Legendary 80s Rock Band SPENT a RECORD, 10 Weeks At #2...NEVER Did Hit #1 | Professor Of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest #2 hit of all time?

[@zoltore23]

Definitely Love Song by the Cure. You nailed it!

[@davidlaw689]

Baker Street ~ Gerry Rafferty

[@TheWorldTeacher]

"Eleanor Rigby"/“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles. #2 on US Billboard Hot 💯.

[@flavellinator]

Waiting for a Girl Like You. It was huge in 1981. "Physical" kept it out? Ugh!

[@nbmike65]

Hurt So Good by John Mellencamp. He has said in interviews he was convinced it was a #1 tune, but the song he almost didn’t record, Jack & Diane, got him his first #1.

[@brucegwynn8509]

It is so hard to believe that journey never hit number one , wow !

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know, right? I was absolutely gutted when I found out that they couldn’t make it to the top.

[@travismoore7938]

I could not believe that either. That was shocking.

[@carolharris2357]

My oldest son when he was young would swear Steve Perry was female.

[@optimisticoutreach1236]

Right?!

[@brucegwynn8509]

@@carolharris2357 I can see why!

[@reneascott6596]

The 80s was a great decade to be a teen. Love these songs. Love all these songs.

[@stuartewoldt1513]

Teen? Alive i wasn't teen until 88 but I was a early bloomer when it came to music. Being 5 in 1980 music just hit me so hard from country to metal. It was the last decade to still be innocent in America. I like the grunge era but it changed too much in America

[@KevyB1990]

As a child of the 80s, we really did have the best era of music.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

"Open Arms" holds a somewhat special place in my heart - at my 8th-grade graduation, it was the first song I slow-danced to. 14-year-old me was painfully shy, but I decided that I would do at least one dance before we all went home. Angie, if you're still out there, thank you.

[@ripvanrevs]

Every single dance I went to from 7th grade through high school, Stairway to Heaven was the last song played!! (77-83)

[@W81Researcher]

@@ripvanrevs really stairway to heaven was played in junior high?

[@kevindukelow6600]

Once I e-mailed Neil Finn and he responded saying my lyrics were the best he’d ever read. Totally honored! My first album is going to be recorded soon. I finally feel that I have enough lyrics that are quality enough to make it work. Wish me luck! Thank you, professor, for keeping the music alive!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You are so lucky!

[@austintrousdale2397]

Props 💯👏 and watching Adam interview Neil Finn gave me chills. Really demonstrates that people chasing their dreams can actually catch them with the right balance of talent, perseverance and grace ✌️

[@jamesredman1263]

Congrats Kevin, I'll watch for this!

[@A.n0neeM0usee]

If you have been bless by Finn, go forth and conquer! Love him, Split Enz, and Crowded House. Still remember when CH played at the Grammys or Am Music Awards. It was his son's birthday and he couldn't be there. His emotions and love were palpable. They were great.

[@stevenkramer3431]

Hey, keep us in the loop on the album release!

[@lindaallen9874]

I was born in 1960, so each new decade has been a new decade of my life. The 80s were the decade of my 20s. College, grad school, starting a career, buying a home. That was a happy time for me, and what a marvelous soundtrack!

[@seanswinton6242]

This has been a sore spot for me since HS. How Foreigner's "Waiting For A Girl Like You" were locked out of the #1 and Journey's "Open Arms" as well! Can't forget "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House and Johnny Hates Jazz "Shattered Dreams". Talk about poetic!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Man, all these great songs! Can’t believe “Waiting” didn’t go to #1!

[@seanswinton6242]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 This was a great episode. "Shattered Dreams" came to mind when Professor mentioned "Hands To Heaven". There were a number of duo and trios, many from Britain who produced one outstanding album and then fell short on the follow-up or were never heard from again.

[@Elwaves2925]

Don't Dream It's Over is the one that always gets me, especially as it only reached #27 in the UK. I didn't know Shattered Dreams was a hit in the US. I've been thinking of mentioning them to Adam, to see if he'll cover that song.

[@seanswinton6242]

@@Elwaves2925 I hope he does. That CD is timeless. I still play it regularly. Similarly bands like Waterfront, Love and Money and the Kane Gang.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@seanswinton6242 It’s super sad! Johnny Hates Jazz should have been bigger than they were in the US.

[@jeffm5056]

That Crowded House self titled album is fire start to finish. I just love it.

[@monica93304]

1984. What a year!! The best of my teenage years. I was living in Uruguay. Because I was an American, all of my friends wanted me to translate the lyrics to these songs.

[@cathyopthof8136]

You’ve played some of my favorite bands and songs...Def Leppard, Hall and Oats, Tears For Fears, Crowded House, Air Supply,Rolling Stones,Journey, Foreigner...just where in heck is 38 Special...one of my Favorite bands, EVER!!!

[@pdmullgirl]

The eighties were fantastic! The music was absolutely mind blowing. All of these song are just out of this world good. From listening while working, relaxing, cleaning the house or cruising. They are all fantastic. Thanks Professor. ❤️💜💚

[@OttoByOgraffey]

Sowing In The Seeds of Love, absolute masterpiece!

[@bobbo0616]

To quote Bill Lumberg from Office Space: “Yeeeah, I’m gonna have to disagree with you on that one”.

[@cathyopthof8136]

Absolute!!!

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

Pure Magic. It was as if the Beatles had regrouped for one more track...,,

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

It’s amazing to see so many classic songs in the charts and on the radio at the same time. I’m a Gen Xer and I may not always like my age, but I am so grateful for being my age and growing up during the 1980s. We are the last generation before technology took over the world. We had icons, true icons, making some of the best music. We had MTV when it meant something. And we had songs that were so great they were kept out of being #1 by even greater songs.

[@BaddogSports]

I’m a Gen Xer as well. Love my age man. Close to retirement, experienced the greatest decade ever in the 80’s, actually did things outdoors. No phones, no social media, no worries. I can’t imagine growing up in this era lol.

[@pbmax700]

I fell in love with Sewing the Seeds of Love as soon as I heard it great song

[@marcus813]

As soon as I finished watching the video on MTV, I was in love with it.

[@williamturk2330]

I can't hear "Start Me Up" without thinking about Windows 95.

[@johndavidson2365]

I think the cool thing about 80s music is that the scene was too crowded for all these great songs to get the number 1 spotlight.

[@danielmarquis5258]

Facts

[@MeowMax-2004]

Including Crowded House 🤔

[@cristenhartman5185]

Truth.

[@bherrin67]

You nailed it 👍🏻🎸🕺

[@thrusta100]

And now it’s just filled with crap😂

[@david_post_punk]

I always appreciate your love and respect for The Cure , my favorite band of all times, they deserve to be mentioned in every 80s topic

[@craigwhittaker8611]

Growing up in the 80’s so many memories here seems that generation of music is just SO MUCH BETTER than anything else

[@EvaFull]

So many great “#2 Songs” that didn’t hit “#1” for one reason or another. Glad you do videos like this to remind us about those awesome hits too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My next request for Professor: #2 hits of the 70s, 60s, maybe go as far as to do 90s!

[@treyhudson73]

Literally (yes, mean it) every song you chose gave me goose bumps. 80's music is a hill I am willing to die on to defend!

[@deepsouthNZ]

Neil Finn is one of the greatest living New Zealanders a true national treasure we are very proud of down here

[@maryfrump7937]

A truly nice man too. I've been a fan so long he remembers me when he sees me 🙂

[@tonyclayton6975]

That’s why we’ve claimed him in Australia.

[@deepsouthNZ]

@@tonyclayton6975 we don't mind sharing

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

More proof that the “charts” did not matter in the 80s. All the music was so, so good. The 80s: _Lived ‘em. Loved ‘em. Miss ‘em._

[@Drachenkonig2]

It may not have been #1 when it came out but Dancing In The Dark can always be #1 on our ears and in our hearts.

[@BillGraper]

What a great idea! Tons & tons of songs to choose from. My biggest memory was when Foreigner had 9 weeks at #2 under their belt with 'Waiting For A Girl Like You." The next week, "Physical" dropped to 3 or 4. I thought it was FINALLY Foreigner's turn. Then when Casey Kasem was getting ready to announce #2, I heard the Foreigner keyboard chord in the background, giving them their 10th week at #2. I was a shocked 10 y/o top 40 fan!!! 😯 Hall & Oates jumped over them!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Amazing thing is Foreigner kept this record until 2002! That’s twenty whole years!

[@bryandean9463]

Waiting for a girl like you is the best #2 song ever.

[@MeowMax-2004]

Hall & Oates said “No Can Do” to Foreigner

[@screwyootube1]

Dude, I was right there with you! I was far more a rock fan, but I loved following American top 40 by Casey Kasem, and was always annoyed when great songs were beaten by mediocre crap. But... that's the way it goes.

[@jimm9312]

6:19 "Breathe Hands to Heaven" been waiting to hear you say those words for a long time. I really hope you get that interview someday. I suspect I'm not the only one here who does. :)

[@TN1965]

I hope there is an interview too, however it seems unlikely (as of now)

[@joelinstrum1756]

It's been a while since the charts had much meaning, but before the internet, Billboard's Hot 100 was everything. My sisters and I would listen to Kasey Kasem's Top 40 for hours on Saturday morning. Many of the songs that I didn't like at the time sound amazing to me now -- including the ones from this video. Nice work, as always, Kevin !

[@peterkelly4833]

Hands to Heaven, by Breathe, holds some bittersweet memories for me. In the Autumn of 1987 I had moved to University, from my home town in Scotland, to the south of England. Me, and my then longtime girlfriend, had tried to keep a long distance relationship, but, by the end of my first year, in the summer of 1988, we knew it wasn't, and wouldn't, work. It was to that summer soundtrack, including Hands to Heaven, we excepted our fate, and broke up. In time the heartbreak and sadness ended, but, when I hear that song, I'm back in that summer of 1988, and feel that wee twinge again.

[@johnbarney5787]

Open Arms...OHHH....I wish I could relive the moments at my high school dances to that song. Puts it at #1 for me. Lol

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Classic prom song!

[@johnbarney5787]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I commented too quickly. He brought up Foreigner just as i posted. That was also big at the dances.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@johnbarney5787 Another great song for a prom!

[@jonstreng7850]

This is the one I couldn't believe. I just saw Air Supply in January of this year and I don't understand how they only had one number one song. What a shock. Great song writing duo and Russell has an amazing voice.

[@erikwaters6678]

Love, love, love the SCTV shout out for Ride Like The Wind. One of my favorite comedy moments from one of my favorite comedy shows involving one of my all time favorite songs. Perfection.

[@mikemcgown6362]

You did it again! These songs could've/should've been number ones! Most of them are still playing on classic rock stations today. If they're not, I'm sure the DJ would dig it up and play it on request. The '80's definitely had the best music! Whether it's pop, rock, glam rock, whatever, it was the decade not to be forgotten!

[@bethshadid2087]

Ahhh the 80s....so many great songs so little time ☺️. And the way music stations played such a diversity of music...🕊️💗

[@DavidSmith-zd2rp]

Been waiting on a video covering 'Hands to Heaven'. Such a big song from my memory of growing up in the 80s

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I don’t often hear it when I’m out and about. It’s so underrated.

[@seanswinton6242]

Great album, their follow-up was great as well. A shame they didn't last.

[@notundercovercop327]

I thought I was the only one.

[@archibaldsalyards926]

I have NO IDEA how you do it!!!!?? So many details, backstories, and music clips!!! The editing is amazing and must be pain staking!! You do Casey Kasem great honor! Thank you!!

[@stevemclean5787]

How Journey never had a #1 or a Grammy I'll never understand. The fact it took till 2017 to be inducted into the HOF just blows my mind. Faithfully and DSB both should've been solid #1 hits.

[@bobbo0616]

Did they have any other Top 10 hits after Separate Ways?

[@MeowMax-2004]

Absolutely shocking!

[@stevemclean5787]

@@bobbo0616 yes. I forgot that When You Love a Woman reached #1 and the album from which it was a single, Trial By Fire debuted at #1 in 1996. Raised on Radio also had a couple top ten hits. Revelation had a #9 hit with After All These Years.

[@bobbo0616]

@@stevemclean5787 That’s so wild because I hadn’t even heard of the 1996 album so I’ll have to check it out. I’m a fan of Be Good to Yourself, though it’s too bad the guitar solo was way too long in concluding the song. Would have loved either a third verse or a repeat of the chorus to finish out the song.

[@stevemclean5787]

@@bobbo0616 definitely check out Trial by fire! Superb album. Some outstanding work there. A few ballads and some great rockers too

[@Latoree33]

I always loved Foreigner, Waiting for a girl like you. Best song they ever made!

[@TooGoodBud1]

Hands to Heaven is such an awesome song, also love "How can I fall?" from them

[@bobbo0616]

And Don’t tell me lies

[@TN1965]

Say a prayer was my favourite

[@charleyyoho4693]

very underrated band..also have Don’t Tell Me Lies on my playlist!

[@blebhan8213]

Foreigner was Waiting For A Girl Like You. Olivia wanted to get Physical. Hall and Oates said I Can't Go For That.

[@Michael-Willoughby]

You lit me up when you mentioned Breathe. I discovered a radio promotional copy of All That Jazz in a discount bin at an indie record shop. I played Hands to Heaven for my wife, about a month before they hit the charts. I knew it was going to be huge. Still love this band. Yes, please do an interview! Great songs stand the test of time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re such a cool group!

[@jeffk8391]

I agree Michael! This is an interview I want to hear....

[@TN1965]

Unfourtunately it seems like an interview will be unlikely, but Breathe was a seriously underrated band with some amazing songs, and both of their albums are fanatstic

[@MillerGenuineDraft1980]

I found a CD copy of All That Jazz a couple years ago. Turned out to be a great thrift store find. I knew three of the songs already. The rest of the album turned out to be pretty good. Key Song- Don’t Tell Me Lies ( extended version)

[@Michael-Willoughby]

@@MillerGenuineDraft1980 Don't tell me lies is definitely their best track.

[@TheSlowoldman]

It is rather surprising how many comments there are in support of Breathe..... and I like all the rest thought I was the only one..... GREAT group.

[@MichaelD6287]

Springsteen was my hands down all time favorite artist for many years. You can absolutely do deep dives into any and all of Bruce's albums!

[@c.e.anderson558]

" The Fever"?

[@Oceans11.11]

I don’t why it took me so long to find this channel.. it just popped up after spending hours watching interviews with Dolores O’Riordan... but I’m glad I found it. I have some of my greatest memories that coincide with the music during the 80’s & 90’s. His knowledge and interviews with legendary artists is pop culture as its finest.

[@Zillah82]

Lovesong, is such a lasting song. There are so many covers of it for a reason. It's so good.

[@angellouisesings]

I had All That Jazz by Breathe on cassette! Thanks for mentioning them.

[@charleyyoho4693]

so did I…great sound and lyrics!

[@GNXXRAY]

I would spend a wish from a Magic Lamp to sit down and chat with you for a couple hours about the 80’s. I was 16-17-18 years old and managed a video arcade in an amusement park for 3 summers. I had the keys to every video game and the jukebox. I played guitar and that key to the jukebox got me a lot of attention from many teenage girls. The variety of music that we were so lucky to grow up with is the most diverse ever. I’m a little older then you at 52….but those days are crystal clear to me. Amazing Channel Sir. Take a bow… Bravo

[@bukitkatilmp]

I totally agree with this list. Im surprised you had Hands to Heaven by Breathe, 99 Luftballons by Nena, Purple Rain by Prince, Rosanna by Toto, Dont Dream Its Over by Crowded House, and Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears Although Im a certified Durannie, the early 80s were just an amazing time to be alive, with so many great singers and bands.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m a really young Duranie and I love the 80s!

[@aprilmorris4588]

I agree with you 100%! Especially that POF talked about Nena and Air Supply; those were two that I was certain would be ignored.

[@robertwest3093]

Hands to Heaven is probably the best "most forgotten" song of the '80's!

[@bradthurkle7217]

Hehe yeah well said.

[@barryjackson1401]

Man, I miss the 80s.

[@brenturquhart7090]

What amazes me with this list, and by the way I agree with every song on this list, is just how different each song is from each other. It just shows you how amazing music was in the eighties. I am so thankful that I grew up in the decade.

[@janet4498]

I'm so glad Breathe was mentioned. I LOVE that group. I thought I was the only one who remembered them. I have both the All That Jazz album and the 1990 follow-up Peace of Mind, which had the amazing song "Say a Prayer" and another gem called "Does She Love That Man." And there's a song on the All That Jazz album called "All This I Should Have Know" that just gives me chills when I listen to it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“How Can I Fall” too.

[@TheSlowoldman]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 absolutely LOVE that song.......

[@bobbo0616]

Don’t Tell Me Lies and Liberties of Love were awesome too

[@kimmcconnell3854]

Yes, such an underrated group!

[@jeffk8391]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 That is my favorite Breathe song

[@justjerry2363]

I've played Sowing The Seeds of Love & Waiting For A Girl Like You a zillion times, and that Cure song is now a classic! I'm only disappointed you don't have one of the most famous, most played songs of the rock and roll era as at least an honorable mention that was kept out of the top spot by the amazing JUMP by Van Halen! That #2 that was a song originally written from a male's perspective, but was turned into legendary pop gold in the reworked, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", by Cyndi Lauper! To hear the original, and then hear her version of it - just wow. She has such a gift for vocal riffs and sounds. It's no wonder that when Paula Abdul had to turn down singing the duet version of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town alongside Frank Sinatra's old track, because she couldn't get the pitch right, that Cyndi came in to the studio and did it in one take! Cyndi's "Girls" has inspired many artists, and it's been covered a lot.

[@johnsowell423]

Hey Professor, since you asked for it, here are my picks for the top #2 hits of the 1980s -- some which were on your list: 1. "Waiting For A Girl Like You" -- Foreigner (#2 for 10 weeks 1981-1982) 2. "Open Arms" -- Journey (#2 for 6 weeks in 1982 -- behind "Centerfold" and "I Love Rock And Roll" each for 3 weeks) 3. "Rosanna" -- Toto (#2 for 5 weeks in 1982) 4. "More Than I Can Say" -- Leo Sayer (#2 for 5 weeks in 1980) 5. "Electric Avenue" -- Eddy Grant (#2 for 5 weeks in 1983) 6. "Hurts So Good" -- John Cougar (#2 for 4 weeks in 1982 -- behind "Eye Of The Tiger") 7. "Shame On The Moon" -- Bob Seger (#2 for 4 weeks in 1983 -- behind "Billie Jean") 8. "All Out Of Love" -- Air Supply (#2 for 4 weeks in 1980 -- behind "Upside Down" and "Another One Bites The Dust"). 9. "Ride Like The Wind" -- Christopher Cross (#2 for 4 weeks in 1980) 10. "Don't Talk To Strangers" -- Rick Springfield (#2 for 4 weeks in 1982 -- behind "Ebony And Ivory") Of course, I have a list of honorable mentions as well. These include "Gloria" by Laura Branigan (#2 for 3 weeks in 1982), "Say It Isn't So" by Hall & Oates (#2 for 4 weeks in 1983 -- behind "Say Say Say"), "Cherish" by Kool & the Gang (#2 for 3 weeks in 1985), and "Friends And Lovers" by Carl Anderson and Gloria Loring (#2 for 2 weeks in 1986). To your credit, Professor, your list covers the entire 80's better than my list does. Great content, Professor! ☺

[@charleyyoho4693]

Actually 2 Cherishes peaked @ #2! Madonna’s & Kool & The Gangs! great trivia question

[@KCBfly25]

We just saw Def Leppard 3 nights ago in Kansas City. My 3rd time seeing them in 6 yrs. And after 30 yrs, finally got to meet them. Truly kind & genuine guys. Their concerts are always full of energy & real! They’re still rocking after all these years. I caught a lot of crap yrs ago for listening to them, but not many rock bands still have their members (Viv has been with them longer than Steve), truly get along with each other, are good guys all around, & still have a great vibe & energy on stage. Joe always knocks it outta the park! Love ‘em!!🎸

[@bicyclist2]

I loved this so very much. This brings back so many memories of my teen years in the 80's. I love all the great artists and songs shown here. This is the incredible soundtrack to our generation. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@joshuadavis6501]

I liked your 80's list I liked Purple Rain, Poor Some sugar on me, and waiting for a girl like you.

[@Joreel]

Air Supply just never gets much love when it comes to 80s lists. They were amazing and put out so many beautiful songs 🤩

[@seanelcock]

I love the idea - great songs that didn’t quite make #1. And I love so many of these songs, including the honorable mentions! My only real disagreement is with Lovesong, ironically number 1. It’s just never spoken to me. My faves - Sowing the Seeds of Love, Don’t Dream it’s Over (reminds me of 8th grade graduation in Glendale Arizona, thinking about the kids going to a different high school in the fall. The drama!

[@seangates1451]

I’m a Springsteen fan, and I’m always up for a deep-dive. In fact “Dancing in the Dark” became a very personal track for me about 15 years ago. I had been through a series of failed relationships and was working part-time, trying to find some success as an author, and I met a girl who… for reasons I won’t get into, I had no business being involved with. We were both broken and feeling alone in different ways, and we shared, for a little while, a spark that I think set us both on a path to healing. We talked a lot about music, and we had a playlist of songs that were about us. Anyway, I’d known this song since I was a kid but it took on a new life when I realized it was exactly about what I was feeling when I met her. “Hey baby, I’m just about starving tonight, I’m dying for some action, I’m sick of sitting around here trying to write this book, I need a love reaction, come on gimme gimme just one look”

[@tanya5322]

I own all of one Springsteen album. The Seeger Sessions. Though like many people my age, I did (still do) enjoy his more popular tracks when I hear them on the radio.

[@amandabooth7399]

Sean gates, I wouldn't admit that I was a bruce Springsteen fan.......

[@seangates1451]

@@amandabooth7399 okay? Well obviously I would.

[@zoltore23]

I agree 100 percent that 1984 was the GREATEST year in music history. So many innovative, creative and talented bands and singers.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Almost every single song from 84 was killer.

[@georgemathie8123]

I love these shows because as an 80s kid and back in the days when you had Casey Kasem, MTV top ten and for me being a Canadian I had muchmusic and the fun part of these countdowns was you were always rooting for your favorite song to be the number one or at least in the top 3 so it's shows like these that bring back such memories for me

[@ProfessorofRock]

Much music was cool.. Believe me, I used to root for my faves as well!

[@vaskylark]

@@ProfessorofRock I didn't just root for them, I kept notebooks and wrote them all down with little up and down arrows on whether or not they were moving up or down the charts. Casey Kasem's voice totally reminds me of my childhood weekends.

[@barbarak2836]

@@vaskylark I remember writing lists of Casey Kasem's Top 40 in the late 60s and early 70s. I should have saved them!

[@aspalovin]

Adam.. You killed it on this show. You spun me right round, baby, right round like a record baby, right, right, round, round.

[@RichGurska]

The first time I heard Journey's "Open Arms" was in of all places....while watching the movie "Heavy Metal". The movie was released less than 2 weeks after Journey released the album, and "Open Arms" wasn't released as a single for another 5 months.

[@clannum]

“Of all places??” Isn’t that where EVERYONE first heard that song??

[@Fr.Dn.JosephBowman]

This may be my favorite video you've done yet! Wow...You don't know you are living through an amazing time for music until it is past. I graduated HS in 85, so I fused to feel I loved that music due to the nostalgia. But as the years have passed, and newer music seems more and more derivative, auto-tuned, and soul-less in comparison. Thank you Professor!

[@EazyCheeze]

Wow, I don't think you've ever used such hard language (as I saw in the former title) in your videos themselves. You're definitely passionate about music - this much is obvious to one who's watched you as long as I have. It's REALLY great to see your work, always! We appreciate you, Adam; take care!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When an 80s classic does not get the justice it deserves, then it is total bull🤬 indeed!

[@DigitalMediaCanada]

Wow! Sowing the Seeds of Love! Great inclusion in this list. That song is amazing. I listened to that cassette everyday (on my walkman and headphones) that summer while changing sprinklers in the alfalfa fields in smaller town BC! This song and Woman in Chains were the 2 I liked the best on that album. Listening to Tears for Fears meant I couldn't hear the 1000s of mosquitoes swarming me, made it bearable! Thanks for the great memories.

[@MichaelLeeHoward]

Finally Breathe get some good thoughts. I remember watching the charts on that one and watching each week for it to hit number 1 and watching it never reach that peak... so dissapointing. Would love to do a deep dive into them

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Would love to see Adam cover “Hands to Heaven” and “How Can I Fall”.

[@bobbo0616]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Well hello again. I love that album too. The three top 10s from it were awesome, and I especially loved Liberties of Love (track 7 as I recall).

[@bobbo0616]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 and Don’t Tell me Lies

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@bobbo0616 Adam needs to cover this whole album All That Jazz!

[@bobbo0616]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 he seems to like them too so I say yes to a deep dive

[@cindyrobinson3077]

All these songs.... Being back all the great memories

[@chrisoakley5830]

Love Song by The Cure is a great one. Rick Springfield had a great #2 song with Don't Talk To Strangers.

[@leehousley8485]

This is the best segment you've ever done, professor. And I've liked every video of yours I've watched.

[@tonytheHAT]

This may have been my absolute favorite PoF episode ever (at worst, it's in my top 3). SO many goosebumps and heart palpitations! Thank you Adam! ❤️

[@SP-sq7ps]

So glad I found your station. Reminds me of my teens, so innocent yet not.lol now I'm in my 50s with grandchildren ,yet it feels like yesterday.

[@jonathonmain9157]

“Ride Like The Wind” also has an incredible guitar outro played by none other than Christopher Cross himself! It just gets a bit lost in the mix, but you should listen close to it.

[@hid9072]

It has been amazing how many of these didn't make it to #1, until you hear the songs that locked them out then it makes a lot more sense. Some GREAT music...love going back to my teen years with you. Thanks! ☺️🎶

[@OZARKMOON1960]

Always liked Christopher Cross - still have his first release on vinyl. Little fun factoid, he was warm up band for Fleetwood Mac during part of their original Tusk tour. That was one great concert in the New Mexico State Univ. arena.

[@joeblow9210]

Air Supply made such classics back in the day, love them.

[@andrewschliewe6392]

Yea, slow dancing at the roller rink to "All out of Love"

[@UndyingRavyn]

Even though this song only reached No. 17 here in the U.S., Beds Are Burning, by Midnight Oil, was a really good song! I mentioned this song because I just watched a cover of it done by brothers, Dale and Troy Thompson of the Christian group, Bride.

[@MikeP2055]

Good lord, every time I hear "Pour Some Sugar on Me" I'm swept right back to Plymouth Elementary School in Taylorsville, Utah. My sisters would have been across the school's playground at Taylorsville High, or right down Redwood Rd. at Eisenhower Jr. High, and I LOVED their taste in music. This channel is such a wild flashback to those days, listening to Casey Kasem every Saturday while we did housework at the home I grew up in in T-Ville. Such a trip . . .

[@michaellee4276]

I am surprised "Pour Some Sugar.." was never #1. I remember it was #1 on Dial-MTV for something like 50+ straight weekdays (or maybe 50 of 51 weekdays). It was such a big deal and it got played like crazy for a year.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s crazy!

[@Boethius411]

And Richard Marx held it out of the top spot?? Smdh that’s disappointing

[@DeepVoicedOne]

Excellent timing mentioning Tears for Fears, just seen them last night in Jersey and they were epic! Played the new songs off their album and was a very eclectic mix as well as the classics including "Sowing the Seeds of Love" they rocked the house!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I believe history will bear you out on most of these, I have often wondered what goes on behind closed doors when charting the singles, they need you in the room professor we would have gotten a much better top ten. I always had my own top 10 for the charts back then and it mattered more to me than the real charts anyway, lol. Fantastic episode professor!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, if Adam was doing these Billboard charts, the songs would have gotten justice!

[@LonewolfDusk]

Don’t Dream it’s Over…. One of my favorites of all time

[@lawrencetimer1024]

Mutt Lange made everything he produced sound incredible!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s awesome!

[@graysonbr]

Never understood why he divorced Shania.

[@freedomrider266]

When you produce artists from AC/DC & Def Leppard to Shania Twain, and those albums blow up, yeah, you're pretty freaking good at what you do!

[@lawrencetimer1024]

@@freedomrider266 Exactly.

[@GetOuttaTheJohnBoy]

Must have been how he always replaced the drummer with synth pop keyboard drums. A one trick pony, indeed. Oh, well Bob Ezrin had his child choirs, too.

[@paulmcgarr6557]

Whisper to a Scream came to mind while watching this episode. Maybe I'll catch an interview you do on this song one day.

[@marcus813]

The video for Tears for Fears' "Sowing the Seeds of Love" is one of my favorite ones of all time. What a visual trip that is!

[@janet4498]

Jody Watley had two amazing #2 hits I loved from the '80s (in the U.S.) with "Looking for a New Love" in 1987 and "Real Love" in 1989 and Donny Osmond's comeback hit "Soldier of Love" is a standout No. 2 hit from 1989. I also think Pebbles deserved to get past number two with "Mercedes Boy," another great runner-up hit from the summer of 1988.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Those two Jody Watley songs are perfection! Also, Donny made a great comeback from his 70s child star days! “Mercedes Boy” is a really good song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love Mercedes boy!

[@bobbo0616]

@@ProfessorofRock How does Rockwell’s Somebody’s Watching Me rank with you? It came out just after the peak of the Thriller craze.

[@misssis1935]

Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over and NOT Better Be Home Soon is THE song that makes me homesick for NZ every time I hear it. It reminds me of the summer/Christmas/New Year period at the end of 1986, and happy childhood days. There was always a music countdown show on TV New Year's Eve, and we'd watch it at family gatherings. I'm sure it was on that in 1986, as well as being all over the radio. It did reach number one there, thankfully! Love those Finn brothers, Neil and Tim both.

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

Hey now!

[@johnblossom8447]

In the 80s, I always made mix tapes of the songs I considered my top 10.

[@charleyyoho4693]

that was always a blast!!

[@Tonia682]

same here

[@rtbrain]

Professor, when’re I watch your 80’s videos I am the proverbial guy in the chair of the famous Maxwell cassette poster. The Rush of nostalgia from the 80’s blows me back.

[@AnthonyL0401]

I feel crazy. Just by memory alone, I was 100% sure that Open Arms was number one song for like 10 weeks in 1981 or 1982. Like... POSITIVE. How could this have been only a #2?

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Although born in '80, I was raised on 50s and 60s music, so I didn't get into too much 80s music until I was in my late teens. Every time I so much as hear the Cure's name, it takes me straight to the Wedding Singer's scene when Adam Sandler plays his song for "Julia"

[@LexusLFA554]

Fun fact: Nenas "99 Luftballons" only stayed on #1 in Germany for 1 week xD I'd love you to make a video of underrated songs by the band A-ha. Show us watchers what we are missing on.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The sun always shines…on TV! 📺

[@daveyboy_]

wasn't Take On Me the video of the yr in '85 ?

[@LexusLFA554]

@@daveyboy_ Take on Me is pretty much the only song anybody younger than 20 knows today cause of the meme status. What about songs like: - This Alone Is Love (1988, Stay on these Roads) - Little Black Heart (2000, Minor Earth Major Sky) - We're Looking for the Whales (1986, Scoundrel Days) - The Weight of the Wind (1986, Scoundrel Days) - Sycamore Leaves (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon) - You'll End Up Crying (1988, Stay on these Roads) - Out Of The Blue Comes Green (1988, Stay on these Roads) - And You Tell Me (1985, Hunting High and Low) - Slender Frame (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon) - I Call Your Name (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon) - Rolling Thunder (1990, East of the Sun, West of the Moon) - Soft Rains of April (1986, Scoundrel Days) Those are some rarely listened to song. I bet many haven't even heard of at least 5 of these songs.

[@babygerald4645]

'High and Low' and 'The Sun Always Shines on TV' were great from the first album- the first cassette tape I ever owned. The unplugged versions of 'Take On Me' and 'The Sun...' are on YT and pretty incredible. Morten sounds as good as ever.

[@xray86delta]

A couple of those songs I had never honestly heard, as I recall. On many of the others, however, I couldn't believe they didn't make number one! Great videos! 😉

[@aprilmorris4588]

Prof, I really love this one. 🥰 I turned 16 right around the time these songs were peaking on the charts. Sure, I would've put Def Leppard, Prince, and Tina Turner higher in the list, but I can't fault the ones you chose. Can't wait for the next one! Oh, and thanks for mentioning Air Supply; they are often overlooked as being too emotional, but that's part of what made them so wonderful to hear.

[@MattP777]

Was so glad to see you include Toto's "Roseanna" on this list. One of my all time favorite songs! I got to see them live a few months back on my birthday and Luke plays that guitar solo just as well now as he did in the 80s! Such a travesty it never reached the #1 spot. Thanks for your content - always enjoy it!

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

Ok..OK... The Professor LOVES a LOT of songs and artists. But... Wouldn't it be interesting to hear his BOTTOM 10???? Songs he doesn't understand why it was popular... Yup. I think MANY would find it fascinating....

[@TaskerStreete]

Well, he does always do that anyway, but in a round-about, subtle way, always focusing on the songs that should have been hits, or are hits in our hearts.

[@Damionte]

@@TaskerStreete I'm like that with a number of the songs on his list. Especially as he nears the top of his 10. I'm like... yeah that song sucked. You liked that?

[@chrishartzler9877]

.. perhaps he’s smart enough to know not to say anything negative in the press .. badmouthing loses listeners .. sit on the air at all sayin musician A sucks then fans of musician A say what? I liked this guy till he said bad stuff about musician A ..

[@alondathomas293]

A spotlight on songs that were great but never became anywhere near being huts, would be great to hear.

[@davidhinkson8856]

This list is fantastic! The 1980s were truly a magical time for the music industry. You uncovered some real gems here; Hands to Heaven is one I'd completely forgotten about and I remember when Waiting for a Girl Like You got shut out from the number 1 spot.

[@RealBarefootIsLegal]

How was Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue" not even mentioned? That is the greatest #2 song of all time.

[@vickiwhite8017]

And also, We Got The Beat by The Gos Gos peaked at #2 as well

[@davidbrownell698]

Because "Electric Avenue" stinks. 🤧.....compared to all the rest.

[@IDontSuckAtLifeakaJanis3975]

Had to go listen to it because you mentioned it 😅

[@stevetucker9181]

That's my all time favorite 1chord song!

[@LeeLee-sk2wf]

I can’t believe how many of my favourite songs were on your list and that none made it to number 1. I always thought 1987 was my favourite year in music but you have me questioning this now Prof. Cracking episode!

[@jwine4145]

Crowded House (Split Enz & Finn Brothers) are criminally underrated IMHO

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Finns rule!

[@alondathomas293]

Heck yeah----they had that one great hit Don't Dream It's Over on the charts in the U.S., but the three albums they made after that didn't have any more major hits--in the U.S., that is--and got completely ignored afterwards. They had a marvelous song off their 1993 album called Distant Sun that should have been a hit in the U.S., but was a hit in other countries. The group itself for back together recently, and even put out a new album, so that's cool to hear.

[@cyguy2319]

@@alondathomas293 Locked Out was also good. Crowded House and Split Enz had a lot of Great Songs.

[@charleyyoho4693]

thanks for this intriguing list Professor! I’ll have to admit a few of your choices are not my favorite in my book Although I’ve always enjoyed Air Supply, I’ve never much cared for Making Love..just thought it was boring. As for Def Leopard I’m a Pyromaniac! Love that album so much more than the glossy Hysteria Here are my top 10 duces!! Gloria-Laura Brannigan ( still love her!!) Pet Shop Boys What Have I Done To Deserve This? Love Song-The Cure Standing On the Beach-The Singles is my favorite album of theirs Danger Zone-K Loggins great tune to drive in traffic! Lol Is This Love-Whitesnake love that entire album Shattered Dreams- Johnny Hates Jazz love those bongos!!! Rosanna- TOTO love all their music actually..99 and Stranger In Town I still listen to! Don’t Dream It’s Over-Crowded House Easy Lover-Phil & Phil Devil Inside-INXS Kick was a huge album in high school!!!