Just like last year, we have our annual countdown coming up for My Top 20 songs that turn 40 years old this year, 2023.  If you want to know about my criteria for this countdown, view this post.  1982 was tough, but nowhere near as tough as 1983.  So as we anticipate April 1st, here are the list of songs that were considered, but did not make the countdown, including six (marked by *) that almost made it: 99 Luftballoons – Nena Break My Stride – Matthew Wilder* Burning Down The House – Talking Heads Foolin – Def Leppard Gimme All …..more →

We now arrive at the top of my 40 year old countdown, and it was tough to choose between this song and the one we just listed.  However, given it’s longevity, it’s impact in pop culture as the original 80s montage song, the fact it was a huge chart success and remains one of the most recognizable songs as soon as the opening riff and chord progression are heard, it ultimately deserves its spot here at the top.  And so, the #1 1982 song that turns 40 years old today is…Eye of the Tiger by Survivor.

The final two entries for the 1982 countdown were SO hard to place.  I would have put in a tie if I could, but each song must have its place.  This track may not have charted high upon its initial release but has carried on and made an imprint on pop culture since then.  It’s still a very popular song, has been used in multiple video packages, and it’s hard not to smile and get excited when you hear it.  The #2 song in my 1982 countdown is I’m So Excited by The Pointer Sisters.

It’s been hard to find a song that has made as much of a major comeback as this next 1982 entry.  After seemingly being forgotten for years, it found its way in amazing musical moments, from acapella choirs to pizza joint duo artists.  Were it not for how big a year 1982 was for music, this song might have reached the top, but it is still an amazing song and one of my favorites.  Coming in at #3 is Africa by TOTO.

What could surpass a Marvin Gaye comeback classic?  Only a song featuring one of the most memorable, and recognizable blues rock riffs.  As soon as you hear it, you know something badass is coming, and it still holds the same impact 40 years on as it did back in 1982.  Pay homage to one of the most mainstream blues rock songs as it enters my countdown at #4.  It’s Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood & The Destroyers.

We now arrive at the top 5 songs of 1982, and boy was it tough to place them!  Each one of these songs deserves its spot in the best of 1982, and this one is an absolute classic.  Like a lot of songs on this countdown, this track sounds fresh even today, and has managed to hold on its place in popular culture and lingo.  It also marked as a huge comeback for this artist, one of the greatest.  At #5 it is Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye.