29th November 1980 for three weeks
Another absolute classic song from ABBA. This was to be their final Number 1 in the UK and what a way to go.
It is only in writing this that I’ve discovered what a Super Trouper is – the lights that follow you around when performing on stage. I didn’t know that. I don’t know what I thought it actually was.
As an ABBA fan, I find it hard to fault. It’s a perfect pop song and one of their finest.
10/10
15th November 1980 for two weeks
The Tide Is High is actually a brilliant pop single. It was one that I had a recollection of as, if I’m being totally honest, it wasn’t until Atomic Kitten’s version came out in 2002 that I became more familiar with it. It’s embarrassing, but it took a cheesy cover to bring a recollection of the original.
The song is great and it is one that makes you stop and listen. I don’t think it sounds like Blondie’s other songs so is quite refreshing in style.
The song has aged really well.
8/10
25th October 1980 for three weeks
It wasn’t until Duck Sauce released their song Barbra Steisand in 2010 that I realised that Barbra was called Barbra and not Barbara. I don’t know why this is important thing to tell you.
But then, I don’t know why this song was important or significant enough to reach Number 1. It was written by The Bee Gees – maybe that’s the reason?
Somehow, it was Number 1 for three weeks. Woman In Love proves that Barbra can sing, and that’s about it. The song sort of just happens. It starts and ends without you really noticing.
2/10
27th September 1980 for four weeks
Another great song by The Police! It’s another Police song that I’ve always loved but not really understood its meaning until much later in life. Don’t Stand So Close To Me is about a schoolgirl’s crush on her teacher which leads to an affair. I had no idea it was about that. A bit like, Every Breath You Take, which is about a stalker, you have to wonder where Sting’s inspiration came from.
This is one to turn up loud and sing along to in the car.
7/10
13th September 1980 for two weeks
At last – after a couple of poor (in my opinion) Number 1s, 1980 is back on track with a classic disco track.
Actually sounding like it was from the Seventies, Feels Like I’m In Love is the sort of song that was massive in the Eighties nights in the clubs, and in Flares in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s easy to appreciate how it reached Number 1. It is instantly likable and you will find yourself still singing it later in the day!
The ‘b-boo’ noise is really catchy and I can still recall a friend at school who could make the noise just like it is in the record.
People would still dance to this at discos and it holds up well 39 years later!
8/10
6th September 1980 for one week
This was The Jam’s second Number 1, after Going Underground. Start! kind of proves how brilliant Going Underground was, as this is pretty average.
I can’t recall ever hearing this song before this moment. Ever. That also tells you it is quite a weak song really.
I could imagine the song went down well with the teenagers of the time as the guitars on it are great. But it doesn’t hold up well in 2019.
3/10
23rd August 1980 for two weeks
This might be controversial but I just don’t get David Bowie. Apart from a couple of songs, I find most of his music bizarre and unappealing. I can’t quite understand how he is cited as a musical genius and how his music is considered to be some of the best.
Ashes To Ashes is one of his better tracks. The bass line and hook is good. But the vocal just feels a bit meh and, to be honest, spoils the track. I am left wondering what its appeal was.
3/10
9th August 1980 for two weeks
This was to be one of ABBA’s final UK Number 1s. It’s classic ABBA and one of their finest.
I am not bothered whether ABBA were cool or not. I love their music, and this is brilliant.
9/10
26th July 1980 for two weeks
The name wasn’t familiar when I started to write this. But as I listened I recall hearing it quite a bit over the years. I guess I just didn’t know the name.
It’s a great record. It’s almost ahead of its time with the bassline and riff.
It’s a bit boo-be-do towards the end which feels unnecessary and lets it down. I guess the band didn’t know how cool the tune could have been.
5/10
12th July 1980 for two weeks
You can see how Xanadu reached Number One. It was a proper disco-esque anthem – one which wouldn’t have been out of place in the Seventies.
It still sounds quite good.
5/10
Number 1s of my lifetime 