Liam Lusk

When Doves Cry by Prince was the lead single from his sixth studio album Purple Rain released in 1984.

A bold and experimental track, “When Doves Cry” broke rules by leaving out a bassline entirely. Its haunting soundscape and emotional lyrics showcase Prince’s genius as both a songwriter and producer.

His first US Billboard Hot 100 number 1 single, it stayed there for five weeks, and was also a worldwide hit including here in the UK where it peaked at number 4.

Beat It by Michael Jackson is from his sixth studio album, Thriller and was released in February 1983, as the album’s third single.

A fusion of pop and rock, “Beat It” features Eddie Van Halen’s fiery guitar solo and an anti-violence message wrapped in a hard-hitting groove. Its crossover appeal showed how Jackson could bridge genres effortlessly.It peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and number 3 here in the UK, Billboard ranked the song number 5 for 1983. It was also a number one hit in Europe, reaching number one in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. With sales of over 10 million worldwide, “Beat It” is one of the best-selling songs of all time.

It’s also a multi award winning song.

Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses was released on their debut studio album, Appetite for Destruction in 1987, the third single from the album it was released in 1988. 

With its instantly recognizable guitar riff, this song propelled Guns N’ Roses to global fame. Its mix of hard rock energy and heartfelt lyrics made it a power ballad for the ages.In the US it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart becoming the band’s only US number-one single.

In the UK, the song was released in August 1988, reaching number 24 and in May 1989, it was re-released in a slightly remixed form and peaked at number 6.

Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran is from the band’s second studio album, Rio released in 1982. The single was released on 4 May 1982 as the band’s fifth single in the UK, and 7 June 1982 in the US.

This energetic new wave hit is defined by its driving rhythm and adventurous lyrics. It was a breakthrough MTV hit that solidified Duran Duran’s status as video and music icons.

It reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, and received a platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).Although the band initially failed to break into the US market, MTV placed the “Hungry Like the Wolf” video into heavy rotation. Because of this, the group gained huge exposure; the song peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in March 1983, and Duran Duran became an international sensation. The video won the first Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 1984.

Blue Monday by New Order was released as a 12-inch single on 7 March 1983 and appears on certain cassette and CD versions of the band’s second studio album, Power, Corruption & Lies also released in 1983.

Often hailed as the best-selling 12″ single of all time, “Blue Monday” transformed dance music with its driving synths and electronic beats. Its extended format made it a club staple and a blueprint for modern electronic music.The original single made the top 10 in many countries.

It reached number 9 on the UK singles chart and spent 38 weeks in the top 75. It spent 186 weeks on the UK Independent Singles Chart, effectively selling for four years until the release of the Substance 1987 compilation on which it featured.

Time After Time Cyndi Lauper is from her debut studio album, She’s So Unusual released in 1983. The single was released as the album’s second in March 1984.

A tender ballad about devotion, the track showcases Lauper’s unique vocal style and emotional depth. It became a timeless anthem of love and reassurance.

A huge success for Lauper, it became her first number 1 in the US, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1984, and remaining at the top for two weeks. It also peaked at number 6 on the Australian chart and number 3 on the UK singles chart.

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson was released in January 1983, as the second single from his sixth studio album, Thriller released the previous year.

One of Jackson’s signature hits, “Billie Jean” defined 1980s pop with its unforgettable bassline and sleek production. It’s also the track that helped cement Jackson’s status as the “King of Pop” after his legendary Motown 25 performance of the moonwalk. 

It reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, it was also a number 1 hit in the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Switzerland and Belgium, and reached the top ten in many other countries.

Just Like Heaven by the Cure was the third single released from their 1987 album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.

With its dreamy guitar melodies and Robert Smith’s heartfelt vocals, this track became one of the band’s most beloved songs. It balances melancholy and joy, capturing the band’s signature romantic style.

It became the Cure’s first US hit and reached number 40 on the Billboard charts in 1988, here in the UK it reached number 29. 

Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ by Michael Jackson is from his sixth studio album Thriller, the opening track of the album it was released as its fourth single in May 1983.

A high-energy opener to the album, this track blends funk, disco, and African rhythms into an irresistible dance song. Its famous “Mama-say mama-sa mama-coosa” chant became one of Jackson’s most iconic hooks.Jackson’s fourth consecutive top 10 single from Thriller on the US Billboard Hot 100 it peaked at number 5.

The song also topped the charts in Canada as well as the Netherlands and charted within the top 20 and top 30 in several countries. Here in the UK it reached number 8.

With Or Without You is the third track on U2’s fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree it was released as the album’s lead single on 16 March 1987.

This atmospheric ballad became U2’s first US number one hit, showcasing Bono’s emotional range and The Edge’s shimmering guitar textures. It remains a staple in their live performances, symbolizing love and longing.

Here in the UK it was a top 5 hit reaching number 4.