In 1982, gas was $.91 cents a gallon, TV screenwriter Michael Mann was working on an MTV Cop Show that was originally called Gold Coast’ then re-named “Miami Vice,” and the music was as hot as ever. What were the top songs of 1982?
Jackson Browne and “Somebody’s Baby”
Journey and “Open Arms”
Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes and “Up Where We Belong”
Lionel Richie and “Truly”
Chicago and “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”
Stevie Nicks and Don Henley with “Leather & Lace”
Juice Newton and “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)”
Denice Williams and “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”
Soft Cell and “Tainted Love”
Elton John and “Blue Eyes”
Willie Nelson and “Always On My Mind”
Conclusions: How confusing was 1982? By looking at this list, you would think we would have never made it to 1983. ‘Soft’ is the word of the day, while country still crossed over to pop. Movie songs also hit the charts, with Jackson Browne’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ contribution, and ‘An Officer and a Gentlemen,’ giving us “Up Where We Belong.”
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