Kevin's Recs: Let's talk about the '80s

By: Kevin Rutherford, Editorial Director

1. "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil



Choruses rarely get bigger than this. Sure, I can see why Peter Garrett's vocal work on the verses could be off-putting, but the payoff is tremendous. This is a bona fide anthem, the song other anthems look to and are all, "WHOA, BRAH, WHY ARE WE EVEN TRYING?!" Add in lyrics calling for the Australian government to return desert lands to the native Pintupi, and you have what they call a political anthem. It's been ranked among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, and it's fairly easy to see why.

2. "Down Under" by Men at Work



Speaking of Australia -- how about we touch on the most decidedly Australian song since "Kookaburra" (LOL DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?). Fun fact: lead singer Colin Hay is actually Scottish, having moved to Australia at age 14. Fun fact 2: Former guitarist Ron Strykert was arrested in 2008 for making death threats toward Mr. Hay. Fun fact 3: This song is my spirit animal.

3. "Africa" by Toto



Directly following "Down Under" atop the Billboard Hot 100 was a song about an entirely different continent altogether. Sure, it's a bit Westernized, but... but... ah, hell, let's just take some take to reflect on how much this video just screams, "This was made in the '80s! Look at me!" Also, my god could these guys harmonize.

4. "Sailing" by Christopher Cross



In case you were wondering where the hell Bon Iver's "Beth/Rest" came from. Yacht rock = best genre. Also, it's a little known fact that Mr. Cross was one of the forerunners of wearing sports jerseys when one performs. You're welcome, hip hop guys.

5. "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood



In which Steve Winwood goes into BEAST MODE. That dancing.

6. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon



Paul Simon's all like, "Yo Toto, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish, but I just made one of the best African-flavored songs by a white guy of all time. ONE OF THE BEST AFRICAN-FLAVORED SONGS BY A WHITE GUY OF ALL TIME. *shrug*"

7. "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco



#RIPFalcoTooSoon

8. "Nemesis" by Shriekback



After Barry Andrews left XTC in the late '70s, he formed the lesser-known (but still totally great) rock act Shriekback in 1981. Their high note? I'd say this. And no, I don't really know what's going on in the video either.

9. "Why Should I Worry" from Oliver & Company



Oh god guys, remember that time Billy Joel voiced an animated character in a Disney film? Yeah, that really happened.


And I promise you this -- if you listen to this song now, it'll be even better than you remember it as a kid. Say what you will about Joel's acting, but maaaan, that guy could write a tune.

10. "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder



This song and the embedded video might be the most telling example of the '80s I've ever seen. The main reason? Just LOOK at Matthew Wilder.

Also, favorite song of the '80s. I'm serious.