#73. "Big Time" - Peter Gabriel (1986)

I've always preferred "Big Time to "Sledgehammer".

The song kicks off with Gabriel's "Higher" vocal then takes us on a relentless ride into his vivid imagination.

"Big Time" is the 80s in a nutshell: a brash and bold sound with bombastic lyrics that satirize the 'American dream'. Watching the creative claymation video provided a natural trip back in 1986. It still captivates today. 

And the track grooves with a driving, even funky, bass. In fact, the bass was played by two band members to achieve the unique percussion sound using funk fingers. A more detailed explanation can be found on Wikipedia: 

"Using one of Levin's fretless basses, Levin handled the fingerings while Marotta hit his drumsticks on the strings, which is why the bass part sounds percussive. Inspired by this sound, Levin later invented funk fingers, which were little drumstick ends that could be attached to the fingers to achieve a similar bass guitar effect in concert."

And for good measure, The Police's Stewart Coupland plays the drums. So much larger than life. Big Time.

#74. "Bust a Move" - Young MC (1989)

We take it for granted today, but tracks like "Bust a Move" by Young MC (along with "Funky Cold Medina" by Tone Loc) vaulted hip hop to the mainstream in the late 80s.

Rumpshakin' tomfoolery is guaranteed by this old school club tune that will fill the floor with a motley crew of party animals from all the sociodemographics. 

If you ain't bustin' a move to this groove then you're  probably doing it wrong. But since my name appears in the lyrics, I may be a little overprotective about this catchy number.

Fun fact: Flea from the Chili Peppers is responsible for that peppy bass line.

Move it boi!

#75. "Synchronicity II" - The Police (1983)

"Synchronicity II" is a tune where the guys let loose and rock. 

It also star's Sting on the soapbox to share an important message.

While teetering and swinging amid a futuristic apocalyptic garbage heap, an especially  intense Sting describes in the verses how our so-called modern society, in the pursuit of material possessions and hellish suburban commutes, ultimately destroys our relationships and the natural world.

One of my fave lyrics of all time, "packed like lemmings into shiny metal boxes", really drives the message home. By the end of the clip, a Loch Ness monster has been awakened "many miles away" and apparently on its way to settle the score.

I used to think a lot about "Synchronicity II" when I moved back to Clare from Halifax in spring 2003. My alternative interpretation of the lyrics made me appreciate the serene lake view that symbolized the Scottish loch “many miles away” from soul-sapping suburbia. 

Not to be confused with Synchronicity the album, "Synchronicity I" the song is another high energy offering from a group that ended up disbanding soon after, arguably still in their prime years.

#76. "Dreamworld" - Midnight Oil (1988)

I typically enjoy a long sweeping opening but in this case it makes sense to hit us straight over the head with a powerful intro. 

The no-nonsense pro-environment rocker "Dreamworld" gets right to the point: the development of theme parks, hotels and condos along the coast will ultimately result in its destruction. 

Australia's Midnight Oil set the bar for political bands: lead singer and wild dancer Peter Garrett doubled down and ran for office in his homeland after years of making albums and public protests.   

"Beds Are Burning" is a pretty good tune, too: 

#77. "Left of Center" - Suzanne Vega (1986)

"Left of Center" by Suzanne Vega is the second of three from the iconic Pretty in Pink film to appear on my chart. 

There is a lot to like here: the glimmering guitars, poignant piano and melodic hooks complement the silky, almost folky vocals of the always classy Suzanne Vega. 

The lyrics are memorable, articulating the perspective of an 'outsider' on the periphery of popularity. It's a perfect track aimed at the 80s high school and university demographic.

Fave lyrics: And if you want me/You can find me/Left of center/Wondering about you

The tune has aged well too, and I find I still play it regularly. 

The only regret from our 2012 London trip: not going to see Suzanne Vega play at The Barbican Theatre. Blame it on fatigue from going all out during the days and from already taking in a George Michael show earlier in the week. Maybe next time.

In spite of a slew of solid singles from 1987's Solitude Standing including the title track, "Luka" and "Tom's Diner", "Left of Center" may very well be her finest work. 

Fun fact: Joe Jackson plays the piano on the track, best known for his 1982 single "Steppin' Out".