Back to basics, Slackers!
This week is all about the Billboard Hot 100 for 1981. The top song of the year was once described as "haunting", with the rest of the list comprised of country superstars, R&B legends, a posthumous release from a former Beatle, and a fair amount of "yacht rockers".
Sheena Easton had what was probably her best year on the charts, while Smokey Robinson was still charting hits nearly 30 years into his already legendary career. And Sting...well, let's just say he had some interesting lyrics in 1981.
I did find it hard to get a feel for what the "vibe" of the time was based on the charts - given I was only 7 years old at the time - I don't recall what was happening in society. But there definitely seemed to be a general sense of melancholy. This feeling permeates many of the tunes on the charts, even the most benign soft rockers.
So, what are your favorites from 1981?!
