(Finished June 27th, 2023) Part 1 of The Best Rock, Pop, Soul and New Wave Songs of 1981

Hello,

On August 1st, 1981 MTV played The Buggles "Video Killed the Radio Star" and the music industry was forever changed. Some would argue for the worst, but I think it was for the best. I spent many a hour watching MTV back in the day. I know it's hard to believe now but hey really did play videos 24 hours a day. With YouTube and so many other options one can watch most videos any time they want. But back in 1981 watching a video was pretty damn cool. 

These are the best rock, pop, soul and new wave songs of 1981. 

It was good to see Geddy Lee in one of my favorite shows "Murdoch Mysteries". It was a very good and whimsical performance. 1) Rush "Tom Sawyer":

I heard good things about this song, however I'm not a fan. 2) Elvis Costello "From A Whisper To A Scream":

3) The Human League "Love Action (I Believe In Love)":

4) Stevie Nicks "Edge of Seventeen":

5) Dolly Parton "9 to 5":

6) REO Speedwagon "Keep On Loving You":

7) Smokey Robinson "Being With You":

8) Juice Newton "Queen of Hearts":

9) Blondie "Rapture":

10) Ray Parker Jr. "A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You)":

11) Champaign "How 'Bout Us":

12) Eric Clapton "I Can't Stand It":

13) Steve Winwood "While You See A Chance":

14) Ozzy Osbourne "Flying High Again":

15) Dan Fogelberg "Same Old Lang Syne":

16) Stanley Clarke and George Duke "Sweet Baby":

One of the 80s best ballads. 17) Christopher Cross "Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do)":

themusicaddict