Billboard Top 5 - 1985

25 years ago, I was living in Brooklyn, working Off-Broadway theater in Greenwich Village, a poor, but happy camper. While working at the theater, the radio was often on, so I knew all three of these songs well, although only one or two was really a part of my record collection at that point. And, I am sorry to say, it wasn't the song that was in fifth place, We Built This City by Starship. I apologize because I loved Jefferson Airplane, and thought Grace Slick truly rocked. I might have tolerated the move to become Jefferson Starship, but when they went only by Starship, I had written them off. Listen to Grace and the boys sing this song, and tell me you don't think they are capable of way better...



There is some Pop music you just have to accept at face value - it is what it is. Huey Lewis and the News is one of those - a band that created catchy hooks and fun music, but it wasn't really gonna be breaking any boundary, or moving you with insightful reflection. Don't get me wrong, some music has to be like that, and Huey and the boys did it well. Here is the #4 song of the year, The Power of Love. If I am not mistaken, it was the theme song to one of the Back To The Future movies.



I will admit to having a weird fascination for the # 3 song, Mr. Mister's Broken Wing. Well, truthfully, I had a much greater interest in the song Kyrie, which was released immediately following this one, but liked this one, too. Partially, it was my interest in Richard Page's vocals, as well as the nicely structured musical accompaniment. Could be the beautifully photographed videos that went with the band, but you never know for sure. Just know I liked them, and these songs found their way into my listening rotation.



OK, I was already a fan of Tears For Fears since the first album, 1983s The Hurting. The complex music aligned with the introspective lyrics made the band a perfect brooding English schoolboy-like crush, and I was there. Songs From The Big Chair was released in 1985, and was a great follow-up to the debut, with more polish while still keeping the elements. Here is the #2 song of 1985, the primal Shout.



On one hand, how can you not like REO Speedwagon? I mean, they are a classic American rock band, and don't think they ever released anything as embarrassing as J. Geils Band's Centerfold song. On the other hand, I don't really remember many of their songs when I think of them, more like just a thought of a fun band. When I heard this, I knew the song instantly, but if someone had asked me what was their top song of 1985, I don't know if I would have had an answer. Anyway, this is Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon. Enjoy!

Worth Another Listen - Mr Mister

Mr Mister could come close to defining the the definition of the 80s pop/rock band - the handsome front man, a photogenic band, and a sound relying on the guitar, yet still maintaining strong melodies in the songs. With the release of the 1985 Welcome To The Real World, vocalist and bass guitarist Richard Page bass guitar, keyboardist Steve George, drummer Pat Mastelotto and guitarist Steve Farris, went from no one to superstars overnight. The first single, Broken Wing, became a staple on radio, still being played to this day.



Kyrie was their second hit, another power ballad with anthemic intentions. This was a bold song, combining big vocals with big guitar riffs, meant to fill the air of a stadium.



Just as quickly as they rose to the top, Mr. Mister fell out of favor with critics and writers, who heralded them in the beginning, and turning saying they were corporate rock, and a robotic band. They released a followup, Go On, which couldn't break into the top 50 in the US. Even with the assist of a single featured in the Rob Lowe film Youngblood, the best Something Real (Inside Me/Inside You) could do was #29 on the singles chart.



While starting work on the next album, Pull, Mr Mister were dropped by the label and soon went their separate ways. However, there is some talk that the album might be released sometime soon.