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October 26, 2006

VH1's 100 Greatest Songs Of The '80s

Spoiler alert. Here's what topped the Flav network's 936-hour, totally rad talking head countdown, premiering Monday at 9PM EST.

5. "When Doves Cry" – Prince
4. "Billie Jean" – Michael Jackson
3. "Hungry Like The Wolf" – Duran Duran
2. "Pour Some Sugar On Me" – Def Leppard
1. "Livin' On A Prayer" – Bon Jovi
Can't wait to hear what Hal Sparks has to say about Dexy's Midnight Runners! Those overalls! Oh my!

Don't like the Top 5? In fairness, we must mention the results were decided by an online survey. But we all know how VH1's producers are more than happy to swap #80 for #8 if someone's manager starts complaining. Or did you not know that? Now you do!

Tell us YOUR top five '80s songs. And don't go all indie on us .... We know you love you some "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

Posted at 1:41 PM
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125 Comments

men without hats-safety dance

prince- raspberry beret

tommy tutone- jenny

bruce springsteen- dancing in the dark

smiths- there is a light that never goes out

Posted by: ian at 10/26/06 1:49 PM  | Reply
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Bon Jovi at number 1??? Ugh! Prince should fucking own that Top Five!

Posted by: Paul H. at 10/26/06 1:55 PM  | Reply
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hey. dnt bash bon jovi. he is one of the greats. his music was amazing.......well in recent years i admit he is lacking. although i do agree with you. prince should be number one with "little red corvette". but bon jovi deserves it just as well.

Posted by: christle  in reply to Paul H.'s comment at 09/24/08 6:25 PM  | Reply
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No Madonna in the top 5? I guess she shouldn't have kept her baby.

Posted by: Sarah at 10/26/06 1:59 PM  | Reply
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some favorites off the top of my head..

"everybody wants to rule the world" - tears for fears
"take on me" - aha!
"don't you (forget about me)" - simple minds
"power of love" - huey lewis & the news
"the tide is high" - blondie

most of my music taste in the 80's was, i think, driven by movies...

Posted by: tk. at 10/26/06 2:00 PM  | Reply
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The 80's were humorously awful...why do indie/hipster people look like they are in the 80's?

Posted by: j at 10/26/06 2:10 PM  | Reply
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5. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody
4. Men Without Hats - Safety Dance
3. Sparks - Monster of Love
2. Jermaine Stewart - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off
1. El Debarge - Who's Johnny

Posted by: Jon at 10/26/06 2:18 PM  | Reply
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The good old days when pop stars actually understood the power of good melody.

1. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule The World
2. Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence
3. Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels
4. Depeche Mode - Policy of Truth
5. Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes

Posted by: Chuck at 10/26/06 2:20 PM  | Reply
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HOLIDAY -- still, in my opinion, madonna's best song....

DELIRIOUS -- that black dude in panties, prince, was playing some great new wave...

PASS THE DUTCHIE -- oh shit, that's the jam! musical youth had me smokin' weed..."this generation...rules the nation"

HOW SOON IS NOW -- was this song too cool for this list? nothing ever sounded like this smiths song....probably the best song written in the 80's....

BLISTER IN THE SUN -- this song still makes people scream whenever it's played in a crowded bar.....they're either drunk or just love this violent femmes classic......or both....

other songs:

JUST LIKE HEAVEN
whip it
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HURT ME
west end girls

Posted by: maya lucia at 10/26/06 2:20 PM  | Reply
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5. The Go-Gos: Our Lips are Sealed
4. Stone Roses: I Wanna Be Adored
3. Prince: When Doves Cry
2. Tom Tom Club: Genius of Love
1. The Smiths: There is a Light that Never Goes Out

Posted by: Larry at 10/26/06 2:29 PM  | Reply
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One word: ALPHAVILLE.

Posted by: mike at 10/26/06 2:30 PM  | Reply
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5. Berlin: "Metro"
4. The Romantics "Talking In Your Sleep"
3. New Order: "Blue Monday"
2. Joan Jett "I Love Rock n Roll"
1. Dramarama: "Hundered Dollar Bills"

Posted by: Brendan at 10/26/06 2:36 PM  | Reply
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New commenting system, now with more comment-eating goodness?

Posted by: tk. at 10/26/06 2:46 PM  | Reply
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Amen, Paul H.
Prince was the best thing that ever happened to the 80s.

1. When You Were Mine
2. When Doves Cry
3. I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
4. Kiss
5. (tie) Dirty Mind, Head, Sister, Uptown, Controversy, 1999, Little Red Corvette, DMSR, Let's Go Crazy, I Would Die for You, Purple Rain, Pop Life, Raspberry Beret, Anotherloverholeinyohead,Sign 'O' the Times, Hot Thing, U Got the Look, If I was Your Girlfriend, Lovesexy, Alphabet St., and why the hell not, Batdance.

Posted by: Matty at 10/26/06 2:47 PM  | Reply
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The pre-YO! Mtv Raps list:

The Outfield - Your Love
Duran Duran - Girls on Film
Adam Ant - Ant Music
John Waite - Change
Joe Walsh - Life of Illusion (on the strength of the video alone)

Posted by: jimbear at 10/26/06 2:48 PM  | Reply
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5. Upside Down
4. Cut Me Dead
3. My Little Underground
2. Never Understand
1. Just Like Honey

"They write encyclopedias on the Eighties and we're not even mentioned. We WERE the fucking eighties."
-Jim Reid, Jesus and Mary Chain

Posted by: g at 10/26/06 2:52 PM  | Reply
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This list is racist - how could MJ and Prince not be in the top 2. Livin on a prayer? Come on!

Posted by: Antonio DePietro at 10/26/06 2:53 PM  | Reply
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1. The Replacements - "Bastards of Young"
2. Toto - "Africa"
3. Fugazi - "Waiting Room"
4. Guns N 'Roses - "Rocket Queen"
5. Prince - "When Doves Cry"

Posted by: carson at 10/26/06 3:09 PM  | Reply
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Chuck, don't wanna be a stickler, but "Violator" was released in 1990, so technically your D-Mode selections can't count...As for mine:
5. Ministry - Everyday Is Halloween
4. Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good?
3. Depeche Mode - Everything Counts
2. Prince - Raspberry Beret
1. The Cure - Just Like Heaven

Posted by: Urethra Franklin at 10/26/06 3:10 PM  | Reply
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6. Talking Heads - "Once in a Lifetime"

Had to get that one in there too.

Posted by: carson at 10/26/06 3:11 PM  | Reply
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If we are talking singles (and not just songs) then:

1) The Cure - "Just Like Heaven"
2) The Smiths - "How Soon Is Now"
3) Echo & the Bunnymen - "Lips Like Sugar"
4) New Order - "Age of Consent"
5) Genesis - "Land of Confusion" (greatest video ever, I might add)

Posted by: Chris at 10/26/06 3:11 PM  | Reply
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anything by anybody other than bon jovi.

Posted by: richard at 10/26/06 3:21 PM  | Reply
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1. Centerfold - J. Geils Band
2. I Melt with You - Modern English
3. China Girl - David Bowie
4. Jesse's Girl - Rick Springfield
5. 99 Luftballoons - Nena

...but admit it, we all still get a little excited when we hear the opening for "Taited Love" on the radio.

Posted by: robyn at 10/26/06 3:33 PM  | Reply
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1. Centerfold - J. Geils Band
2. I Melt with You - Modern English
3. China Girl - David Bowie
4. Jesse's Girl - Rick Springfield
5. 99 Luftballoons - Nena

...but admit it, we all still get a little excited when we hear the opening for "Taited Love" on the radio.

Posted by: robyn at 10/26/06 3:36 PM  | Reply
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1. Cruel Summer - Bananarama
2. Sister Christian - Night Ranger
3. Voices Carry - Til Tuesday
4. Oh, Sherrie - Steve Perry
5. Papa Don't Preach - Madonna

Posted by: Amy at 10/26/06 3:40 PM  | Reply
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Yay!! for Jon and his top 2 - at one other person other than me who frequents this site didn't grow up a total honkey. I thought I was the only one.

Honorable Mention goes to Maya for choosing Musical Youth.

Posted by: Rina at 10/26/06 3:46 PM  | Reply
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XTC - King For A Day
XTC - All You Pretty Girls
XTC - Dear God
XTC - Mayor Of Simpleton
XTC - Senses Working Overtime

Posted by: jordan at 10/26/06 3:48 PM  | Reply
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1.) aha - take on me
2.) prince - when doves cry
3.) men without hats - the safety dance
4.) dire straits - money for nothing
5.) cyndi lauper - girls just wanna have fun

big whup, wanna fight about it?

Posted by: holmes at 10/26/06 4:00 PM  | Reply
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Ah come on! No love For Simple Minds?

1) Simple Minds - Don't you Forget About Me
2) Dreams - Van Halen
2) Flock of Seagulls - I Ran (So Far Away)
4) Men At Work - Down Under
5) The Cars - Just What I Needed

If you don't pump you fist in the air after the end of 'Don't you forget about me', you need to get with it.

Posted by: Jake at 10/26/06 4:32 PM  | Reply
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We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off! Awesome! I remember dancing on my friend's picnic table in her backyard to this song. What do 8 year olds know about drinking cherry wine?

My top 5 then - George Michael, MJ, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston?

now - The Smiths, New Order, Prince, Madonna, REM

Posted by: Jen at 10/26/06 4:47 PM  | Reply
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When Doves Cry should be #1 by a mile. They could even revers those numbers & I wouldn't freak out. VH-1 isn't for real music fans anyway. It's for people who enjoy Matchbox 20 as the soundtrack to their lives.

Posted by: Raz at 10/26/06 4:51 PM  | Reply
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1) Sonic Youth- Teen Age Riot
2) Prince- When Doves Cry
3) Pixies- Debaser
4) Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five- The Message
5) Michael Jackson- Billie Jean

Posted by: ambidexican at 10/26/06 4:53 PM  | Reply
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Jimbear, where can I get that John Waite song??? I looked for it a couple of weeks ago and could not find it. Help!!!! I am desperate.

Posted by: Cathy at 10/26/06 5:09 PM  | Reply
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1) The Smiths "There is a Light..."
2) The Cure "Fascination Street
3) New Order "Bizarre Love Triangle"
4) Toto "Africa"
5) Whoever sang that song about One Night in Bangkok

Posted by: Mikey K at 10/26/06 5:13 PM  | Reply
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5. One More Try by George Michael
4. Groove is in the Heart by Deee-Lite
3. Parents Just Don't Understand by Fresh Prince
2. Borderline by Madonna
1. Material Girl by Madonna


Posted by: brandy at 10/26/06 5:20 PM  | Reply
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5. New Order "True Faith"
4. Prince "When Doves Cry"
3. Eric B & Rakim "Paid In Full"
2. Depeche Mode "Personal Jesus"
1. Michael Jackson "Billie Jean"

Posted by: Tom at 10/26/06 5:38 PM  | Reply
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Hell yeah, Musical Youth. I'd go with Maya's list except for the Madonna.

5. Ashes to Ashes - David Bowie
4. One Night in Bangkok - Murray Head
3. Under the Milky Way - The Church
2. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths
1. Save a Prayer - Duran Duran

Posted by: sfenn at 10/26/06 5:40 PM  | Reply
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5. New Order "True Faith"
4. Roxy Music "Avalon"
3. Boogie Down Productions "Bridge Is Over"
2. Depeche Mode "Personal Jesus"
1. Michael Jackson "Billie Jean"

Posted by: Tom at 10/26/06 5:42 PM  | Reply
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1. Matthew Wilder - Nobody Gonna Break My Stride
2. Hall & Oates - Private Eyes
3. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants...
4. Gary Numan - Cars
5. M - Pop Muzik

I think some Prince and MJ belong up there, but I thought i'd throw some others up there for the purpose of discussion. I do stand by that #1, though.

Posted by: christopher at 10/26/06 5:55 PM  | Reply
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safety dance- men without hats

Jenny (867-5309)- tommy tutone

She Bop- cyndi lauper

mr roboto- styx

where is my mind?- the pixies

Posted by: ian at 10/26/06 5:59 PM  | Reply
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One possible scenario:

5. Our Lips Are Sealed - Fun Boy Three
4. Tainted Love - Soft Cell
3. Don't You Want Me? - Human League
2. Favourite Shirts - Haircut One Hundred
1. Promised You a Miracle - Simple Minds

Posted by: tomasybella at 10/26/06 6:08 PM  | Reply
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My top 5...

1. Talking Heads - Naive Melody (This Must Be the Place)
2. The Replacements - Unsatisfied
3. Violent Femmes - Good Feeling
4. They Might Be Giants - Don't Let's Start
5. Pixies - Hey

Posted by: Sadparadise at 10/26/06 7:07 PM  | Reply
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#1) "It Takes Two" - MC Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock

Also, as much as I absolutely LOATHE the song, Van Halen's "Jump" should probably up there near the top somewhere. That song was fucking everywhere 1984-85.

Posted by: Nate at 10/26/06 7:57 PM  | Reply
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no FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD??!?!?

lame.

Posted by: cesar at 10/26/06 8:28 PM  | Reply
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head over heels - tears for fears
love will tear us apart - joy division
don't you want me? - human league
the walk - the cure
father figure - george michael

Posted by: kylie at 10/26/06 9:53 PM  | Reply
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What's wrong with Bon Jovi?

Posted by: Jamie at 10/26/06 11:00 PM  | Reply
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"LIKE A PRAYER" by MADONNA better be #6.

Posted by: Vic at 10/27/06 12:20 AM  | Reply
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1. Pixies- Hey
2. Sonic Youth- Teenage Riot
3. Dinosaur Jr.- In A Jar
4. Talking Heads- Once In A Lifetime
5. REM- Radio Free Europe

Posted by: Trev at 10/27/06 12:39 AM  | Reply
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1) Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin Somethin
2) The Talking Heads - Life During Wartime
3) Tom Waits - In the Neighborhood
4) XTC - Respectable Street
5) Tears for Fears - Mad World

Posted by: 1945 at 10/27/06 1:29 AM  | Reply
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Eddy Grant - Electic Avenue
Terence Trent D'Arby - Wishing Well
Milli Vannili - Can I have Your Number
Bobby Brown - My Perogative
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

and just because I have to list it
Falco - Rock Me Amadeus

Posted by: dude at 10/27/06 3:12 AM  | Reply
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Eddy Grant - Electic Avenue
Terence Trent D'Arby - Wishing Well
Milli Vannili - Can I have Your Number
Bobby Brown - My Perogative
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

and just because I have to list it
Falco - Rock Me Amadeus

Posted by: dude at 10/27/06 3:13 AM  | Reply
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5. prince- 1999
4. the violent femmes- add it up
3. they might be giants- kiss me son of god
2. the talking heads- life during wartime
1. dead kennedys- california uber alles

Posted by: chris at 10/27/06 3:28 AM  | Reply
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I could call out a few off-by-a-years, but instead:
These are mere suggesstions, as my collection mostly spans the decade of the eighties.
Maybe I will post more.
No one got these, though:

Love Will Tear us Apart: Joy Division (80)
White Lines: Grandmaster Flash/Melle Mel/Liquid Liquid (83)
Pearly Dewdrops' Drops: Cocteau Twins (84)
Suedehead: Morrissey (88)
Here's Where the Story Ends: the Sundays (89)

Posted by: Wesley at 10/27/06 4:10 AM  | Reply
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Whoops!
Can't be Sure: the Sundays (89)

Posted by: Wesley at 10/27/06 4:17 AM  | Reply
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5. Do They Know It's Christmas- Band Aid
4. If You Leave- OMD
3. Let's Go To Bed- The Cure
2. The Killing Moon- Echo and the Bunnymen
1. Purple Rain- Prince

Posted by: Lisa at 10/27/06 7:08 AM  | Reply
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Mainstream:

1999 by Prince
Material Girl by Madonna
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2
Beat It Michael Jackson
In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
Come On Eileen by Dexy's
I Melt with You by Modern English

Indle:

So Central Rain by REM
Gigantic by the Pixies
Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division

In no particular order

Posted by: Evan Waldo at 10/27/06 10:38 AM  | Reply
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This would have been my list in 1989 as well as now. I'm so depressingly old.

1. Sonic Youth, "Schizophrenia"
2. Replacements, "Within Your Reach"
3. Husker Du, "Celebrated Summer"
4. R.E.M., "Pretty Persuasion"
5. Pixies, "Cactus"

Posted by: David at 10/27/06 12:59 PM  | Reply
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Tom Waits - Time
Beastie Boys - Hey Ladies
Paul Simon - Graceland
Pogues - The ol Main Drag
Jane's Addiction - Jane Says
Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane (one of the best covers ever by the way)

Posted by: Jeff at 10/28/06 8:28 AM  | Reply
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1.When Doves Cry (or Purple Rain, depending on my mood)-Prince and the Revolution
2. Billy Jean-Michael Jackson
3. With Or Without You-U2
4. Save A Prayer-Duran Duran
5. Everybody Wants To Rule The World-Tears For Fears

Posted by: Sean Collier at 10/30/06 10:00 AM  | Reply
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5) "Like a Virgin" Madonna - stupid but influential song.
4) Radio Free Europe - REM
3) Mysterious Ways, U2
2) In the Air Tonight, Phil Collins
1) Once in a Lifetime, Talking Heads

Posted by: Bobo at 11/02/06 11:01 AM  | Reply
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where the hell is david bowie??? hello Jean Genie? Lets Dance?? China Girl??

Posted by: Sam at 11/02/06 9:31 PM  | Reply
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btw why the hell is Under Pressure so low? come on! Queen totaly ruled the 80s as well a david bowie!
vh1 is lame.

Posted by: Sam at 11/02/06 9:36 PM  | Reply
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Wow! These were some great lists posted... songs no one heard off. The Cure??? I didn't know about them in the 80s. XTC??? Who the hell is that? I do however know Livin on a prayer and all the songs from the Vh1 list.

Posted by: FMKIDD at 11/03/06 11:09 AM  | Reply
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5 Every Rose Has its Thorn - Poison
4 Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Lepard
3 Dancing In The Dark - The Boss
2 Shout At The Devil - Motley Crue
1 Born In The USA - The Boss

Posted by: Donna Potter at 11/03/06 12:18 PM  | Reply
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I'm just glad that GnR was in front of Motley. There's hope for people's musical taste yet.

Posted by: Greg at 11/04/06 2:08 PM  | Reply
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Top Five:
Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi

Jenny (867-5309) - Tommy Tutone

Jesse's Girl - Rick Springfield

Take on Me - Aha

Thriller (or maybe something else from Michael Jackson but the video alone gives it eternal cult status)

Honorable Mention:
Sweet Child of Mine
Heaven is a Place on Earth
Africa
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Material Girl
1999

Posted by: Laura at 11/05/06 7:17 PM  | Reply
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5. the final countdown
4. mr roboto
3. dancing in the dark
2. jump
1. born in the usa(BRUUUCE)

Posted by: uknowme at 11/08/06 7:12 PM  | Reply
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wow, i didnt think vh1 did too bad,
but queen & david bowie shouldve been much higher.

5. Hungry like the Wolf (Big Duran Duran Fan)
4. Lets Dance
3. Sweet Child of Mine
2. Pour some Sugar on Me
1. Under Pressure (Best song Ever Written)

Prince, Michael Jackson, and U2 would basically fill out the Top 10.

but hey, to each their own, right?

Posted by: conrad at 11/09/06 11:02 PM  | Reply
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My Top five:

1. Bon Jovi- You Give Love A Bad Name (obviously Bon Jovi is number one, they are the best band in the world!!)
2. Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
3. Poison- Every Rose Has Its Thorn
4. U2- With or Without You
5. Van Halen- Jump

Posted by: alex at 11/10/06 6:01 PM  | Reply
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5. Open Arms Journey (Ultimate power ballad)
4. Sweet Child O Mine GNR
3. Every Breath You Take Police
2. London Calling The Clash
1. I'll Melt With You Modern English

Posted by: Robert at 11/11/06 2:44 AM  | Reply
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My top 80's

The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
Joy Division- Love will Tear Us Apart
The Cure- Pictures of You
Depeche Mode - Stripped
New Order - Age of consent.

Posted by: lala at 11/11/06 8:14 PM  | Reply
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1-Shadows Of The Night/Pat Benatar

2-Do You Wanna Hold Me/Bow Wow Wow

3-Human Touch/Rick Springfield

4-Spirit In The Sky/Doctor & the Medics

5-The Winner Takes It All/Abba

Posted by: Mike G at 11/12/06 6:27 PM  | Reply
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Absolute top 5 in no order (you should be ashamed you didn't mention 4 these)

a) Billy Idol - Eyes Without A Face
b) Don Henley - Boys of Summer
c) Eurythmics - Here Comes the Rain Again
d) Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child of Mine
e) Paul Simon - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

"Best" means 'great, definitive music,' not shlocky crap that reminds you of your youth.

Posted by: Reality at 11/14/06 1:11 PM  | Reply
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Nite and Day - Al B Sure!

Brass Monkey - Beastie Boys

Oh Sheila - Ready for the World

Supersonic - JJ Fad

My ADIDAS - Run DMC

I favor a lot of what everyone else posted, but I didn't see these up there.

Posted by: matt b at 12/01/06 6:48 PM  | Reply
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As it has been said here before: Prince ruled the eighties.

1. Prince-Purple Rain
2. Guns 'n Roses-Sweet Child of Mine
3. U2-With or Without You
4. Prince-Little Red Corvette
5. Europe-Final Countdown (just for sentimental reasons)

Where can the full top 100 be viewed?

Posted by: Veronique at 12/13/06 7:19 AM  | Reply
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As it has been said here before: Prince ruled the eighties.

1. Prince-Purple Rain
2. Guns 'n Roses-Sweet Child of Mine
3. U2-With or Without You
4. Prince-Little Red Corvette
5. Europe-Final Countdown (just for sentimental reasons)

Where can the full top 100 be viewed?

Posted by: Veronique at 12/13/06 7:20 AM  | Reply
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As it has been said here before: Prince ruled the eighties.

1. Prince-Purple Rain
2. Guns 'n Roses-Sweet Child of Mine
3. U2-With or Without You
4. Prince-Little Red Corvette
5. Europe-Final Countdown (just for sentimental reasons)

Where can the full top 100 be viewed?

Posted by: Veronique at 12/13/06 7:20 AM  | Reply
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bon jovi?? im not agree
1-depeche mode- people are people/strangelove
2-tears for fears (is a classic, i dont understand why is not in the top) shout/ every body...
3-smiths-how son is now
4-the cure-lullaby
5-culture club-do you really want to hurt me

Posted by: mar at 01/08/07 4:32 PM  | Reply
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the ones that come easily for been part of my life:

madonna like a virgin, i remember coments on my house "VIRGIN,,,YEAH"

walk like an egyptian, nice girls, first times horney.

duran duran, the one in the video with the waterfall out of the cinema,

trhiller of course , the one that have more publicity ever,

and the only one thats really like of these 5:whitesnake is these love

Posted by: aureliano at 01/22/07 9:04 PM  | Reply
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My fav. 80s tunes:

1. Billie Jean- Michael Jackson
2. Jump- Van Halen
3. Every Breath You Take- The Police
4. Angel- Aerosmith
5. Little Red Corvette- Prince
Honorable mentions:
-Here I go again- Whitesnake
-Take my breath away- Berlin
-Janies Got a Gun- Aerosmith
-Pour Some Sugar on me- Def Leppard
-Every Rose Has its Thorn- Poison
-Welcome to the Jungle- Guns N Roses

PS Does anyone think its weird that I'm a 15 year old girl but love 80s music? Thats pretty much all I listen to. My friends think its kinda strange...

Posted by: Kendall at 02/08/07 7:02 PM  | Reply
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It's funny how VH1 selected Metallica's "One" as one of the top 20 videos of the 80's, yet they didn't select that same song in the top 100 songs. Some lost a bold there.

Posted by: Luis at 02/09/07 12:27 AM  | Reply
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no particular order, Trouble - Lindsey Buckingham, In Too Deep- Genesis,Talking Out Of Turn-Moody Blues,Out Of Season-REO, Kyrie-Mr.Mister

Posted by: tracy at 02/28/07 10:40 PM  | Reply
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5. Call Me - GoWest
4. Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The Wolrd
3. Dance Hall Days - Wang Chung
2. Run To You - Bryan Adams
1. Waiting For A Girl Like You - Foreigner

Posted by: John at 03/23/07 2:46 PM  | Reply
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No Stevie Nicks???
She ruled in the '80's
Edge of 17
Stand Back

Posted by: Brian at 03/23/07 3:36 PM  | Reply
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the best songs of the eighties. Bon Jovi?
When pigs fly.
1. Everybody Wants To Rule The World Tears for Fears.
2. I Keep Holding On. Simply Red.
3. Don't Dream It's Over. Crowded House
4. Boys of Summer. Don Henley
5. Looks that Kill, or any song by Motley Crue

Posted by: Laszlo A. Voros at 06/07/07 3:34 PM  | Reply
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Bon Jovi number one. When Paul McCartney does rap!
Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Tears For Fears. #1
Holding Back The Years. Simply Red.#2
Don't Dream It's Over. Crowded House. #4
Like A Virgin. Modonna #5
Looks that Kill or any song by Motley Crue.

Posted by: Laszlo A. Voros at 06/07/07 3:48 PM  | Reply
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"Jean Genie" is from the 70s, not the 80s

Posted by: Surfjar at 06/23/07 7:12 PM  | Reply
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TOP 5 80s POP SONGS - that i dont think have been mentioned..

1. when in rome - the promise
2. devo - whip it
3. sheena easton - morning train (!!!!)
4. aha - take me on
5. paul simon - yo can call me al

Posted by: math at 08/03/07 7:02 PM  | Reply
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1. Dont Stop Believen- Journy
2. Pour Some Suger on Me- Def Leppord
3. Seperate Ways- Journy
4. Beat It- Mike J
5. Africa- toto

end of story

Posted by: nick at 08/08/07 8:43 PM  | Reply
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Some good suggestions for top 5. The 80's will never get its due credit for great music. But it seems everyone here missed a great song- "I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT" BY COREY HART. Oh, one last band that in my opinion would cover most of the top ten, METALLICA!

Posted by: Darel at 08/11/07 10:28 PM  | Reply
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I pick the Cure's "Lovesong," because it's a GREAT song and ROBERT SMITH is HOT! ˆ

Posted by: Dorian at 08/30/07 1:45 PM  | Reply
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I am disapointed there were only a few entries from the true great songs of the 80's that still rock hard today. Motley crue, van halen, poison, and ac/dc all should have dominated the 80's. Also whats up with loverboy with workin for the weekend at 100. Workin for the weekend should be a top 20 if not top 10 easy. Also i now they were late 80's but how is there nothing by skid row? 18 and life... come on what a great song. Alright i am done with my rant. Still disappointed in how a bunch of stupid songs made it on there. "Walk like an egyption" come on get real that song sucked in the 80's and still does today.

Posted by: Whip at 11/10/07 3:21 PM  | Reply
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5. Van Halen - Jump
4. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing
3. Madonna - Like A Virgin
2. Prince - Doves Cry
1. Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me

Posted by: Craven at 11/19/07 6:29 PM  | Reply
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Bon Jovi Forever, the best band in the world, they really deserve number 1!

Posted by: rockgirl at 12/15/07 7:26 AM  | Reply
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Bon Jovi wins:)
Bon Jovi is the best in every way!
Bon Jovi Rocks our socks off!
End of discussion! ;)

<3 Bon Jovi <3

Posted by: msjovi at 12/22/07 5:03 PM  | Reply
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agree with rockgirl... Bon Jovi deserve number 1! :)

Posted by: msjovi at 12/22/07 5:05 PM  | Reply
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I was deeply disappointed in the horrible list VH1 made. So here's a few I would have included that were left off...

Me, Myself and I- De La Soul
Cult Of Personality- Living Colour
Straight Out The Jungle- The Jungle Brothers
The Message- Grandmaster Flash
Orange Crush- R.E.M.
Paul Revere- The Beastie Boys
Rock The Casbah- The Clash
Jane Says- Jane's Addiction
Express Yourself- N.W.A.
Message In A Bottle- The Police
and many more...

Posted by: c-dawg at 01/09/08 7:55 PM  | Reply
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oh yeah i forgot i would also include:

Eminence Front- The Who
Valley Girl- Frank Zappa
Dangerous Type- The Cars

Posted by: c-dawg at 01/09/08 8:04 PM  | Reply
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"Message In A Bottle" is '79, msjovi. Not to be a stickler or anything.

Posted by: Angie at 02/04/08 1:28 PM  | Reply
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No Bryan Adams? Not even Summer of '69?

Posted by: mia at 02/19/08 10:03 PM  | Reply
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What Jersey moron picked Bon Jovi?

Posted by: Mike at 03/18/08 4:09 PM  | Reply
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Why the hell is Thriller not number one?

Posted by: Lizzie at 03/18/08 4:36 PM  | Reply
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too bad def leppard didn't take first. i like bon jovi though. that song kicks ass

Posted by: derek at 03/18/08 4:55 PM  | Reply
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too bad def leppard didn't take first. i like bon jovi though. that song kicks ass

Posted by: derek at 03/18/08 4:55 PM  | Reply
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#5 Walking in LA Missing Persons
#4 Dance Hall Days Wang Chung
#3 I wana be a Cowboy Boys dont cry
#2 Dead Mans Party Ongo Boingo
#1 Rescue Echo and the Bunnymen

Posted by: Simon at 03/18/08 5:28 PM  | Reply
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#5 Walking in LA Missing Persons
#4 Dance Hall Days Wang Chung
#3 I wana be a Cowboy Boys dont cry
#2 Dead Mans Party Ongo Boingo
#1 Rescue Echo and the Bunnymen

Posted by: Simon at 03/18/08 5:28 PM  | Reply
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i think ozzy should've been in the top 5

Posted by: karen at 04/26/08 5:00 PM  | Reply
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i think ozzy should've been in the top 5

Posted by: karen at 04/26/08 5:00 PM  | Reply
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i think ozzy should've been in the top 5

Posted by: karen at 04/26/08 5:00 PM  | Reply
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This amuses me, with all the people yelling at VH1 for the shitty list.. It was voted by people online, not by VH1..

Posted by: Cade at 07/03/08 10:13 PM  | Reply
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Here's the top 5 I made:
5.The Love So Far-David Rolfe
4.Monkey-George Michael
3.Do Anything-Scottie Ray
2.There's No Crime-Babyface
1.Every Little Step-Bobby Brown

Posted by: KodyBoy555 at 07/13/08 10:44 PM  | Reply
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And the last greatest song of the 80's is.......
[drumroll]
Livin' On A Prayer, performed by Bon Jovi!

Posted by: Kody-the-Fox at 07/13/08 10:48 PM  | Reply
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David Rolfe has taken over A Love Bizzare

Posted by: Kody-the-Fox at 07/13/08 10:52 PM  | Reply
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These are REALLY the best 5 eighties songs!
5. Tarzan Boy-Baltimora
4.Living On A Prayer-Bon Jovi (Who ARE THE BEST!)
3.The Edge Of Heaven-Wham!
2.Sledgehammer-Peter Gabriel
1.Thriller-Michael Jackson

Posted by: Ashh. at 07/21/08 6:19 AM  | Reply
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These are REALLY the best 5 eighties songs!
5. Tarzan Boy-Baltimora
4.Living On A Prayer-Bon Jovi (Who ARE THE BEST!)
3.The Edge Of Heaven-Wham!
2.Sledgehammer-Peter Gabriel
1.Thriller-Michael Jackson

Posted by: Ashh. at 07/21/08 6:19 AM  | Reply
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my gawd - Vh1's 100 lamest songs of the 80's. Just a reflection on how clueless are the masses and unfortunately enforced the myth that the eighties sucked. At least the T-Heads and Cure made it. The truth is the 99 % of the eighties top 100 songs are by artists that 99% of the 80's music listeners never heard of.

Posted by: Silly rabbit at 09/19/08 10:10 PM  | Reply
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Dire Straits - Money For Nothing
Don't You Want Me? - Human League
Men At Work - Down Under
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Tears for Fears - Mad World

Posted by: Michael818 at 10/15/08 11:04 PM  | Reply
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the top five shouldn't be like that. it should be
1. U2- With or Without You
2.Deadman's Party- Ongo boingo
3. Shadows of the Night- Pat Benatar
4. Orange Crush- REM
5. Tainted Love- Soft Cell

Posted by: kate at 11/16/08 10:30 PM  | Reply
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Does anyone know who did a song in the 80's in a reggae style? it was by these white guys and nobody could tell what the hell they were saying... fking awesome song, but I can't remember anything else about it. I think it was on VH1's list though. I NEED HELP!!??!!?!!!

Posted by: Adam at 12/06/08 1:39 AM  | Reply
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Gotta be kidding! Nobody mentioned these???

1. Every Breath You Take - The Police
2. Is it Love - Mr. Mister
3. Hypnotize - Scritti Politti
4. New Moon On Monday - Duran Duran
5. The Politics Of Dancing - Re-Flex

bonus list - 5 best 80s instrumentals:

1. Zoolook - Jean-Michael Jarre
2. Winter Games - David Foster
3. Trilogy Suite Opus 5 - Yngwie Malmstein
4. Miami Vice theme - Jan Hammer
5. Chariots Of Fire - Vangelis

Posted by: electrosphere at 12/15/08 9:14 AM  | Reply
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GN'R should have been further. top three at least, especially considering that the 80s were their prime.

1. Gun N' Roses- Welcome to the Jungle (or Sweet Child O' Mine)
2. Poison- Every Rose Has Its Thorn (it IS a classic, like it or not)
3. The Police- Every Breath You Take
4. Van Halen- Jump (since it was their biggest single...)
5. Walk This Way- Run DMC and Aerosmith.... or Janie's Got a Gun

Posted by: Cathy at 12/15/08 9:11 PM  | Reply
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no respect for bon jovi. they are the greatest band. I am pretty sure Prince and Michael Jackson are gay! The top 3 is great. Duran Duran, Def Leopard and the greatest band in the world Bon Jovi. Jon Bon Jovi is the greatest.

Posted by: Jon at 01/23/09 8:25 PM  | Reply
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WHAT HAPPEND TO MICHAEL JACKSONS *THRILLER* BEING IN THIS!!!

Posted by: Nicki at 02/02/09 5:31 PM  | Reply
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I'm really asking myself where Dire Straits is... one of the greatest bands ever.
My top 5:

1. Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms
2. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing
3. Dire Straits - Private Investigations
4. Toto - Africa
5. The Cure - A Forest

Posted by: Luuk at 06/13/09 12:20 PM  | Reply
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Joy Division - Decades
A Certain Ratio - Flight
The Durutti Column - Sketch for Summer
New Order - Blue Monday
Happy Mondays - Wrote For Luck

Bit of a Factory Records theme. . .

Posted by: Anonymous at 07/31/09 8:15 AM  | Reply
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