Three Rock Songs From 1985 That Still Sound Like Classics Today
Some rock songs enjoy a brief stint on the charts and on the radio and then fade into obscurity. And then some still sound good, regardless of when they were released, including these three rock songs. All out in 1985, they will always sound like classics.
Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings"
"Broken Wings" is Mr. Mister's first No. 1 single. On their sophomore album, "Welcome To The Real World," the song was written by band members Richard Page and Steve George, along with songwriter John Lang. A song about overcoming hard times in a relationship, "Broken Wings" says, "Take these broken wings / And learn to fly again / Learn to live so free / When we hear the voices sing/ The book of love will open up and let us in / Take these broken wings."
"Broken Wings" became a two-week No. 1 hit for Mr. Mister. They followed the song with "Kyrie," their second and final single to reach the top of the charts.
What makes "Broken Wings" particularly fascinating is its timeless quality. The song's message of resilience and hope resonates with listeners of all ages, and its catchy melody and memorable lyrics have ensured its enduring popularity. In my opinion, "Broken Wings" is a testament to the power of songwriting and the ability of music to transcend time.
Starship's "We Built This City"
A rock anthem if there ever was one, "We Built This City" is Starship's first single and first No. 1 hit. On their freshman album, "Knee Deep In The Hoopla," the song was written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Wolf. "We Built This City" says, "Marconi plays the mambo, listen to the radio / Don’t you remember? / We built this city / We built this city on rock and roll / We built this city / We built this city on rock and roll."
"We Built This City" is a celebration of the power of music and the spirit of youth. The song's energetic rhythm and anthemic chorus have made it a staple of classic rock radio, and its message of unity and community has resonated with generations of listeners.
One thing that immediately stands out is the song's cultural impact. "We Built This City" has become a symbol of the 1980s and a representation of the era's spirit and optimism. It's a reminder of the power of music to capture the zeitgeist and to inspire people to come together.
Phil Collins' "Sussudio"
Phil Collins was well into his solo career when he released "Sussudio." On his third solo album, "No Jacket Required," Collins is the sole writer of "Sussudio." "Sussudio" says, "There’s a girl that’s been on my mind / All the time / Su-sussudio, oh-oh / Now, she don’t even know my name / But I think she likes me just the same / Su-sussudio, whoa."
Collins admits the song doesn’t make sense. But nothing worked for him as well as the nonsensical word. When Collins began writing "Sussudio," he was working with his drum machine. He never imagined that it would stick. "So I kinda knew I had to find something else for that word," Collins says. "Then I went back and tried to find another word that scanned as well as ‘sussudio,’ and I couldn’t find one, so I went back to ‘sussudio.’"
What makes "Sussudio" especially interesting is its evolution. The song's unique sound and catchy rhythm have made it a fan favorite, and its enduring popularity has ensured its place in the canon of classic 80s music.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the song's impact on Collins' career. "Sussudio" was a breakthrough hit for Collins, and it helped to solidify his status as a solo artist. It's a testament to the power of creativity and the ability of music to transcend genre and style.
In conclusion, these three rock songs from 1985 have stood the test of time and remain classics today. They are a testament to the power of songwriting, the impact of cultural trends, and the enduring appeal of music that transcends time and style.
