Fans of '80s music just can't get enough. Even decades later, many believe this was an all-time high in music history—but over time, numerous songs have been long forgotten. Below we have a great list of singles that made a great impact on the era at the time but have been overshadowed through the years, falling into the lost songs category.
This list was compiled with the help of Ross on the Radio's extensive research of the "lost factor" of hits from the 1980s. You can read all about his process and research here.
"Batdance" - Prince
Prince will forever be an icon in '80s music—with his unique style and outstanding skills, he is well remembered for his hits. In 1989 he released what would become his first No. 1 hit since his 1986 single "Kiss." "Batdance" was a song featured on his eleventh studio album which was also the soundtrack for the 1989 Batman film directed by Tim Burton starring Michael Keaton as Batman. The album remained on Billboard Top 200 for six weeks and the single rose to the top of several charts, including Billboard Hot 100, Dance Club Songs, Dance Singles Sales, and Hot R&B/Hip/Hop Songs.
"I Like It" - Dino
Another forgotten song from 1989 is Dino's "I Like It," which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard's Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The music video premiered on MTV and VH-1 in 1989 and the song was the third single from his first album, 24/7. After his singing career, Dino would produce and write songs for a long list of performers including Sheena Easton and Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block, a band Dino opened for in the summer of 1989.
"Election Day" - Arcadia
Duran Duran are pioneers in the music world, reinventing themselves over the years, and they currently continue to release new music and tour. In 1985 the Fab Five formed two splinter groups, Power Station and Arcadia during a break in the band's schedule. In October 1985, Arcadia released an amazing single, "Election Day," and the single climbed to No. 6 in the US and No. 7 in the UK. While it was quite the hit in '85, it is a single that is considered "lost" to the decade. As a bit of trivia, actress and model Grace Jones is featured on vocals and speech segments.
"When The Children Cry" - White Lion
Power ballads were a staple of glam metal/hair bands in the 1980s. White Lion is a group that formed in New York City in 1983. Their single "When The Children Cry" was released off their 1987 album Pride. The song was written following the Live Aid concert and was influenced by singer Mike Tramp's childhood. The song charted at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 in Canada.
"Who's Johnny" - El DeBarge
The 1986 release by El DeBarge, "Who's Johnny" is a catchy dance tune that was featured in the sci-fi comedy Short Circuit. The song was the debut single of El DeBarge who parted from his family group, DeBarge. It peaked at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B Singles chart, making it his only No. 1 solo song. The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic in his album Pola Party! as "Here's Johnny."
"C'est La Vie" - Robbie Nevil
Robbie Nevil gave non-French speaking '80s fans a new catchphrase with his 1986 single "C'est La Vie." His debut single off his self-titled album was a cover of gospel singer Beau Williams' original from his album Bodacious! (1984). The single, which spent a total of 16 weeks in the top 40, peaked at No. 2 in Jan. 1987. Nevil eventually turned to writing and producing and since 2011 has been writing and producing for Extreme Music.
Above is a sample of great songs that have been forgotten or lost over the years. Check out more favorites below.
- Olivia Newton-John - Twist Of Fate
- Tiffany - Could Have Been
- Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme
- Ray Parker Jr. - The Other Woman
- Bob Segar - Shame On The Moon
- Bangles - In Your Room
- Jacksons - State of Shock
- Madonna - Who's That Girl
- Milli Vanilli - Baby Don't Forget My Number
- Reo Speedwagon - Keep The Fire Burning
Check out the extensive list at Radio Insight.