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Exceptional Rock Hits of the 90s: Not Released as Singles

Bob Dylan wrote a song called “The Times They Are a-Changin'” in the 60s about social justice issues.  In the 90s, the same type of statement could be made about pop rock music and the radio stations playing hit songs: “The times they were a changing.”

With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best rock hits of the 90s that were not released as singles in the United States.  My selections are from the years 1994 through 1998.

Before getting to my countdown, I will give a brief history of Top 40 radio. Looking back to 1970, Top 40 radio played a wide variety of mass appeal hits in a variation of musical genres: pop, rock, soul, R&B, country, easy listening, and adult standards.

In the early 70s, radio station playlists featured the top-selling vinyl 45-rpm singles and airplay of the 40 biggest songs. These songs were tracked nationally by Billboard and Cash Box magazines, which both published weekly surveys of the 100 biggest hits.

When the debut American Top 40 show happened on July 4th weekend in 1970, Casey Kasem aired the 40 biggest singles on the Billboard Hot 100 (BH100) chart. Criteria for this once-a-week survey: Only songs released as a 45-rpm single were eligible for charting on the BH100.

The Billboard rule of charting only songs released as singles on their Hot 100 survey was adopted in 1958 and was maintained until being eliminated in November 1998.

From 1970 until 1991, AT40 used the BH100 chart on its national weekly broadcasts.  Then in November 1991, AT40 stopped using the BH100 chart, switching first to Billboard’s “Hot 100 Airplay” chart and then finally to the “Mainstream Top 40” Billboard survey.

Both of these later Billboard charts were based solely on radio station airplay and the songs listed could be either a single or an album track.

On the weekend of January 28, 1995, the final episode of the original AT40 was broadcast. After a 3-year gap, American Top 40 returned with the second Casey Kasem era (1998-2004).

The evolution of Top 40 radio changed tremendously during the 70s and 80s. Stations went from being located primarily on the AM dial to high quality FM signals during this time period.

During the 80s, the Top 40 radio format became known as Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR). Stations utilizing the CHR format played current and recurrent popular hits that focused mostly on pop, rock, R&B and country crossover tunes.

By the 90s, newer sub-genres of pop-rock music became popular: Hip-Hop, Electronic, Urban, Grunge, Alternative and Modern Rock. This new diversity of music caused a large number of CHR stations to narrow their focus.

Instead of playing all the current top hits from the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, many CHR formatted stations went away from playing mass appeal hits and splintered the songs they aired into smaller playlists.

The fractioning of the CHR format by the mid 90s had multiple stations in radio markets playing fewer songs and the music they aired tended to be mostly in a specific sub-genre of pop-rock music.

There were still successful traditional mainstream CHR stations functioning in radio markets that played a wide variety of hits in the 90s. One such station was in my hometown K92 (WXLK) 92.3 Roanoke, Virginia.

Above: A K92 Roanoke aircheck of David Lee Michaels: Summer 1981.

Photo inside of the K92 Roanoke studio in the early 90s courtesy of David Lee Michaels: From Left to Right: K92 DJ Eddie Haskell, English rock singer-songwriter and musician John Waite and K92 DJ David Lee Michaels.

K92 came on the air on New Year’s Day in 1980 with a Top 40 CHR format. This mainstream CHR outlet was the top-rated number one radio station in the Lynchburg/Roanoke market starting in 1980 and remained as the most listened to station into the early 90s.

Above: A K92 Roanoke audio clip of Ellis B Feaster: Summer 1989. Courtesy of Ellis B Feaster.

A photo I took of the K92 studio building on Electric Road in Roanoke County, Virginia. February 27, 2025.

Below is a listing of “main leaning” CHR formatted stations during the 90s and the music those outlets played:

  • Mainstream/Traditional CHR
  • Adult CHR
  • Rhythmic/Dance CHR
  • Urban CHR
  • Rock CHR

All chart documentation that I have reference below came from my personal copy of, “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn (9th edition).  I consider Whitburn’s book to be the “bible” of Top 40 music history and I bought my second copy of this superb music guide a few years ago.

Whitburn’s reference guide tabulates numeric positions for all Top 40 hits on multiple Billboard charts. When my countdown is viewed below, it may be surprising to some that these songs were not released as singles but actually album tracks that became radio hits.

In addition, my countdown of radio airplay hits is entirely based on my opinions: I consider those 20 rock songs as favorites from the 90s decade. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

As I do with all of my countdowns, I document tracks that I considered but fell outside my top 20 selections. These album track hits are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

  • When I Come Around—Green Day
  • Crash into Me—Dave Matthews Band
  • Hand in My Pocket—Alanis Morissette  
  • Push—Matchbox 20
  • Buddy Holly—Weezer
  • A Long December—The Counting Crows
  • What I Got—Sublime
  • Champagne Supernova—Oasis
  • Spiderwebs—No Doubt
  • Daughter—Pearl Jam
  • Takes a Little Time—Amy Grant
  • 3 AM–Matchbox 20
  • Santa Monica (Watch the World Die)—Everclear
  • If You Could Only See—Tonic
  • Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand—Primitive Radio Gods

Without further ado, my Top 20 countdown of the best non-singles radio hits begins:

20.  Zombie—The Cranberries 1995

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #18 Hot 100 Airplay

The Cranberries, an Irish alternative rock band, had a world-wide smash hit with “Zombie.” Written by band member/lead singer Dolores O’Riordan, her powerful lyrics are a furious anti-terrorism lament, protesting bombs exploding in England by the Irish Republican Army that killed two children.

19.  Closing Time—Semisonic 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100 Airplay

Rock band trio from, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This ballad has multiple meanings according to Semisonic’s songwriter Dan Wilson: 1.  Imagery of bouncers yelling “closing time” and people leaving bars. 2. About childbirth, with a pun on being “bounced from the womb”. Tune was nominated for a Grammy Award (Best Rock Song).

18.  Black Hole Sun—Soundgarden 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Modern Rock (7 weeks) #9 Hot 100 Airplay

Grunge Rock band from Seattle, Washington. Penned by Soundgarden’s singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Cornell. Signature song by the band was the number 1 biggest album track on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart in 1994.

17.  Mr. Jones—The Counting Crows 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Modern Rock, #2 Hot 100 Airplay

Breakthrough hit by San Francisco, California rock band. From the album “August and Everything After.” Received a MTV Video Music Award for “Best New Artist” category with their hit.

16.  Walking on the Sun—Smash Mouth 1997

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 mainstream Rock, #2 Hot 100 Airplay

Power pop rock band from San Jose, California. Debut hit was written by Smashmouth’s Greg Camp, after learning about Rodney King as a victim of police brutality in Los Angeles, California. A catchy, infectious track.

15.  Lightning Crashes—Live. 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Modern Rock (9 weeks), #1 Rock Tracks (10 weeks), #12 Hot 100 Airplay

York, Pennsylvania alternative rock band. Primarily written by lead singer Ed Kowalczyk but is credited to all 4 members of Live. The band dedicated this hit to a mutual high school friend, 19 year old Barbara Lewis who was killed by a drunk driver in 1993.

14.  Love Will Keep Us Alive—Eagles. 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Adult Contemporary (3 weeks), #22 Hot 100 Airplay

The Southern California rock band had been on hiatus since 1980 and formally reunited in 1994. This soft rock hit introduced a new generation to Eagles music. Bassist Timothy B. Schmidt is on lead vocals with a song nominated for a Grammy Award in 1995.

13.  How Bizarre—OMC. 1996

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100 Airplay

OMC: aka (Otara Millionaires Club) was a New Zealand band. Started as a trio, then became a duo. When “How Bizarre” reached the top spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock survey, ONC became the first New Zealand artist ever to reach the a number 1 position with any Billboard chart. Received a MTV Video Music Award.

12.  Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)—Green Day. 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Mainstream Rock, #11 Hot 100 Airplay

Alternative California rock band switched things up for this ballad. The track was an unusual composition for Green Day: it had sparse instrumentation. Songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong plays acoustic guitar while a string arrangement was added into the mix. It has become a classic 90s folk-rock tune.

11.  Lovefool—The Cardigans. 1997

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100 Airplay, #4 Mainstream Rock

Swedish rock band provided a pure pop song with “Lovefool.” Written by band members Nina Persson and Peter Svensson. Musically upbeat and lyrics that are sad, bittersweet and a little quirky. Billboard rates it as the 4th best hit with their “100 Best Pop Songs of 1997” listing.

10.  Interstate Love Song—Stone Temple Pilots. 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock (15 Weeks), #18 Hot 100 Airplay

San Diego Grunge rock band. Track is from the album “Purple.” Written by Stone Temple Pilots singer-songwriter Scott Weiland. The signature song by the band is considered one of the best rock hits of the 90s by many music historians.

9.    Until I Fall Away—Gin Blossoms

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #13 Mainstream Rock, #13 Hot 100 Airplay

Throwback power pop rock band from Tempe, Arizona. Musically, Gin Blossoms’ music featured chiming guitars, superb harmonies and catchy melodies. The band achieved 3 other hit songs during the 90s decade.

8.    What Would You Say—Dave Matthews Band 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Mainstream Rock, #9 Hot 100 Airplay

The first of two Dave Matthews Band songs on my countdown. Track from the “Under the Table and Dreaming” album. This track lifted the Charlottesville, Virginia rock/jazz/jam group into national prominence. Blues Traveler member John Popper plays harmonica on this tune.

7.    Torn—Natalie Imbruglia. 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay, #1 Mainstream Rock

Natalie Imbruglia is an Australian and British singer-songwriter and actress. “Torn” was a huge international hit. It is considered a perfect acoustic pop rock track of the 90s. It received a Grammy nomination in 1999 and won a MTV Video Music Award (Best New Artist).

6.    A Change Would Do You Good—Sheryl Crow 1997

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #5 Hot 100 Airplay

Singer-songwriter and musician Sheryl Crow flowed easily into multiple genres of music during her career: rock, pop, folk and country. The artist plays bass and organ on this straight up, toe-tapping rock track. Additional guitars by Jeff Trott and Todd Wolfe fill out this outstanding tune.

5.    You Oughta Know—Alanis Morissette 1995

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Mainstream Rock, #3 Hot 100 Airplay

In the mid-90s, Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette was the queen of angst rock. The track’s hard hitting confessional lyrics about an ex-boyfriend is performed with passion. It won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Female Rock Vocal performance.” Rolling Stone magazine rates “You Oughta Know” at #103 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

4.    Ants Marching—Dave Matthews Band 1995

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #19 Hot 100 Airplay, #21 Mainstream Rock

Virginia’s most prominent rock band of the 20th century has their second hit on my countdown. Written by Dave Matthews, the singer-songwriter considers “Ants Marching” as the official anthem for his band. The music mix of guitar, saxophone and violin is superb on this uptempo jam.

3.    Don’t Speak—No Doubt 1996

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay (16 Weeks), #2 Modern Rock

No Doubt was a hybrid rock band that played a combination of pop, rock, new wave, ska and alternative musical genres. Siblings Gwen and Eric Stafani wrote “Don’t Speak” which was a breakup song. It was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards and became the signature song for the California band.

2.    One Headlight—The Wallflowers 1997

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay, #1 Mainstream Rock, #1 Adult Album Alternative

Jakob Dylan is a co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the Wallflowers. His father is the legendary music icon Bob Dylan. “One Headlight” became the first song to reach #1 on all three of Billboard’s rock charts. The track won 2 Grammy Awards: for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Rock Performance.”

1.    Iris—Goo Goo Dolls. 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay (17 Weeks), #1 Mainstream Rock (5 Weeks)

My #1 selection is “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. Formed in Buffalo, New York, during 1986, the alternative rock group still is a functioning as a band here in 2025. Their 1998 track is their signature song.

“Iris” is a power ballad and was featured in the film, “City of Angels.” It received 2 Grammy nominations and in 2012 Billboard ranked the track as #1 on the chart listing “Top Pop Songs: 1992-2012.”

Anyone that listened to CHR or rock formatted radio stations in 1998, would have heard this song on a regular basis. Without a doubt, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls” is my #1 greatest rock hit of the 90s not released as a single.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the best rock radio hits in the 90s not released as singles.

If you have any thoughts about CHR radio and the music played on those stations during the 90s decade, please submit your comments on this topic. I look forward reading your opinions.

As always, I appreciate everyone who reads and subscribes to DJ Dave’s Musical Musings.  I am grateful.  Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock

We Are the World: The Greatest Night in Pop

“We are the world/We are the children/We are the ones who make a brighter day/So let’s start giving/There’s a choice we’re making/We’re saving our own lives/It’s true we’ll make a better day/Just you and me” Lyrics by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie: “We Are the World” January 1985.

DJ Dave note: The day that I published this music blog article, March 7, 2024, was the 39th anniversary of when the USA for Africa single and video for “We Are the World” was released: 3/7/85.

One of the best musical documentaries that I have viewed this decade is “The Greatest Night in Pop.”  The 2024 film focuses on a charity single called “We Are the World” which was recorded over the course of a 12-hour period during late January 1985.

I want to thank my friend Jerry English for giving me the idea and inspiration for this latest music blog message. I am grateful that Jerry encouraged me to watch “The Greatest Night in Pop” film last month and I highly recommend viewing this outstanding documentary.

While I won’t be giving a review of “The Greatest Night in Pop” movie, I will be sharing about certain aspects of the film, the recording of “We Are the World”, and the songs significance in modern music history.

I also will be communicating what I consider to be the best 1980s singles by 15 of the artists who had solo vocal lines within the 1985 charity song. Every song that I will be listing was a major pop hit during the 80s.

“We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, with Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian producing the song which was recorded by a supergroup of pop artists called USA for Africa.

According to “The Greatest Night in Pop” documentary, over 40 pop artists assembled at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, to record final vocal tracks for the “We Are the World” song.

Michael Jackson arrived first for this historic musical event around 8:00 pm. Soon after scores of other artists came on the scene, with many coming directly from the American Music Awards happening that evening, including the host of the annual music ceremony Lionel Richie.

Around 10:30 pm, Quincy Jones gathered the vocal artists and musicians together to start the recording process. This assembled multitude worked throughout the night during their marathon recording session completing the final audiotape at 8:00 am.

Six weeks later on March 7, 1985, “We Are the World” was released as a single.  The song was an immediate hit: Reaching number 1 on three Billboard charts: R&B Singles chart, Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks listing and the Hot 100 Pop singles survey, where it spent 4 weeks at the top spot.

After “We Are the World” was released, it was honored by multiple music awards.  In 1986, the song achieved 4 Grammy Awards. The single also received awards by MTV for its music video, a People’s Choice Award and an American Music Award.

The original inspiration for artists to come together and record a song for African famine relief came from Harry Bellafonte. He is quoted on the USA for Africa website about the lasting effect of the “We Are the World” single:

“In 1985, the music industry and the world came together in an unprecedented outpouring of generosity in response to the tragic famine wreaking havoc in Africa at the time. The biggest names in music ‘checked their egos at the door’ to create what was and still is a worldwide phenomenon.”

Bellafonte continues: “The recording of the original We Are the World sold more than 7 million records worldwide. The worldwide sale of that record generated more than $60 million which has been used to assist Africa and Africans affected by the famine and other critical issues since 1985. The song became and remains the people’s anthem and continues to be revered and loved globally.”

Below are artists who sang solo parts on the “We Are the World” song:

  • Lionel Richie
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Paul Simon,
  • Kenny Rogers,
  • James Ingram
  •  Tina Turner
  •  Billy Joel
  •  Michael Jackson
  •  Diana Ross,
  •  Dionne Warwick
  •  Willie Nelson
  •  Al Jarreau
  •  Bruce Springsteen
  •  Kenny Loggins
  •  Steve Perry
  •  Daryl Hall
  •  Huey Lewis
  •  Cyndi Lauper
  •  Kim Carnes
  •  Bob Dylan
  •  Ray Charles

For the remainder of this message, I will convey what I consider to be the best and most memorable 80s pop hits, by 15 of the artists who had solo parts on the “We Are the World” recording. The songs that I have selected were all major top 40 singles from 1980 through 1989.

The top 15 songs and artists that I have picked are entirely based on my opinions. My selections are singles that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

In researching historical musical data for this article, I used “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn for documentation. The placement of singles on the countdown derives solely on my favorability of songs and not on how I rate each of the artists listed.

Now without further ado, here is my countdown of 15 outstanding singles from “We Are the World” singers:

15.  That’s What Friends Are For—Dionne Warwick: 1985

 Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, The #1 biggest single of 1986

That’s What Friends Are For” was written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager and was recorded as a charity single for AIDS research and prevention.  The 45-rpm record label says: “Dionne and Friends” who were Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder.   Won two Grammy Awards in 1986.

14.   Lady—Kenny Rogers: 1980

Positions on Billboard charts:  #1 Hot 100, 3rd biggest song of 1986

Lionel Richie wrote and produced “Lady” for Kenny Rogers. It was the first song of the 80s to chart on all four Billboard singles charts – Country, Hot 100, Adult Contemporary and Hot Soul. Rated as the 10th biggest single in the 80s decade.  Biggest selling song in Rogers’ career.

13.   On the Road Again—Willie Nelson: 1980

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot Country, #7 Adult Contemporary, #20 Hot 100

Country crossover hit. Written by Willie Nelson for the movie “Honeysuckle Rose.” The artist also starred as the lead actor in the 1980 film. Won a Grammy Award for “Best Country Song.”  Became the 9th number one country hit for the singer-songwriter and is considered a signature song for Nelson.

12.   Upside Down—Diana Ross: 1980

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18th Biggest song of 1980

“Upside Down” was written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, who were members of the R&B band Chic in 1980.  Big international hit for Diana Ross. Billboard ranks single at #80 on their “Hot 100, 60th Anniversary” chart.

11.   Betty Davis Eyes—Kim Carnes: 1981

Position on Billboard Charts:  #1, Hot 100, The #1 biggest single of 1981

Written in 1973 by Jackie De Shannon and Donna Weiss. Signature song for Kim Cranes. Single spent nine non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Won 2 Grammys Awards for Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.”

10.   Footloose—Kenny Loggins: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 4th Biggest Song of 1984

Kenny Loggins co-wrote “Footloose” with Dean Pitchford for a 1984 movie that shares the same name as the Loggins’ song. It was the biggest selling single for the “yacht rock” music maestro.  The first of two number 1 hits from the “Footloose” film (“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Denise Williams was second #1 single from movie).

9.     Girls Just Want to Have Fun–Cyndi Lauper: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #2 Hot 100, 15th Biggest Song of 1984

Singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper wrote “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” which was her debut single from the album “She So Unusual.”  Has become a feminist anthem and signature song for Lauper. Won top honors with a MTV Music Video Award and an American Video Award for this successful clip.

8.     You Can Call Me Al—Paul Simon: 1986

Peak positions with Billboard Charts:  #15 Adult Contemporary, #23 Hot 100

A world-wide hit for singer-songwriter Paul Simon who penned this song for the 2-time Grammy winning album “Graceland.”  Artist used African musicians on single, mixing pop, rock, jazz and zydeco, with musical styles that originated in South Africa. Biggest hit for Simon during the 80s.

7.     What’s Love Got to Do with It—Tina Turner: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 2nd Biggest Song of 1984

Comeback song for Tina Turner and became her biggest selling single. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” received 3 Grammy Awards: for “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.” Was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989.

6.     Oh, Sherrie—Steve Perry: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 33rd Biggest Song of 1984

First solo single for Steve Perry from the album “Street Talk.”  Artist was still a member of Journey when “Oh, Sherrie” was a hit song during the summer of ’84.  Was the biggest selling solo single by the outstanding rock vocalist.

5.     Born in the USA—Bruce Springsteen: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #9 Hot 100, 92nd Biggest Hit of 1984

Title track from the Bruce Springsteen 1983 album “Born in the USA.”  One of the best-known songs by the Boss. The third of 7 top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 from legendary LP (1983-1985).  The song is still a staple on classic rock radio stations here in 2024.

4.     We Didn’t Start the Fire—Billy Joel: 1989

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 35th Biggest Song of 1989

Billy Joel wrote the lyrics of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” which document historical, political, cultural and sports highlights between the years 1948 and 1989. The “Piano Man” sings in a rapid paced manner that calls for multiple listens to comprehend all of the historical events mentioned. Joel still performs this song as the first encore selection at every one of his 2024 concerts.

3.     The Power of Love—Huey Lewis: 1985

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 15th Biggest Song of 1985

“The Power of Love” was written by Huey Lewis, along with Lewis Hayes and Johnny Colla for the 1985 film “Back to the Future. The single is backed up by Lewis’ band the News and became that band’s first #1 chart topping song.  It was one of the biggest singles from the summer of ’85.

2.     All Night Long (All Night)—Lionel Richie: 1983

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 12th Biggest Song of 1984

The most successful solo single by the former lead singer of the Commodores. Written by Lionel Richie, “All Night Long” has a diversity of musical elements: pop, rock, and R&B, mixed with a Caribbean/African beat. This Richie signature song is still a favorite to play at wedding receptions this decade.  

  1.  Man in the Mirror—Michael Jackson: 1988

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 21st Biggest Song of 1988

My number 1 song on the countdown is by the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson.  “Man in the Mirror” was written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett, produced by Quincy Jones and Jackson.

The Andraé Crouch Choir recorded background gospel vocals on the song and it became Jackson’s 4th consecutive single from the 1987 “Bad” album to peak at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The message of the lyrics offer encouragement: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror/I’m asking him to change his ways/And no message could have been any clearer/If you wanna make the world a better place/Take a look at yourself and then make a change.”

“Man in the Mirror” is my favorite Michael Jackson solo song of all-time and I am glad to proclaim this excellent song to be my number 1 single of outstanding pop hit by artists who had solo vocals on “We Are the World.”

That wraps up my countdown on what I consider to be the 15 best singles from the “We Are the World” solo singers.  I completely understand that my listing of 80s singles in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.

If you were creating a similar register of excellent 80s pop hits by the same artists, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best singles by the “We Are the World” pop stars? I hope you will comment below.

In closing, I must ask this question:  Is the recording in late January 1985 of “We Are the World” the greatest night in pop?  Obviously, the answer to this query is debatable.

I will say that the assembly of over 40 artists for “We Are the World” has to be considered the greatest gathering ever of pop music superstars with the recording of this historic session. It may never be duplicated again.

Will there ever be another version of fundraising similar to what pop artists did with “We Are the World” in 1985? I am hoping that type of event will happen this century.  Rock on!

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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Radio, Retro Rock

1983 Outstanding Hit Singles and MTV Videos

Some music historians have called 1983 the last great year for pop music. Billboard magazine lists that 60 percent of the Hot 100 singles that charted 40 years ago were in the pop rock category.

With my latest music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite singles and videos that MTV aired during 1983.

The genesis of pop music’s explosion in the 80s goes back to the demise of disco music being aired on Top 40 stations. In lieu of playing disco hits, radio playlists consisted of mainly pop, rock, easy listening ballads and country crossover singles.

In my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, K92 FM 92.3 was the number 1 rated radio station. This hot, hip and happening Top 40 outlet remained the biggest and most listened to station throughout the 80s decade. Below is an audio clip of K92’s David Lee Michaels from July 1981.

Elsewhere in the early 80s, many top 40 programmers and consultants rebranded their stations with a new format name: “Contemporary Hit Radio” (CHR).  Most of these CHR outlets were on the FM dial.

During 1981, radio consultant Mike Joseph was hired by WCAU FM Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to set a new tone for that radio station.  Joseph created the “Hot Hits” radio format for WCAU and is credited as revitalizing CHR/Top 40 radio for FM stations in the 80s.

One of the DJs on WCAU FM was Terry Young, who began his career in 1973 working at WROV 1240 AM Roanoke.  Below is an audio clip of Young on WCAU FM in 1983, provided by Ellis Feaster via YouTube.

1983 also saw the launch of CHR Z100 New York.  This legendary radio station was programmed by DJ Scott Shannon and went from “worst to first” with ratings in just 60 days. I am sharing an audio clip of Shannon on Z100’s third day on the air, August 4, 1983. Aircheck provided by Ellis Feaster via YouTube.

The rise of pop music can also be attributed to the advent of airing music video clips on cable TV.  Music Television (MTV) debuted on August 1, 1981 and MTV totally revolutionized how music was heard and seen by folks in the United States.

During the first 18 months of MTV, the cable music channel aired an “Album Oriented Rock” (AOR) format.  One of the chief criticisms of MTV during this time period was the lack of music videos by Black artists being played on the cable music channel.

It wasn’t until March 1983, that Michael Jackson’s video for “Billie Jean” was added and became the first video by a Black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV.  In my humble opinion, Jackson’s “Billie Jean” clip is the number one best and most influential music video that MTV aired during the first two years in operation.

Soon after, MTV added “Little Red Corvette” by Prince into its hot rotation. Then “Beat It” by Michael Jackson and “1999” from Prince were regularly aired on MTV.  Finally Black music had a place on the cable music channel.

Probably the most renowned video that MTV played in 1983 was from the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson and his single “Thriller.”  This clip was released during the fall of ‘83 and set the standard for well-produced music videos during the 80s decade.

Other influential video clips aired on MTV during 1983:

  • Hungry like the Wolf—Duran Duran
  • Rio—Duran Duran
  • Every Breathe You Take—The Police
  • King of Pain—The Police
  • Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)—The Eurythmics
  • Total Eclipse of the Heart—Bonnie Tyler
  • Sharp Dressed Man—ZZ Top
  • Modern Love—David Bowie

For the remainder of this message, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best CHR singles of 1983. The countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

In researching 1983 historical musical data for this article, I used 3 sources:  Billboard and Cash Box magazines, along with MTV, for documentation.

Before staring the countdown, below are 1983 singles that I consider to be excellent songs but fell outside my top 25 selections. These selections are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

  • Der Kommissar—After the Fire
  • The Safety Dance—Men Without Hats
  • Too Shy—Kajagoogoo
  • Jeopardy—The Greg Kihn Band
  • She Works Hard for the Money—Donna Summer
  • Straight from the Heart—Bryan Adams
  • I Know There’s Something Going On—Frida
  • 99 Luftballons—Nena
  • Shock the Money—Peter Gabriel
  • Photograph—Def Leppard
  • Back on the Chain Gang—The Pretenders
  • Our House—Madness
  • Lawyers in Love—Jackson Browne
  • Heart to Heart—Kenny Loggins
  • Rock the Casbah—The Clash
  • Come Dancing—The Kinks
  • Breaking Us in Two—Joe Jackson
  • You Got Lucky—Tom Pretty & the Heartbreakers
  • Maneater— Daryl Hall & John Oates
  • Maniac—Michael Sembello
  • Electric Avenue—Eddie Grant
  • Tell Her About It—Billy Joel
  • Islands in the Stream—Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
  • (Keep Feeling) Fascination—The Human League
  • True—Spandau Ballet

Without further ado, my quality 1983 CHR singles countdown begins:

25.  Love is a Battlefield—Pat Benatar

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:   #1 Mainstream Rock: #5 Hot 100

Up tempo song, mixing traditional rock instruments with electronic dance music. Pat Benatar won a Grammy Award for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance” with this single.

24.  Heart and Soul—Huey Lewis & the News

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Top Rock Tracks, #8 Hot 100

First single from the 1983 “Sports” album which produced 5 top 20 hits. Nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of “Best Rock Vocal, Group.”

23.  China Girl—David Bowie

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #3 Mainstream Rock, #10 Hot 100

Written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie.  Co-produced by Nile Rodgers. Second top 10 hit from the “Let’s Dance” album. Clip of the song won an MTV video award for “Best Male Video.”

22.  Dirty Laundry—Don Henley

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #3 Hot 100

 First solo hit for Don Henley. An all-star group of musicians play on single: Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh, Steve Lukather, Danny Kortchmar, and Steve Porcaro. Lyrics portray callousness and insensitivity of network news anchors.

21.  Beat It—Michael Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1983

The “King of Pop” scored a massive hit with this rock song. Features a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. Single sold 11 million copies world-wide. Won two Grammy Awards: for “Record of the Year” and “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.”

20.  Stand Back—Stevie Nicks

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Top Rock Tracks, #5 Hot 100

Stevie Nicks penned this new wave, synth rock hit. Prince played synthesizer during recording but was uncredited on the track. The Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter continues to perform “Stand Back” during solo concerts here in 2023.

19. She’s a Beauty—The Tubes

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Top Rock Tracks, #10 Hot 100

Single was co-written by Tubes band member Fee Waybill, producer David Foster and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. Biggest top 40 hit for the San Francisco-based rock band.

18.  Twilight Zone—Golden Earring

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #10 Hot 100

 Golden Earring’s guitarist George Kooymans wrote this driving rock single. One of two top 40 hits by the Dutch band (“Radar Love” reached #13 in 1974).

17.  Let’s Dance—David Bowie

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1983

David Bowie wrote song and co-produced the track with Nile Rodgers. Incorporates pop, rock, funk and new wave with a superb bass line. Diverse musical instruments on track: trumpet, saxophone, guitar, woodblocks, congas and tambourine.

16.  Mr. Roboto—Styx

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Mainstream Rock, #3 Hot 100

Track is from “Kilroy Was Here” a concept rock opera album by Styx. Written by band member Dennis DeYoung, who sang lead vocals and played keyboards on single.

15.  Owner of a Lonely Heart—Yes

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #1 Mainstream Rock

The band Yes switched up their progressive rock sound on this chart-topping song. Jon Anderson provides lead vocals. Tune is a mixture of pop, rock, electronic dance music.

14.  Uptown Girl—Billy Joel

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, #8 Top Rock Tracks

A tribute to Frank Valli and the Four Seasons.  Video featured Christie Brinkley, who married Billy Joel two years later in 1985.

13.  She Blinded Me with Science—Thomas Dolby

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, #6 Top Rock Tracks

Quirky new wave synth-pop. Thomas Dolby was also a producer and session musician.  The artist is considered a one hit wonder in the U.S.

12.  Africa—Toto

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #5 Adult Contemporary

Toto’s band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro co-wrote song. Signature song by group. Rolling Stone rates “Africa” as one of the “Greatest songs of all-time.”

11.  Down Under—Men at Work

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, #1 Top Rock Tracks

Considered a patriotic song in Men at Work’s home country of Australia. Co-written by band members Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. Second consecutive number 1 single on Billboard Hot 100.

10.  Burning Down the House—Talking Heads

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Top Rock Tracks, #9 Hot 100

New York City rock band.  Biggest top 40 hit for group. Single is a combination of pop, new wave, art rock and funk. David Byrne is lead singer.

9.    Allentown—Billy Joel

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #17 Hot 100, 43rd Biggest Song of 1983

Billy Joel’s chronicle with the decline of blue-collar manufacturing in Rust Belt America. This pop rock tune was one of four top 20 singles for the “Piano Man” during ’83.

8.    Synchronicity II—The Police

Peak Position on Billboard: #16 Hot 100

Powerful driving rock single written by band member Sting.  Lyrics depicts the theory of synchronicity, a concept by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung.  The third of four top 20 hits in 1983 by the Police.

7.    Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)—Journey

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #8 Hot 100

Co-written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry of Journey. Up-tempo rock with a Motown/R&B groove. Song is still a crowd favorite during Journey concerts during 2023.

6.    Steppin’ Out—Joe Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Adult Contemporary, #6 Hot 100

New wave, synth pop, rock single. Has a catchy tune. Biggest selling hit in the U.S. for Joe Jackson. Lyrics celebrate driving/cruising around town with a lover or significant other relationship.

5.    Human Nature—Michael Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Adult Contemporary, #7 Hot 100

Produced by Quincy Jones. Members of the band Toto are the musicians on this smooth yacht rock single. Michael Jackson’s fifth consecutive top 10 ten hit from the biggest album of 1983: “Thriller.” An outstanding melodic ballad.

4.    Major Tom (Coming Home)—Peter Schilling

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart:  Number 2 Dance, #14 Hot 100

Major Tom was a character in David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” single. German songwriter Peter Schilling created an unofficial response to Bowie’s character with this 80s hit. Tune has a pulsating synth-pop beat and was popular on dance floors in the U.S.

3.    The One Thing—INXS

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #2 Top Rock Charts

MTV introduced Australian rock group INXS to America.  Michael Hutchence, and Andrew Farriss of the band co-wrote “The One Thing.”  The first U.S. hit for INXS paved the way for international success during the mid 80s.

2.    Overkill—Men at Work

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, #3 Mainstream Rock

Written by Men at Work band member Colin Hay. This melodic tune features outstanding saxophone playing by Greg Ham. Third consecutive top 3 U.S. smash hit by the Australian band.

  1. New Year’s Day—U2

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #2 Top Rock Tracks

My top selection on this countdown is “New Year’s Day” by U2.  The lyrics for this song are credited to all four members of the Irish band.

The “New Year’s Day” single was the first track from U2’s 1983 “War” album. Subject matter of the song was inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement of the early 80s.

Musically, it features a distinctive bassline by Adam Clayton, melodic piano and guitar playing from the Edge, superb drumming by Larry Mullen Jr. and strong, heartfelt vocals from Bono.

Without a doubt, I proclaim that “New Year’s Day” as my favorite U2 song of all-time. And the band’s first single to chart in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100, is my number 1 best CHR single of 1983.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top CHR hits for 1983. 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 1983 singles, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from ’83? I hope you will comment below.

Listening to music on CHR radio and watching music video clips from MTV during 1983, will always have a special place in my heart.  I still cherish and fondly remember the excellent music of 40 years ago.  Rock on!

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