Comparing This 1983 Top 10 To TODAY'S MUSIC is COMICAL...What Happened To Music? | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

POLL: What is your pick for the most representative song and album of 1983? The song and album that define the year?

[@RBS_]

...'cause, this is THRIIIIILLERRRR... Thrillllllerr niiiitee..... THAT'S IT! ...ha-HAAA!💢💯

[@jasonlochary9656]

“ The Reflex” from Seven and the Ragged Tiger”. Duran Duran

[@catherine6653]

Thriller was the 'Freight Train' of 1983. My pick is Sincronicity by The Police, the song, Every Breathe You Take. This song won the Grammy for Song of the Year over Billy Jean.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

For me An innocent Man Billy Joel because it was one I owned on cassette and made an impact. I had to save up pocket money ( £1 a week) to buy music so it had to be chosen carefully to make the most of it. I had a paper round too, paying £2.50 a week ( a penny per paper delivered) which I did for five years every Friday night. This money either went on chocolate or music. I also had the music score to the album for the piano ( my parents made me learn it) but the record sounded better than any attempt at playing the songs I could muster.

[@BillGraper]

Album: Thriller My song choice, however, is "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler!!! 🔥

[@stevenf7683]

My brother passed away on May 18, 1983. This is the music that got me through his death. I would sit and listen to the radio and thought about how much my brother loved music.

[@sykwookiee]

Feel that brother...

[@briandoyle3507]

I lost my brother too.I feel your pain .

[@hendo337]

So, sorry man, I was born Jan 14th 1983. It's a shame the two of us didn't share this life together a little longer than a few months.

[@thegteam4349]

Sincere condolences to you, that must have been an awful time for you.

[@stevenf7683]

@@thegteam4349 It was. He was my best friend, father figure, and older brother all in one.

[@GNXXRAY]

You sir…have tapped into my youth in a way that you could never imagine. I’m 52 and was 13 in 1983. Jr High School rocked. The girls were wearing their Jordache jeans and I had my first pair of Nike leather high tops. Ann Battaglia was the best looking girl in the 8th grade and Mtv was KING. Please keep your videos coming. This channel is amazing. You sir…Rock

[@jasondraffin2937]

Jordache and painted on Gloria Vanderbilt’s... you Sir ... are the same age as me... ;)

[@RCarlson01]

Ditto! (Except I didn't know Ann. I did know Lisa Green though! ;-)

[@tThisNThat]

@@jasondraffin2937 Don't forget skin tight corduroy jeans

[@ebeyslough]

The variety of genres back in the early 80s on the radio and MTV was mind-blowing.

[@patcjr1970]

I completely agree

[@SirVicc]

The 70s were peak rock, but the 80s were peak pop. Perfect production, interesting and smart writing, amazing vocals and talent. The charts and new releases were always exciting.

[@Kosovar_Chicken]

And it was all because the Beatles

[@abigailslade3824]

90s had some amazing rock.

[@Sasquatch-ff1pj]

80's were weird for rock. Stadium rock was the big thing. A revolt of punk and 70's rock simple straight forward style. This ironically lead to the garage made alternative rock that eschewed all over the top production.

[@gerardotejada2531]

Mainstream 80's rock SUCKS. I loved the 90s, a true revival. Metal had become the place to go, with Iron Maiden and Metallica. Even cheese hair metal, while sucking, It was fun. Rock was godamn boring.

[@nightvisiongoggles]

The 90s was the last hurrah of "traditional" popular music as a whole.

[@SevenDaysToNoon]

I am 63 and i STILL listen to After the Fire’s debut album every summer while I’m gardening! Always takes me back to my 20’s.

[@1001Hobbies]

When driving in the car, especially on a sunny summer day, it is impossible to not feel great when Come On Eileen comes on the radio. What a feel-good sound.

[@JanusDarke]

I was born in 83 and my Dad got me into 50's, 60's & 70's Pop-Rock & my mum got me into 70's & 80's Pop-Disco-Punk. Music back then just speaks to me on another level to modern music. You could say my parents gave me a good musical youth, something I have expanded upon ever since.

[@johnnymula2305]

The music and style from the 80’s was such a great time to be in your early 20’s. The clothing may have been out there a bit. But at least people took pride in how they looked. The music scene was definitely great.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

I turned 21 in 89. It was cool to be a teen in the 80s. We had clean fun. It was relatively safe to be dropped off at the mall and spend hours there. We didn't cause trouble and the adults let us walk around without bothering us. We bought records or cassette tapes. It was a great era to come of age.

[@candicewitzkoske3155]

Today we get women and men shopping in their pajamas and scuffs that you can hear all the across the store!

[@YvetteArby]

And you could accept a drink from a guy without worrying that he was gonna roofie you!

[@mookie2637]

Thing is, in the UK, growing up in the early eighties, you literally had no idea what you were going to get next - whether you were listening to John Peel, or watching Top of the Pops. It was utterly unpredictable.

[@nicolenovi4619]

Thank you Professor for doing your homework- youre the best and your dedication to music is so awesome! When you talked about the song "Der Komissar", I was so delighted and proud of you when you brought up the fact that Falco was the original singer and performer of that song! A lot of people dont know that and dont give Falco the props he deserves! Im a big Falco fan, not only because of the sheer genious he gave us with the timeless hit "Rock Me Amadeus", but he has other tracks if you go into his discography that are just so catchy and couldve been #1 hits. Falco was a cool guy and a one-of-a-kind performer- he was like the David Bowie of Austria! Anyway, only you, professor, would give him credit and know your facts! Keep up the good work- i love these flashbacks and countdowns they take me back to my youth and give me a giggle everytime! Love u! Xoxox❤✌🎶 rock on!

[@deborahgrover9358]

I was 16 when Let's Dance came out and I loved it! My Uncle said Bowie's older music was better, so on my birthday he and my aunt bought me Ziggy Stardust and Changes 2 (which of course blew my mind 🙂). I became a fan of ALL Bowie's music (Absolute Beginners is a favorite) but I still have not been able to listen to his last album, it's still too soon. *** Der Kommissar was also covered with a female singer. Do you know what group that was? That was probably my favorite version. *** My Michael Jackson story is that in 83 a Japanese exchange student in my choir class was always listening to his walkman and on a choir trip I asked what he was listening to and he put his headphones over my ears and it was Beat It in Japanese 🤣

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Bowie's best albums ever are: Space Oddity The Man Who Sold the World Hunky Dory Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars Aladdin Sane Diamond Dogs Young Americans Station to Station Heroes Low Lodger Scary Monsters He remained solid the rest of his career, but his days with RCA were truly Golden Years.

[@blueforest2927]

Your Uncle was right ! !

[@stewartdavies929]

You’re uncle is a. Very wise man

[@MetFan37]

@@stewartdavies929 I still can't listen to "Blackstar", but I will......someday.

[@julieannmyers8714]

My favorites from 1983 when I was already 26 years old... "Africa" by Toto, "Down Under" by Men at Work & "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics. There was alot of saccharine schlock that year in the top 100.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I was a ‘70s kid. Graduated in 1980, turned 21 in ‘83. I was always loyal to the late ‘60s and all ‘70s rock! Still, while I didn’t really connect with ‘80s new music at the time, I think back now and remember a LOT of ‘80s music that I fondly love now! It was everywhere, it was unavoidable then! And it was all so much better than todays current “music”, if you can even call it that!

[@kevinbuja8105]

I was 23 in ‘83, and I remember being in clubs and as soon as ANY Michael Jackson video came on, everyone would stop and watch.

[@longliverockandrollsmith9323]

Love the channel, might be a bit younger than your regular viewers, I’m a 2000s kid, discovered I loved 50s rock and roll while watching happy days and Spotify introduced me to the next 40 years of awesome music

[@dontknowbrian]

I was 19 in 1983 and a senior in high school. I loved that new big sound of the 80”s and you had your whole life ahead of you ! They were electric times and I miss those simple days.

[@Undertaker67203]

PoR, I love this segment every time you do it. Greg Kihn story. About 1987, I was in the USAF stationed in Homestead Florida. One night a group of us decided to try out a night club in Kendall, another Miami suburb. At the door, we were dismayed to find out the cover charge was about double the norm. The doorman kinda winked and said, “Live band, a good one.” We paid, went in, got beers and waited. We were shocked when Greg Kihn came out! This wasn’t a huge club and we never thought we would see somebody like him there. Needless to say, we stayed until closing, got to talk to Greg and had a great time.

[@unprofound]

Had a buddy who saw Greg Kihn at little venue in NorCal called Konocti Resort. He ended up partying with Greg after the show. The guy sincerely loves his fans.

[@DanielGonzalez-cs8pr]

Adam you have to track down one (or more) of the Jacksons! You really need to interview them, they simply influenced American culture and the music scene in the 70s and 80s like no other family! Even LaToya would be interesting to hear from, just to hear what each sibling contributed to their success and any little story about Michael would be gold!

[@jenx4115]

One on One is one of those songs that is tied to a very specific moment in time, and when I heard it just now I was yanked back there - vivid memories, bizarre how music affects the brain.

[@paulwilson269]

My Thriller story is where I won a competition. It was during the release I was in a mall (I was around 7 years old), and they were having a stage production to promote it. They wanted kids to get up on stage and wear a mask and dance to the music. I went up there, put kn the mask and danced in a scary way. I think the reason I won was as I was dancing, a young kid (probably about 5 years old) got terrified of the mask and started crying and ran away (although it could have been just because of my terrible dancing 😁). Well, I got first place and won first pick of the prizes. 😎

[@glennweeks7176]

I love this segment of your channel. I was always a big fan of America's Top 40 with Casey Kasem. I still listen to a weekly re-play of various weeks from the 80's. on a local radio station. The fact that you still do "Top Lists " is great. Keep up the great work Professor, you are my hero. Peace out brother!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I never lived to see American Top 40. I’ve only accessed some old episodes on KZbin. But Professor’s Hit Song Redux is close enough and will do the job!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Hey There - does that local station have an online presence so I could listen to the re-play of 80’s music as well? I’ve been searching for something like that. Thank you

[@musicof70scody14]

I heart radio plays repeats of classic American top 40 from 70s and 80s, I listen every day.

[@glennweeks7176]

Prepperjon- I live in North Alabama and the station is out of Florence/Muscle Shoals area...it's Q 107. Great station- every Sunday they replay random weeks from the 80"s .Starts at 6am.

[@slappygilmour1984]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 pretty sure sirius 70s (ch. 7) does Casey's top 40 over the weekend, used to listen to it every Sunday

[@rad6666]

This brings back so many great memories and sadness at the same time. The 80's were a phenomenal decade for music. Just wow. Great look back.

[@niritzagofsky7473]

Professor, the comparison at the very end of this segment was so telling. My oldest daughter, now 45 years old, had a black MJ outfit - pants, jacket and glove - that I bought her when she was just 8 years old! She looked cool, and she knew it!

[@chewey3rd]

Absolutely love this list. 1983 was an amazing year in music.

[@brownwrench]

I was not a fan of MJ back in his day, but I have a new appreciation of him after hearing what they call music today

[@StarX81]

When the Thriller album came out in late 1982 & the 1st single ""The Girl is Mine" was being played on radio, I listened to it & thought to myself "that's nice". Then "Billie Jean" was released as the 2nd single & I was like "OMG!!". That's when I rushed out and bought the album & the single!! That song became my favorite song of 1983!

[@kyliepollert8341]

"She Blinded Me with Science" is still one of the strangest songs I've ever heard. I had no clue Mutt Lange sang backup on it, though! RIP David Bowie, Stevie Ray Vaughan (who played guitar on "Let's Dance"), Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Pretty cool little factoid/

[@MrClassicmetal]

Mutt Lange, the guy who loves delay- and echo effects! I couldn't help it, aa I automatically think of Def Leppard's _Hysteria_ album whenever his name is mentioned...😁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a wacky song that weirds you out, and that’s part of the charm.

[@andrewhudson7108]

Which is an interesting connection because Thomas Dolby played keyboards on Def Leppard’s Pyromania.

[@kyliepollert8341]

@@andrewhudson7108 Are you kidding me? I knew he played synthesizer on "Waiting for a Girl Like You", but I didn't know he played on the "Pyromania" album!

[@perfectionbox]

Ah, Bowie... such a genius, always able to find the essence of his message and strip away the chaff. Timeless, iconic, immortal.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

R.I.P. Bowie and Vaughn. Two legends.

[@1-7-0-1]

Perfect 💯

[@ParanormalBanana]

I was born in 1992. I did not grow up with this. When it slaps, it slaps.

[@SandsDolphin]

As soon as Depeche Mode's Just Can't Get Enough rolls around on my playlist, I beam from ear to ear, it just uplifts my spirit, everytime I hear it.

[@scottlosey4978]

I used to watch Solid Gold every Saturday night if only for the dancers. I am a "metalhead" to the core, but I have fond memories listening to these songs on FM radio and, of course, high school dances. I really believe that we teenagers in the 80s experienced the greatest decade in American history. The music scene was so diverse and you had to be legitimately TALENTED to make any headway in the music industry. Conversely, music today is so computer generated and derivative, anyone with Pro Tools can negate the need for TALENT!

[@TheCaptjamestkirk]

I agree Scott Losey.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I hear you! I LOVED the Solid Gold Dancers! Watched that every week! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JPMJPM]

“Come On Eileen” is tied with “Groove Is in the Heart” for my all-time favorite song!

[@jdtractorman7445]

1983, a great year for music. Daryl Hall/John Oates, The Police, Michael Jackson, and so on. Early 80's had great music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

1983 was by far the best year of the early 80s, and it’s not even close in my opinion.

[@jasonsumner8482]

Agree 100%!!

[@fuckingrockstar1756]

Def Leppards' Pyromania - the greatest album of all time

[@yaboi2500]

@@fuckingrockstar1756 Absolutely not. That title goes to “Soundtracks for the Blind” by Swans.

[@Nphen]

Glad I checked this out! My favorite "Come On Eileen" is the cover by Save Ferris. I actually looked up that Psychedelic Furs song because I'd loved hearing it on the radio over the years but never pinned it down. Would have been nice to have some names & descriptions of today's top 10. I don't hate all new music. You only played some of the tracks for a few seconds. There are going to be a few iconic tracks every year, and many of the best songs never become radio hits. 2019 had some good indie music like Ghost Light. Mid 2000's, an awesome Canadian Rocker, Sam Roberts never breaks the US top 40.

[@MoonlightDawnMoolightDawn]

THANK YOU - Der Kommissar is a found again song. Totally slipped my mind until you reminded me. On my Spotify New Wave playlist - by both groups because I remember both versions!! BTW that playlist is 11 hours long. ---- Love all these songs on this list you have here... great memories as well.

[@wingman0325]

As a kid of the 80's this list really brings back some memories. I was 13 in 83 and I had a knock off Walkman that, as it turns out, had a very high treble almost tinny sound. I didn't know any better and loved that thing. When I hear these songs now with out all that treble my brain automatically adds back in that tinny sound and I hear it inside my head!

[@cindyedwards6924]

I grew up in a family that had records. One summer back in the '60s I was at my grandmothers hanging out while grandma listened to a Mills Brothers record over and over. Later that week, my mom played records by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra over and over. Amazingly, neither of those days drove me nuts (as sometimes happens to teens). I've always asked myself why. Because that was still GREAT music. However, that same week Satisfaction by the Stones came out (1965) and I bought the 45 and played it over and over. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I envisioned my generation sitting on the front porch at 80 with the radio on and we'd all be singing and reliving the 60, 70 and 80's. Made me laugh to think of myself old and still loving the same music. Well - I'm 70 - and it's happened. Still listening and I felt nothing but sad for this generation when you compared the music to today's offerings. They aren't going to have the same experience (and that's okay) but you be missing out!).

[@corochinou45]

As a 21 year old, I can say that it is very much generational, I also grew on my parents and grandparents music and still love most of it, but truth is that while growing especially in my teens I started getting away from those records and making memories to newer music. Not necessarily top 10 music, because the landscape and record industry changed so much that that the album kinda died for those type of artists. Still there a absolutely insane albums being made and incredible memories going along with em. My generation really benefits from the variety and accessibilty to music, since if we dont want to listen to radio music, we dont have to. We can just find what we like as a group and scrup those albums clean together. I'm really happy that you still have those records that make you nostlagic and happy, but dont worry for us, we got that great stuff of our own even if its not on the radio. The method of music consumption and variety just makes it harder for other people to know what is the music that will stay with us forever. Like your comment and happy you still Enjoy great music to this day!

[@LivingTyphoon]

Love both of these comments. Well written and both of your experiences are relatable! Rock on, music-lovers of every generation! - millennial music lover

[@ElsieDee001]

Same thoughts! About the same age! I’ll be turning 70 later this year, God willing.

[@floridalivingisthebest]

The entire Eliminator album by ZZ Top, with the videos for Legs and Sharp Dressed Man, defined 1983 for me (the year I turned 16!) Close seconds are the Wild Heart album by Stevie Nicks with the Stand Back video, and the entire H2O album by Hall & Oates with Family Man being a huge single that summer.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

I had to watch this. My son is graduating tomorrow and did in 1983. Funnily enough, he listens to mostly music from my generation. ❤️❤️✌️ I'm so proud of him.

[@TerenceKearns]

a beautifully written and presented show. I had a ridiculous grin on my face the whole time. I was born in 1971 so these songs cemented in some great memories. I miss those times. Thanks for a great video.

[@rockygoodfellow77]

Funnily enough, down here in Australia we got the German version of Der Kommisar. It was very popular, especially at roller skating rinks. I was 15 in 1983, my favourite year of the 80s. Never heard the ATF version until a few years ago. Even 99 Luftballoons was sold and played in German here. Everyone would just sing along in German.

[@YOURTECHFRIEND]

The German version is honestly better... Surprise surprise... We also got the German versions here in Denmark.

[@keithc5729]

Same in California.

[@helloitsme1158]

Friday or Saturday night at the rollerskating rink in Geelong - takes me back . 1983 simpler times and awesome music

[@MichaelForde521]

I remember the German versions of those songs played in Toronto as well!

[@marriannerayhill7734]

@@keithc5729 I remember both versions in English and German here in So Cal. Although I don't speak German but have so much German Heritage, I did prefer the German version because it seemed more authentic. I really liked this artist and was sad to learn of his death.

[@gempath5533]

80's music still rules, nothing will ever come close to all the talented artists in those years. Epic music, epic talent!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rocco...]

Early 80s mostly.

[@mrsnookdeb]

You gotta be joking

[@gempath5533]

@@mrsnookdeb Not joking, I do like EDM music, but other than that, totally prefer 80's music.

[@jeffneptune2922]

I love the 80s but thought the 70s was better and now looking back like the 90s more too.

[@rocco...]

@@jeffneptune2922 By the mid 90s the music industry began its major descent!

[@janet4498]

I remember there was such a love for '80s music that the nostalgia for this decade started in the early '90s (my local radio station at the time started doing a "hottest hits of the '80s and today" format in 1992-93) and a competing radio station starting doing all '80s weekends.

[@RBS_]

...It's that time Lady Janet....It become what 70's "Disco" became in the early 90's...REVERED....because "American Idol" DESECRATED originality....ah well, WE had our time, that's why we're HERE, with the PROF. ......

[@ryanzondervan7780]

Oh wow! The first LP I ever purchased was “An Innocent Man” by Billy Joel! And my older brother bought “Thriller” around the same time! Gotta love being an 80’s kid!!

[@janetremsing6988]

👍🙂‼️This song was so cool, when in Jr. High, our science teacher often played it in class while we did science experiments. VERY cool!

[@radsk8rbigollies594]

I just love that in my late 40s I feel like I have a Casey Kasem again in my life. Thanks Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right on!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too! I have only lived in the 21st century and thank god we have its own Casey Kasem, otherwise I would have never known so much about the music that was around when my parents were kids!

[@martabachynsky8545]

His voice is even similar 💕, at least from my memory it is. I used to love listening to Casey Kasem's Top 40 Countdown when I was in high school.

[@gidmalu]

There really is a strong emotional link to the music of our youth. I graduated in '83, and these songs remind me of those HS friends, many of which we all lost contact with each other

[@bangjoeofficial]

Yep, and imagine the kids today are connecting the same way with their music. It really is such a shame to see people trash current music because they are too old to connect with it.

[@jicalzad]

@@bangjoeofficial agreed, just as most folks here connect to emotionally to these early 80s songs, I mean I do too, but more so with songs from the time period of 1988-2005

[@Darion350]

@@bangjoeofficial I think the same way. After a certain age we just seem to stop accepting new music. I'm 45 and I stopped caring about new music after 2010 or so. There's a song or two that comes out that I've enjoyed, but it's nothing like back in the 80's and 90's.

[@thomashalterman5231]

Excellent segment, Prof! As a cranky old man who's not particularly fond of tech... best comment in Mr. Roboto: The problem's plain to see, Too much technology. Machines to save our lives, Machines dehumanize. When I'm told "Sir, you can take care of this online," I quote this (nerdy enough? )

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I need to write this in my teacher friend's classroom on Monday. I want the kids who take her science class to see this quote because it really, REALLY resonates with life today. And of course I'll write that it came from Dennis DeYoung of Styx. Those kids need to discover Styx, a classic band from when their parents were young.

[@DawnDavidson]

Domo arigato, Mr Roboto! (Domo) (Domo)

[@thomashalterman5231]

@@ceddiexd you misunderstand, which isn't surprising. My lament is in reference to the de-personalization of society due to the relentless push of technology. I said nothing about today's music. Based on your response, I can tell that you are not capable of comprehending the difference between a person's music preferences and a disaffection for the current slavish devotion to technology in lieu of humanity. The result of today's infatuation with tech at the cost of personal social interaction has been the creation of an insecure, whiney, self-absorbed, entitlement generation who feel the need to justify their angst by complaining instead of looking to better their situations. Case in point...

[@thomashalterman5231]

@@ceddiexd wrong again, zippy (kinda habitual, huh?) First, I do not hate young people for finding their own way, their own style or their own preferences. I do, however, get annoyed by the incessant whining - like your comments here. Your stereotyping is also annoying and ignorant. But "geriatrics"? "Bitter arthritics"? That's ageist, something your generation is supposed to be moving past. Sorta shoots down your compassion comment. Don't know why you feel the need to post derogatory responses to a stranger's comments, so go away and whine to someone who cares.

[@kurttuchscherer7706]

Blinded Me is one of only a handful of songs that brings a huge grin and I automatically reach for the volume.

[@markhenrysplayroom]

I really love watching these top 10 redux that you do. Please do more of it! And I just want to say out of all the years of watching KZbin, your channel is the first where I clicked the notification bell! 🔔

[@hugome778]

Journey's Separate Ways has the most staying power for me. We used to run to the TV when we heard the intro to that song and drool over Steve Perry. Great song and fantastic album.

[@drdre4397]

The way he sings "in vain" is just fantastic, Steve Perry is one legend of the past that the kids haven't properly caught onto yet.

[@57WillysCJ]

Kihn's Jeopardy recieved huge airplay because of the type of video design in the early days of MTV.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That video was freaky.

[@pjw5328]

Separate Ways was and still is my favorite Journey song. I used to be able to play the entire keyboard part. Greg Kihn was a DJ for KFOX radio in San Jose, CA for a long time - I used to listen to him a lot when I was in high school and he was still on the evening show, before he moved to morning - he had so many great stories to tell and sometimes he’d play stuff on the air from his “personal stash” of records. He might’ve been one of the last DJs who was allowed to get away with not sticking to the corporate playlist. I remember playing musical chairs to “Beat It” at several of my classmates’ birthday parties back then. It was always my favorite song off that album, probably because it felt more like a rock track than the rest. Thanks for sharing another great week of music with us, Prof!

[@LQOTW]

So much awesome music! Happy to see STYX on your show - even if it is Mr. Roboto, haha! I'm stunned that Come on Eileen originally unseated Beat It for the top spot! I LOVED Dexys Midnight Runners - this song takes me back to carefree summer days driving fast down country lanes with the windows rolled down. Of course, U2 must be in there, and Bowie, too! Geez, I was just twenty yrs old. Now I'm just...old. How did that happen?

[@keithallen3962]

Professor... The comparison that you make between the great music of the '80s and the garbage of today...is EPIC! I was lucky. Back in the '80s I was a DJ in both nightclubs and radio and got to help bring the great music to the masses! Thanks so much for being the modern day Casey Kasem. Between listening to the replays of his shows on Sundays and your channel... We might just be able to make it! Going in the comment section on all the different videos from the '80s... People always say they want to build a time machine. Got news for you folks. KZbin IS our time machine. 👍

[@Elhastezy888]

We were blessed. Could listen to all the magnificent 60' & 70's stuff from the influence of our parents while enjoying the changes making way with NuWave, punk, & goth from England while metal & heavy metal were making waves while glam rock was changing over, at the same time alternative rock like Jane's addiction/R.E.M etc were popular (Lollapalooza) while Hip Hop & rap was forging a way, while the top 40 was incredible..... there's just something unbelievablely special about this time period. Unbelievablely special

[@RBS_]

....I know...I literally was listening to EVERYTHING, it was a cornucopia of Musical delights....and with "Solid Gold" as the backdrop, it was even BETTER! ...ha-HAAA!! >heels&tightsareALRIGHT

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The 80s had a variety!

[@Elhastezy888]

@@RBS_ 🤩😍🤩😍🤩 Ooooh *SOLID* *GOLD!* lol How could I forget!!! So glad you reminded me🐬 ty I recognize your user name from another Professor vid I commented on recently & we are kindred spirits!! 💕

[@RBS_]

@@Elhastezy888 ...The Prof. brings us ALL together, Baybee.... luv that Guy.....

[@RBS_]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 ....and. Variety SHOWS! ...ha-HAA!! >sollll-id-GOLD

[@hollywoodartchick]

This was the year I graduated HS. I remember all these songs sounding so fresh and new, lots of innovation happening then. I remember seeing Thriller for the first time at a bar in DC, and the crowd was so dumbfounded, it was replayed immediately. Michael Jackson's videos were very pioneering - he always notched it up a level with something nobody'd seen on MTV before. This was the dawn of music videos that looked like movies, not just bands playing songs. MTV was endlessly entertaining. Modern Top 10 - eh, seriously, those are 10 DIFFERENT songs? They all sound the same.

[@terryguire1321]

You might have quoted from one of the bands on the list, Greg Kihn Band, when they said, "They Don't Write Em Like That Anymore"! Great episode.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@severgreen6915]

The best thing about 80s.. there was 60s and 70s rock to listen to and the 90s were just around the corner.

[@robf6105]

1983 was THE year for me. So many artists reached their musical and career zeniths that year.

[@macsnafu]

A great selection of songs. One on One is definitely one of my favorite songs of all time. Laura Branigan recorded a version of Der Kommisar, with rewritten English lyrics, called "Deep in the Dark". But it wasn't released as a single. Also, I understand that it only took Greg Kihn about ten minutes to write the song, Our Love's In Jeopardy. And I would have sworn that "Kihn" is pronounced like 'kin', not 'keen'. After all, if it's really "keen", then some of the band's album names don't make sense, like Next of Kihn, RocKihnRoll, and Kihnspiracy. It's gotta be 'kin'.

[@briannicholson5205]

I am also glad that there are a steady stream of AT40 countdowns on TuneIn every weekend now. Hearing Casey count down the hits takes me back to the 1980s every time. I used to listen to the shows and write down the songs and how they moved week to week. It was fun trying to predict which ones would make the Top100 of the year. There was only one store which was two hours away from where I lived that carried Billboard. It was such a treat to visit the city and get one and see all the up-and-coming hits before Casey played them.

[@RobKimbro1966]

As for my Michael Jackson story goes it involves his hit "She's Out of my life" which ironically came on the radio as I started reading a dear John letter from one of my first girlfriends.

[@Damien_Clarke]

Dude, I am soooooooooo conflicted! I don't know whether I massively love your channel or whether it massively depresses me?!?! Regardless, it completely hits a chord for me, a bar chord... see what I did there? Your channel helps me remember what I have long forgotten, it's GREAT to relive the moments again, if only in my heart and head. I have decided that instead of being depressed about FANTASTIC times long pasted, I will just appreciated the fact that I EXETREMLY lucky to have lived during the period. I'm Subscribed! And, have been binge watching and liking each of your videos. Each clip brings back tonnes and tonnes of fond memories. (Yes, I'm Canadian; i.e. 'tonnes') Thanks for the memories, MUCH appreciated! Thanks... Cheers!

[@Rob_Kates]

As a high school kid in the 80s, I had a Michael Jackson poster on my wall and spent a lot of time trying to learn his moon walk. I think that Billie Jean was his best song. Quincy Jones produced Thriller, he worked with Frank Sinatra and countless others. What an amazing career.

[@johnhamilton2588]

What a phenomenal Top 10! I have always thought that 1983 was hands down the top year for music in the '80's. I really don't think it's close.

[@sirjer73]

I'll say 84 slightly but it's neck and neck between 84 and 83!!!

[@wingman5985]

That's it! I can't take it anymore. I'm looking for a Delorean professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Let me know when you find one!

[@WeaponsEducation]

I remember in 1983 listening to THRILLER on CD. My friend played this new strange disc in his car and he said 'this is the future" I think it was the first successful album on CD.

[@Brinx01]

Both the first portable (Sony) and first car (Pioneer) CD players were released in 1984. Before that it was home units only. Not trying to give you a bad time, just saying. The album came out in '83, though.

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

@@Brinx01 Correct..

[@le9051]

I recall when someone told me that MP3 was the future and I couldn't wrap my head around it.

[@WeaponsEducation]

@@Brinx01 So is was 1984

[@ddstanfield9259]

I never heard of a cd until the 90’s My first was about 94 I’d say Maybe even later For sure was buying tapes in 96 97

[@greva2904]

The thing about growing up in the early 80’s was… we didn’t realise that it was a golden age of music. We just assumed that music would always this good forever. Bit of a shock when we all slowly realised years later that we were soooo wrong. Have to say though the UK charts were usually full of more interesting music than the US charts, the US charts seemed to be permanently clogged up with soft rock bands who’d bought in producers to give the songs an 80’s sheen.

[@chris71388]

The music of the 2000's was far better than the music in the 80's. How do I know? I grew up during that period and have rose tinted nostalgia glasses for that period of music. The golden age of music was what I experienced as a child. No era will ever come close to that ever again.

[@user-fm3xr9yz3i]

@@chris71388 Name Albums and Artists.....

[@diana-cy4kj]

@@chris71388 2000s were the worst.

[@oracle5200]

@@diana-cy4kj Agreed, The songs were overplayed and got old quick. The thing with the 80s is that I feel the big hits during that decade couldn't be overplayed even when they were overplayed. I could never get bored of the hits. In some cases there are some 00s that I do like more of the electronic club music from that period but in general the 80's is infinitely better then the 00s.

[@chris71388]

@@diana-cy4kj ok boomer

[@veritasvincit2745]

Magnus Pyke who did the voice over on Blinded Me With Science was a nutritionist scientist during the war whose work focused on keeping people strong and healthy on reduced calories and the rationing and shortages of food. Useful work.

[@migy5031]

What an amazing time for music - 1983! We were blessed. 🤟

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Man, what a year! I wish I could time travel and see it for myself with my 14-year-old mother! It would have been a blast!

[@billmccaslin4198]

This is the greatest channel on KZbin thank you for keeping real music alive........

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I totally agree! It’s like Casey Kasem has risen from the dead.

[@stevenmacias3605]

No contest, the top 10 from 1983 destroys today's "top 10". For that matter, any top 10 from the 80s would do the job. Such a great variety of sounds. Miss those days.

[@bluelogimouse2123]

One really don't have to go back more than a single-digit number of years to find a Top 10 better than contemporary music, which epically sucky. 😡

[@TheAbandonedAccount7]

Try comparing 80s top 10 to ANY random selection of any music from today (besides top 10.) Get absolutely destroyed.

[@TheAbandonedAccount7]

80s is hands down one of THE WORST decades for music of all time

[@bluelogimouse2123]

@@TheAbandonedAccount7 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jimmymelendez1836]

I remember coming home from school to see my mom and Grandma playing Michael Jackson's Thriller album. My mom was holding up the album showing me what they were playing. We had this big record counsel that had a turntable, an AM/FM radio, and an 8-track tape player. Man, what a time. That music Video to video to Jeopardy was crazy. I remember watching it and thought, What am I watching here? It was so creepy.

[@sigep145]

🎶 "Casey Kasem & the weekly Top 40..." 🎶 the song is the first thing my mind hears when the Top 40 charts are mentioned. I spent so many Sundays listening with a blank cassette loaded & ready for me to hit record when certain songs were played.

[@geetarbube]

Love this series, Prof! I was thirteen in ‘83; best times of my life. It is absolutely embarrassing how much better OUR music was then.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

There's still good music being put out. You just have to look for it.

[@geetarbube]

@@jeffalbillar7625 You’re right, but this series compares the charts and there is no comparison.

[@urbanurchin5930]

@@jeffalbillar7625 ...that is the difference ! Today - you have to look for it ( your quote ) ...... back then - it was ALREADY every where - didn't have to search for it !!!!

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@urbanurchin5930 back then you didn't have a choice. You listened to what they played and that was that. I'm an 80s person, so I'm not trying to argue. I can see that you're wanting to by saying "your quote". Just stop right now. I don't care what you have to say. You said your piece now bye

[@jasonsumner8482]

@@jeffalbillar7625 true but why isn't it ubiquitous and easy to find like back in the 80's?!!

[@jwhey2fun]

So refreshing to see someone do a top 10 countdown again the memories are so wonderful both the sting of young love and the excitement and experiences I had in my youth. love what you’re doing Professor keep it up you rock🤘🏼

[@MrPhilm00r]

Man I can remember singing along gleefully to She Blinded Me With Science riding in the back seat of my mom's car as a kid. I was so in love with the song.

[@davefox8948]

The Greg Khin Band produced a number of great rock tunes that never got radio play and are well worth listening to if you love classic Rock and Roll. By the way, it’s pronounced “Kin” not Keen. Thanks for highlighting one of my favorite bands from my day.

[@desertdan100]

Your just validating my statements even more. 1983 was the greatest year in music history bar none. I appreciate all music and have listened to all genres of that year over a broad range. Thank You for your videos. I thoroughly enjoy them.

[@adamhapper6706]

Thank you Adam for making these extremely informative videos. They bring back such great memories of the greatest music era. They truly don't make 'em like they used to.

[@varietasVeritas]

I love your eclectic tastes in music. Today's music is just as good, but you have to find it on the internet. It will never be played on the radio. 😢

[@flavellinator]

Der Kommissar was far more popular in its Austrian original version in my neck of the woods, Southern California. Radio station KROQ and nightclubs around here would play it often, and that very silly video with Falco wearing the (not quite Zenni) shades was played regularly. Love the Top 10 shows, and, thank you, "Love My Way" is now in its rightful place on your updated Top 10 list!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I think I like the Falco version a lot better than After the Fire’s, though that doesn’t mean ATF did a bad cover of this song. Their version is great, but Falco’s is excellent.

[@flavellinator]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Agree! My wife is German, so I had to have her translate this song and "99 Luft Balloons" for me back then 😀

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@flavellinator Both are fantastic songs!

[@scottwaszak698]

The 70's was the greatest decade in music. Period.

[@stoots1000]

Nope...80s music tops everything since the 1950s-early 60s

[@michaellavoice3807]

I was glad to see you include Modern English and Melt With You. It's one of those iconic 80's tunes that still gets a ton of radio play to this day. I first heard it on the soundtrack of the first Nick Cage movie I ever saw called Valley Girl, if you can believe it. Decent teen love story flick, but that song was the best part of the film.

[@YvetteArby]

Do you remember Eaten By The Monster of Love with the kid obsessed with the MILF in that movie Valley Girl? I loved so much of the music from that movie, especially The Plimsouls with their cameo.

[@michaellavoice3807]

@@YvetteArby Somehow I don't remember that one. Must now go find it!

[@YvetteArby]

@@michaellavoice3807 That scene was so crazy! I remember watching it and thinking that the girl was gonna come home and see the guy she had a crush on -doing it with her mom! I already loved that song by Sparks and it really fit that scene! The Plimsouls were the band in the nightclub.

[@YvetteArby]

@@michaellavoice3807 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHrTgnVpjJeNl9k

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

I am so startled to have learned a few years back about how the Readability Index showed lyrics went from a high school level of understanding and vocabulary and syntax to a third-grade level now. Also, does anyone else notice the third verse/bridge part of a song is an endangered species now? My Gen Z coworkers two years ago had no clear what many of these songs were talking about.

[@Elhastezy888]

You ever catch a clip of the Island Boys?🤣🤣🤣 "singing" the song island boys. it's soOo funny NOT funny ..... scary

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@Elhastezy888 oh I heard it. Not by choice though. Just shows you the state of the world we're living in when the island boys are famous.

[@Elhastezy888]

@@TheRetroManRandySavage The o.p.'s comment is so intelligent, made me immediately think of them. I too stumbled upon them by accident.... thank gawd! Just goes to show how insidious & effective indoctrination really is. *SNAP* *INTO* *A* *SLIM* *JIM* *AAARRGGHHH* 🤩 Hope you have a great day🌊🐬

[@pyrodiscoflash6115]

They only care about Getting as much money as Possible, that's the Essence of their Existence, Lowest Common Denominator Culture goes after its target audience in a horrific Feedback Loop, do you think they Care, they are just doing Punk in the Social media age

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@Elhastezy888 gotta have beef, gotta have spice. Need a little excitement, snap into a slim jim. Oh yeah! 😂 Yeah, who made island boys famous? I'm guessing that tiktok. Says it all really. 🤦‍♂️

[@scotabot7826]

Back in the 80's when you could turn on the stereo at any given time, and every song was a hit!!! So glad I was a teen in the first half of the decade, cause there will never be another like it!!

[@execatty]

Yep 54 now.. Those were the days. Movies were spectacular classics as was the music.. And no phones to ruin everything..

[@duane_313]

Hit doesn’t equal “good” it just means it was commercially successful. of course every song played on top 40 was “a hit”.

[@liamcollinson5695]

@@duane_313 agreed I remember the Bob the builder song from when I was a kid and it's not good at all

[@Javmon9]

I remember when Thriller came out and hearing it on the radio on heavy rotation. My dad had the radio on the whole day one Saturday and seemed like Thriller was on once an hour. By the end of the night we loved the song but also were wondering how many times did we hear it on the same station the whole day? That was wild.

[@leogolive]

I was in 2nd Grade in 1983. Seven years old. I remember ALL OF THESE SONGS. Man these were great times for music!

[@mariamayub212]

This brings back so many wonderful memories, I had the Michael Jackson thriller cassette and played it so much. I remember I was so upset when my dad sent that in a Duran Duran seven in the ragged tiger cassette to family relatives so their kids could listen to it and I was like I don't want to give it away LOL so I had to contend with making my own mixtapes until I could get the albums again. Best ever! And I was still a year away from having my first moment with the queen of pop, Lucky Star 1984. Wonderful video and great stories!

[@wilburrrrr742]

I love hearing Paisch and Lucather talk. They are just the best team. Saw toto and journey two days ago in Orlando. Luke was really complimentary about journey. He's always a nice guy, just sad that David wasn't there, and their set was so short. Lucather and Schon in the same show! oh Yes 😊

[@cwize]

That’s some guitar god-ness!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Later this week Journey and Toto will be coming to the East Coast where I am and performing for us!

[@michaelfrazia4569]

I could listen to Kasey all day ...just put the 80s countdowns on a loop...I actually do it sometimes.. even better since that tape of him getting mad off camera got out... its cool how he slips into the mellow cool radio guy....what a legend and what a decade to be a kid

[@slake9727]

We lost Snuckles...

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Jeez Louise! 1983 was lit. Absolutely golden. Music, tv, and film was all top drawer. It's absolutely laughable when you look at the world today compared to 1983. No comparison.

[@DanOne1513]

CORRECT! No comparison.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I lived in 1983. I wish I could time travel SO BAD. That year was top notch, and you couldn’t beat it, honestly. So many great songs and innovative music videos.

[@mournblade1066]

Commercial radio was certainly far better. But I'll take today's television over the 1980s any day. I think the ONLY show I watched regularly in the 1980s was Magnum, P.I. Well, I mean, I watched Max Headroom, but it didn't last very long.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@mournblade1066 A-team, knight rider, fall guy, full house, quantum leap, TJ hooker, alf, buck Rodgers, miami vice, chips, macgyver, street hawk, air wolf, automan, blue thunder, incredible hulk, Roseanne, cheers, Cosby show, different strokes, highway to heaven. Loads of great tv shows in the 80s. Today doesn't even compare imho.

[@Cubz72]

I’d say 1982 through 1985 were the heart of what we regard as “the ‘80s” today. Every week’s Top 40 was a revelation.

[@mrmaxaxl]

These songs CRUSHES anything on the radio today!!

[@California_dreaming]

New to this channel. First off…you know so much!!!! I’m so jealous of those in their mid to late 50s. You guys had EVERYTHING! I can’t imagine, listening to the radio with Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna on the station… Whilst back to the future and karate kid are in the theaters… OMG!

[@dracul74]

If you have never seen the interview with Clapton talking about SRV’s solo on Let’s Dance it is worth finding, He basically said he pulled his car over because he was so moved.

[@chrisdavidson911]

New Order, Blue Monday. It is absolutely defying age. Still being occasionally covered or remixed, and sounding every bit as good as it always did. The original will pop up in an advert every few years or so, and it still sounds bright and fresh every time.

[@AndrewGluck404pageloaderror]

The Orgy cover is garbage, but the original still gets used in commercials!

[@trojans7]

I LOVE the new Top 10. I love that Psychedelic Furs' "Love my Way" and Modern English's "Melt with you" got in. Both great songs! The countdown is pretty accurate to how I would've pick them. I was legit shocked that "Come on Aileen" beat Michael. No disrespect to Dexy's Midnight Runners, I love the song too but it wasn't good enough to knock off MJ, especially "Beat It".

[@djigor]

In my opinion Come On Eileen is superior song to Beat it, but that’s a matter of taste.🤷‍♂️ Come On Eileen is one of the most unique sounding songs of the decade.👍 I prefer some of the Bad singles to Beat It and Thriller.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree with you!

[@paulbrien4817]

Dexy's far better than over produced, can't write my own songs, has to get super star musicians to play on my album MJ.

[@joaquinalexander9]

1983- I turned 10...One of the best years of my life...and MUCH of it is because of the music...when that time machine comes, I'm going back to THEN.