#66. "Situation" - Yazoo (1982)

For a brief period in the early 80s the most popular duo was neither Hall & Oates nor Wham. Synth melody mastermind Vince Clarke (a former and founding member of Depeche Mode) combined with the strong, soul-inspired vocals of Alison Moyet to form Yazoo (or Yaz in North America). 

The result? "Situation" is nothing short of a cutting-edge electronic masterpiece. 

I seem to recall the intro, with Alison's iconic laugh, played during the intro to a music video program on the now defunct ASN channel from the early 80s (perhaps Katrina could verify that as well?). 

Another Yazoo new wave classic just missing the top 100 list is "Don't Go":  

#67. "Little Red Corvette" - Prince (1983)

"Little Red Corvette" is an anthem about the dynamics of a one-night stand. (Aren't all of of Prince's songs about sex?)

Prince's breakthrough song was a brilliant fusion of rock and dance.

Plus a whole lot of attitude: the girl-as-corvette metaphor recounts the subject of wild weekend escapades. 

Not only an evocative storyteller, Prince showed he was also a pretty decent guitarist too.

And since it was 1983, the synths and drum machines are alive and well. Stir in a few timely guitar solos into the mix and voilà: "Little Red Corvette" is a perfect example of post-disco pop. And a hint of what was yet to come from the king of leisure. 

A well-known fact: Stevie Nicks borrowed the tune's melody for "Stand Back".

A close #2 fave Prince tune tune would this catchy slice of psychedelia: 

#68. "Stand Back" - Stevie Nicks (1983)

Looking back, I remember Debbie Harry (Blondie) and Pat Benatar were my first celebrity crushes.

But that was before Stevie Nicks started appearing on my TV screen in the early 80s.

"Stand Back" is a fast and furious funk rocker from a powerhouse sparkplug that demands your complete attention. Stevie Nicks shows off her range with an honest and dynamic delivery that is simply captivating.

Add in those big synths and you have a masterpiece albeit somewhat derivative.

Fun factoid: Stevie was inspired to make "Stand Back" after hearing Prince's "Little Red Corvette". In fact, Prince surprised her by showing up in the studio one day and playing the keyboard track.

#69. "Rapture" - Blondie (1981)

We all remember "Call Me" and "Heart of Glass" from those K-tel compilations albums but it's "Rapture" that I keep coming back to almost 40 years later.

Blondie is one of my fave American artists, born from the new wave/punk scene of New York City in the mid to late 70s as artists congregated from around the globe and transformed music.

"Rapture" is just so cool and original. The soothing vocals, driving bass line, funky guitar and ambient horns create a groovy trance-like quality. It's like slow disco, even somewhat ambient.

Then seemingly out of nowhere the tune turns hip-hop near the end with Debbie Harry rapping about the man from Mars. 

"Rapture" became the first song with some rap in it to hit #1. The lyrics borrows from the classic The Sugarhill Gang "Rapper's Delight' that came out a year earlier­. 

#70. "Under Pressure" - Queen with David Bowie (1981)

"Under Pressure" is simply a classic: a heartfelt anthem that takes stock of the essence of life itself.

The tune magnificently showcases two of the greatest trailblazers and front men in the biz, forever reminding us the power of collaboration. 

This is also a test: the artist you first recognize when you hear that magical opening bass line will tell you how old you are.  

Just ask this guy: