It’s hard not to understate the cultural impact of Caddyshack, from phrases like Cinderella Boy and It’s In The Hole, to Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield and of course Ted Baxter. But the track behind it all is just another great song in a litany amazing songs by Kenny Loggins. And of course, the dancing gopher, haha. Coming in at #14 is I’m Alright by Kenny Loggins.
When Bon Scott died, people thought that was the end of AC/DC. Who could top that vocal style that seemed to be as indelible to the band’s sound as the guitar riffs? The funny thing is, I only knew the Brian Johnson AC/DC, that’s how good he was, and the band’s answer to their future is the first of two tracks appearing on this countdown. This rock anthem is one of the band’s best songs and it showed they were not done yet. Coming in at #15 is You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC.
Speaking of double appearances, this is also the first of two appearances by Ms Jackson on this countdown. Rhythm Nation produced some really good songs and this is one of the best on the album. This song is basically a party song, telling you to leave your worries behind. It is easy to do when listening to this track. Coming in at #15 is Escapade by Janet Jackson.
Phil Collins’ …But Seriously album produced some of his best songwriting. This is the first of two additional songs (along with Another Day in Paradise) from that album that ended up making it on this list. This was one of my favorite songs from him for a while despite the sadness in the song, but the pre-chorus and chorus of the song are unmatched. Awesome work. Coming in at #16 of the Top 1990 Songs countdown is Do You Remember by Phil Collins.
My wife loves her some Pat Benatar and 1980 served as her coming out party. The first of two songs on this countdown, this tune has a great bluesy riff followed by a chorus that when it hits, you want to scream it out like she does. She exuded female empowerment in her tracks, and this song is no different. Coming in at #16 of the Top 20 Songs Turning 40 years old is You Better Run by Pat Benatar.
I don’t think there is a song that better describes the transition between the 70s and 80s better than this one. It is two separate tunes that mesh into one, and you have this classic. The synth lead is known by everyone, and the chorus singing the title is just as iconic. It says a lot about the tunes to come that this song only made it to #17, Funkytown by Lipps Inc.