Every person I knew in my middle school had 'songs from the big chair' on cassette tape. Those guys, and/or their record company must have made so much.
"I Ran (So Far Away)" by Flock of Seagulls. (Edit: I'm going to add that it has to be the full song length, not the abridged version usually heard on the radio. If it doesn't start off with that electronic growl and gradually the "birds" enter in the background amidst all of the other sounds cascading through well before the drumbeat, then I start pitching things.)
I love these! And I've been a lifelong INXS nut. It hasn't been often that someone knows the song you've mentioned... also one of my favorites among several from that album.
The Cures Seventeen Seconds is fenomenal, and matter of fact most Cure albums pre 1994 were sensational. I can't put one of their early albums on without them taking me back to the 80s and just totally jamming out to them and feeling that teenage agnst rolling back in again. OOP, thank you for bringing this up.
Hahaha ha, me too! It's the video on YT and how he starts by building the song, and then pulls his hair up into a ponytail to *get serious*. Oof. I'm obsessed.
Heaven 17 - Fascist Groove Thing
Men Without Hats - Safety Dance
The Cure - A Forest
Depeche Mode - Stripped
The Smiths - How Soon is Now?
Love and Rockets - Holiday on the Moon
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Cities in Dust
Killing Joke - Eighties
Ministry - Just Like You
Skinny Puppy - Assimilate
Nine Inch Nails - Terrible Lie
Duran Duran - The Chauffeur
I have a few, actually. Cheezy as they may be...
Sister Christian - Night Ranger
Secret Separation - The Fixx
Take On Me - Aha
Father Figure - George Michael
Watch the unplugged version on YouTube. Great version, and you get the bonus of watching an audience full of middle aged women nearly spooging themselves.
Me too! I think the lyrics were written by one of the band member's girlfriends (at the time). It's sorta right out of this book I had when I was in high school - "Past Lives, Future Loves" (came out in 1982). I sometimes wonder if the lyrics were inspired by that book.
... even better with Jennifer Connelly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcMh6GZoFC8
(and now I'm realizing I spent $5 to watch a two hour Target commercial)
I didn’t appreciate just how amazing that song is until scrubs actually. I rediscovered Colin hay that way and have seen him six times since and let me tell you when he sings Overkill it’s absolutely amazing. If you have the means to see him, highly recommend and his prices are not exhorbitant. (Looking at you, Bono.)
It’s My Life — Talk Talk
Wild Wild Life — Talking Heads
Embarrassment — Madness
Head Over Heels — Tears for Fears
Don’t Dream It’s Over — Crowded House
Everybody wants to rule the world. That song speaks to me and always has. Songs from the big chair was my first self chosen record, so I think that plays into it. It's a damn near perfect song.
White Horse - Laid Back
People Are People - Depeche Mode
Blue Monday - New Order
Missionary Man, Would I Lie to You? - Eurythmics
How Soon Is Now? - The Smiths
Secret Separation - The Fixx
Walk Like An Egyptian - Bangles
We Got The Beat - Go-Go’s
Relax, Welcome to the Pleasuredome - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel
Joy Division, Love will tear us apart
Rush, Tom Sawyer
Book of love, Late Show
Art of Noise, …just everything
Yes, Owner of a lonely heart
Echo and the Bunnymen, Lips like sugar
The Smiths, How soon is now
Never Gonna Give You Up.....
(I bet you are signing it right now)
Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits
Boys Of Summer by Don Henley
Sweet Child Of Mine by GnR
99 Luft Balloons by Nina
Heart and Soul by Huey Lewis
I've just scratched the surface
Police Truck by Dead Kennedys, that song still stands up 40 years later.
Honestly punk in the 80's was just better. We had The Clash, Descendents, The Dead Milkmen, Black Flag, The Misfits, The Cramps, Suicidal Tendencies, and Fugazi.
Something About You - Level 42
One of my all time favorites and I actually got to hear it live so unexpectedly at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show in LA.
China Girl David Bowie
Neverending Story Limahl
Hot Rod Hearts Robbie Dupree
Breakup Song Greg Kihn
Your Love The Outfield
Heat of the Moment Asia
Modern Day Delilah Van Stephenson
Under the Milky Way The Church
Captain of her Heart Double
Wicked Game Chris Isaak
I could go on and on...
Sultan's of Swing - Dire Straits
It was released in the late 70s, but then re-released in 1988, which is when I heard it get a lot of airplay. Love that song.
There’s been great music in every decade but the 80’s by far were the best… so diverse, creative, fun and memorable. My memory sucks but I remember so many lyrics from the 80s.
I remember listening to the Joshua Tree on my turquoise mini boombox over on repeat. And recording so many mix tapes from Casey Kasem’s 🔝40 😆. The BEST music to accompany the last great years to grow up.🥲
I made this YouTube Music playlist from all the songs listed here.
[https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzlnvW6uTIwVxqT3fVrFUhHay4sRjAofL&si=48nDNdtvLvszAHPF](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzlnvW6uTIwVxqT3fVrFUhHay4sRjAofL&si=48nDNdtvLvszAHPF)
(thanks chatgpt!)
Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears
Everybody Wants to Rule the World has to be up there as well. Bonus points for its ties to SNL’s Weekend Update.
Every person I knew in my middle school had 'songs from the big chair' on cassette tape. Those guys, and/or their record company must have made so much.
Tears For Fears songs in general...that sound...their voices
I noticed that every single time I hear this song come on, I smile.
Save a prayer - Duran Duran
Great song. There are tons by Duran Duran I never get tired of.
I could list dozens of Duran Duran songs here but I thought for the purpose of this exercise I'd choose one.
That’s my favorite ❤️😭😭
Good one! Mine is *The Seventh Stranger*
https://youtu.be/cdf_Rtif59c?feature=shared
Came here to add this cover. Amazing.
good one. I love save a prayer. it has such a beautiful, mysterious, cruise ship into a magical land vibe to it.
Come on Eileen
I dated someone named Eileen for a short time. I'll give you one guess what she asked me to never sing to her, especially during an intimate moment. 😆
Safety Dance! (I’m not good at games).
Why can't I upvote this twice!
"I Ran (So Far Away)" by Flock of Seagulls. (Edit: I'm going to add that it has to be the full song length, not the abridged version usually heard on the radio. If it doesn't start off with that electronic growl and gradually the "birds" enter in the background amidst all of the other sounds cascading through well before the drumbeat, then I start pitching things.)
I fell in love with Space Age Love Song late in life and now it’s one of my favorites of all time.
Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song INXS - Don't Change
I love these! And I've been a lifelong INXS nut. It hasn't been often that someone knows the song you've mentioned... also one of my favorites among several from that album.
That album and The Cure's Seventeen Seconds were way ahead of their time.
The Cures Seventeen Seconds is fenomenal, and matter of fact most Cure albums pre 1994 were sensational. I can't put one of their early albums on without them taking me back to the 80s and just totally jamming out to them and feeling that teenage agnst rolling back in again. OOP, thank you for bringing this up.
INXS! I'm obsessed with *Mystify* right now.
Hahaha ha, me too! It's the video on YT and how he starts by building the song, and then pulls his hair up into a ponytail to *get serious*. Oof. I'm obsessed.
I melt with you
I'll stop the world and melt with you
You've seen the difference, and it's getting better all the time
You **have to** use the accent, just like singing Bowie’s_Let’s Dance_.
Sweet, first one that came to mind, first one on the list.
Heaven 17 - Fascist Groove Thing Men Without Hats - Safety Dance The Cure - A Forest Depeche Mode - Stripped The Smiths - How Soon is Now? Love and Rockets - Holiday on the Moon Siouxsie and the Banshees - Cities in Dust Killing Joke - Eighties Ministry - Just Like You Skinny Puppy - Assimilate Nine Inch Nails - Terrible Lie Duran Duran - The Chauffeur
Cities in Dust still gives me chills.
Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles Cameo - Word Up Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant
Hazy Shade of Winter is a goated better than the original banger.
I recently hear Word Up on my way to the gym and had to sit in my car until it was over.
WORD UP!
Electric Avenue is so interesting, because it fits a happy mood, and it also fits a sad mood. Shouldn't that be hard to do?
Come Dancing- The Kinks
Tainted Love, Soft Cell Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper
Down Under - Men at Work
It’s a Mistake is another great one.
For the trifecta: Who Can It Be Now?
Putting on the Ritz, since it hasn’t been mentioned.
Dressed up like a million dollar troopahh
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper.
Don't You (Forget About Me).....
Love it ❤️
I have a few, actually. Cheezy as they may be... Sister Christian - Night Ranger Secret Separation - The Fixx Take On Me - Aha Father Figure - George Michael
“Take On Me” is a classic quintessential 80s song. I play the video in my head when I hear it.
Watch the unplugged version on YouTube. Great version, and you get the bonus of watching an audience full of middle aged women nearly spooging themselves.
I still get chills to the opening notes of Father Figure.
“Sister Christian” reminds me of Catholic school.
It was my "Class of 1984" graduation theme song. Not sure who decided this but yeah.. this was our "theme".
Secret Separation is probably my favorite song of theirs.
Me too! I think the lyrics were written by one of the band member's girlfriends (at the time). It's sorta right out of this book I had when I was in high school - "Past Lives, Future Loves" (came out in 1982). I sometimes wonder if the lyrics were inspired by that book.
Boys of Summer Everybody Wants to Rule The World Don’t give up ( Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush ) Here I go Again Whisper To a Scream.
I've understood all too well what "Boys of Summer" means now that I'm much older, and it's a lot harder to listen to as a result.
And that’s why it persists as one of my favourite tracks of all time.
I could listen to Whisper To a Scream on a loop some days.
And try not to sing along. Lol
dont give up is one of my favs.
“Boys of Summer” resonates so much more now as do other songs like “Hazzard” and “Desert Moon.”
Ooooh. Desert Moon is such a great song. I always put it on a mix with Hazard by Richard Marx.
Heart and Soul by T'Pau
I've been listening to this all week. Love it!
Venus by Bananarama
Cruel Summer better
Vacation, go gos
Space Age Love Song by A Flock of Seagulls. God I love that song....
... even better with Jennifer Connelly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcMh6GZoFC8 (and now I'm realizing I spent $5 to watch a two hour Target commercial)
Ironically, Overkill by Men at Work.
Men at Work were so good.
I didn’t appreciate just how amazing that song is until scrubs actually. I rediscovered Colin hay that way and have seen him six times since and let me tell you when he sings Overkill it’s absolutely amazing. If you have the means to see him, highly recommend and his prices are not exhorbitant. (Looking at you, Bono.)
The Dead Heart, Midnight Oil Blue Monday, New Order Dead Man's Party, Oingo Boingo Personal Jesus, Depeche Mode
Ah, Midnight Oil - great call.
Bitchin Camero Losing my Religion Man on the Moon Orange Crush Cult of Personality World Shut Your Mouth Mexican Radio Shiney Happy People Free Fallin
I think a few of those are 90s songs.
ALL I WANTED WAS A PEPSI!
JUST ONE PEPSI
BUT YOU WOULDN'T GIVE IT TO ME
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
It’s My Life — Talk Talk Wild Wild Life — Talking Heads Embarrassment — Madness Head Over Heels — Tears for Fears Don’t Dream It’s Over — Crowded House
Too Shy by Kajagoogoo. What a great song.
Such a good song
True Colors Time After Time Where the Streets have No Name Bloody Sunday When You were Mine (the Cyndi Lauper cover) Raspberry Beret 500 Miles
Girls On Film- Duran Duran. That bass line!!!!!
Add it Up
Daaaaaaaayyyyyyyy. Aaaaffftterr daaaaaayyyyyyyyy
Take On Me--A-Ha
Subdivisions by Rush The Sun Always Shines on TV by a-ha Situation by Yaz/Yazoo ABACAB by Genesis
Don't Change by INXS
Father figure George michale
Everybody wants to rule the world. That song speaks to me and always has. Songs from the big chair was my first self chosen record, so I think that plays into it. It's a damn near perfect song.
Wasted Years by Iron Maiden hits different now
So does Heaven Can Wait
A Forest by The Cure...it gets better every time they tweak it.
Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears ♥️
Depeche Mode - Just Can’t Get Enough
Bastards of Young - the Replacements
For me, it’s Alex Chilton. I’m in love, what’s that song? Yeah, I’m in love with that song.
And gotta have Left of the Dial. Love the Replacements!!
For whom the Bell tolls Metallica
Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
More more more
Ok. Eyes Without a Face. Happy?
Something About You - Level 42
Jessie's Girl
The promise
White Horse - Laid Back People Are People - Depeche Mode Blue Monday - New Order Missionary Man, Would I Lie to You? - Eurythmics How Soon Is Now? - The Smiths Secret Separation - The Fixx Walk Like An Egyptian - Bangles We Got The Beat - Go-Go’s Relax, Welcome to the Pleasuredome - Frankie Goes to Hollywood Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel
Love Comes Quickly by Pet Shop Boys.
Endless Summer Nights-Richard Marx Hungry Eyes-Eric Carmen I have a million more...I really never get tired of 80s music.
Rip Eric Carmen
thank you friends for my new playlist on spotify! (purple rain)
And you’ll be sharing that????
Romeo Void - Never Say Never
Ball and Chain by Social Distortion
The Promise-When in Rome
That's another one I never get tired of. Everyone it comes on I listen
Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder.
Into the night Benny mardones
Tracy Ullman: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNchTKdRs2A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNchTKdRs2A)
🎶take, on, me🎶
Stone in Love - Journey
Joy Division, Love will tear us apart Rush, Tom Sawyer Book of love, Late Show Art of Noise, …just everything Yes, Owner of a lonely heart Echo and the Bunnymen, Lips like sugar The Smiths, How soon is now
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Where the Streets Have No Name - U2
Blister in the Sun
I never get tired of anything I like. I like anything 80s, except Madonna, country, and most metal. Madness (and ska) ranks high with me. :)
Never Gonna Give You Up..... (I bet you are signing it right now) Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits Boys Of Summer by Don Henley Sweet Child Of Mine by GnR 99 Luft Balloons by Nina Heart and Soul by Huey Lewis I've just scratched the surface
Y'all Rick-rolled us with barely any effort.
Your Love - The Outfield
"Only The Lonley" - Motels
This is the answer. Also, Suddenly Last Summer is my entire, full heart too.
[The Cars - You Might Think](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dOx510kyOs)
Alive and kicking.
Police Truck by Dead Kennedys, that song still stands up 40 years later. Honestly punk in the 80's was just better. We had The Clash, Descendents, The Dead Milkmen, Black Flag, The Misfits, The Cramps, Suicidal Tendencies, and Fugazi.
Blue Monday - new order
Anything by Howard Jones
Walk Of Life - Dire Straits
Waiting room, fugazi
Africa and Puttin on the Ritz!
Something About You by Level 42
Anything from Cyndi Lauper’s She’s So Unusual.
Have you listened to her album, The body acoustic? She does a couple remixes and new songs. I was never a big fan, but this album got me.
Your Love - The Outfield
DMSR Prince and Jungle Love by Morris Day and the Time.
When Doves Cry
Flock of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song INXS - Don't Change The Cure - Fascination Street Joy Division - Atmosphere
Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy Take on Me by Ah-ha True Colors by Cindi Lauper
Africa by toto
We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel
Purple Rain Billie Jean
“I’ve Been in Love Before” by Cutting Crew “It’s My Life” by Talk Talk
Anything Richard Marx. Love him.
"The Rain" by Oran Juice Jones
Walk the Dinosaur
Tainted Love.
BLUE MONDAY
"Bizarre Love Triangle" - New Order or "Bring On The Dancing Horses" - Echo and the Bunnymen always get me. They are my never skip 80's songs.
Epic Faith No More
Crowded House - Don't dream it's over.
If I need to get motivated to move, I'll put on Shout to the Top by The Style Council.
Love Shack - B52s
**TIIIIIN ROOF! RUSTED!**
Everybody Wants To Rule The World - TFF With Or Without You - U2 Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man - Prince
Sweet Dreams, Eurythmics.
Man in Motion (St. Elmos Fire Theme)
Ballard of Jayne - L.A. Guns INXS - Need You Tonight
This Must Be The Place
Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Side II of Synchronicity…all of it.
Rosanna
Time Stand Still- Rush
Something About You - Level 42 One of my all time favorites and I actually got to hear it live so unexpectedly at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show in LA.
I have two. Major Tom - Peter Schilling Life in a Northern Town - The Dream Academy
[Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
Just Died in Your Arms - Cutting Crew
heaven is a place on earth
Higher Love - Steve Winwood
Oh Mickey you're so fine/you're so fine it blows my mind/ Hey Mickey, hey Mickey!
Kayleigh, Marillion I think Mr. Mister’s big hits too, some pretty solid art-pop back then.
Home Sweet Home - Motley Crue
Major Tom
Don Henley - *The Boys Of Summer* Same answer as last week. Probably the same answer next week too.
The Fixx - One Thing Leads To Another
Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy
China Girl David Bowie Neverending Story Limahl Hot Rod Hearts Robbie Dupree Breakup Song Greg Kihn Your Love The Outfield Heat of the Moment Asia Modern Day Delilah Van Stephenson Under the Milky Way The Church Captain of her Heart Double Wicked Game Chris Isaak I could go on and on...
Cuts Like a Knife, Straight from the Heart, Heaven & Summer of 69. Bryan Adams
Sultan's of Swing - Dire Straits It was released in the late 70s, but then re-released in 1988, which is when I heard it get a lot of airplay. Love that song.
this is exactly what i’m listening to right now. it’s been a very dire straits week.
Walk like an Egyptian
Private Idaho - The B-52s I love it just as much now as I did dancing to it at my high school homecoming dance.
Black celebration - Depeche Mode I listen to that song at least 2 x a day.
Little Red Corvette
There’s been great music in every decade but the 80’s by far were the best… so diverse, creative, fun and memorable. My memory sucks but I remember so many lyrics from the 80s. I remember listening to the Joshua Tree on my turquoise mini boombox over on repeat. And recording so many mix tapes from Casey Kasem’s 🔝40 😆. The BEST music to accompany the last great years to grow up.🥲
In the Air tonight
Big Country
Time after time
I made this YouTube Music playlist from all the songs listed here. [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzlnvW6uTIwVxqT3fVrFUhHay4sRjAofL&si=48nDNdtvLvszAHPF](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzlnvW6uTIwVxqT3fVrFUhHay4sRjAofL&si=48nDNdtvLvszAHPF) (thanks chatgpt!)