In 1984, Billy Idol released one of the most unexpected and haunting songs of his career—‘Eyes Without a Face.’ Known up to that point for high-energy punk-influenced rock anthems like ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘White Wedding,’ Idol surprised both critics and fans by showcasing a softer, moodier side. The track became a defining moment in his […]
When The Black Crowes stormed onto the music scene in 1990 with their debut album Shake Your Money Maker, they quickly gained a reputation for channeling the gritty swagger of the Rolling Stones and the Southern blues of the Faces. But amidst the album’s fiery riffs and swaggering grooves was a haunting ballad that revealed […]
In 1980, Joan Jett released ‘Bad Reputation,‘ a song that would become her signature anthem and a rallying cry for anyone who refused to conform. After leaving The Runaways, the all-female rock band she co-founded as a teenager, Jett was determined to establish her own voice in a male-dominated music scene. ‘Bad Reputation‘ was her […]
When Don Henley stepped out on his own after the Eagles’ breakup in 1980, the world wasn’t sure if the drummer and co-lead vocalist could carry a solo career. By 1982, that doubt was erased with the release of I Can’t Stand Still, and its standout single, ‘Dirty Laundry.‘ Sharp, satirical, and musically cutting-edge, the […]
Dire Straits’ ‘Money for Nothing‘ is one of the defining songs of the 1980s, both musically and culturally. Released in 1985 as the lead single from the band’s Brothers in Arms album, it quickly became their biggest hit, topping the charts in the United States and reaching the Top 10 across the world. Written by […]
Def Leppard’s ‘Foolin” is one of the standout tracks from their landmark 1983 album Pyromania, a record that propelled the British rockers into international stardom. Written by lead vocalist Joe Elliott, along with guitarist Steve Clark and producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks, layered harmonies, and […]
In 1983, The Police were at the height of their powers when they released Synchronicity, the album that would cement their legacy and ultimately become their swan song. Among its standout tracks was ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger,’ a moody, hypnotic piece that showcased Sting’s gift for combining literate lyricism with pop accessibility. The song stands […]
Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Gypsy’ is one of the most beloved tracks from the band’s 1982 album Mirage, and it holds a special place in Stevie Nicks’ catalog as both a deeply personal and hauntingly beautiful song. Written by Nicks, ‘Gypsy’ reflects on her pre-fame days and the simple lifestyle she once lived before Fleetwood Mac’s meteoric […]
Pat Benatar’s 1983 hit ‘Love Is a Battlefield’ stands as one of the most important milestones in her career and in the evolution of MTV-era rock. Written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, the track was originally conceived as a ballad. When Benatar and her guitarist-husband Neil Giraldo got hold of it, they reimagined the […]
‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ is one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring songs, symbolizing the band’s triumphant return after tragedy and their transition into global rock superstardom. Released in 1980 as the first single from the Back in Black album, the track marked the debut of lead singer Brian Johnson, who had just […]
Billy Squier, a successful rock musician in the early 1980s, is often cited as having significantly damaged his career with the release of the music video for his 1984 single Rock Me Tonite. RELATED STORY: Sparks Notes: ‘Texas Flood’ At the height of his fame, Squier had multi-platinum albums like Don’t Say No and Emotions in Motion, along […]