Pop
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When Doves Cry
Prince
The song that propelled an artist to iconic superstardom began with an 11th hour phone call from a newbie film director. “When Doves Cry” is a metaphor for the disruption of the tranquility and harmony of love. When two people fight with each other, it disturbs that peace and that is when doves cry. This is the story of Prince’s first #1 hit from his legendary album Purple Rain.
We Built This City
Starship
It’s been voted as one of the worst songs of all time in numerous polls but decades later, we still can’t resist its charm. Here is the story and Billboard breakdown of the #1 smash from the 80s “We Built This City” by Starship. Included are interviews with singer Mickey Thomas and co-writer Martin Page and commentary on why this 80s vinyl hit continues to pop up.
Footloose
Kenny Loggins
The title song from the biggest movies soundtrack of arguably music’s greatest year. 1984. Footloose was a tip of the hat to Chuck Berry. Up next the king of the movie soundtrack Kenny Loggins and actor Kevin Bacon tell us the story of this iconic song along with brand new footage and an exclusive acoustic performance of the song by Kenny.
Man in the Mirror
Michael Jackson
Every once in a while, a song changes the way you look at the world. Michael Jackson’s #1 hit Man in the Mirror literally makes you look in the mirror and desire to change your life for the better. Unless you have a heart of stone, this is a game-changing song. If you listen with real intent, the lyrics, the music and it’s profound message has the ability to change the way you look at the world.
Take On Me
A-Ha
Norway’s most iconic band A-ha,, comprised of lead singer Morten Harket, keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, and guitarist Pal Waaktaar-Savoy, wrote the perfect pop song in the 1985, #1 hit “Take On Me.” But the road to that success was full of bumps and potholes. This is the story of its rise from the ashes and how it dominated, changing music and pop culture forever.
Like a Prayer
Madonna
Up next the story of one of the biggest songs of 1989 from the queen of pop Madonna that would breed controversy and complete the transition from star to serious artist. The track foreshadowed an artistic and personal aspect to songwriting for Madonna, who reasonably thought that she needed to cater more to adults. Madonna’s audience was aging along with her and she felt they wanted the sound of her new record to change.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Whitney Houston
1987 ruled! So many classic albums and songs were released from Def Leppard and Guns n’ Roses to Whitesnake, Depeche Mode and the Smiths from George Michael and Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston. Whitney ruled 87 with her smash hit I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) #1 in 13 different countries The story of the song is told by Narada Michael Walden legendary drummer and producer who has worked on some of the biggest hits of 80s and 90s.
Drive
The Cars
In 1984 The Cars released the plaintive, desolate, yet comforting treasure “Drive.” Written by Ric Ocasek and sung by Benjamin Orr, the song went to #3 on the Hot 100 and has always been filled with mystery. Since its release the meaning of “Drive” has been the subject of conjecture, adding to the song’s enduring intrigue. When you explore the lyrics of “Drive” it’s easy to understand how one can feel they’ve figured out what Ocasek was trying to share.
You Make My Dreams
Hall & Oates
Daryl Hall and John Oates are one of the reasons why the 80s were so incredible. In my opinion, they are the greatest duo in the history of the Rock Era. There is no doubt in my mind that You Make My Dreams is pop perfection. No hyperbole, no BS, it’s the personification of absolute bliss. Once you hear “You Make My Dreams” you’ll be knocked into a state of rapture from Daryl Hall’s vocal hypnotism. It’s so infectious and joyful that you don’t want to come out of the trance.
King of Wishful Thinking
Go West
King of Wishful Thinking by Peter Cox and Richard Drummie of British band Go West hit the top ten on the Billboard hot 100 in 1990, fresh off the blockbuster film Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts in a career making performance. Lead singer and cowriter, Peter Cox takes us behind the song from his memories of writing it with songwriting parter Richard Drummie and iconic songwriter Martin Page.
What Have You Done for Me Lately
Janet Jackson
In the 80s and 90s Janet Jackson was almost unrivaled pop-wise and this song is a great example of that. It has four different melodies and each one could be a hit song by itself. The song received a nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Song at the 1987 Grammy Awards and peaked at #4 on the hot 10 in the US. What Have You Done for Me Lately is an undeniable pop classic.
Just Like Heaven
The Cure
In the 80s, many new wave bands hit the top spot on the charts, Duran Duran, Berlin, the Human League, A-ha, Blondie, and Culture Club. But how The Cure never did, is a head scratcher. They created so many luscious and hook laden classics, it was disarming; songs like In-between days, The LoveCats, Boys Don’t Cry, and of course Just like Heaven, which in my opinion is a perfect pop song.
Dream Weaver
Gary Wright
70s singer/songwriter Gary Wright shares the in depth story of his #2 hit Dream Weaver released in 1975 and peaking in 1976. Dreamweaver has outlasted its chart position as a pop culture touchstone with uses in everything from Wayne’s World, Toy Story 3 and the Full Monty. It also inspired Wes Craven in creating Nightmare on Elm Street’s music.
Something About You
Level 42
In this installment of Professor of Rock we present Episode 1 of our recent Zoom session with Mike Lindup from multiplatinum 80s jazz funk sensation Level 42 (one of my favorite bands of the era). Join us as he talks about his mind-blowing falsetto and his hand in helping create one of my favorite songs of all time, Something About You, which went to the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.
Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds
Simple Minds is the all time biggest selling band from Scotland, but despite their rich discography, spanning over 40 years of artistry, they simply do not receive the recognition that they deserve. Here we celebrate their impact and tell the story behind some of their biggest hits including a Simple Minds top five.
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