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15 classic American Top 40 gems from 1980s that didn’t make it past number 30

BBG News

As a gamer, I’ve got some exciting news! The first batch of tunes from Casey Kasem’s ’80s countdown show on Facebook received tons of positive vibes. To keep things rolling and give you more of that nostalgic feeling, we deliberately stopped the list at 15 songs today. That way, we can dive right into part two without any delay! So sit back, relax, and let these melodies soothe your soul once again.

As a music enthusiast, there’s always more to uncover and explore. It’s all about the thrill of the hunt for those hidden gems. We’ve been enjoying the mainstream tunes, but now it’s time to seek out those lesser-known tracks from our favorite albums that offer something truly special for rock music connoisseurs like us. Let’s be honest: sometimes, discovering a new deep cut can really make our day.

Reflecting on the past, it’s intriguing to realize that some of these tunes were so remarkable they barely reached beyond the 30th spot on the charts. This leaves one questioning the caliber of the songs ranked above them on the countdown – perhaps they were truly exceptional.

For rock music, the 1980s is the decade that keeps on giving

Essentially, we understand why these songs didn’t become major hits given their past performance, and we’re okay with that. The point is, they are here now, so let’s appreciate them once more. On Casey’s Top 40, these songs briefly appeared before vanishing into the background, often staying on the countdown for just a week before returning to obscurity from mainstream popularity.

These tracks offer top-notch, dreamy rock anthems that subtly make an impact on us. Compared to many, we appreciate the skillful musicianship and songwriting in these songs more. Essentially, these tunes are a celebration of our keen ears for exceptional music. Here, our focus lies on undervalued gems.

Recall the days of cassette tapes? Here’s our latest compilation, a mixed tape for your dear ones, designed to evoke nostalgia.

Steve Perry – “Strung Out”

Kick-starting this list is a legendary solo performance by one of the greatest lead vocalists ever. This track has a distinct rock vibe, reminiscent of Journey, and it’s undeniably high-quality. In 1984, it managed to scrape into the American Top 40 at position 40. The song is so catchy that Dick Clark chose it for the young audience to dance to on American Bandstand that year.

Jefferson Starship – “Winds Of Change”

Mickey Thomas and Grace Slick, the duo lead vocalists, display their impressive vocal ranges harmoniously with well-timed guitars, evoking a 1960s vibe in the chorus, and a melodic touch of psychedelia. It was as if Jefferson Airplane had been propelled from the 1960s to 1983, peaking at number 38 on the charts. Then, two years later in 1985, they formed Starship and scored two number one hits with “Sara” and “We Built This City.

Rick Springfield – “I Get Excited”

It’s perfectly fine to be enthusiastic about Rick Springfield. Despite being a heartthrob in the pop music scene, he didn’t choose that label for himself. In reality, he’s a rock musician. Interestingly, one of his songs, titled “Jessie’s Girl,” peaked at number 32 on the charts back in 1982. This song is from his album, “Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet, which also gave us the number two hit, “Don’t Talk To Strangers.”

Duran Duran – “Skin Trade”

This Duran Duran track showcases a strong influence from Nile Rodgers and his group Chic. The rhythm blends the jazz-inspired beat with a catchy pop vibe, creating a smooth flow. Simon Le Bon’s voice is instantly recognizable and adds an element of fun to it. Released on their album, “Notorious,” it peaked at number 39 in the charts for 1987.

Billy Idol – “Don’t Need A Gun”

Following his nomination for the Hall of Fame, it’s only fitting to search for some classic Billy Idol hits. One such tune peaked at number 37 in 1987 and features keyboard riffs that fuel the chaos until the guitars step in later. The melodies then alternate between the two instruments, creating a rhythmic interplay. Onomatopoeic lyrics are woven into the song to match Billy’s powerful vocals at key moments, resulting in a unique blend of pop and rock music.

Kool And The Gang – “Let’s Go Dancing”

This tune has a reggae vibe, perfect for dancing. It’s no secret that Kool & The Gang are experts in this field, given their extensive experience. They’ve recently been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This song, which peaked at number 30 in 1982, seems almost prophetic in its modernity. There’s a palpable sense of joy and all the instruments are well-balanced, both strong and subtle in their arrangement.

Stevie Nicks – “Nightbird”

This track, titled “The Wild Heart,” was less anticipated than the popular single, “Stand Back,” from her second album. Despite its somber beginning with its heavy-toned vocals, melancholic lyrics, ominous guitar, and subdued drumbeat, Stevie Nicks never lets us wallow in sadness. Instead, her harmonies provide a lift, making it clear that this is a remarkable song. Interestingly, it peaked at number 33 on the charts in 1983.

Don Henley – “Not Enough Love In The World”

This song is reminiscent of a ballad that we wouldn’t mind listening to again. From the very start, its delivery has a distinctive Eagles-like charm that makes it a catchy and enjoyable tune. Unlike many other ballads, it hasn’t become tiresome for us yet. That might be because it only reached number 34 in 1985, which means it isn’t as overplayed as some others.

Joe Walsh – “A Life Of Illusion”

As a passionate gamer immersed in music, let me tell you about an epic track I once discovered. This tune had a groovy blend of jazz, Latin, and Reggae beats, skillfully composed by the legendary Joe Walsh. The lyrics painted vivid stories that resonated with me, much like a game’s narrative. This masterpiece even graced the soundtrack of the iconic 2005 comedy, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” From today’s Top 40 standpoint, it may not have been number one, but in 1981, it made a significant impact by reaching number 34 on the charts.

Glenn Frey – “I Found Somebody”

Glenn Frey’s first Top 40 single was from his album “No Fun Aloud.” In 1982, it climbed as high as the 32nd spot on the charts. The track begins with a soulful saxophone melody, leading into harmonies and songwriting that are reminiscent of the Eagles, providing a glimpse into Frey’s flourishing solo career at the time.

Van Halen – “Black And Blue”

This tune is a hidden gem from Van Halen, often overlooked but highly regarded as a classic. Sammy Hagar provides an iconic vocal performance that harmonizes beautifully with Eddie Van Halen’s masterful guitar work. In the realm of his playing, Eddie delivers an extraordinary display of picking and licking techniques. Interestingly enough, it climbed up to the 34th spot on charts in 1988, mere months before Casey’s final ’80s radio broadcast.

Stray Cats – “I Won’t Stand In Your Way”

For a considerable period, they enjoyed widespread popularity in England. However, American rock enthusiasts eventually caught on to the Stray Cats, and ultimately became fans. The band remained faithful to the ’50s foundation of rock and roll throughout their career. Their tunes were reminiscent of an earlier era, maintaining relevance through the mid-80s. This gentle track peaked at number 35 on the charts in 1983 before fading away.

Billy Joel – “The Night Is Still Young”

Billy Joel has a lot of lesser-known tracks, but this particular one was included in his “Best Hits” collection. For this compilation, he contributed two new songs. Remarkably, both made it to the Billboard Top 40 chart. With its soft, thoughtful, growing, and diverse tones in Billy Joel’s voice, the song climbed as high as number 34 on the charts in 1985.

The Motels – “Remember The Nights”

The Motels notched up a grand total of four songs that made it into the Top 40 charts. From the get-go, lead singer Martha Davis showcased her unique vocal style, and the band delivered a harmonious, robust, and polished performance to align with the song’s powerful lyrics. A saxophone added a touch of smoothness to the mix. One of these songs peaked at number 36 on the charts in 1983.

Robert Plant – “In The Mood”

Robert Plant, formerly of Led Zeppelin, ventured out on his own for a prosperous solo journey, achieving four hits on the American Top 40 chart. Two of these hits reached as high as the 30s. Among them was “Little By Little,” followed by another that peaked at number 39 in 1983. Kudos to Plant for successfully setting a mood with this song.

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2025-03-05 21:00

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