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If you're a so called purist then you better step off now,
'cause this ones gonna hurt you!!!
Eclectic swing...or don't have any concept of what the hell I'm writing? Whatever the reason, these are my tastes and
I remain unrepentent. I recall a good friend of mine once remarked that he's glad I'm not the music director
of a radio station. I'm glad I'm not either because I would not be confined as do so many radio stations today in their music
selections. Sure, radio is all about the genre, carving your niche and selecting your mood, but when we relegate to a
very small part of the spectrum, we limit our appeal.
Funny thing is, many of
swing from different genres and like the remote to the television, the radio stations we listen too can't emit any loyalty
from our daily routines as hard as they try to.
"This is an emergency
crisis we're in. The entertainment media is affecting everything on the planet in a very negative way. I'm only interested
in rock 'n' roll. Rock 'n' roll is a music that represents truth. Your TV channel has taken the word "rock" and knocked the
"roll" off the end. You made rock this umbrella term for everything. That's wrong. Shakira isn't rock. These country artists with fur coats aren't rock - or country. I offered a video
to VH1 of my band playing in the studio and they don't want to air it because it had musicians playing in it. They want some
babe walking on the beach or whatever. I got turned onto this music by watching the Beatles and the Rolling Stones actually on TV playing their guitars. It completely took me over. When you can't see musicians playing any more, I'm
not interested any more."...TOM PETTY
It's for this
reason that songs listed below are called "pop" singles because only some are rock...or rock and roll. Read on...
1. Cause I love you> Lennie Williams
The greatest
love song a man EVER sang about a woman. Nobody on the planet has ever come close to the torture he feels, the feelings he
carries and the depth of the song. Incredible effort!
2. Just a motion away> Gino Vanelli
For
twenty years, it was my number one. Mostly the memories it brings on but an underappreciated song from an artist
that was world class. Gino Vanelli was a deep thinker and his music was intelligent.
3. Broken Arrow> Robbie
Robertson
Took me a few years to truly understand how incredibly talented this guy is. Rod Stewart had much success
but I thought Robbie's single was the better.
4. More Than This> Roxy Music
I loved so much
of the material sang by Bryan Ferry and the group. They always managed to be so unique in their songwriting but this one was
wrapped up in an appealing mainstream package.
5. L'Affaire Dumoutier> The Box
The first
hit and only truly great song from this group. The tragic part is that most of their success was from the album Closer Together
which appealed to the masses. This song was SO superior to their later efforts.
6. I Will> Rock and Hyde
Formerly the Payola$ that morphed through simple name changes. The song has always been so catchy that I can't
help but turn it loud everytime I hear. At the wheel, I'm an embarrassment when I hear this.
7. Careless Whisper>
George Michael with Wham
I don't care what anyone says, this song was the best slow dance of the 80s and it always
brings me back to a real cool place in life in high school.
8. The Road To hell> Chris Rea
The
song was a hit with me from day one and most of it was because of the deep set of pipes coming from Chris Rea. Man, what a
voice. The song itself could have come from many artists and the style is not unique to him...but the voice is.
9.
For you> The Outfield
I got a few buds that agree with me on this one. The Outfield didn't have other tools
to draw on, but the music seemed to have alot of feel to it. Production values were untouchable.
10. After
The Love Is Gone> Earth, Wind and Fire
Since it's release, I've always included it on my list. I first took
to it as I watched an episode of WKRP when they had an episode dedicated to the possibility of a Johnny/Bailey romance.
11.
Shake You Down> Gregory Abbott
This guy will probably be known as a one hit wonder, although across the pond
he did rather well. He still sings today and still has one of the best songs I've ever heard.
12. We Run>
Strange Advance
They were a studio band from the Great White North. Big synthesizers, larger than life operatic
sounds and a steady hard beat. Had other great songs like "World's Away" and "She Controls Me".
13. Another
Brick In The Wall> Pink Floyd
If you ask the purists, perhaps this one should have been higher up. I like
the long version as it seems to "prepare" you for that part of the song we all know so well.
14. Avalon>
Roxy Music
The title track to Roxy Music's eighth studio album. The group, though influential in the early english
punk genre, were very much art rock at this stage in their career and had such a smooth, intelligent sound.
15.
Mary's Prayer> Danny Wilson
A one hit wonder from 1987 that just seems to capture a beat and lyrics that say
something that rings true in all of us. They took their name from the Frank Sinatra film, Meet Danny Wilson, and I'm
shameless when I say, this was a great tune.
16. Silent Lucidity> Queensryche
Maybe the poignant
lyrics, maybe the true definition of a power ballad, maybe the orchestra..I dunno.The conscious perception of one's own state
while dreaming is called "lucid" dreaming and it's believed to be the subject of this song.
17. My Heart Can't
Tell You No> Rod Stewart
I don't want you to come round here no more,
I beg you for mercy.
You
don't know how strong my weakness is
Or how much it hurts me.
Cause when you say it over with him,
I want to believe
it's true.
So I let you in, knowing tomorrow
I'm gonna wake up missing you,
Wake up missing you.
.........................we've
all been there..admit it.
18. Surrender> Cheap Trick
A fun song that always reminds me of a
time in Humber Park where the only thing that mattered in life was the latest music and girlfriends. Paul Vienneau was nuts
about Cheap Trick and he had the album.
19. Deep River Woman> Lionel Richie
Greatest song ever
perfomed by Lionel Ritchie OR Alabama. It was a bit of a swerve for Alabama and made a country band shine on the mainstream
charts. This was a pure, smartly written, very appealing song.
20. Love's Holiday> Earth, Wind and Fire
That's the second Earth, Wind and Fire tune. This group was so immensely talented and a song like this allowed
us to once again, feel their range. The funk groups of the 70s were incredible and as successful as they were, still didn't
get the recognition they deserved for being brilliant.
21. Eyes Of A Stranger> The Payola$
This
is a band that should have been worldwide stars, but sadly, we in Canada are the only ones who were smart enough to welcome
their talent. What a classic song
22. My Sweet Lord> George Harrison
My favorite Beatle and
a song that needs no introduction. It was the first single to go number 1 after the breakup of "those four young mop tops
from Liverpool". Sure, it's a song about God. Wanna know how powerful of a song it was and is?...it reached number one again
in the mother-country in '02, shortly after Harrison's death.
23. I want to be free> Ohio Players
Another
song from the 70s with so much soul, it could be three tunes. There are artists who go through an entire career without ever
attaining the soul that's wrapped up in this song.
24. Alive And Kicking> Simple Minds
While
probably known for their previous hit from "The Breakfast Club"...this is the one that did it for me. The video was great
and the lyrics were cool.
25. You are> Lionel Richie
The ultimate romantic song with an upbeat swing. This was
a sway from many of Lionel Richie’s most famous love ballads. Written in 1982, it was the follow up to the number one,
“Truly” from his self titled album. Former top 5 hit for the former lead singer of The Commodores.
26. Philadelphia freedom> Elton John
I
swear, I don't know why they don't request this song at a dance. It's so powerful and one of the most infectious songs I've
ever heard with regard to how much it makes you wanna sing at the wheel.
27. When the night comes> Joe
Cocker
I first put thought to the entire feel of this song when it played as the closing credits for the Tom
Selleck movie "An Innocent Man". A couple of times Cocker hollers at you like his life depends on it. LSD or not, that dude
could sing.
28. Pride (in the name of love)> U2
I have never been a fan of U2 and plenty would
argue my point. They are a good band, but I have never believed the hype that they are great. But...this song was a classic.
29. Stairway To Heaven> Led Zeppelin
I had to have it up there somewhere. I love the song,
but when a classic rock radio station plays it anytime in the morning, they should have their ass removed.
30.
Reminiscing> Little River Band
Something about this song brings back memories of when I first noticed girls...haven't
stopped noticing them since.
31. Layla (with piano exit)> Derek and the Dominoes
I knew the
song, liked the song and thought it was a classic for many years but it wasn't until repeated viewings of the 1990 film Goodfellas,
that I truly appreciated it. That piano exit and scene where Jimmy "The Gent" and Tommy whacked Morrie Kessler and left him
inside the car...I'll never forget.
32. Sweet Freedom> Michael McDonald
I actually went to
see the flick that has this song on its soundtrack. "Running Scared" starred Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. It'll never
be remembered as a classic but since the first time I saw the movie, the song has stuck with me.
33. Somewhere
Down That Crazy River> Robbie Robertson
Haunting...that's the only way to describe his royal highness, prince
of the highest musical order...Robbie Robertson, at least in this song.
34. Games People Play> Alan Parsons
Project
I concur...most people wouldn't have this song in their top fifty of all time. Fortunately, I don't listen
to "most" people. The beat, the instrumental, the intro...superb. Studio musicians and engineers, much like Strange Advance.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that the leader himself is a world class producer all the way back to the Beatles' "Abbey Road"
album.
35. High School Confidential> Rough Trade
It's a song about lust with what most consider
lesbian overtones but take it any way you like. High school was the same for all of us...we had a circus going on in our pants
and this song says it all.
36. Blue Monday> New Order
You should google this song or read
it on Wikipedia...it's a good read. Something very infectious about this track. I think the most intriguing thing about this
song is the fact that it charted three times and to this day, does not sound dated.
37. Billie Jean> Michael
Jackson
Say what you want about him, and plenty have...his influence is extraordinary. His lifestyle, the court
cases and eccentricity led to a nosedive but there is no denying that most of us still have a favourite Michael Jackson
song. This one will never have an equal. R.I.P. MJ
38. Lovers In A Dangerous Time> Bruce Cockburn
I've
often ripped on SOCAN and the CRTC in this country for ramming Canadian artists down our throat. I recall looking at old 1980's
charts seeing songs from Canadian artists that were as forgettable as that itch you scratched last week. Bruce Cockburn was
an exception...the guy's a genius...listen to this one, or "Tokyo" or "Coldest night of the year"
39. November rain> Guns N' Roses
Pretty easy to get caught up in this
one. At 8:57 this song is a long stretch of road but what keeps you riveted is...it's not all straight stretch. True, the
backup orchestra adds a luster but you really have to appreciate the basic fundamentals of the written word...from Axl of
all people.
40. Somebody somewhere> Platinum Blonde
A Canadian product that saw much success
and deservingly so, in the early 1980's. They were glam rock complete with big hair. Mark Holmes sang the lead vocals while
4th member Kenny McLean was added for the "Alien Shores" album. It's my opinion that "Somebody Somewhere" is one of the most
underappreciated songs of the 1980s.
41. Escape( the pina colada song)> Rupert Holmes
I know...you're
cringing at this one. But hey, this is from an industry that turned crap like "Break my stride" and "Hands up" into top 40
hits. This one brings back childhood memories and I shamelessly admit to still loving the song.
42. Finish
what you started> Van Halen
I am a true Van Halen Aficionado but that doesn't mean I have to subscribe to
the David Lee Roth era as being the best. Roth was awesome but Van Hagar is first with me. I have never worshipped a group
like I do these guys and I was a fan long before OU812 was released, but this song is the coolest they ever wrote.
43.
Close my eyes> Paul Janz
Another song that probably won't make it to many "classic best of.." lists. This
guy was robbed as far as I'm concerned. Relegated to Canadian pop star status, which in most cases means you didn't score
a hit in America, he was a prolific songwriter and deserved so much more.
44. If you leave> Orchestral
Maneouvers in the Dark
I have never heard of anything else from these guys but this tune from the "Pretty in
Pink" classic Brat Pack movie of the 80s is one of the most recognizable of that era.
45. Romancing the stone>
Eddie Grant
He scored a #1 hit with "Electric Avenue" but this one was his greatest. I think it's one of the
best dance songs from the early 80's outside of house spin.
46. Stop To Love> Luthor Vandross
Let's
face it, Luther was a legend and died far too young. I like much of his material but I got stuck on this one as I practiced
my craft at broadcasting school in 1991.
47. Faithfully> Journey
Steve Perry, like Peter Cetera
could belt out a power ballad that could turn a regular song in to pop culture madness. "Frontiers" was the name of the 1983
album that contained this gem that was at one time..."the ultimate slow dance".
48. The spirit of radio>
Rush
The classic Canadian progressive rock band that had hits like "Tom Sawyer", "Limelight", and "New world
man". No song from their repetoire will even come close to the superbly written and exquisitely performed "The spirit of radio"
49. Don't Stop Believin'> Journey
Twenty some odd years after it's release, you'll still hear
this song at Major League parks, on television or any locker room that needs a pep talk. If you could get Steve Perry to sing
it, like the Chicago White Sox did, then consider that gravy. It's their signature song and it's one of the most powerful
songs I've ever heard.
50. Desperado> The Eagles
The supergroup had many great songs and you'll
find them in the next few hundred listed but this one is the greatest ever written and wouldn't be that way without Don Henley's
honest, clean approach to the mike.
51. Love touch> Rod Stewart
From the "Legal Eagles"
soundtrack starring Darryl Hannah and Robert Redford, this Rod Stewart love ballad is the typical "I'm sorry, what can I do
to make it up to you and be a better man" song. Dribble and syrupy, I know...but I liked the song.
52. Time
for letting go> Jude Cole
This one is a strange one to be on the top 100 and purely personal. Just has a great
beat and incredibly catchy. The artist...don't know much about and his material was obviously not a household name.
53.
Shock The Monkey> Peter Gabriel
You'd think "Solsbury Hill" would have been first before this freakish foray
into new wave. But what did you expect from Gabriel...I mean, if he had remained lead singer of Genesis, you have to believe
they'd be a very different sounding band than what they are known for today.
54. Rock with you> Michael
Jackson
He actually made a video for this song a couple of years before they became a mainstream thing. Just
him dancing, with disco lights abound and looking very different than he would twenty years later.
55. Showdown
at Big Sky> Robbie Robertson
There he is again, the defacto leader of the THE BAND but I recognize him for
his solo work. This song may have gotten played on Canadian stations because most music directors probably thought that it
was easier to take than some of the crap they were almost forced to spin.
56. Just got paid> Johnny Kemp
R&B,
dance, adult contemporary, it doesn't matter how, in 1987, you spinned it...Johnny Kemp was all that. Something about that
New jack dance tempo without going too hardcaore had the mainstream in the knots. This was an instant classic.
57. Stevie Wonder> Isn't she lovely
The song's incredible with Stevie Wonder's honest clean, skippidy do da
lyrics. Nowhere can you find a better mixture of jazz and pop than in this 1976 classic written for his little girl. I
was floored on a episode Fox TV's Don't forget the lyrics when Boyz II Men sang for charity and this song came up as
part of the Motown category. Wanya Morris belted out the tune and if you closed your eyes, it was Stevie singing in prime
time...it was sweet
58. Him> Rupert Holmes
O.K., forgive me as I delve into the far end of
the spectrum of cheesiness but check out these lyrics and tell me I'm not the bravest person you know for my love of this
song..."Over by the window, there's a pack of cigarettes. Not my brand, you understand, sometimes the girl forgets. She
forgets to hide them, I know who left those smokes behind. She'll say, OH he's just a friend. And I'll say, OH I'm not blind
to Him"
59. Born to be alive> Patrick Hernandez
Gotta be the first song I thought was
a monster dance hit. Considering my early age, I wouldn't have known much except classic country and rock and roll. Chalk
it up to "no accountin' fer taste".
60. Wild Horses> Gino Vanelli
Music from the Canadian deep thinker himself. I'm unique perhaps in my
adoration for this guy's music. He's intense, philosophical and spiritual. Europeans seem to appreciate his works more than
this side of the water.
61. West end girls> Pet Shop
Boys
With a deadpan delivery and spoken word format, this song grabbed you real tight and never let go. I mean...
read the first verse..."Sometimes you're better off dead, there's a gun in your hand, it's pointing at your head, you
think you're mad, too unstable, kicking in chairs, and knocking down tables, in a restaurant, in a west end town...call the
police, there's a madman around."
62. Lay it down> RATT
One of the greatest rock albums ever made and i don't care who argues
the point. The complex guitar riffs of Robin Crosby and the infectious vocals of Stephen Piercey...these guys were awesome.
Although Round and Round may be the mainstream's favorite RATT tune, "Lay it down" was the best for me.
63. Who's crying now> Journey
This is becoming a habit. In the early 80's, if Steve Perry laid his pipes on a ballad...it was monster. As the song
progresses, the temp increases to the point where it was never used as a slow dance so much but that didn't stop it from getting
airplay and being added to many a favourites list from the decade.
64. The Break-Up Song> The Greg Kihn Band
Yeah...maybe sounds a little "nursery
rythmey", but it still sounds young and brings back good memories.
65. I can't tell you why> The Eagles
This was one of those songs from a group that always managed to write material
that didn't sound like their last hit. Incredible song and has to bring back a memory, right? Tomothy B. Scmidt, always known
as the "third" vocalist for the group was so distinctive.Matter of fact, it was the first time that Schmidt sang for the group.
I'm not much for those that cover others' songs but Vince Gill did a remarkable job on his version in 1993
66.
Love changes everything> Honeymoon Suite
It was 1988 and Honeymoon Suite had already found success with their self titled debut and "The Big Prize". They were
still on a roll.
67. Panama> Van Halen
"...and you look down, between my legs and....ease the seat back"
68. Don't answer me> Alan
Parsons Project
An unlikely favorite from a group that gave us several classics like "Time" and "Games people
play". Remember the video...still picture animation...as in comic book style. It was too cool.
69. Just one more time >The Headpins
Funny, I picked the lesser known of the two hits. Darby Mills had killer pipes and their hit, "Don't it make you feel
like dancing" was the obvious chart topper but this one was better...much better.
70. Heartbeat City> The Cars
Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr (1947-2000) were the brains behind The Cars and left little doubt as to their style. When
you heard a Cars tune, you knew who it was. "Heartbeat City' was by no stretch their biggest hit, matter of fact it wasn't
even in their own top 10. It was however, the title cut from their 1984 monster release. The boys were an interesting
and infectious mix of guitar rock with 80s synth...it was a great combo.
71. Senzu Una Donna> Zucherro
Fornaciari with Paul Young
Listen to this song...it's incredible. Funny how things work out as Fornaciari wrote and released this song back in 1987,
but teamed with Paul Young for its re-release in 1991. Although barely top 40 in North America, it was top 5 all over Europe.
Who better than Paul Young to complement the blues, gospel influence of Italian rock singer Zucherro Fornaciari.
72.
You are my lady> Freddie Jackson
No...it's not because Erkel used it to serenade Laura on an embarrassing episode of "Family Matters". This song had soul
like the old R&B classics of the 70s from folks like Earth Wind & Fire with a little 80s Luthor Vandross on the side.
73.
Never use love> RATT
I could never have foreseen a "B" side release from Ratt's "Invasion of your Privacy" album reaching my eventual
top 100 but it was a cool song. Typical Ratt style and great for the cartunes all by your lonesome.
74. Come
Monday> Jimmy Buffett
I didn't know the song existed until 1992 when it was used by the country station I
worked at as a solid gold category filler. It wasn't a country song at all but we were glad we played it. This one's better
than "Margaritaville" as far as I'm concerned.
75. Shattered dreams> Johnny Hates Jazz
Some would call this song another 80s one hit wonder but in reality, the same album, "Turn back the clock" had two other
hits...the title track itself and "I don't want to be a hero". Bandmember Mike Nocito's brother Johnny really DID hate
jazz, thus the name. The song was a top 5 all over the world including #1 in many areas.
76. Right now>
Van Halen
77. Baby come back> Player
78. The coldest night of the year> Bruce Cockburn
79. Melody>
Boys Brigade
80. Daydream believer> The Monkees
81. Fortress around your heart> Sting
82. Wicked
game> Chris Isaak
83. Say a prayer> Duran Duran
84. Slave to love> Bryan Ferry
85. Wave babies>
Honeymoon Suite
86. Stay the night> Benjamin Orr
87. Oh what a night (December '63)> The Four Seasons
88. Little Jeannie> Elton John
89. Too hot> Kool And The Gang
90. Suzie> Wonderful Grand
Band
91. Jessie's girl> Rick Springfield
92. Right down the line> Gerry Rafferty
93. Shining
star> The Manhattens
94. When doves cry> Prince
95. Working my way back to you> Spinners
96. Industrial disease> Dire Straits
When Jeff Banks hosted Atlantic Canada
Countdown on C100 FM and simulcast on ASN in the early 80's...I think he must've loved this song. I did too. It's a swipe
at the manufacturing industry and it's decline and an over the top look at its "medical effects" of this strange but apparent
condition known as "industrial disease".
97. Sausolito Summer Night> Diesel
98. Power of love> Huey Lewis and The News
99. Hotel
California> The Eagles
100. Don't you forget about me> Simple Minds
101 and beyond
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