Human League take electronic pop to the top of the charts!

Human League made their American debut on the charts in 1981 with their album "dare," which contained the number one smash "don't you want me". That song is probably the most played song in their catalog to this day. However my favorite human league song was their 1983 hit (keep feeling)fascination which was released in April 1983. The song slammed onto the charts and peaked at number 8. It was taken from their EP collection titled "Fascination" which actually contained 2 versions of the song. This song has definitely withstood the test of time and continues to be a favorite in the bands live shows. I was fortunate enough to see Human League live in Boston a few years ago on the 80s rewind tour and this song definitely got the crowd on its feet! I highly recommend the bands greatest hits collection titled "the very best of human league" which contains all of their American top 40 hits, as well as a few other album track gems. Below is the video of "fascination". Where were you when "fascination" was on the airwaves in 1983?

The Human League - (Keep Feeling) Fascination

Hall and Oates rule the airwaves in 1982

1982 is probably my favorite year of the 80s when it comes to music. I think it's because that was when I got my first radio which was a huge deal for me. That began my love affair with music that would stay with me throughout my life. One of my favorite songs not only of 1982 but the whole decade was "I can't go for that (no can do). This was the second single from Hall and Oates album "Private Eyes". The song went all the way to number 1 on the pop charts and also number 1 on the r&b charts which is a rare accomplishment for a white artist. The song has gone on to be sampled by many hip hop artists and remains my favorite Hall and Oates song (though I have quite a few favorites of theirs!). Here is the magnificent Hall and Oates which their 1982 blockbuster smash!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccenFp_3kq8

Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)

Stevie Nicks is The Wild Heart!

In May of 1983 Stevie Nicks released her first single from her new album "The Wild Heart" which was titled "Stand Back" It ended up becoming one of Stevie's biggest hits of her career reaching number 5 on the pop charts in August 1983. An interesting fact about this song that many people do not know is that Prince played the synthesizer on this track although he is not credited for it. Stevie said in an interview that she was inspired to write Stand Back after hearing Prince's "Little Red Corvette" on the radio. she called Prince and asked him to play the synthesizer on the track which he accepted. Stevie stated that he came in, recorded his part in no time and then was outta there very quickly. Stevie said it was "like a dream" how quickly he was in and out of the studio.

The video for "Stand Back" was in constant rotation on MTV and then propelled the album into the Top 10.   The Wild Heart would eventually rise to the number 5 spot and be certified double platinum in the US. Stevie followed that single with 2 more singles "If Anyone Falls" and then "Nightbird", both of which are two of my favorite Stevie tracks. so where were you in the summer of 1983 when Stevie was riding high with this song?   Hard to believe it has been almost 30 years but this song definitely withstands the test of time and sounds as fresh today as in 1983. Here is the video of Stevie's "Stand Back"

Stevie Nicks - Stand Back (Music Video)

Welcome to 80s Music Addict!

Thanks for checking out my blog!  My name is Steve and this is my first attempt at writing a blog so I am quite the novice.  However I have been thinking of writing a blog like this for a while so decided that today was the day to begin!  I am an enormous fan of 80s music.  I grew up in the 80s so to me, the music from that era is very special and holds an incredible amount of positive, happy memories for me.  What I would like to do here, is each time post a blog about a particular artist or song from that decade, whose music has made an impact on me emotionally.  Music is the one thing that has gotten me through some of the most difficult times in my life.  I could NOT live without music, and feel very fortunate to have grown up during a time when music was exciting, fun, diverse and eclectic!   Don't get me wrong, I think there are some talented artists in the music industry today, but I feel the music from the 80s just stands in a league of its own and it will always be held in a very special place in my heart.

I invite readers (I am only assuming at this point that I will have some! lol) to comment on each blog.  My goal is to revisit some of the best artists and music from the decade and relive the magic!  I encourage others to leave comments and talk about how the artist or song I am writing about has affected them, and maybe talk about where you were in your life at the time it was released.   So join me as we go back.....WAAAAAYYYY back to the decade of Rubik's cubes, parachute pants, headbands, bright colors, big hair, MTV (when MTV actually played videos!) and so much more....a time before the internet, cell phones, facebook, texting (can we even imagine living without these things now?)  A truly simpler time with some truly awesome songs and artists.  So here we go......stay tuned for my first official artist to kick things out......she is known as the "witchy lady" and has one of the most recognizable voices in pop music history.....coming up next!!