On Our Own by Bobby Brown was released on June 22, 1989, with On Our Own (Without Rap) as the B side. It was a single from the Ghostbusters II soundtrack. Continue reading
R&B
80s Song of the Day: Nasty by Janet Jackson
Nasty by Janet Jackson was released in the United States on April 15, 1986, with You’ll Never Find (A Love Like Mine) as the B side. It was a single from Jackson’s third studio album Control. Continue reading
80s Song of the Day: Candy Girl by New Edition
Candy Girl by New Edition was released on February 24, 1983, with a sing-a-long version of the song as the B side. It was the first single from their debut album of the same name. Continue reading
80s Song of the Day: Little Red Corvette by Prince
Little Red Corvette by Prince was released on February 9, 1983, with All the Critics Love U in New York as the B side. It was a single from Prince’s fifth studio album 1999. Continue reading
80s Song of the Day: Nightshift by the Commodores
Nightshift by the Commodores was released on January 31, 1985, with I Keep Running as the B side. It was a single from the band’s eleventh album of the same name. The song was a tribute to singers Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye, who had both died in 1984. The lyrics reference the singers’ respective hits, (Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher and Higher and What’s Going On. Continue reading
80s Song of the Day: Looking for a New Love by Jody Watley
Looking for a New Love by Jody Watley was released January 6, 1987. The 7″ release in the United States featured an a cappella version of the song as the B side. It was the first single from Watley’s eponymous debut album. Continue reading
80s Song of the Day: Fresh by Kool and the Gang
Fresh by Kool and the Gang was released November 24, 1984, with In the Heart as the B side. It was a single from the band’s sixteenth studio album Emergency, which would become their biggest selling album.
Although it wasn’t released until 1984, Fresh dates back to 1978. According to Wikipedia and Songfacts.com, the song is credited for coining the slang “fresh” to mean “cool.”
The song peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a No. 1 hit on the R&B and dance charts. In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 11 on the UK Singles chart.
80s Song of the Day: Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Private Dancer by Tina Turner was released on October 28, 1984, with Keep Your Hands Off My Baby as the B side. It was the fifth single from Turner’s album of the same name.
The song was written by Dire Straits’ lead singer Mark Knopfler for the band’s album Love Over Gold. The track was cut from the album when Knopfler decided the vocals were not suitable for a male to sing. Dire Straits remade the track for Turner, with Jeff Beck replacing Knopfler on lead guitar. Continue reading
80s Song of the Day: Control by Janet Jackson
To quote Ms. Jackson herself, this is a story about Control. The fourth single from her third platinum-selling album of the same name, Control was released on October 21, 1986, with Fast Girls as the B side.
The song peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Janet’s fourth consecutive Top 5 hit. The accompanying music video was choreographed by Paula Abdul and starred Janet’s Good Times costar Ja’net Dubois as her mother.
80s Song of the Day: My Prerogative by Bobby Brown
My Prerogative by Bobby Brown was released October 11, 1988, with My Prerogative (Instrumental) as the B side. It was the second single from Brown’s second studio album Don’t Be Cruel.
The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. An international success, it reached the Top 10 in several other countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Urban Contemporary Single.
Eighties Grooves 