In the realm of pop music, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, there are certain songs that manage to transcend time, remaining fresh and relevant even decades after their initial release. These are the forgotten pop hits from 1985 that still sound oh so fresh today. Let's take a closer look at four of these timeless tracks and explore why they deserve a place in the pantheon of classic pop and rock anthems.
The Soulful Synth-Pop of ABC
One of the most captivating songs from 1985 is "Be Near Me" by ABC, a band that seamlessly blended synth-pop with a soulful, emotive quality. The song, taken from their album "How To Be A … Zillionaire!", peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart. What makes "Be Near Me" so enduring is its ability to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, while still sounding fresh and contemporary. The colorful music video, with its vibrant visuals and dynamic choreography, further solidified the song's place in pop culture history.
In my opinion, what makes "Be Near Me" so special is its ability to capture the essence of 1980s pop music while still feeling uniquely modern. The song's production values, with their layered synth sounds and pulsating rhythm, create a sense of urgency and excitement that is still highly effective today. Personally, I think that the song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The New Wave Sound of Thompson Twins
Another standout track from 1985 is "Lay Your Hands On Me" by Thompson Twins, a band known for their innovative use of synthesizers and dynamic song structures. The song, from their album "Here’s To Future Days", peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 chart and remains a prime example of what pop music sounded like in 1985. The song's lyrics, which explore the idea of group rituals and their impact on the artist, performer, and audience, add a layer of depth and complexity to the catchy, new wave-inspired melody.
What makes "Lay Your Hands On Me" so fascinating is its blend of catchy pop hooks with thought-provoking lyrics. The song's layered metaphors, as noted by singer Tom Bailey, create a sense of intrigue and mystery that keeps listeners engaged. From my perspective, the song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance accessibility with intellectual depth, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The Hard Rock Edge of Night Ranger
Hard rock also made its mark on the pop charts in 1985, with "Sentimental Street" by Night Ranger being one of the most iconic AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) tunes of the year. The song, from their album "7 Wishes", peaked at No. 8 on the pop chart in the US and remains a fan favorite to this day. The song's powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and anthemic chorus make it a perfect example of the hard rock sound that dominated the charts in the mid-1980s.
One thing that immediately stands out about "Sentimental Street" is its ability to balance hard rock edge with a sense of vulnerability and emotion. The song's lyrics, which explore the complexities of love and relationships, add a layer of depth and authenticity to the powerful guitar riffs and driving rhythm. In my opinion, the song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of hard rock while still resonating with a broad audience, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain.
The Danceable Beat of Madonna
Finally, no list of forgotten pop hits from 1985 would be complete without "Dress You Up" by Madonna, one of the most iconic pop artists of all time. While the title track of her album "Like A Virgin" often steals the spotlight, "Dress You Up" is a solid, danceable tune that deserves its own moment in the sun. The song, with its infectious beat, catchy hooks, and playful lyrics, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains a fan favorite to this day.
What makes "Dress You Up" so special is its ability to capture the essence of Madonna's unique style, with its blend of pop, dance, and rock influences. The song's lyrics, which explore the idea of dressing up and letting loose, add a layer of fun and playfulness to the catchy, danceable beat. In my opinion, the song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance catchiness with a sense of authenticity, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain.
A Timeless Legacy
These four songs, "Be Near Me" by ABC, "Lay Your Hands On Me" by Thompson Twins, "Sentimental Street" by Night Ranger, and "Dress You Up" by Madonna, are just a few examples of the forgotten pop hits from 1985 that still sound fresh today. What makes these songs so special is their ability to balance timeless themes and catchy melodies with innovative production values and thought-provoking lyrics. These songs continue to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages, serving as a testament to the enduring power of pop music.
If you take a step back and think about it, what makes these songs so special is their ability to capture the essence of their time while still feeling uniquely modern. The songs' production values, lyrics, and overall sound continue to resonate with audiences today, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of 1985 pop music. A detail that I find especially interesting is that these songs, despite being released over three decades ago, continue to inspire and entertain new generations of music lovers, proving that great music truly stands the test of time.
