This is a song that had to push out steep competition from the likes of Hall & Oates, Rick James and The Commodores.  However, this song’s indelible mark on pop music and culture is undeniable, especially when you have the Muppets covering it (google it).  I think after listening, “you may find yourself” agreeing that this song belongs at least at #18.  It’s Once in a Lifetime by The Talking Heads.

Sometimes a song makes it onto this countdown even though it’s really just a dance tune.  In this case, it’s a song that has found its way onto every playlist for every kind of sporting event or pep rally you can think of, and it still sounds fresh today.  When you hear that undeniable riff, you know it immediately, and that’s worthy of at least getting at #18 – Get Ready by 2 Unlimited.

My wife calls this next song in the 1991 countdown the ultimate road trip song, at least when she grew up with her sisters.  It’s been covered by Rascal Flatts but their version only shows how great the original song is.  Coming in at #19 is Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane.

The next 1981 song in our countdown almost didn’t make it as well and required another listen.  Still, it was hard not to include the song that features probably the most famous phone number in pop music.  I guarantee you’ll be reciting it today after you finish listening to the tune coming in today at #19: 867-5309 by Tommy Tutone.

Kicking off the countdown of the Top 20 30-Year-Old Songs today is a song that’s the title of a classic Disney movie, both of which my kids love.  The version here is not the one with Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson, but the original, made all the more legendary when you hear how this artist, despite jet lag and arriving late, recorded this in one take – done!  Starting at #20 is Beauty and the Beast by Angela Lansbury.

We kick off the countdown of the Top 20 Songs Turning 40 Years Old in 2021 with a song by the only group that has managed to have appeared 3 consecutive times in these countdowns.  This rather unassuming, non-controversial track initially didn’t make it in, until a second listen grooved me enough to place it at #20 – Get Down On It from Kool & The Gang.