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

The coveted #1 HIT! It’s the top of the summit that every artist desires, whether they admit it or not. I”m not saying they are all writing for #1 But every artist I've interviewed who’s topped the charts is proud of the achievement... and of course the record labels lived for this. But what about the bridesmaids? The rung just below. The close but no cigar #2? Today I’m counting down the 10 greatest #2 hits from my favorite decade… The 80s! With artist commentary including Def Leppard, Air Supply, Crowded House and a host of great #2 hits by the Cure, Tears for Fears, Foreigner, Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Journey … NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you’ve ever recorded songs off the radio, hoping the DJ wouldn’t talk over the beginning or end. Then this is your channel… I think you’re going to dig it. Just subscribe below by hitting the red button. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out with exclusive video content you’ll only find there.
Okay, so in the 1980s there were 94 songs that climbed all the way to the #2 position on the billboard HOT 100 without getting to that coveted #1 spot. About 4 months ago I did a livestream talking about #2 hits. And over the last few months as I’ve gone over some interviews and listened to all the songs that peaked at #2, I’ve revisited this and figured out my definitive top 10 picks. And I have to tell you, it was tough.
The 80s were so packed, that pulling 10 #2 hits out of 94 proved was nearly impossible. But after listening, pondering, scratching and crawling, I think I got close. After every slot I’m going to play one honorable mention so that you get the idea of how difficult this was. I’m also including artist commentary to give us even more insight. So let’s get into it…
Coming in at #10, it is a group that over a four-year period from 1980-1983, had as many top 5 hits as any act in the history of music... including the Beatles who inspired them to become a group in the first place. It’s Air Supply with Making Love out of Nothing at All. Air Supply had an amazing 8 top 5 hits in a 3-and-a-half-year period... including Lost in Love, All Out of Love, the #1 hit The One the You Love, and this Jim Steinman creation that should’ve been #1.
Speaking of Jim Steinman... The late maestro actually had the #1 and #2 hit at the same time. When Making Love was kept out the #1 spot, it was by another track he wrote and produced: Total Eclipse of the Heart, sung by Bonnie Tyler.
Making Love Out of Nothing at All peaked at #2 on October 8, 1983, and stayed there for 3 weeks. Here’s what Air Supply co-leads Graham Russel and Russel Hitchcock told me about this period of their success:
Alright, so for my first honorable mention, I’m going with Journey’s own Open Arms. It’s hard to believe, but this is the closest that Journey ever got to #1. I know right? It doesn’t make sense to me either. Apparently, Steve Perry was the only one who liked the song. Neal Schon hated it, and Jonathan Cain who wrote it, was second-guessing himself. I really didn’t like this song either. For most of my life actually. But I have to admit, I had a change of heart when I heard it on Cobra Kai. This third single from Escape was the band's highest charting single and launched the album’s sales into the stratosphere.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@jeffm5056]

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

[@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._

[@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.

[@maxaroni15]

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.

[@williamturk2330]

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

[@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. ❤️💜💚

[@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.

[@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)

[@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.

[@cleanenergyinside1921]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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...,,

[@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.

[@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!

[@mylerism]

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)

[@mylerism]

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

[@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

[@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

[@maxaroni15]

Including Crowded House 🤔

[@cristenhartman5185]

Truth.

[@bherrin67]

You nailed it 👍🏻🎸🕺

[@thrusta100]

And now it’s just filled with crap😂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@maxaroni15]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Joreel]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@chrisoakley5830]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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??

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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 !

[@Zillah82]

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

[@Latoree33]

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

[@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.

[@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! ❤️

[@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!

[@gcsoulsurfer]

Side point - Man, I loved the 80's ! I was so lucky being a teenager during that time. Things we did as kids, just doesn't happen now. Music was fun too.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@RevDnJosephBowmanOCA]

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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@leehousley8485]

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

[@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.

[@flavellinator]

What? It's unbelievable that Journey has never scored a number 1 hit... In my head they have at least five! For my money, "Who's Cryin' Now" (got to #4) > "Open Arms"

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Isn’t it crazy as hell? When I was a younger kid checking out the history of the pop charts for the first time, I was like, “Okay, Journey better have gone to #1 at least some point in time.” When I found out they didn’t, boy was I surprised.

[@ejej6934]

They have had nineteen Top 40 singles in the U.S. (the second most without a Billboard Hot 100 number one single behind Electric Light Orchestra with 20)

[@maxaroni15]

I thought they at least had 1 or 2.

[@bethshadid2087]

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

[@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!

[@betseyr.9081]

"Rosanna" gave Toto the Song of the Year at the Grammy's, at least they got that right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Well deserved! I love this song so, so much. And even though everything about it is excellent, my absolute favorite part is how it ends. After they sing that final chorus, they lurch into bluesy piano jazz with some guitar shredding, and it’s just ear candy for me every single time. It’s perfect. It’s pure freaking genius.

[@bobbo0616]

Officially it won Record of the Year (for the overall song). Song of the Year went to the writers of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”. I know, it sounds ass backwards.

[@bobbo0616]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 tell me that piano ending didn’t remind you of a Peanuts cartoon. Both Rosanna and Africa were a solid 1-2 punch

[@danbartfield7847]

love that you included Lennon's 'Woman'! Would love to see a video on his song 'Nobody Told Me'! Such a great one :)

[@williambenner5550]

One of my favorite Lennon songs!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I also love “Watching The Wheels” as well.

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

Strange days indeed Most peculiar, mama

[@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"

[@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!

[@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.

[@paulstanley2825]

A little bit of interesting trivia: Dancing in the Dark was the highest selling single of 1984 here in Australia despite only making it to number 5 in its chart run. I'm guessing it must've spent a ridiculous amount of time on the chart to achieve that.

[@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.

[@jacobkirby9143]

What an amazing selection of songs! :)

[@geoffstrickler]

Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You”, and Tina Turner’s “We Don’t Need Another Hero” should definitely have gone to #1. “Sowing the Seeds of Love” and “Woman” probably should have gone to #1 also.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agree!

[@OttoByOgraffey]

Lived the 80's in my twenties. Waiting for a girl like you was the worst song of the 80's. Super slow, super boring.

[@geoffstrickler]

@@OttoByOgraffey Clearly, you’re in the minority with that belief…considering it went to #2 on the charts.

[@alondathomas293]

Tina Turner's other song she put out in 1985, One of the Living, should have also been just as big a hit as We Don't Need Another Hero, but both are good and marvelous songs regardless.

[@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.

[@LonewolfDusk]

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

[@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.

[@jmvioli]

Can't argue with any of these...I'd add "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" by Elton John. It peaked at #2 in August 1988, though it did hit #1 on the AC chart.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good one! You can’t go wrong with Elton!

[@seanswinton6242]

Robbie Nevil's "C'est La Vie" is another song I thought hit #1. Poor Billy Ocean got blocked 2 times! His ballad "Suddenly" and "When The Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Going."

[@TheSlowoldman]

C'est La Vie is a GREAT video..... so glad I grew up in the '80's the women were stunningly beautiful!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s just the way it is!

[@maxaroni15]

“Loverboy” by Billy Ocean stalled at number 2 as well

[@maxshea1829]

Greetings from 2024. Two honorable mentions from me on behalf of one of my favorite bands, Culture Club. 1983. "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," shut out by Michael Jackson's "Billie Jeane," and "Time (Clock of the Heart)," shut out by Irene Cara's "Flashdance...What a Feeling." Culture Club got their Hot 100 #1 with Karma Chameleon" in the winter of '84.

[@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!

[@adamrk1973]

I dont know if these were #2 singles in the 80's or not, but worth a mention... "Sweet Dreams (Are made of this), " by The Eurhythmics, and " Sunglasses at night" by Cory Hart... are exactly the same song musically and by beat, just different words and artists, or, am I hearing things??? haha 😆

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“Sweet Dreams” was actually #1! It’s a perfect song. And it really does sound like “Sunglasses”.

[@TaskerStreete]

Wow, now that you mentioned it... 😮

[@vernonrabbetts]

It's sad you missed out on Vienna, the first song I always think of as a #2 of the eighties...

[@misssis1935]

But where did it chart in the US? Quick search doesn't give any US details. It was a crime not to have been a British number one!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It should have been given more recognition here in America, but it unfortunately never charted.

[@AnonYmous-jp8uu]

greatest channel on youtube man i love it - so many good points made in this one. turned 21 in 1989, so I really lived the 80's from age 12-21

[@starshake8998]

As a Crowdie, I'm obligated to mention "Don't Dream It's Over". 😉

[@lab1042]

Waiting For a Girl Like You being held out of No. 1 by Physical is nothing short of criminal.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a masterwork.

[@maxaroni15]

Much agreed. The most overrated number 1 of the 80’s in my opinion.

[@scottburton9701]

Can't believe "Waiting For A Girl Like You" got shut out of the # 1 spot-Lou Gramm has an extaordinary voice!

[@vaskylark]

That song reminds me of Saturday night at the roller rink haha

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He is long overdue for the Rock Hall!

[@OttoByOgraffey]

It sounded like he was crying through the whole song. It stunk. The song stunk.

[@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.

[@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! 😉

[@catherine6653]

I have a few favorite songs that didn't reach#1. All I need is a Miracle by Mike and the Mechanics peaked at #5. Two albums mentioned in this countdown I really like: Christopher Cross debut album and Crowded House. I like the artwork on the cover of the Crowded House record. You could do a countdown on favorite album covers. I think this would be a fun poll.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“All I Need is a Miracle” is a great song. There’s a math teacher at my school who is a big fan of that song because it was one of the most popular songs when she was born. Favorite album covers countdown would be great!

[@williambenner5550]

Brilliant idea! So many great album covers especially in the 70's!

[@catherine6653]

@@williambenner5550 😊❤

[@catherine6653]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 😊❤ It sounds like you have some cool teachers. One of the favorite albums covers in my collection is Sargent Pepper by the Beatles. A fun game is how many famous people can you identify?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 Some of my faves would probably be Dark Side of the Moon or Purple Rain. I do go to a school with cool teachers! Some of them were born when these songs that Adam mentioned were #2! I love talking to a lot of the teachers at my school about what life was like in the 80s and what their favorite songs were as children. It’s such a joy for me to do!