countdown with the best singles from 40 years ago, I used three 1986 year-end charts. Each of those surveys ranked their top 100 songs of ’86. Any song not listed by any of the 3 national charts was excluded for consideration on my countdown listing.
The 3 national year-end top 100 charts of 1986 used for the countdown are below:
- Billboard Hot 100 Singles
- Cash Box Top 100 Singles
- Billboard Mainstream Rock Singles
On Billboard’s Hot 100 Year-end top singles for 1986 listing, “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick & Friends was the #1 biggest song of ’86.
Cash Box rated “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood as the top single of 1986 while Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart placed “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)” by Mike + the Mechanics as the #1 single for ’86.
Before I start my countdown of top 1986 singles, I am sharing 10 excellent rock singles that reached #40 or higher on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart but were not major top 40 hits:
- I Still Believe—The Call
- Is It Love—Mr. Mister
- If She Knew What She Wants—The Bangles
- Wild Life—Talking Heads
- Mothers Talk—Tears for Fears
- All the Things She Saw—Simple Minds
- Tuff Enuff—The Fabulous Thunderbirds
- Don’t Get Me Wrong—The Pretenders
- All the King’s Horses—The Firm
- Strength—The Alarm
Next are 25 singles that I considered for the 1986 countdown but fell outside of my top 30 selections. These songs are not ranked and placed in a random order:
- You Can Call Me Al—Paul Simon
- My Hometown—Bruce Springsteen
- These Dreams—Heart
- Sara—Starship
- Sweet Love—Anita Baker
- You Give Love a Bad Name—Bon Jovi
- Walk of Life—Dire Straits
- Danger Zone—Kenny Loggins
- Small Town—John Mellencamp
- How Will I Know—Whitney Houston
- Why Can’t This Be Love—Van Halen
- No One is to Blame—Howard Jones
- Conga—Miami Sound Machine
- So Far Away—Dire Straits
- Land of Confusion—Genesis
- I’ll Be Over You—Toto
- Addicted to Love—Robert Palmer
- R.O.C.K. in the USA (A Salute to 60s Rock)—John Mellencamp
- Walk this Way—Run DMC featuring Aerosmith
- Take My Breath Away—Berlin
- A Matter of Trust—Billy Joel
- Coming Around Again—Carly Simon
- Walk Like an Egyptian—The Bangles
- Burning Love—Survivor
- Perfect Way—Scritti Politti
Without further ado, my 1986 best singles countdown begins:
30. Sledgehammer—Peter Gabriel
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Single of 1986 (MR)
English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel wrote this smash hit. Song categorized as a hybrid funk, rock and new wave dance tune. Video for “Sledgehammer” won 9 MTV Music Awards in 1987.
29. Mad About You—Belinda Carlisle
Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 36th Biggest Song of 1986
Debut solo single by American singer-songwriter Belinda Carlisle. She was the lead vocalist for 80’s band the Go-Go’s. The artist had 3 more top ten hits during 1987 and 1988.
28. All I Need is a Miracle—Mike + the Mechanics
Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 74th Biggest Songs of 1986
The first of 2 songs on the countdown by this British band. The group was named after bassist Mike Rutherford who also was simultaneously in the rock trio Genesis. Paul Young was lead vocalist on this song.
27. If You Leave—Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)
Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 53rd Biggest Songs of 1986
British electronic band OMD was formed in 1978. They recorded “If You Leave” for the soundtrack to the 1986 film “Pretty in Pink.” This hit is considered the signature song for OMD.
26. Your Wildest Dreams—The Moody Blues
Positions on Billboard Charts: #9 Hot 100, 91st Biggest Songs of 1986
The Moody Blues guitarist and lead singer Justin Hayward wrote about his “first love” on this surprise synth-pop single. It became the second biggest hit by the progressive rock band in the U.S.
25. Kiss—Prince
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 5th Biggest Songs of 1986 (C)
The guitar-accented funk riff Prince plays on this song is superb. Rolling Stone rated “Kiss” as the 85th best track on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2021. The late Minnesota artist won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals” on this hit.
24. Take Me Home Tonight—Eddie Money
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100, 59th Biggest Song of 1986
American singer-songwriter born in New York. Moved to California at age 18. Eddie Money had guest singer Ronnie Spector repeatedly singing the words, “Be My Baby” during the chorus on this power-pop single. It became the multi-instrumentalist’s biggest top 40 hit during his career.
23. Your Love—The Outfield
Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 62nd Biggest Single of 1986
The Outfield had commercial success with their 1985 “Play Deep” album and the single “Your Love.” True confusion: When I first heard the song played on K92 Roanoke in early 1986, I actually thought it was a single by the artist Sting instead of by this British band.
22. Hip to Be Square—Huey Lewis & the News
Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 49th Biggest Song of 1986
Huey Lewis was smoking hot during 1986 and 1987. His album “Fore” achieved two number 1 singles: “Stuck with You” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” And the toe-tapping “Hip to Be Square” peaked at #3. The tune features excellent saxophone playing by Tower of Power’s, Stephen “Doc” Kupka.
21. West End Girls—Pet Shop Boys
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 2nd Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
The British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys are Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, and they wrote the world-wide smash single “West End Girls.” The tune has a strong bass line and sensational synthesizer riffs. The video was a hot rotation clip on MTV 40 years ago.
20. Word Up—Cameo
Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 68th Biggest Song of 1986
Cameo lit up the dance floors across American in 1986 with this multi-formatted funk-rock hit. Actor LaVar Burton appears in the video for this song. “Word Up” won a Soul Train Music Award for “Best R&B Soul Single” and a “Best Dance Record” award with the British NME magazine.
19. The Next Time I Fall in Love—Peter Cetera & Amy Grant
Positions on Billboard & Cash Box Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 34th Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
Co-written by Bobby Caldwell and Paul Gordon. Peter Cetera left Chicago in 1985 and Amy Grant was a Contemporary Christian singer looking to crossover into secular music. It was a perfect paring of singers. “The Next Time I Fall” is listed on Billboard’s top 25 “Best Love Song Duets” of all time in 2020.
18. Manic Monday—The Bangles
Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 48th Biggest Song of 1986
Singer-songwriter and musician Prince penned this selection. Guitarist Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles provided lead vocals on this infectious pop track. The first major hit by the band lead to the group’s first #1 smash “Walk Like an Egyptian” during late December 1986.
17. Life in a Northern Town—The Dream Academy
Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 78th Biggest Song of 1986
The Dream Academy were billed as a British alternative pop trio. The song was co-written by band members Nick Laird-Clowes and Gilbert Gabriel. This melodic single is about the collapse of the shipping industry in the United Kingdom.
16. Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)—Mike + the Mechanics
Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, #1 Mainstream Rock, #1 Biggest Song of 1986 (MR)
Second song by British supergroup Mike + The Mechanics. It was a side project for Mike Rutherford, who was also in Genesis that same year. Paul Carrack was the lead singer on what became the #1 biggest mainstream rock single of 1986 according to Billboard.
15. Invisible Touch—Genesis
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 54th Biggest Song of 1986
In 1986, British progressive rock band Genesis was a trio consisting of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. These members were co-writers with this upbeat composition. It features multiple key changes and was the only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by the band.
14. True Colors—Cyndi Lauper
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 41st Biggest Song of 1986
Actress and singer-songwriter Cynthia Lauper recorded Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly’s co-written ode and turned it into her second #1 hit. “Time After Time” was Lauper’s first chart topping tune. It received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
13. Never—Heart
Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1986
From the 1985 self-titled “Heart” album. “Never” was the band’s highest charting single to that point. This power ballad features strong performances by the Wilson siblings: Ann rocks with emotional vocals while Nancy has soaring guitar licks. Video of the song was a MTV favorite.
12. Amanda—Boston
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 50th Biggest Song of 1986
Eight years had passed since Boston last released their album “Don’t Look Back” in 1978. Then in 1986, the band’s “Third Stage” dropped and “Amanda” was released as a single from the LP. It immediately became a hit and is considered a quintessential power ballad of the 80s.
11. Tonight She Comes—The Cars
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #7 Hot 100, 81st Biggest Song of 1986
New Wave rock band scored their final top 10 hit before the Cars broke up in 1988. It is from the band’s “Greatest Hits” album. This composition was written and sung by Ric Ocasek and has an outstanding guitar solo from Elliot Easton.
10. Live to Tell—Madonna
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 3rd Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
Music was composed by Patrick Leonard and lyrics written by Madonna. This powerful, emotional and acclaimed pop ballad was completely unlike anything the artist had ever recorded. “Live to Tell” was a significant artistic breakthrough in Madonna’s career.
9. Kyrie—Mr. Mister
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1986
“Kyrie” is the first of two Mr. Mister songs on my countdown. Lyrics were written by John Lang with the music being composed by Richard Page and Steve George. . The term “Kýrie, eléison” means “Lord, have mercy” in the Greek language and is used as liturgy in Christian churches.
8. What You Need—INXS
Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Song of 1986
Australian funk rock/new wave band. “What You Need” was the first top 10 single for the group on the Billboard Hot 100. Highlights on this song include a driving bass line from Garry Gary Beers, strong saxophone playing by Kirk Pengilly and Michael Hutchence’s high-energy rock vocals.
7. The Way It Is—Bruce Hornsby & the Range
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard: #1 Hot 100 (B), 56th Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
Singer-songwriter and pianist from Williamsburg, Virginia. Hard hitting-lyrics on this pop song addresses topics such as welfare, racism, economic opportunity and civil rights. “The Way It Is” helped pave the way for Bruce Hornsby and the Range to win a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist.”
6. In Your Eyes—Peter Gabriel
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #26 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Song of 1986 (MR)
My second selection on the countdown by Peter Gabriel who wrote the lyrics to this hit. Musically, the tune has an African worldbeat influence with percussion and drums. Some music historians consider “In Your Eyes” among the top romantic love songs from the 20th century.
5. Sweet Freedom—Michael McDonald
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 75th Biggest Song of 1986
Keyboardist and singer-songwriter Michael McDonald is known for his distinctive blue-eyed soul vocal style. “Sweet Freedom” was featured in the 1986 film “Running Scared.” The tune is smooth and has a fast-paced tropical percussion and drumming section. One of McDonald’s best solo singles.
4. Something About You—Level 42
Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 37th Biggest Song of 1986
Level 42 is classified as a British jazz-funk band. Their hit “Something About You” is a defining model of 80’s synth-pop. It was the group’s only top 10 charting song on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. Alive & Kicking—Simple Minds
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 17th Biggest Song of 1986
Scottish rock band formed in 1977. Co-written by 3 Simple Minds members: Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill and Mick MacNeil. Lyrics go from a series of questions to proclaiming faith will overcome obstacles. Guitar and piano playing shine on this mid 80s anthem.
2. Broken Wings—Mr. Mister
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Singles of 1986
Mr. Mister’s second song on the countdown. Lyrics were inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s novel “Broken Wings” according to the band’s lyricist John Lang. The song has an excellent blending of guitar, bass, synthesizer and drums. I consider it as one of the quintessential pop-rock hits of the 80s.
1. Higher Love—Steve Winwood
Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard: #1 Hot 100 (B), #1 biggest Song of 1986 (C)
British singer-songwriter and musician Steve Winwood has my best single of 1986 with “Higher Love.” This was the first #1 song for the artist who played in three rock bands during the 60s: The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith.
This hit was co-written by Winwood and Will Jennings and features two members on the R&B band Rufus: Chaka Khan on background vocals and drummer John ‘JR’ Robinson. Also in the mix was guitarist Nile Rodgers.
Musically, the song is a superb mix of synthesizer, drums and guitar giving the tune a funk/pop-rock dance groove. Plus, the lyrics are a positive affirmation about faith and divine love outside of our world.
In 1987, the artist went on to earn two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.” Without a doubt, I rate “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood as the #1 best single of 1986.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best singles for 1986. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1986 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from 40 years ago? I hope you will comment below.
The songs that I selected above still sound good to me 40 years later. I still cherish and fondly remember my favorite hit singles of 1986. Rock on!
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