1981
1981 saw synthesizers and drum machines become the sound of pop radio while punk's raw energy evolved into post-punk's darker, more atmospheric territories. The year captured a turning point where new wave moved from underground curiosity to mainstream dominance, reflecting a culture increasingly captivated by technology and artifice.
4:12
Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
3:56
Let's Groove
Earth, Wind & Fire
4:54
In The Air Tonight
Phil Collins
3:34
Bette Davis Eyes
Kim Carnes
Under Pressure
Queen & David Bowie
Who Can It Be Now?
Men At Work
Don't You Want Me
The Human League
Super Freak
Rick James
4:30
Young Turks
Rod Stewart
Angel Of The Morning
Juice Newton
I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)
Daryl Hall & John Oates
Just Can't Get Enough
Depeche Mode
Queen Of Hearts
Juice Newton
Tom Sawyer
Rush
3:28
Start Me Up
The Rolling Stones
Jessie's Girl
Rick Springfield
Tainted Love
Soft Cell
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around
Stevie Nicks
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
The Police
Just the Two of Us
Grover Washington Jr.
4:25
Waiting On A Friend
The Rolling Stones
Physical
Olivia Newton-John
Our Lips Are Sealed
The Go-Go's
Double Dutch Bus
Frankie Smith
Centerfold
The J. Geils Band
5:37
Who's Crying Now (Live 1981: Escape Tour)
Journey
Private Eyes
Daryl Hall & John Oates
Rapture
Blondie
Memory
Barbra Streisand
Chariots Of Fire
Vangelis