A to Z of the 80s - Z is for Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm Off To Have A Nap Now

by Jo Michelmore

And here we are at the final instalment of this alphabet and therefore, we can finally leave the stirrup pants, scrunchies, Rubik's cubes, clothes that show everyone where you are sweating (yes, the 80s were a crazy time) and Rainbow Brites away. Committing to an entire alphabet can be an exhausting thing. But before we leave the fabulous fluorescent decade that was, let's celebrate everything it is, I mean was, one more time. 

The 80s were about hair....and being hairy was an extra bonus. And being Bon Jovi was even better.

The 80s were Cyndi Lauper.

The 80s were about dancing.

The 80s were about fighting. And the Jacksons fighting. Or dancing and fighting. Or both.

The 80s were about Axl Rose's pants.

The 80s were about the greatest song ever written. Or was that this one? Well, it wasn't this one. 

But most of all, these 80s were about things I like, which include some of my favourite karaoke songs.

And now, after all that 80s. It's time to take a nap. Until next A to Z friends, featuring much less hair, less lycra and no big hair! Well, I can't promise that last one. Sweet dreams are not made of this...

But more made of this. Phew. 80s. Done! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

A to Z of the 80s - J is for Jo, Obviously

Just So You Know.

by Jo Michelmore

And it's at this point in our second A to Z we see a trend emerging, because as also happened in the A to Z of Pop, when we come to the tenth letter of the alphabet, it's all about me. Just so you know, when it comes to the J in any A to Z that I write, the J will always be for Jo. Obviously.


Just so you know, if I ever find this Janet Jackson song at a karaoke joint, I will be singing it. I will not look at the TV screen, because I know all the words. And if my fellow karaoke friends are lucky, I may crack out a dance move. Or two. 

Just so you know, I have quoted the lyrics "I've been caught stealing, once, when I was five..." to a department store security guard. I don't think he'd heard of Jane's Addiction. He checked my bags on the way out.

Just so you know, I think Joy Division have one of the best band names ever, even though they were better in the 70s than 1980. But I'll take any excuse to post some Joy Division. And say the name Joy Division numerous times. Joy Division.

Just so you know, Journey wrote some of my favourite lyrics in any song, ever. And just so you know, south of Detroit is a river, and then Canada, therefore, there is no such place as South Detroit. And also, if you are at karaoke with one of my best friends and I and you're thinking about stealing this duet from us, you will regret it...all the way to South Detroit. Just so you know.

It's All Coming Back To Me Now - A Love Letter To The 80s Rock Ballad

Poison: Because every cowboy sings a sad, sad song. Or something.

A Love Letter To The 80s Rock Ballad

by Jo Michelmore

Every week it’s just another little insight into the life of me, isn’t it? We’re such interesting characters, us blog writing types. I mean, so far this year you’ve learnt how I saw the world as a small girl, songs I like to hear when I’m angry, how much I dislike the Olympics, how much I like the harmonica, what I like to do and discuss and sing over lunch, how much I love live music (lots!), what cars my ex-boyfriend's drive and how much I love the clap. See? You’ve learnt all sorts of interesting things. For those of you who are a little creepy and building some kind of profile on me, here’s another thing to add to the list. The 80’s rock power ballad. Yeah. Rock! Ballad! I kind of love them, sometimes. I was reminded of my love of the rock power ballad twice this week; once over a conversation about Bret Michaels (don’t ask how or why, just accept) and once over a conversation I had about the 80’s. The person I was talking to said the greatest thing to come out of the 80’s was the rock power ballad. Although I’m sure there were a bunch of other things as well, I thought they had a good point. Some I love ‘cause I love them and some I love ‘cause the worst-cheesy-sometimes-creepy songs are often the best.

Faithfully 

by Journey, 1983

Ooh, I’m starting on a favourite. This is a gooooood one. The keyboards. The guitar. The heartbreak. The “joy of rediscovering you”; oh, is that lyric creepy much? That just makes it so good. The standing by me, faithfully. The strained vocal. The guitar at around the traditional three minute mark and the “whoa oh oh oh I’m still yours” toward the end. The love, love, love this song, unashamedly. The fact that I know someone who absolutely kills this one at karaoke, in a really, really, spine tingling good way. All of these things equal love.

We Belong

by Pat Benetar, 1984

The song is amazing, the clip is amazing. The lyrics don’t make even make sense; “We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder, we belong to the sound of the words we've both fallen under” what Pat? Then the clip, which contains everything I love about 80’s clips. Ill-fitting clothing, a weird soft focus, strange bits of fabric flailing about, an unexplained waterfall, green neon gloves; it’s so good. Even though this one doesn’t have that magical guitar solo at about three minutes it has something possibly even better. The choir. If you can’t have guitar, the next best emotion inducing sound is the choir and just when I thought the clip couldn’t possibly be better, we get to see the disinterested and slightly confused faces on the small, slightly terrified children singing in said choir. This is hilarious and this is brilliant. If this doesn’t make you happy you have no soul, or something. Maybe.

Top 100 Songs of the 1970s, #100 - 91

The picture kind of says it all...

It's My Kind of Scene presents to you the first official post in the Top 100 Songs of the 1970s! Over the next couple of weeks we'll be looking at the songs that defined a decade which we all know and love. So what are we waiting for? Let's get to the music!

#100 - Lights (1978)

by Journey

So you think you're lonely?

Well my friend I'm lonely too...

Well before they were telling us not to stop believing, Journey were the new kids on the block (not those ones) gaining popularity from Steve Perry's superb vocals.

Top 25 Singers, #12 - Steve Perry

#12 - Steve Perry

Journey frontman and one of the greatest male rock singers, nay, greatest singers of all time period. Perry ranked at #76 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, which saw his vocal fanbase collectively lose their sh*t. This is understandable. The man hits notes that we mere mortals can only dream of hitting. Don't believe me? You may now watch one of the videos and become a believer. Oh, wow... I wasn't even trying to make a 'Don't Stop Believing' joke, but I feel I've set a horrible one up perfectly... but I'll let it go. This time.

Top 100 Songs of the 1980s, #30 - 21

#30 - Anything, Anything (I'll Give You) (1985)

by Dramarama

Obsure choice? Maybe. The right choice? Definitely. I wouldn't class it as a typical 80s rock song, which is probably why I like it so much. If you haven't heard it, give it a go... you'll be pleasantly surprised. Well, hopefully.

#29 - Walk This Way (1986)

by Run-D.M.C ft. Aerosmith

One of the best reworkings of a song and one of the finest 'duets' of all-time. Over time it's been credited with breaking rap into the American mainstream and revitalising the career of Aerosmith. Wonderful.

#28 - Holding Back the Years (1985)

by Simply Red

Depressingly amazing... or amazingly depressing? Let's just say it's amazing...

#27 - Blue Monday (1983)

by New Order

Oh so very 80s and practically the definition of 'New Wave.'

#26 - When Doves Cry (1984)

by Prince

Yes the song is amazing, but no where near as amazing as when Milhouse from Springfield meets the Milhouse from Shelbyville and explains that, "this is what is sounds like when doves cry."

#25 - Little Lies (1987)

by Fleetwood Mac

#24 - Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983)

by Bonnie Tyler

Turn around... I'M RIGHT BEHIND YOU! Haha, just kidding... or am I? Whenever you are anywhere and I mean ANYWHERE and this song comes on, you have to admit you get more than just a little excited. While it doesn't make it the best song of the 80s, it's got to count for something, right?

#23 - What's Love Got to Do With It (1984)

by Tina Turner

3 weeks at #1, 3 Grammys including Record and Song of the Year and Turner's first solo #1 single at the age of 45 marked one of the biggest comebacks the music industry had ever seen.

#22 - Faithfully (1983)

by Journey

A million times better than 'Don't Stop Believin' - there... I said it.

#21 - The Power of Love (1985)

by Huey Lewis & The News

And there you have it... as of the next edition we're finally into the Top 20 Songs of the 1980s! If you've enjoyed the songs so far, now's when it starts to get reeeeeal good like. See you soon!

Top 100 Songs of the 1980s, #40 - 31

Another day, ten more awesome 80s classics for you to enjoy. Rock ballads galore, the King of Pop in his prime and a tune that will leave you feeling Glee-ful are all part of this edition of the ultimate 80s countdown. Please, try to contain your excitement...

#40 - The Flame (1988)

by Cheap Trick

Oh yeah! Do you not feel just a little bit happier after hearing 'The Flame?'

#39 - Love Is A Battlefield (1983)

by Pat Benatar

What happened to Pat Benatar? She was huge in the 1980s... where did she go? What is she doing now? Oh... apparently she's just been in Australia doing a tour with The Bangles. Good for her.

#38 - Alone (1987)

by Heart

Now won't ya, Barracuda! Wait, wrong song. TILL NOW... I ALWAYS GOT BY ON MY OWN!!! Much better.

#37 - Should I Stay or Should I Go (1982)

by The Clash

#36 - Beat It (1983)

by Michael Jackson

And to think, no one thought he'd be able to pull off rock and roll... He did. And he did it extremely well.

#35 - Don't Stop Believin' (1981)

by Journey

It was always good, it was always popular, but Glee turned 'Don't Stop Believin' into a pop culture phenomenon. Kudos.

#34 - Careless Whisper (1984)

by George Michael/Wham

Only slightly surpassed by the cover version Ben Folds and Rufus Wainwright performed live.

#33 - Here Comes the Rain Again (1984)

by Eurythmics

#32 - Dirty Diana (1988)

by Michael Jackson

'Dirty Diana' is one divisive tune. People either love it or hate it, there's very little in the way of middle ground here. I'm firmly on the like side and feel that Jackson did a fantastic job detailing the sordid account of a groupie that won't back down.

#31 - Endless Love (1981)

by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

Don't judge me...

We're only days away from crowning the #1 song of the 80s! What's it gonna be kids?