What Happened to Music? Comparing This 80s Top 10 To Today’s Music Is BRUTAL | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest album of 1983?

[@Jillyconjem]

U2 - War 💜

[@srpskihayk]

I have a laundry list of albums from 83 that run the gauntlet from metal to motown, rock to reggae. They are all number ones to me.

[@bigneon_glitter]

Bowie _Let's Dance._ No question. U2's _War_ is a close second.

[@eyebricks.studios2095]

R.E.M.'s debut, Murmur.

[@RBS_]

....Prof. REALLY wants to scramble our brains now, DOESN'T he!?? ....HOW can he ask THAT question!?? ...I'll just give titles, and you'll see WHY, it can't be answered..(cont.) - "An Innocent Man" - "Thriller" - "Synchronicity" - "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" - "Let's Dance" - "1999" - "Madonna" - "Flashdance" - "IV" - "Frontiers" - "Rebel Yell" - "War" - "Pyromania" - "Colour By Numbers" - "Sports" - "She Works Hard For The Money" - "1984" - "Rio" - "Shout At The Devil" - "Eliminator' - "She's So Unusual" - "Learning To Crawl" - "Speaking In Tongues" - "The Hurting" .....OK, now....PICK ONE!! ...ha-HAAA!! ..THIS is why 1983 is SO revered...... ; )

[@brianries4578]

I was driving with my 13 year old daughter, and a Boston song came on. Unprovoked, she ask me why the music is the 80's was so much better than music today. Proud parent moment.

[@xmathmanx]

you have a conservative child

[@jeffjackson9679]

Wasn't Boston more of a 70s band? Unless "Amanda" was playing, which is a rare track to hear nowadays from Boston...ya know we HAVE to hear "More Than a Feeling" atleast 6 times a day. lol

[@Lfg117]

🔥🔥🔥

[@jimmyparris9892]

@@jeffjackson9679 It's worth hearing 6 times a day.

[@jeffjackson9679]

@@jimmyparris9892 No it is not. Pre programmed classic rock stations that play the same shit over and over again, have led me to hate songs/bands I used to love as a kid growing up listening to them. A few songs, I love to death personally, "Before The Dawn" by Judas Priest and "Countdown" by Lindsey Buckingham, (you rarely hear these tracks) I would still learn to hate if corporate radio stations played them over and over again. Sad but true.

[@jeffjackson9679]

The cool thing about the early 80s, is the top 40 had such a mix of music from every genre, from hard rock, country, r&b, pop, etc. and and my opinion, the best music to come out of each genre was from that era. Now the only things kids listen to is mumble rap and pop songs where the girls ALL sound the exact same from each other. American Idol has pretty much transformed the music industry into homogenized garbage. They may have great singing ability, but most have no idea how to write a song or put soul into it.

[@johndough8115]

Singing ability? No. They use Auto-Tune, and other effects, to mask their poor vocal abilities. They choose "Idols" based on Looks, and willingness of them to sell their Souls.

[@pavel228]

Counter: billie eilish. Finneas, Adele, some Taylor Swift Songs, and so on and so on.

[@XXXX-yc6wv]

@@johndough8115 Audio editing tools can only do so much to save a bad singer. A lot of what you think is auto-tune actually isn't actually that tool at all. There are a suite of vocal production tools that can and are used, but the artist (using that term loosely) does need talent because studio time is ridiculously expensive and there's only so much lipstick that can be put on a pig. Simply put, nobody is going to pay for studio time to engineer a bad singer into a good one, especially if that singer is ever going to have to demonstrate those skills IRL. What they will pay for is polishing and compiling vocals in order to cheap out on doing retakes. The fixes to pitch are only slight, but will be nudged toward a more unnaturally accurate and constant precision. Coupled with compression and other forms of volume equalization - even with layering - this gives us the unnatural, low dynamic sound of modern pop. Agreed that they have to look a certain way and are willing to suck Satan's scaly c--k is certainly a part of the horrible "Idol" game. Check out Rick Beato's video "Modern Music's Death By Auto-Tune" for an explanation of what auto-tune is actually doing.

[@NightHawke]

Wasn't just the early '80s. The variety of songs that went top 10 and even hit #1 throughout the decade was unparalleled. It's what I love about '80s music: everybody listened to everything! Not all of it was to everyone's taste (nothing is, of course), but SO much of it was SO damn good! You could just lock your radio in on a top 40 station and never need to go anywhere else! I miss being able to do that!

[@sydhamelin1265]

Also the mix of 70s and 80s style was really prominent in 83, from the 70s disco and ballad sound, to the 80s post punk like Men at Work and The Clash. Very diverse.

[@troyhonda71]

I work with 2 millennials, I'm gen x, they stream 80s music all the time, I rarely hear anything new from their phones. They even sing along to to 80s music, hilarious. No question in my mind what music is preferred. Thank you POR!

[@orlock20]

'80s music was easier to find since all somebody had to do was watch MTV. Now if you want to listen to new music that you like, you have to search for it yourself like a miner digging for gold.

[@alanrobison7451]

Hope for the future!

[@itspabbs]

I'm a millennial (34) and I listen to 60's through 80's rock and 90's - 00's alternative. I hate 99% of new music.

[@echt114]

@@orlock20 I think actual gold is easier to find. I looked through my list of recently discovered music, and although the 5 songs I've found were new to me, they're from 2005-2007.

[@orlock20]

@@echt114 Research is one of my talents so finding songs that I like is a lot easier. Here are some newer songs and acts that I like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4PHnat8h66Jm5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/faCcdpqrhdunick kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5DQY4ynbKmLh6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/haDWnpR7j61kbMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6PFgY2Jgp2FY9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZung2dqermkjac

[@WWTormentor]

I am lucky to still have my dad with me today. He is 86 and still active and working full time. I never had the chance to really get close to my dad and talk to him. But thanks to you, I am changing that. I am spending time with him almost daily and learning from his life experience and stories. I don’t want to lose him one day with any regrets. Thank you for the memories and the sharing your stories with your dad.

[@bishdizzle67]

The comparison between 1983's top three and today's top three is striking. Comparatively speaking, today's stuff hardly can even be called music at all.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a bloodbath.

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@ProfessorofRock LOL...

[@H1Guard]

It's RAP with a capital C...

[@BillGraper]

Most of today's stuff has been run through a blender & spit out in shaped molds... molds that should be thrown in the trash.

[@haileene703]

@@H1Guard That one made my day (and I'm getting up) so thanks a LOT for my very first smile of the day, best way to start a day with a video from Prof. of Rock and a comment as yours 👍🏻

[@macdoug1234]

Men at work were a pub rock band from my town in Melbourne Australia. Their first single hit the radio waves here in 1981 and was followed by Downunder which dominated the playlists of 1982. A year later we won the America’s cup with a winged keel yacht and you guys lapped it up by sending Men at Work to the top of your charts. It.was the fastest rise to the top of the world I’ve ever witnessed from a band from Oz

[@ramcharger154]

couldn't escape that song back then! 😂😂❤

[@robcoventry574]

You are this generation’s Casey Kasem, one of a kind. Well done again!

[@tamifayette]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@ejb7969]

He really does inherit the Kasem mantle!

[@robcoventry574]

@@ejb7969 I'm glad I am not alone seeing that comparison.

[@KaraMorassco]

When he introduced the list. I immediately thought of Kasey Kasem and it brought a smile to my face.

[@cruzfamily7777]

Yes I agree, Professor of Rock is amazing brings back the 80s music to life!!

[@pedrocucaracha]

Africa keep giving me spine chills every time it hits that chorus. It’s sublime. When we decided to cover it with my band I got so nervous…. That bass line is so epic… how to do it right? I went with a fretless bass and a ton of practice, and we’re getting here. Playing it makes you appreciate it even more. Yeah…. Today’s top 10 is crap in comparison. Thanks again for yet one more awesome chapter of your show…. but what can I say? Awesome shows became a staple of your work, “excellent” is your “normal” hahaha! Keep it up, Adam! You bring light during dark times!

[@LOTPOR0402]

Years ago a singer had a distinctive voice ,and you knew who it was .These days they all sound the same ,someone singing to some one else's music ,with no instruments being played on stage

[@ProfessorofRock]

Autotune makes everything sound exactly the same. It's really sad.

[@LOTPOR0402]

@@ProfessorofRock Exactly all the silly flashing lights and backing dancers help hide how talentless a lot of them are

[@JankoFrancisty]

For sure. It's a madhouse.. I can't even listen to modern garbage.. My radio is on oldies station and my playlist is digging in the crates ❤️ That's my personal archaeology 😁 Ech sound of each record was different ! Nowadays you can't tell an "artist" because it all sounds the same, and it's made by same people.. Everything is becoming mindless

[@stevec5465]

I have no idea who these current "musicians" are. Boy bands are just singers who can dance. Can you even imagine if you had walked up to any of these singers and asked them to play a riff??? They would look at you like you were a martian! 🤣 That goes for rappers and hip hop artists too. Don't listen to radio anymore. I have my Spotify mostly playing hits from the 80's. Even the one hit wonders had more talent than the singers of today

[@Playitagaindian]

I have a Spotify playlist of newer music mostly Indie Folk (I think that’s what they call it, but Lord Huron is one of my favorites. Not sure how I would categorize Lord Huron, but I really like their unique sound. Give them a listen!

[@zzanatos2001]

I'm a 54-year-old high school teacher, and I am amazed at how many of my students listen to music from my generation and/or earlier: Led Zeppelin, Boston, Aerosmith, Kansas, the Eagles, The Who, The Doors, etc. I assume it's partly because some of their parents encouraged it - but also because so much great older music is featured in today's movies. For example, the soundtracks from Guardians of the Galaxy and even the new kid's movie "Lightyear" from Pixar. (If you haven't seen the preview featuring David Bowie's 1969 hit, "Starman," you should check it out.)

[@JCmacDavid]

I'm 58 and think the same as you do about kids today listening to the old music. I know that in 1970 I was not listening to music from 40 years prior. I had kids late in life so, yes, they did hear all the old songs from when I was young and showing them clips from the Midnight Special. They could not believe how much talent the singers and musicians had. Paraphrasing a Bono quote teenage boys only have rap and soft music today. This early music is made for teenagers. Just a thought.

[@marshalbaek5580]

A lot of video games today have soundtracks that feature songs from the past and it has kept a lot of older music alive and well with this generation...

[@cc1k435]

I'm always surprised when they even pull up the 90s (though they may refer to it as 'the late 20th century'. 😳) I just have always figured their parents, and maybe grandparents, are doing a good job with the soundtrack of their young lives so far!

[@marshalbaek5580]

Video games are a huge source of music for the youth today and the video game writers put a bunch of music from our day in them. AND, on top of that, if they hear you listening to "One Of These Nights" by the Eagles AND they hear it in their video game too.....BOOM. New fan made.

[@JohnJohnson-mo4bn]

You should know what you're talking about before you start giving recommendations. "Starman" came out in 1972. You must be talking about "Space Oddity". Get your shit straight.

[@toonswap8511]

My son will be 5 months old and he has already listened to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Billy Joel and a slew of 80s music staples from Billy Idol to Billy Ocean, Cindy Lauper to Depeche Mode and Prince to Michael Jackson. Just yesterday we had a Motown morning during breakfast with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Al Green, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes and more. There is NO comparison between today's music and the icons of yesteryear I just mentioned.

[@2wheels42]

Same with my son, hes 9 years old and knows every 80's song, band and singer 😆

[@mauihulamama]

First of all, congratulations on the birth of your child! sounds to me like you're raising your son right! He won't know it for a while but he is so very lucky to have you as his parents. May you and your family have a beautiful life filled with awesome musical (and just general life) memories!

[@eduardochavacano]

Tom Wilson Does your son like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper?

[@2wheels42]

@@eduardochavacano yes

[@KenVic02]

Being in my early 20's that year, I can say unequivocally that 1983 was by far the best year for popular music in that decade. The rest of 1983 would produce one memorable pop hit after another. The late-70's to mid-80's in general was an awesome era to "come of age" in.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I soooo agree with you lol I came of age during that era and looking back I truly believe that I was definitely blessed to come of age during that time. Not only did we have awesome music being released constantly we also had the 50’s through the 70’s to listen to as well. I turned 14 in 1980 so the 80’s for me were filled with a ton of “firsts” including getting married and the birth of my son. I’m so glad my grandson at age 9 already prefers the music of the 80’s over any of the new crap lol

[@Pete391]

So right...........mid to late-70's to mid-80's best music...............

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Amen to that!

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 Also class of `84 and I KNOW I am very blessed to have been born when and where, also PNW. At least the Seattle area WAS a great place to grow up back then. I wouldn't trade the timing of my time on this Earth for any other for many reasons but music and other entertainment are among the reasons why.

[@toumbryth7862]

I agree. I was in high school then and it seemed like every song (and a few movies too) were magical to me. One of the very best years of my early life.

[@carnacthemagnificent2498]

Data point: My daughter is 15 and I for years I've been making an effort to introduce her to the classics of the past across different genres. She invariably knows the hits from the 70s and 80s. On the other hand when I ask her to introduce me to what she listens to she shrugs and says 'I don't know, its just in the background. I dont know who sings it or what its called'. In other words she's apathetic to the current pop scene and knows the GenX one better.

[@notquitedone51]

It's really kind of sad to think that this generation of youth could be denied fond contemporary music memories like the ones enjoyed by former generations because their releases are so unmemorable.

[@BaddogSports]

Early 1983, I can remember sitting in front of the TV, hours at a time, just waiting for MTV to play “Rock The Casbah” lol

[@pattywhitaker7601]

Such musicality in the 80’s music, both the instrumentation and the voices of the singers! Today’s “music” doesn’t even compare. I’ll never understand the appeal of songs like the ones you featured at the end, against the hits of the 80’s.

[@AlexZander688]

100% agree. I can't even remember the last time I bothered to check up on pop music from the last few years. Very, very little of it sounds interesting to me. While artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele can sing, the music that goes with their tunes can be so bland and cookie cutter. I went and listened to Adele's Easy On Me. She does a fine job singing, but the piano music is just kind of there. She really didn't even need any music while singing.

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

Being number 1 in the charts means absolutely nothing anymore. Everything is recorded in exactly the same way so sounds exactly the same. Will these 'songs' still be played constantly on the radio in 40 years? I think we know the answer

[@marksargent2440]

@@The.Last.Guitar.Hero. nope give me 60s 70s 80s music any day of the week. One thing I find interesting is on KZbin you pull up a song and it takes you back to being that younger version of your self and you read in the comments section oh I wish we had good music and singers like you had back in the day 🥰 and it ends with I think I was born in the wrong era and the person might be under 21 years of age these people are just crying out for good old fashioned music that's not depressing but meaningful 😍

[@orlock20]

Some lesser known acts are just as good as the pop acts of the '80s kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6PFgY2Jgp2FY9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6LPanxsnKhlg8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/haDWnpR7j61kbMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4PHnat8h66Jm5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZfMq4SpfLyCrqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKSVanVnhLlso6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/faCcdpqrhdunick

[@greenbackcutthroat6544]

@@orlock20 Thanks @orlock20 for the links my friend, really good music! The only one I’ve listened to before is the great Joe Bonamasa. What a beautiful song and such a clean guitar solo! Be well.

[@apollobarkley]

OMG, the back-to-back comparison is brilliant! Most of today’s music is unlistenable.

[@saltyknacker9555]

Modern Musick? ..... Noise Pollution.

[@davej.meister5421]

It's NOT so bad if you listen to rock radio. Halestorm has yet to break into the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

I'm trying to be fair. The list is short, however. Adele, is a great artist,, and in the R&B space, H.E.R. is unreal. A young, female Prince. Has the voice, and the ability to play multiple instruments. Billie Eilish, hasn't hit her stride yet.

[@eduardochavacano]

Roberta Sirgutz Adelle is just an Obese super market version of Taylor Dayne who had real talent and CLASS. To be fair, Adelle made great singles. Until that Hello, garbage was released. It was like Alicia Keys garbage This Girl Is On Fire, which sounded like the usual Katty Perry Garbage.

[@davej.meister5421]

@@eduardochavacano I couldn't find your comment about the "Let It Go" song from the Frozen film, so I'm going to comment here about it. The brains behind that song Diane Warren tried to get Kate Bush or Tori Amos to sing that song, and BOTH women showed enough class NOT to accept Warren's dirty money from Disney. That horrible "Let It Go" song from "Frozen" could NEVER hold a **candle** to Kate's 1978 beautiful masterpiece "Wuthering Heights" (and Kate was still a teenager when she wrote that song - ALL by herself) or her 1986 duet with Peter Gabriel (from Peter's "So" release) "Don't Give Up" or Tori's 1992 timeless classic "Crucify." I'd like to see if Demi Lovato can even try to sing "Wuthering Heights," and I bet she could NOT do it, even if she tried. Even heavily biased Rollingstone said there's NO comparison between the two songs - "Wuthering Heights" wins easily hands down. NO contest.

[@thelolguy007]

I’m lost for words to try and describe how popular music has declined in the last decade or so. Totally forgettable crap

[@ChaingunCassidy]

It hasn't declined it just stopped being made for you.

[@castlerock58]

@@ChaingunCassidy It's made for people who prefer crap to music.

[@ChaingunCassidy]

@@castlerock58 Ok boomer.

[@kenlee1416]

I'll bet fans of Classic Rock would say the same about pop music of the 1900s to 1940s and even 1950s ... i.e. all crap. Anyone here a fan of Bing Crosby, the biggest singing star of the late 1920s to 1940s. How about any fans of Louis Armstrong? These two fellas revolutionised singing in pop music but I'll bet most here wouldn't listen to any of their songs - too prehistoric in their minds. A bit of music snobbery or narrow mindedness no?

[@RichWhiteUM]

@@kenlee1416 I'm a classic rock fan and I also listen to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, etc. Today's crap that gets played on Top 40 Radio is complete and total GARBAGE, especially when compared to any of the old crooners. A former street walker singing about her wet genitalia does not a good song make. A large portion of what gets played on today's rock stations isn't very good, either.

[@josephconciatori9824]

Thanks for sharing, Professor. I was born in 1995, but I love classic rock and music from the '60s, '70s, and '80s in general. It's wonderful to see how these songs from 1983 have stood the test of time. Today's popular music is a joke compared to the classics.

[@viper2148]

Worthwhile reading: The Atlantic, "Is Old Music Killing New Music?" By Ted Gioia Jan 23, 2022 "Old songs now represent 70% of the U.S. music market. Even worse: The new-music market is actually shrinking."

[@voutsider190]

Not surprised

[@ProfessorofRock]

I read it. Ted Gioia is a great writer. I own several of his books.

[@orlock20]

I believe that the so called music market is based on traditional sales, something that older people would gravitate towards. It doesn't consider other means such as an act's own website. There is the whole back catalog issue which newer acts do not have. For instance an older act may have eight or more albums while newer acts may have one or two.

[@GromMolotok]

It's a well-written article, with a lot worth thinking about. The issue is certainly more than just streaming versus traditional sales, though that does play a part.

[@ponzo1967]

Music sports and movies all seemed to peak before the millenia. In sports the characters don't seem to be as strong and respectable, movies are relying on computer graphics too much, and music is crutching on automated technology. It's one thing to have tech support and enhance the music and another to depend on it.

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

my three favorite songs from 1983 are Sweet Dreams, Stand Back, and Love is a Battlefield. This was when I was a teen and MTV was the only channel I watched. I also listened to American Top 40 every weekend. I'm amazed at how rich the pop acts of today have become from creating such vapid, insipid mediocrities that will not stand the test of time.

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

The popular music of today speaks volumes about societal decay.

[@BadlyBentPub]

Lol - my grandparents said the same thing about the music I listened to when I was a kid....every old person says that.....

[@kodiakbearson8815]

@@BadlyBentPub Any old person with a set of working ears.

[@jameshunter7303]

@@BadlyBentPub somehow I don’t think the youth of today will be looking back in years ahead and saying the music of today is a sign of societal decay, considering they were weened on crap like WAP. Maybe things will turn around but I doubt it, music these days just isn’t held in the same esteem and importance as it was during the 60’s-90’s. Too many other competing factors

[@ikexbankai]

@@jameshunter7303 Wap is crap to you. I’ll be honest I didn’t listen to it. However, that doesn’t make me better than the ppl that did

[@orlock20]

People consume music differently. The biggest change is that there are no gate keepers like American Bandstand or MTV. Right now, the Hot 100 is consumed by less than 2% of the population. People can and do listen to acts from all over the world.

[@annpower8071]

So I'm from gen y, born in the beginning 90's. I haven't lived in the 80's but I love 80's music and 90's music as well (not all of it but that doesn't matter). My interest in music started ca. with 10 but became definitely strong to 80's music with 12 when I listened a lot to a certain channel on the radio that played also music from that time. Especially my passion for songs sung in English language became huge as I learned it in school as foreign language. Music encouraged me to improve learning it cause I wanted to understand what they are singing about and later these skills and love for music in groups people talking about leaded to international friendships with others talking in English understanding each other... I didn't care that my taste in music differed to people of my age. 2000's years were a strange time. I couldn't identify myself to most of the current musicians of that era so I listened to the music I liked instead. It took a while til I developed a passion for synthpop music and to became a fan of certain musicians like PSB, Erasure, Prince and so many more. I am glad for this and also for them. Especially PSB and Erasure for example who started in the 80's, very succesful, went through good and bad times, they survived. I enjoy also their later stuff from 90's and so on (one or the other in the early 2000's) felt a bit weaker to me but they made their way through it and see both are still there doing albums and hopefully they make music and stay creative as long as they can. I listen only to a few current or from a years ago that I like who have something that makes them unique. If you compare a lot of today's people's looks no matter if they are female or male most of them look the same: hair, face, make-up, clothes, tatoos. You can wear almost everything luckily so why would I like to look like everybody else around me? I found a way to break out of it. Btw one of my fav albums that came around 1983 or 84 is Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution and the movie of course. Cheers

[@jimmyramone7396]

Rock the Casbah is a classic. I never get sick of it! 🎵🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@SteveC-Shaman]

The bass line is amazing. Very bespoke and out-of-box.

[@chrossphyre]

You just can't escape the fact that the music written during the 70's and 80's is still played today in venues, restaurants, online and on air. The longevity of songs like More Than a Feeling, Africa, Thriller, Beth and thousands and thousands of other great songs just speak for themselves. Hard to argue with the numbers, huh.

[@tekikatt]

So l was a ‘band geek’ in high school. I was actually really proud to play Africa. So many intricate melodies in that song and since l played clarinet, we got to play those melodies. I proudly stole and kept that sheet music!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Wish our high school band had played it!

[@paulnorton2885]

I first saw Men At Work perform in 1981 at a Rock Against Racism concert at Northcote Town Hall in Melbourne. The Clash were also universally loved in my university social scene at the time.

[@Gotblade]

It's kinda depressing how good we had it back then. Maybe every generation thinks that but it seems like music played a bigger role in our lives back then.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

I don't know. My generation isn't doing KZbin reaction vids of Perry Como songs from 1942.

[@Gotblade]

@@AJHart-eg1ys it wouldn't be second nature for them to think of doing so coming from a time before computers. Not that reaction videos are a high point of music appreciation. Just trendy and often insincere.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

@@Gotblade My generation had computers. I was in my very early teens when people were first getting them in their homes, but we had them. The music created 40 years earlier was out there. We just weren't interested, however that interest would have manifested itself. Today it would be YT vids. To be fair, though, Napster didn't hit until I was about 30, I think. But people around 50 ARE doing reaction vids of this or that, so it's not like it's escaped the generational consciousness. But I understand your view. But a part of that younger generation today seems to be in love with what we had 40 years ago. There is a LOT of insincerity in it, where they try too hard to pretend they've never heard this or that. But this is all coming from one group, going one way. Ironically, that music from the 40s, to me, has something in common with the stuff today. While it required a great deal more musical talent to pull off, it DOES all kind of sound the same to someone who hit his teens in the 80s. Obviously there was some nuance in subgenres, but we are only fed the broad strokes, which are all big bands and crooners, often singing the same songs. It would be like if the 80s was only variations of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. It's a little like those vids with titles like, "10 things Germans think are weird about America." That only goes one way. Almost no Americans are making vids about what they think about other countries, because we're not obsessed about them like they are about us. Travel channels are an exception, but that's their bag.

[@Gotblade]

@@AJHart-eg1ys I hit my teens in the early 70s so that's the perspective I have on the music of that era and the obsession with high fi equipment and vinyl records. It very much was the defining preoccupation of the youth of those days. T.v. typically had only three channels. You had to be there when the show aired or you missed it! I still have over 1700 records from those times. Every from Winton Marsalis to Cheap Trick, Michael Jackson to Led Zeppelin, The Police to The Who, Queen to Emerson Lake and Palmer. I've been to concerts of Styx, REO Speedwagon, Deff Leopard, B. B. King, Muddy Waters, Journey and Stevie Ray Vaughan... And Kiss. Unfortunately I did get to Rush.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

@@Gotblade I remember the 70s pretty well, The three channels was pretty much the reality into the early 80s until a good number of folks got cable boxes. We actually didn't have CBS. The affiliate was 335 miles away. We just ABC, NBC and PBS, so I missed all the Charlie Brown specials. I can't even remember what we used the VCR for other than playing movie rentals.

[@rdaj12]

Toto has been my favorite band of all time since I first heard them in the early 80's. Being a musician, the musicality was amazing! With all the incredible songs they produced over the decades, none transcended time like Africa. It just never gets old and never goes out of style. Speaking of, that would be a great episode (though very difficult) to list the top 10 songs of a given decade that transcend time and never go out of style. Just a suggestion. ; )

[@johnmckenzie4639]

I LOVE Bob Seger's "Shame on the Moon," especially the fantastic piano solo.

[@terencesmith3853]

A classic!👍👍👍👍💪😎 That song and Night Moves are my go-tos! Shame on the Moon really tugs at a person's heartstrings!

[@cindyschneider4728]

Who would I be to argue with Rodney Crowell!😁

[@gregory9028]

Child of the 80s here. Graduated High School in Memphis Tennessee in 1985. Listening to "dirty laundry" and "down under" reminds me of walking through the halls of my high school at lunch time during the cold chill of winter. We really identified with our musical taste. I still remember the Luke and Laura love theme. What great time to be young. Life in the 80s was Duckhead khaki pants Members only jackets, Sebago shoes, plaid button down shirts, the original green Polo cologne, John Hughes movies and loads of great music. I love what you do. Thanks for the memories!!!!!!

[@seanchester4766]

What about doing a top 10 all time stream for each year in the 80's? Love to see what the true "classics" would be. Love the show.

[@lilmac9982]

Will there ever be a decade like the 80s ever again? Pure magic. The “music” today is unlistenable.

[@tropicsalt.]

There is some really good music being made today. Maybe concentrate on the genre that you like and search for that. At the time, I thought the 80's was a nothing decade. How wrong am I now.

[@BobMonty99]

I feel so sorry for children today they can get murdered for the music that They listen to it never happened when I was a kid 40 years ago? Any white kid in my area London that buys or downloads any rap with certain word and sing along to it would be murdered on site they let these kids by the music but they sing along to it ? ask yourself ?

[@s.marcus3669]

@@tropicsalt. Sorry, everything coming out these days is autotuned hiphop rapcrap.

[@Tanzadog1]

@@s.marcus3669 not everything

[@s.marcus3669]

@@Tanzadog1 Yeah, pretty much everything musical today is crap. Autotuned, uninspired, sexually-explicit with nothing left to the imagination and with the exception of country music, woke, Leftist propaganda being shoved down our throats.

[@mililaniman]

David Bowie's "Let's Dance" is my favorite album from 1983.

[@bootska]

I remember saying “We’ve come a long way from, ‘I got sunshine on a cloudy day..,’ to ‘Girl you looks good won’t you back that ass up.’” 20 years ago. Don’t get me twisted, I love both of those songs; I’m just an old man with kids now saying today’s radio play suuuuucks.

[@randymcmullen538]

The best 31 minutes I’ve spent on KZbin… celebrating 1 of the greatest years in music… thanks Professor for another awesome Redux video!

[@blakebennett2597]

Professor, I love listening to your videos. Having been a child of the 60's I was lucky enough to grow up with the music of the late 60's, 70's and 80's. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been growing up when I did as I see the music of that era totally outpacing the current music for form, style, lyrical content, etc. People will always have their own opinions about music. Mine is that I grew up in the three greatest decades of music. Period. Three Cords and the Truth my Friend.

[@MikeB-1965]

Adam, I agree with you and I've said it for years. Today's "music" is nothing like it was in the previous decade. I can't see much of today's music being played 40+ years from now the way music of the 60's-80's is still played today.

[@AUDIONOIR100]

Loving the involvement of Adam's followers. Such a smart move. An untapped treasure trove of stories, experiences and memories. After all these episodes and countless hours of work, P.O.R is STILL getting better! An incredible achievement.

[@dday07]

83' the year i turned 21..I spent most of my free time at the beach with my boombox. Great year

[@ProfessorofRock]

1983 is on the shortlist for greatest ever for sure!

[@dday07]

@@ProfessorofRock I'm on board with you about 1984 being the best..But any year from 80-85 i love

[@bawbremy]

Returned from being stationed in then West Germany in early 1983, married and we used Just You and I as our wedding song. About a week later moved on to our first duty station of many. Great 39 years together and hopefully 39 more.

[@mattferguson58]

In 1983, my buddies and I sang Down Under with the Prom band accompanying us. I can guarantee we were not even close to Men at Work, but our classmates celebrated nonetheless with our futures ahead of us. Thank you for your outstanding content. Brings back wonderful memories

[@ericallen774]

I specifically remember 1983 as being a great year for albums, with Bowie, Police, etc. So it was a particular pleasure for me to tell friends (who would actually ask me for my pick of the year) that my favorite was Speaking In Tounges by Talking Heads. Perhaps my favorite Heads album - Remain In Light became a contender later as my ear had maturing to do, SIT in some ways should have preceeded Remain in Light, but these two albums back to back.... amazing. OH, saw Bowie & the Police on consecutive nights, traveled out of town on my motorcycle to catch Bowie and slept under the stars to check the Synchronicity tour the next night - I THINK that show was simulcast on MTV that night, hmm I should check that out now that the internet thingy has arrived.

[@mrspgp]

God I was 13 in 1983 & listened to all this music and I had older sisters like 10 yrs+ older who raised me on Seger, CCR, Zeppelin, AC/DC, Hendrix and so much more, I was always grateful and every morning on the school bus "Down Under" would play every morning on way to school, also The Eurythmics lol good times 🥰 edit: that last few secs of vid w/songs bk to bk was brutal! you know what you were doin w/that 🤣🤣🤣 well played sir!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FlowFinderUSA]

Bob Seger is definitely one of my favorite artists of all time. Top 3 for sure. I did get to see him live in 06 I believe at Mohegan Sun in Ct. Even at his age he never stopped for 2.5 plus hours. Phenomenal and lived up to every expectation I had.

[@babagandu]

I like his version of "If I Were A Carpenter"

[@peggybeirise8388]

I've seen Seger in concert 3 or 4 times over the last 35 years and his voice has not changed one bit... still fantastic! He really puts on a great show.

[@bign1247]

Did not expect to see a John Michael Montgomery clip in this video! Keep up the good work bro, love the channel!

[@danee9647]

My favorite albums of 83: Porcupine by Echo and the Bunnymen. The Hurting by Tears for Fears. Naked Eyes self titled debut. Kill em All by Metallica. Madonna self titled debut. Construction TIme Again by Depeche Mode. Pipes of Peace by Paul McCartney. Seven and the Ragged Tiger by Duran Duran.

[@SenzaMotiva]

🚤Amazing how Metallica was actually an 80’s band- I saw them in LBC 1986 blow Ozzy off stage ( & I luv Oz ) but yeah - TFF Hurting is in my Top 20 80’s albums

[@Dluck7]

1983, 1984 and 1985, OMG!!! Some of the best music ever made. And what made it sweeter was the fact that these were the transition years from Middle School to High School, so each of these songs has a story and a memory behind it. Thank you Professor for keeping the music alive and giving us the history of the soundtracks to our lives! Rock on!!!

[@mediaprof3943]

Great job with these Redux episodes. Love the recalibrated list with legacy streams twist and the inclusion of non top 10 songs that have since out performed the original list. Always interesting and keeps me watching until the end.

[@mesee557]

My favorite Bob Seger memory is also one of my favorite Mom memories... I was 15 & at school one day when I was called to the Principles Office. It was my Mom, who had come to pick me up for a "doctor's appointment". Turned out she had just decided she wanted to take me to my first concert to see her favorite musician ~ Bob Seger, who was playing that night in Cleveland, 5 hrs away. Unfortunately, the show was sold out so we didn't get to see him, but I'll always cherish our road trip adventure, riding in the car with Mom, both of us singing to Bob Seger's cassette tape over and over the entire round trip. Mom passed away a few years ago, but every time I hear any Bob Seger song I'm transported to this memory of my Mom being the coolest mom ever! And her love of Bob Seger.

[@LJ2000Phen1]

Professor, I heard this top 10 last week on Sirius xm's 80s on 8 big 40 countdown. I totally agree that this top 10 easily makes today's music look extremely weak.

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Today's what?! 😉

[@Bernz66]

@@V8AmericanMuscleCar noise? lol

[@johnbutler5650]

“ Africa “ helped me make peace with a tough decision I had to make regarding a job a few years ago ( it sounds trivial, but it was going to require me to stay away from my wife for long stretches of time…. It was pretty tough ). The vibe that I got from Toto’s “Africa “ made me realize that we could do what needed to be done. I was around for Africa’s original release, and it hit hard for a lonely,awkward kid in 83, but it hit just as hard for a grown man in 2013. Thanks for you work brother! Rock on!🤘

[@mza2195]

My Aunt used an Eddie Rabbit song as her wedding song. She and my Uncle are still married. The Clash is part of the bonding of my honey and I. As we were getting to know each other, music was an easy common interest. The Clash was the first band we agreed on. Hall & Oates is my honey’s favorite duo! Who doesn’t love Michael and Paul? They were so good! Dirty laundry gave my oldest son ‘Sledgehammer’ feelings. Marvin Gaye is the best voice ever. So romantic and beautiful 😍. What a shame he didn’t give credit without a lawsuit. Africa is a song that will hopefully keep finding new life every generation. I’m so happy it keeps coming back. I love Men at Work and “Down Under”! Our kids 22, 20, and 18 consider it a road trip staple. Our daughter listens for the Vegemite part to giggle at it. The boys love the beat and air drum. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. I always learn new things and appreciate your own perspective. What do you think you’d do if you didn’t do this?

[@spankynater4242]

Push push in the bush is my honey’s and my song.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Eddie Rabbit ain't ROCk either nor is Crystal Gayle, that's all country shit.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Bob Segar and Petty Are just commercial products for the money only.

[@mza2195]

@@michaelsalisbury1477 I didn’t mention either artist. I’m confused on why you’re commenting to me about them.

[@glo3139]

I was always a country music fan. The old stuff, and anything from the 70s and 80s, even early 90’s. I grew up on that music with my dad playing Hank Williams and Johnny Cash in his guitar, before he passed in 73. Rest In Peace Daddy ❤️❤️❤️. Great Episode!!!!

[@ladymarebear]

Seriously, you’re my new favorite person! I’m 52, so I have so many years of loving all kinds of music- but definitely favor the 80’s. I used to pick up Casey Kasem’s top 40 list at the local record store every week. If I couldn’t get to the mall I’d ask friends to pick one up for me. And I loved listening to him. You definitely have that great vibe he had. Thank you!

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

@mare hilchey how about the CD's aka compilations of hits from Casey's countdown now all out of print of course 1980 to 1989! 💿

[@scottmarshall6766]

Thanks for the trip back. I own a lot of that 83 vinyl, but you've added a couple to my "hunt down" list. The last few minutes said it all. Todays music, sadly is "manufactured" and sounds it. I truly wish we still had the artistry we once had. Curiously the same seems to be true in the movie category, many "remakes" with relativity few originals, and a lot of "manufactured" movies. Nice job!

[@Nearside]

I was 13 in 1983, living in Northern Ireland, and that was right at the time when music felt like instructions beamed into my soul from the universe itself, making sure I was wired right for whatever would come next in life.

[@Bernz66]

I was 15 and living in West Germany…. The first full year there after my dad was stationed there…. Agree with you assessment of music!!

[@NaturalMystic69]

There's absolutely no comparison in terms of songwriting, musicianship, vocal talent, etc between the classics featured in this Top 10, vs the present day stuff. I can barely listen to the radio nowadays and rely mostly on the playlists on my phone which I stream whenever I'm in the car or chilling around the house. Thanks for another great video Adam! Cheers!

[@janet4498]

1983 was a defining year for '80s music. This was also the week when you had Duran Duran breaking out big in the U.S. with "Hungry Life the Wolf," Peter Gabriel getting some much-deserved solo attention with "Shock the Monkey" and Phil Collins putting his spin on the Supremes hit "You Can't Hurry Love." It was also when you had Musical Youth having people asking what the heck is a dutchie? (the answer given at the time I believe was a cooking pot).

[@jameshunter7303]

Start of the second British Invasion?

[@BillGraper]

1983 was also the year I considered the first wave of "alternative." It had a bunch of weird (by great) songs, like She Blinded Me With Science, Puttin' On The Ritz, Come On Eileen, etc...

[@graterdeddly9527]

Yes, a cooking pot, but that was a fill in (you probably know) for "kutchie" -- a pot joint from the original song by, The Diamonds I want to say, I used to listen to both -- the little kids is better actually. The original has all this inhaling sounds that is distracting and silly.

[@tkskagen]

I remember riding the bus to school (at 7 years old) and ABSOLUTELY LOVING "MANEATER"! And I still do... ❤

[@davidgena2667]

The “music” of today is fit for only those with attention spans of five seconds that enjoy riding elevators all day long. Depth and substance are nonentities in today’s world of streams. So glad I was raised in the era of melody and musicianship.

[@scottstalcup6980]

Depth and substance? Like "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy" by The 1910 Fruitgum Company? There's always been an element of crappy music.

[@orlock20]

People can listen to any recorded music from any part of the world and any recorded time period instead of getting their music from one source such as MTV. Less than 2% of the U.S. population listens to the Hot 100 now.

[@kimberlyfoust2815]

Not all of today's music is crap, you gotta dig for the good stuff.

[@BillGraper]

@@orlock20 I want to believe that, but I don't know. I think a lot of kids & teens listen to that crap. Go to the videos of those songs. You'll see a billion views & people talking about the song as if it's the new "Stairway To Heaven." 🤣

[@BillGraper]

@@scottstalcup6980 Every generation had their not-so-good songs. The point is there were so many more good songs to subpar songs back then. The percentages have declined by far! I actually think there was a "weak" period in my time. It was right before I was born, until I was around 4. 1970-1975 had a lot of lame songs, if you listen to the top 40 from that time. So many pre-disco, cheesy background songs. More than I care to mention. Still, there were a lot more amazing songs in that time than today.

[@carlr0gers417]

I was a 20yr old know nothing now I'm a 60yr old still learnin', now I appreciate the boss' glory days a little more, love your content ,brings it all back.

[@janet4498]

Greatest album of 1983 would have to be Thriller, although it technically came out at the end of '82. Others standouts from '83 include An Innocent Man by Billy Joel, Live from Earth by Pat Benatar, Colour by Numbers by Culture Club, and Synchronicity by The Police. This was also the year when essential '80s albums by Madonna (her debut) and Cyndi Lauper (She's So Unusual) came out.

[@jml-rj5re]

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen, Al Jarreau

[@jimmyparris9892]

And even Madonna of the 80's was so much better than the later Madonna. That should be enough proof to show how much music has deteriorated since then.

[@rickbelk6844]

The Toto factor- as noted, players on "The Girl is Mine", but ALSO on "Baby Come to Me" (Luke on guitar, Greg Phillanganes on synth), Don Henley's Dirty Laundry (Porcaro brothers Jeff and Steve doing drums and keys and of course Luke on a guitar solo), then of course their own work with Africa. Thanks Professor, love the channel and high quality content!

[@marsautoman]

The variety of music in the 60's, 70's, and 80's is amazing. Everything today has no soul or passion, or variety.

[@pavel228]

Suuure. Everything. Sorry, that's ridiculous

[@BrokeredHeart]

Not so. The top 40 hits are pretty bland, but then after the 2000s and 2010s, that overly produced, sugary sweet stuff fell out of popularity. But in terms of new music that is moving, or inspiring, or purely fun to listen to, it exists, but I find people are not so interested in seeking it out. Without a central station or music channel, and with music videos no longer being the preferred medium, people are free to explore all sorts of places for music they like. It's far more individualized and personal, but it also means that fewer new songs tend to capture the ears of an entire generation, and there's less consensus on what's "pop" music anymore. There's still spectacular songwriters and artists out there, you just need to go looking for them instead of waiting to hear something on the car radio or on TV like we did in the 80s and 90s.

[@marsautoman]

My bad, Radkey🎶. Oh, and Saxon, Scropions, Andrew Farris: new music with soul.

[@jimmymelendez1836]

@@pavel228 Just listen to some of today's music and tell me that the music of today has no soul or passion.

[@jimmymelendez1836]

@@BrokeredHeart You apparently have to dig to find the songs you like nowadays. Music's changed and not for the better.

[@starjunkie5328]

Spanish Bombs and the London Calling LP by The Clash ARE JUST AMAZING.

[@magamemes3453]

There is no comparison other than saying that today's mainstream music is basically a joke. Everything is about drugs and sex. The so called "Artists" no longer fight against the corporation to say whatever they want with their music. There are however alot of musicians now who do everything themselves. They write, perform, edit, produce and even distribute their music themselves. That way they have full control of their messaging. They don't have managers or production companies telling them what they can or can't say in their music. A brave new movement is rising in music that will change things forever.

[@lyndas2767]

Some of these people, however, don't have a professional "ear" for music. They need someone who can edit

[@maccagrabme]

Drugs, sex or pathetic Partying like a psychopath.

[@batfleckforever3594]

I personally don't care about the subject matter. What bugs me is the lack of musicality. Modern music is mostly dull, uninspiring, repetitive, pre-processed noise with nothing interesting to say musically or lyrically.

[@FuzzballSupreme]

Drugs and sex were the overarching themes as far back as the 60s.

[@magamemes3453]

@@FuzzballSupreme not all music. There were great storytellers who wrote great songs that were heartfelt and deep. Songs that actually had deep and profound meaning.

[@mariamayub212]

What a fantastic countdown! These are some of my favorite videos you make and I loved it! So many songs that I absolutely love and you're right, I don't even listen to today's music at all! Always got the 80s playing over here!

[@Barney7535]

One of the first musical factoids I remember (and is still in my head to this day) is that the month and year I was born, the legendary David Bowie was 1# in the UK with Let's Dance. Still a top class song to this day as well

[@lucken13]

April 1983, arrived in Korea for my 1st year of my first tour!!!!! Turned 20 that year in Korea! Remember listening to the music in the ville, YongJuGol outside our base, Camp Garry Owen!!! 😍😍😍

[@Tpanther775]

Adam, always great when you do a redux from the early to mid 80’s. I happened to listen to this exact countdown this past Wednesday night. It’s what is great having all the AT40’s right at your hands. Glad I was able to steer you to getting the set from the 80’s. Because you appreciate it just like I do. Another great video from you friend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening Kyle. These are my favorite segments to do for sure.

[@haworthlowell805]

I remember coming home from work one night while I was in high school and my mom, no fan of rock music, was watching some late night talk dlshow and they were interviewing The Clash. I asked my mom if she knew who they were and asked why she was watching them? She said they were interesting, the only rock & rollers that made sense in an interview. I went to bed impressed; but also expecting the end if the world by morning.

[@LawrenceAkers]

I feel the same way about music from the 80s compared to contemporary music. It just seemed to have such diversity and craft to it, as opposed to so much lazy songwriting and song construction nowadays. In Australia, we had these fantastic compilations through out the early 80s. They were produced for the local market, so you had lots of Australian acts merged in with the international acts, and even to this day, I will often think of the songs in the album sequence. For 1983, we had 83 Thru The Roof which featured artists like Culture Club, UB40, Paul Young, Malcolm McLaren, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Donna Summer and The Blues Brothers among many others. Such a great collection!

[@xmathmanx]

it's fine that you prefer older music, but since you clearly dont look for good modern music (it is there if you look), why do you think you can compare it with older music?

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

@@xmathmanx Sharon O'Neill Foreign Affairs was released in 1983! I have it on CD the original first pressing😀💿✌👍

[@LawrenceAkers]

@@xmathmanx Big assumption there, mate. I am checking the charts most months to listen to what is there, what's new, and what's exciting. What I am saying is that, on average, songwriting has become lazy and there isn't as much now that, personally, engages me in the same way that music from the 80s did.

[@xmathmanx]

@@LawrenceAkers the best music wasn't in the charts in the eighties and still isn't now

[@LawrenceAkers]

@@xmathmanx Glad your opinion is the only one that matters. Enjoy.

[@toob1979]

"Allentown" hit hard as I'm born & raised in the Rust Belt, and the demise of the steel industry crushed my hometown and everywhere else for at least 50 miles. The fallout continues to reverberate, though most of the mills have been gone for 3 decades or more.

[@boydmonsen4853]

As a young teen I was gobsmacked when a friend played "Good Golly Miss Molly" for me at his home after school. Little Richard had us both jumping up and down! Very few songs have had the same impact on my emotions. Thanks Bobby Morgan, (sadly now deceased) for starting my love of rock and roll!

[@bigbad253]

In 1983, I was 19 and spent much of that year blasting around the countryside in a loud V8 with a puny sound system turned right up, running between a couple of worksites and home. The local record shop owner turned me on to ZZ Top, God bless him (Have you heard these guys, I think you'll like 'em"), he knew his mark and hit a bullseye! Hello Eliminator and back catalogue...

[@bigbad253]

And on rotation with Synchronicity, Sports, Innocent Man, Madonna...

[@serenasantiago1964]

I'm really loving this channel. I do believe the music speaks for itself. As I've said to you before, Prince is my favorite when it comes to all genres. He was so diverse, but I love all music and I'm hoping since I've been searching your channel (even though I'm subscribed) that some way I start getting more notifications. Something is up with the algorithms. I think this is the 1st notification I've received since I've responded to your last video about 1984. (Prince) Anyway, keep doing what your doing. Your amazing! There is another video that just popped up that I'm about to listen to. Something about Janet Jackson. I'm hoping you know the story of who wrote the song, What have you done for me lately! 😊💜💜💜 Your the best!

[@wendykirby631]

I graduated from college in 83 and I loved all the music from that time. I remember air guitar w my roomie. We played tennis rackets and sang my Sharon-a! The cars, the police, ZZ Top, Boston! So great! Bruce Springsteen was big then, too.

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

I like your redux episodes. For me, Africa is the song of the 80s, like Bridge Over Troubled Water is the song of the 70s. I try not to compare current music with the music I grew up with. Clearly, I think my music is superior, but music is about a time and place, and one's position within it. I'm not going to connect with current pop any more than a young person is going to connect with music of 40 years ago. I also feel that as a young person listens to music, their brain (still developing) is "trained" to respond to it. Much like neural networks are trained in artificial intelligence research. Keep up the good work and keep playing that good music.

[@mamatay7]

Omg, I can't believe you mentioned Baby Come to Me as the Luke and Holly theme from General Hospital!! I cannot hear it without thinking about them!

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

@mamatay7 and don't forget Think Of Laura sung by Christopher Cross which I know wasn't actually written for Laura Webber Baldwin, Spencer.

[@clydecrashcup2708]

Aside from being a prolific songwriter, Rod Temperton was also a member of the 70s group Heatwave (Boogie Nights, Always And Forever, The Groove Line) and wrote the vast majority of their songs.

[@Ay-B]

I love Heatwave!

[@SIvers-or2ke]

Mate…..you said “Holden Torana” perfectly. It took me back to hear you say it just then. Love your show man

[@johnathandavis3693]

"Rock the Casbah" was drowned by the endless loop of MTV. LOVE the Clash, but that was MTV's weak spot back in the day -limited content...We would turn-off the sound on the TV, and play FM on the stereo....

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're right. Overplay on a lot of song for sure.

[@TyRosenow]

Thank you for mentioning Africa by Toto. When I was a radio DJ, I remember when one of old my radio partners (who lived in Pakistan and went to an American school there) and I used to play this song and he would often choose this song when we placed it on our playlist. We would both hum the tune every single time we played this song on the air...at time singing together the lyrics of this song. I knew he wanted to go back to Pakistan some day. He was one of three radio partners and friends that I had a pleasure to work with throughout my radio broadcast career when he passed away that same year in 2016. I still hum the lyrics of this song when it comes up knowingly that my radio partner from heaven is singing the exact tune with me.

[@Pait728]

TOTO shaped the entire sound of the early 80's with all of the songs they played on. Why aren't they in the R&RHOF?

[@chrislestermusic]

Two words. Jann. Wenner.

[@emello4you]

Can't leave out the other 3. The Police, Foreigner and Hall & Oats. These bands signified from 1979-1981 what was about to happen in the world of music and that is the explosion of the greatest time in music history, 1982-1984.

[@davej.meister5421]

@@emello4you The Police and Hall & Oates are already in the Rock Hall. Foreigner is NOT in...yet.

[@charleyanne]

Oh man Adam, PoR, you brought me to tears (bittersweet ones). I didn't think I'd hear my & Dad's story on air ever. 💜 He's been gone since '14 but I think of him, the song & the time we spent together when he was home. Thank you for having me as an honorary producer along with my special story! 😭😀💜

[@ProfessorofRock]

It was an honor to dedicate it to him. Thank you for sharing.

[@lisakvieira9201]

Hi Professor, good one today sir today's music has NO comparisons to Our yesterday's sound, they All sound pretty much the same sometimes, take care now sir!!👏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening Lisa!

[@WolfmanJack66]

Excellent video. I was a junior in high school, working at Super fresh in Morrell Park in N.E. Philadelphia. This really took me back and put a smile on my face.

[@coolhive2941]

While I agree the 80s will always rule, there are still stand out artists today like Adele, The Weeknd, or Lady Gaga. They’re just fewer and far between. The audience is spread so thin over so many choices, or platforms. You gotta seek out your own taste. The radio is less and less helpful in that regard.

[@shattered0717]

Thank you for finally, after all these years, explaining Rock the Casbah to means. Loved the song, never "got it". I just paused your video, looked up the lyrics, translated the words I did not mean, and now this song to me makes sense and I have a much deeper appreciation for it.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

The old model was deeply flawed but it provided a platform and means of distributing artists' music to consumers. Record labels exploited bands with poor contracts unless they had a good lawyer and sold music at high prices to the fans. The internet changed everything because it caused the collapse of the old model. Bands were given time to develop their craft and sometimes only experienced commercial success of any note after a second or even third album, bankrolled by the patience and often enthusiasm of the record company. The industry was awash with money in the seventies and especially the eighties and nineties. But it all went lowest common denominator with the ascendancy of the internet from the late nineties to the early 2000s onwards. The internet meant the trick of selling us our record collections twice ( vinyl then CD) reached a dead end with nowhere to go; music was nearly free most of the time and the profits declined. Correspondingly, quality went out of the window as music played less of a part in culture ( sadly) as the old model was broken, never to return. It became just a business (it always was) but much less about artistry. There is good new music made ( I would argue nowhere near as much as in the golden era of the sixties to the turn of the century) but it lacks the mass market reach. I have another theory about the Cold War and great music but that is another story!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Your commentary is exactly right.

[@mikevanderwolf8575]

Musically we had it so good, so many genres to choose from. So many new sounds, so many reasons to be amazed, excited and full of pure joy. Twas an amazing year personally.

[@michaelrochester48]

I would even say the end of the 80s was superior than today’s music. I’ll take Paula Abdul over Dua Lipa any day. I’ll take Roxette over any rapper. I will take expose over any Taylor Swift. Hell, I will take Milli Vanilli over Justin Timberlake!

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Lol

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

Roxette was Awesome!! Sadly, we lost Marie Fredriksson in 2019.

[@stephenbrooks733]

Milli vanilli...belong in the dustbin of music...those fake guys were so bad .do you remember them trying to sing after they were caught out...

[@maccagrabme]

Cant believe one of them commited suicide over having to mime, fast forward to today and they get away with autotune doing it all. So sick of the sound of modern mainstream, it is the worst thing I've ever heard.

[@marox79]

Roxette did all styles justice: pop, rock, dance, chill out even. And Marie started out in a punk band and loved jazz.

[@everybody21990]

Wow! Thanks for the memories. Listening to this was almost listening to my red BASF tape that I made when I was young. I recorded the songs from holding the tape recorder up to the radio! I'm surprised "You Can't Hurry Love" by Phil Collins, or "Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth didn't make it in the countdown. Although, they may have made it on the charts in '82 around Christmas time. I distinctly remember those two because they remind me of going to hairdresser's for the very first time and having the hairdresser cut one side of my cut my hair shorter than the other. Thankfully, I was in grade 9 and curled it so no one knew except me.

[@Mak10z]

Back when singers had to know how to sing. hit harmonies, and overall know music. there are still artists out there that are the real deal.. you just wont find them in the pop charts. Talent costs money and effort. things that are harder to quantify in a return on investment report.

[@oldarpanet]

"Before we had Pro Tools, we had pro musicians." Says volumes.

[@shibolinemress8913]

I had two friends in college who had been on student missionary trips to Kenya that previous summer before the song "Africa" came out.They were great guys, and both of course loved the song. It's one of my favourites too, and will always remind me of Chris and Richard, and the awesome times we had.

[@viper2148]

What's not to love about The Clash? 🎵"My Daddy was a bank robber, but he never hurt nobody. He just loved to live that way, and he loved to take your money."🎵🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

The only Band that matters!

[@stephenbrown4211]

And they had the best punk song ever made; White Man in Hammersmith (Palais)

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@stephenbrown4211 I used to drink in the Laurie Arms the pub next to the legendary Hammersmith Palais when I worked in London in the nineties/ early 200s. Both the pub and venue are sadly no longer there. Bands used to drink in the pub ( which resembled a cosy living room) before concerts.

[@dhpbear2]

@@ProfessorofRock Why? They sang off-key and most of the lyrics are unintelligible!

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

They even made covers sound like their own. As a Brit I consider 'London Calling' a national anthem

[@IAMACollectivist]

I'm an old geezer who's ancient brain now lacks the plasticity to appreciate novelty of any kind -The professor of rock

[@hallowthrifty2961]

I graduated in 84 and remember “Dirty Laundry” was the song used in our aerobics part of our gym class. I can still remember the moves and sadly I hated the song because of it. 😂

[@fakebrake]

Graduated the same year and just hated that song.

[@mtlbstrd]

Well, I round out the trio! Graduated in ‘84 and while I liked some of Dons other work, I hated that one!

[@MichelleMills1972]

Despite my dad being a Beatles fan, I never knew much about Paul's solo work. I remember when The Girl is Mine came out. It was the first cd that I owned, I got it for Christmas. Then I found out about Say, Say, Say and got that cd, Paul's All The Best. My 1st cd of Paul's solo/non-Beatles work. I immediately found my favorite artist. Since then, I have truly appreciated all of Paul's work. Taking my son to his Driving Rain concert in the Chicago area in 2002 is one of my fondest memories. One of my favorites by him, Little Lamb Dragonfly. So underrated. I am glad to know that Paul is finally getting the recognition he deserves as one of the best composers of all time.

[@duromusabc]

You’re right Adam - it is sad 😔

[@ProfessorofRock]

I wish somebody could come in and change it all. I haven't given up faith in that.