What Do We Consider The Worst Year Ever For Pop Music?

Also, Pink Floyvius recorded the dreary "Fried At Pompeii".

Was all about a very North American idea of "roots" mainly, either country or blues. A boring year that seemed like the 60s and Beatles had never happened. Of course, ever single pre-1963 year was worse, but they just don't count.

TOP SINGLES OF 1970

ABC- Jackson 5
Ain't No Mountain High Enough- Diana Ross
American Woman- Guess Who
Bridge Over Troubled Water- S & G
I'll Be There- Jackson 5
I Think I Love You- Partridge Family
War- Edwin Starr
Close To You- Carpenters
Raindrops- BJ Thomas
Long And Winding Road- Beatles

* Ain't That Just Like a Woman - Fats Domino (#33)
* All in My Mind - Maxine Brown (#19)
* Amor - Ben E. King (#18)
* Angel on My Shoulder - Shelby Flint (#22)
* Anybody But Me - Brenda Lee (#31)
* Apache - Jorgen Ingmann & His Guitar (#2) (instrumental)
* As If I Didn't Know - Adan Wade (#10)
* Asia Minor - Kokomo (#8) (instrumental)
* The Astronaut (Parts 1 & 2) - Jose Jimenez (#19)
* Baby Blue - The Echoes (#12)
* Baby It's You - The Shirelles (#8)
* Baby Sittin' Boogie - Buzz Clifford (#6)
* Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis (#26)
* Barbara-Ann - The Regents (#13)
* Better Tell Him No - The Starlets (#38)
* Bewildered - James Brown & The Famous Flames (#40)
* Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean (#1)
* Big Cold Wind - Pat Boone (#19)
* Big John (Ain't You Gonna Marry Me) - The Shirelles (#21)
* The Bilbao Song - Andy Williams (#37)
* Bless You - Tony Orlando (#15)
* Blue Moon - The Marcels (#1)
* The Boll Weevil Song - Brook Benton (#2)
* Bonanza - Al Caiola & His Orchestra (#19) (instrumental)
* Brass Buttons - The String-A-Longs (#35) (instrumental)
* Breakin' In a Brand New Broken Heart - Connie Francis (#7)
* Bristol Stomp - The Dovells (#2)
* Bumble Boogie - B. Bumble & The Stingers (#21) (instrumental)
* Candy Man - Roy Orbison (#25)
* The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - The Chipmunks (#39)
* The Continental Walk - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters (#33)
* Count Every Star - Donnie & The Dreamers (#35)
* Crazy - Patsy Cline (#9)
* Crying - Roy Orbison (#2)
* Cupid - Sam Cooke (#17)
* Daddy's Home - Shep & The Limelites (#2)
* Dance on Little Girl - Paul Anka (#10)
* (Dance the) Mess Around - Chubby Checker (#24)
* Dedicated to the One I Love - The Shirelles (#3)
* Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor - Lonnie Donegan & His Skiffle Group (#5)
* Don't Bet Money Honey - Linda Scott (#9)
* Don't Blame Me - The Everly Brothers (#20)
* Don't Cry, Baby - Etta James (#39)
* Don't Worry - Marty Robbins (#3)
* Dreamy Eyes - Johnny Tillotson (#35)
* Dum Dum - Brenda Lee (#4)
* Ebony Eyes - The Everly Brothers (#8)
* Everlovin' - Rick Nelson (#16)
* Every Beat of My Heart - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#6)
* Exodus - Ferrante & Teicher (#2) (instrumental)
* Exodus - Eddie Harris (#36) (instrumental)
* Fell in Love on Monday - Fats Domino (#32)
* Find Another Girl - Jerry Butler (#27)
* The Fish - Bobby Rydell (#25)
* Flaming Star - Elvis Presley (#14)
* The Fly - Chubby Checker (#7)
* Fool #1 - Brenda Lee (#3)
* Foot Stomping (Part 1) - The Flares (#25)
* For My Baby - Brook Benton (#28)
* Frankie and Johnny - Brook Benton (#20)
* Frogg - The Brothers Four (#32)
* Funny - Maxine Brown (#25)
* Gee Whiz - The Innocents (#28)
* Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes) - Carla Thomas (#10)
* (Ghost) Riders In the Sky - Ramrods (#30) (instrumental)
* Ginnie Bell - Paul Dino (#38)
* Girl of My Best Friend - Ral Donner & The Starfires (#19)
* God, Country and My Baby - Johnny Burnette (#18)
* Good Time Baby - Bobby Rydell (#11)
* Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren (#3)
* (The Graduation Song) Pomp and Circumstance - Adrian Kimberly (#34) (instrumental)
* Gypsy Woman - The Impressions (#20)
* Halfway to Paradise - Tony Orlando (#39)
* Happy Birthday Blues - Kathy Young with The Innocents (#30)
* Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka (#6)
* Hats Off to Larry - Del Shannon (#5)
* Heart and Soul - The Cleftones (#18)
* Heartaches - The Marcels (#7)
* Hearts Of Stone - Bill Black's Combo (#20) (instrumental)
* Hello Mary Lou - Ricky Nelson (#9)
* Hello Walls - Faron Young (#12)
* (He's My) Dreamboat - Connie Francis (#14)
* (He's) the Great Impostor - The Fleetwoods (#30)
* Hey! Little Girl - Del Shannon (#38)
* Hide Away - Freddy King (#29) (instrumental)
* Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles (#1)
* The Hoochi Coochi Coo - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters (#23)
* A Hundred Pounds of Clay - Gene McDaniels (#3)
* Hurt - Timi Yuro (#4)
* I Count the Tears - The Drifters (#17)
* I Don't Know Why - Linda Scott (#12)
* (I Don't Know Why) But I Do - Clarence "Frogman" Henry (#4)
* I Don't Want to Cry - Chuck Jackson (#36)
* I Don't Want to Take a Chance - Mary Wells (#33)
* I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven - Tex Ritter (#20)
* I Fall To Pieces - Patsy Cline (#12)
* I Feel So Bad - Elvis Presley (#5)
* I Just Don't Understand - Ann-Margret (#17)
* I Like it Like That (Part 1) - Chris Kenner (#2)
* I Love How You Love Me - The Paris Sisters (#5)
* I Really Love You - The Stereos (#29)
* I Understand (Just How You Feel) - G-Clefs (#9)
* I Wanna Thank You - Bobby Rydell (#21)
* (I Wanna) Love My Life Away - Gene Pitney (#39)
* I'll Be There - Damita Jo (#12)
* I'll Never Smile Again - The Platters (#25)
* I'm a Fool to Care - Joe Barry (#24)
* I'm A-Telling You - Jerry Butler (#25)
* I'm Comin' on Back to You - Jackie Wilson (#19)
* I'm Gonna Knock on Your Door - Eddie Hodges (#12)
* I'm in the Mood for Love - The Chimes (#38)
* I'm Learning About Love - Brenda Lee (#33)
* I've Told Every Little Star - Linda Scott (#3)
* If I Didn't Care - The Platters (#30)
* If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody - James Ray (#22)
* In the Middle of a Heartache - Wanda Jackson (#27)
* It Keeps Rainin' - Fats Domino (#23)
* It's Gonna Work Out Fine - Ike & Tina Turner (#14)
* Jeremiah Peabody's Poly Unsaturated ... Pills - Ray Stevens (#35)
* Jimmy's Girl - Johnny Tillotson (#25)
* Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Rydell & Chubby Checker (#21)
* Jura (I Swear I Love You) - Les Paul & Mary Ford (#37)
* Just For Old Time's Sake - The McGuire Sisters (#20)
* Just Out of Reach (of My Two Open Arms) - Solomon Burke (#24)
* Kissin' on the Phone - Paul Anka (#35)
* Language of Love - John D. Loudermilk (#32)
* Last Night - Mar-Keys (#3) (instrumental)
* Lazy River - Bobby Darin (#14)
* Let Me Belong to You - Brian Hyland (#20)
* Let the Four Winds Blow - Fats Domino (#15)
* Let There Be Drums - Sandy Nelson (#7) (instrumental)
* Let's Get Together - Hayley Mills (#8)
* Let's Go Again (Where We Went Last Night) - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters (#39)
* Let's Twist Again - Chubby Checker (#8)
* Letter Full of Tears - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#19)
* Like, Long Hair - Paul Revere & The Raiders (#38) (instrumental)
* The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens (#1)
* A Little Bit of Soap - The Jarmels (#12)
* Little Boy Sad - Johnny Burnette (#17)
* Little Devil - Neil Sedaka (#11)
* The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale (#22)
* Little Egypt (Ying-Yang) - The Coasters (#23)
* Little Sister - Elvis Presley (#5)
* Lonely Man - Elvis Presley (#32)
* Look in My Eyes - The Chantels (#14)
* Lost Love - H.B. Barnum (#35) (instrumental)
* Love Theme from "One Eyed Jacks" - Ferrante & Teicher (#37) (instrumental)
* Lovers'Island - Blue Jays (#31)
* Lullaby of Love - Frank Gari (#23)
* The Magnificent Seven - Al Caiola & His Orchestra (#35) (instrumental)
* The Majestic - Dion (#36)
* Mama Said - The Shirelles (#4)
* (Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame - Elvis Presley (#4)
* Mexico - Bob Moore & His Orchestra (#7) (instrumental)
* Michael (Row the Boat Ashore) - The Highwaymen (#1)
* Missing You - Ray Peterson (#29)
* Model Girl - Johnny Maestro, The Voice of The Crests (#20)
* Moody River - Pat Boone (#1)
* Moon River - Jerry Butler (#11)
* More Money for You and Me (Medley) - The Four Preps (#17)
* Mother-in-Law - Ernie K-Doe (#1)
* The Mountain's High - Dick & Deedee (#2)
* My Empty Arms - Jackie Wilson (#9)
* My Kind of Girl - Matt Monro (#18)
* My Last Date (with You) - Skeeter Davis (#26)
* My True Story - The Jive Five (#3)
* Nag - The Halos (#25)
* Nature Boy - Bobby Darin (#40)
* Never on Sunday - The Chordettes (#13)
* No One - Connie Francis (#34)
* Norman - Sue Thompson (#3)
* Ole Buttermilk Sky - Bill Black's Combo (#25) (instrumental)
* On the Rebound - Floyd Cramer (#4) (instrumental)
* Once In Awhile - The Chimes (#11)
* Once Upon A Time - Rochell & The Candles with Johnny Wyatt (#26)
* One Mint Julep - Ray Charles (#8) (instrumental)
* One Summer Night - The Diamonds (#22)
* One Track Mind - Bobby Lewis (#9)
* Peanut Butter - The Marathons (#20)
* Pepe - Duane Eddy (#18)

but only while you're living it, right?

There was a period there in '79-'80 when it looked like punk and new wave was going to take over the world! But everything just kinda backed up by '81. I mainly remember it being a year dominated by corporate arena rock (anybody remember Point Blank? Franke & the Knockouts? Chilliwack?), the Commodores, Kenny Rogers, and "Endless Love."

I know Prince and the Time were starting to make some noise, but I'm not into that!! Not really my thing, but startlingly creative compared to everything else on the radio that year.

* Abra-Ca-Dabra - DeFranco Family featuring Tony DeFranco (#32)
* After the Goldrush - Prelude (#22)
* Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Rolling Stones (#17)
* The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies (#6)
* Already Gone - Eagles (#32)
* Americans - Byron MacGregor (#4)
* The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion) - Gordon Sinclair (#24)
* Angie Baby - Helen Reddy (#1)
* Annie's Song - John Denver (#1)
* Another Park, Another Sunday - The Doobie Brothers (#32)
* Another Saturday Night - Cat Stevens (#6)
* Back Home Again - John Denver (#5)
* Ballero - War (#33) (instrumental)
* Band on the Run - Paul McCartney & Wings (#1)
* Be Thankful for What You Got - William DeVaughn (#4)
* Beach Baby - First Class (#4)
* Bennie and the Jets - Elton John (#1)
* The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#3)
* Billy, Don't Be a Hero - Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods (#1)
* The Bitch is Back - Elton John (#4)
* Boogie Down - Eddie Kendricks (#2)
* Boogie on Reggae Woman - Stevie Wonder (#3)
* Bungle in the Jungle - Jethro Tull (#12)
* Call on Me - Chicago (#6)
* Can This Be Real - Natural Four (#31)
* Can't Get Enough - Bad Company (#5)
* Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe - Barry White (#1)
* Carefree Highway - Gordon Lightfoot (#10)
* Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin (#1)
* Clap for the Wolfman - The Guess Who (#6)
* Come and Get Your Love - Redbone (#5)
* Come Monday - Jimmy Buffett (#30)
* Coutry Bumpkin - Cal Smith (#1)
* Dancing Machine - The Jackson 5 (#2)
* Dark Lady - Cher (#1)
* Daybreak - Nilsson (#39)
* Devotion - Earth, Wind & Fire (#33)
* Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye (#28)
* Do It ('Til You're Satisfied) - B.T. Express (#2)
* Do It Baby - The Miracles (#13)
* Don't Call Us, We'll Call You - Sugarloaf & Jerry Corbetta (#9)
* Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream) - Tower of Power (#26)
* Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Elton John (#2)
* Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing - Stevie Wonder (#16)
* Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) - The Rolling Stones (#15)
* Doraville - Atlanta Rhythm Section (#35)
* Dream On - The Righteous Brothers (#32)
* Earache My Eye (Featuring Alice Bowie) - Cheech & Chong (#9)
* Energy Crisis '74 - Dickie Goodman (#33)
* The Entertainer - Marvin Hamlisch (#3) (instrumental)
* The Entertainer - Billy Joel (#34)
* Eres Tu (Touch the Wind) - Mocedades (#9)
* Everlasting Love - Carl Carlton (#6)
* Fairytale - Pointer Sisters (#13)
* Fallin' In Love - Souther/Hillman/Furay Band (#27)
* Feel Like Makin' Love - Roberta Flack (#1)
* Finally Got Myself Together (I'm a Changed Man) - The Impressions (#17)
* Fire, Baby I'm on Fire - Andy Kim (#28)
* Fish Ain't Bitin' - Lamont Dozier (#26)
* For the Love of Money - The O'Jays (#9)
* Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd (#19)
* Free Man in Paris - Joni Mitchell (#22)
* From His Woman to You - Barbara Mason (#28)
* Give It to the People - The Righteous Brothers (#20)
* Hang on in There Baby - Johnny Bristol (#8)
* Happiness Is Just Around the Bend - The Main Ingredient (#35)
* Happy People - The Temptations (#40)
* Haven't Got Time For the Pain - Carly Simon (#14)
* The Heartbreak Kid - Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods (#39)
* Help Me - Joni Mitchell (#7)
* Higher Plane - Kool & The Gang (#37)
* Hollywood Swinging - Kool & The Gang (#6)
* Honey, Honey - Abba (#27)
* Hooked On A Feeling - Blue Swede (#1)
* I Belong To You - Love Unlimited (#27)
* I Can Help - Billy Swan (#1)
* I Feel a Song (in My Heart) - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#21)
* I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton-John (#1)
* I Love - Tom T. Hall (#12)
* I Love My Friend - Charlie Rich (#24)
* I Shall Sing - Art Garfunkel (#38)
* I Shot the Sheriff - Eric Clapton (#1)
* I Won't Last A Day Without You - Carpenters (#11)
* I'll Be the Other Woman - The Soul Children (#36)
* I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song - Jim Croce (#9)
* I'm A Train - Albert Hammond (#31)
* I'm a Woman - Maria Muldaur (#12)
* I'm Coming Home - Spinners (#18)
* I'm in Love - Aretha Franklin (#19)
* I'm Leaving It All Up to You - Donny & Marie Osmond (#4)
* (I've Been) Searchin' So Long - Chicago (#9)
* I've Got a Thing About You Baby - Elvis Presley (#39)
* I've Got the Music in Me - The Kiki Dee Band (#12)
* If We Make It Through December - Merle Haggard (#28)
* If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Olivia Newton-John (#5)
* If You Talk in Your Sleep - Elvis Presley (#17)
* If You Wanna Get to Heaven - Ozark Mountain Daredevils (#25)
* It's Only Rock & Roll (But I Like It) - The Rolling Stones (#16)
* Jazzman - Carole King (#2)
* Jet - Paul McCartney & Wings (#7)
* Jim Dandy - Black Oak Arkansas (#25)
* Joy (Pt. 1) - Isaac Hayes (#30)
* Junior's Farm - Paul McCartney & Wings (#3)
* Just Don't Want to Be Lonely - The Main Ingredient (#10)
* Keep on Singing - Helen Reddy (#15)
* Keep on Smilin' - Wet Willie (#10)
* Kings of the Party - Brownsville Station (#31)
* Kung Fu - Curtis Mayfield (#40)
* Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas (#1)
* La La Peace Song - Al Wilson (#30)
* Lady - Styx (#6)
* Last Time I Saw Him - Diana Ross (#14)
* Laughter in the Rain - Neil Sedaka (#1)
* Let It Ride - Bachman-Turner Overdrive (#23)
* Let's Get Married - Al Green (#32)
* Let's Put It All Together - The Stylistics (#18)
* Let's Straighten It Out - Latimore (#31)
* Life is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me) - Reunion (#8)
* Livin' for You - Al Green (#19)
* The Loco-Motion - Grand Funk Railroad (#1)
* Longfellow Serenade - Neil Diamond (#5)
* Lookin' for a Love - Bobby Womack (#10)
* The Lord's Prayer - Sister Janet Mead (#4)
* Love Don't Love Nobody (Part 1) - Spinners (#15)
* Love Me for a Reason - The Osmonds (#10)
* Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds - Elton John (#1)
* Machine Gun - Commodores (#22) (instrumental)
* Midnight at the Oasis - Maria Muldaur (#6)
* Midnight Rider - Gregg Allman (#19)
* Mighty Love (Part 1) - Spinners (#20)
* Mighty Mighty - Earth, Wind & Fire (#29)
* Mockingbird - Carly Simon & James Taylor (#5)
* The Morning Side of the Mountain - Donny & Marie Osmond (#8)
* My Girl Bill - Jim Stafford (#12)
* My Melody of Love - Bobby Vinton (#3)
* My Mistake (Was to Love You) - Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye (#19)
* My Sweet Lady - Cliff DeYoung (#17)
* My Thang - James Brown (#29)
* The Need to Be - Jim Weatherly (#11)
* Never My Love - Blue Swede (#7)
* The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace (#1)
* No Charge - Melba Montgomery (#39)
* Nothing from Nothing - Billy Preston (#1)
* Oh My My - Ringo Starr (#5)
* Oh Very Young - Cat Stevens (#10)
* On and On - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#5)
* One Day at a Time - Marilyn Sellars (#37)
* One Hell of a Woman - Mac Davis (#11)
* Only You - Ringo Starr (#6)
* Outside Woman - Bloodstone (#34)
* Overnight Sensation (Hit Record) - Raspberries (#18)
* Papa Don't Take No Mess (Part 1) - James Brown (#31)
* The Payback (Part 1) - James Brown (#26)
* People Gotta Move - Gino Vannelli (#22)
* Piano Man - Billy Joel (#25)
* Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues) - Three Dog Night (#33)
* Please Come To Boston - Dave Loggins (#5)
* Promised Land - Elvis Presley (#14)
* Radar Love - Golden Earring (#13)
* Ready - Cat Stevens (#26)
* Rikki Don't Lose That Number - Steely Dan (#4)
* River's Risin' - Edgar Winter Group (#33)
* Rock and Roll Heaven - The Righteous Brothers (#3)
* Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo - Rick Derringer (#23)
* Rock Me Gently - Andy Kim (#1)
* Rock On - David Essex (#5)
* Rock the Boat - The Hues Corporation (#1)
* Rock Your Baby - George McCrae (#1)
* Rockin' Soul - The Hues Corporation (#18)
* Rub It In - Billy "Crash" Craddock (#16)
* Sally G - Paul McCartney & Wings (#17)
* Save the Last Dance for Me - DeFranco Family featuring Tony DeFranco (#18)
* Seasons In the Sun - Terry Jacks (#1)
* Second Avenue - Art Garfunkel (#34)
* Sexy Mama - The Moments (#17)
* Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy) - Al Green (#7)
* Shinin' On - Grand Funk Railroad (#11)
* The Show Must Go On - Three Dog Night (#4)
* Sideshow - Blue Magic (#8)
* Sister Mary Elephant (Shudd-Up!) - Cheech & Chong (#24)
* Skin Tight - Ohio Players (#13)
* Smokin' in the Boys' Room - Brownsville Station (#3)
* So You Are a Star - Hudson Brothers (#21)
*

Ah! Leah! - Donnie Iris And The Cruisers (#29)
Ai No Corrida - Quincy Jones (#28)
Ain't Even Done With The Night - John Cougar Mellencamp (#17)
Alien - Atlanta Rhythm Section (#29)
All Our Tomorrows - Eddie Schwartz (#28)
All Those Years Ago - George Harrison (#2)
America - Neil Diamond (#8)
Angel Of The Morning - Juice Newton (#4)
Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love) - Marty Balin (#27)
Back In Black - AC/DC (#37)
Beach Boys Medley - The Beach Boys (#12)
Being With You - Smokey Robinson (#2)
Believe It Or Not - Joey Scarbury (#2)
The Best Of Times - Styx (#3)
Best That You Can Do (Arthur's Theme) - Christopher Cross (#1)
Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes (#1)
Blessed Are The Believers - Anne Murray (#34)
Boy From New York City - The Manhattan Transfer (#7)
Breaking Away - Balance (#22)
Breakup Song (They Don't Write ‘Em) - The Greg Kihn Band (#15)
Burning For You - Blue Oyster Cult (#40)
Castles In The Air - Don McLean (#36)
Celebration - Kool And The Gang (#1)
Chariots of Fire - Titles - Vangelis (#1)
Chloe - Elton John (#34)
Comin' In And Out Of Your Life - Barbra Streisand (#11)
Cool Love - Pablo Cruise (#13)
Crying - Don McLean (#5)
Don't Give It Up - Robbie Patton (#26)
Don't Let Him Go - REO Speedwagon (#24)
Don't Stand So Close To Me - The Police (#10)
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey (#9)
Don´t Stop The Music - Yarbrough And Peoples (#19)
Don't Want To Wait Anymore - The Tubes (#35)
Double Dutch Bus - Frankie Smith (#30)
Draw Of The Cards - Kim Carnes (#28)
Elvira - Oak Ridge Boys (#5)
Endless Love - Diana Ross (#1)
Everlasting Love - Rex Smith (#32)
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police (#3)
Every Woman In The World - Air Supply (#5)
Fade Away - Bruce Springsteen (#20)
Feels So Right - Alabama (#20)
Find Your Way Back - Jefferson Starship (#29)
Fire And Ice - Pat Benatar (#17)
Fool In Love With You - Jim Photoglo (#25)
For Your Eyes Only - Sheena Easton (#4)
Gemini Dream - The Moody Blues (#12)
General Hospi-Tale - The Afternoon Delights (#33)
(Ghost) Riders In The Sky - The Outlaws (#31)
Give It To Me Baby - Rick James (#40)
Guilty - Barbra Streisand (#3)
Guitar Man - Elvis Presley (#28)
Hard To Say - Dan Fogelberg (#7)
Harden My Heart - Quarterflash (#3)
He's A Liar - Bee Gees (#30)
Heart Like A Wheel - The Steve Miller Band (#24)
Heartbreak Hotel - The Jacksons (#22)
Hearts - Marty Balin (#8)
Hearts On Fire - Randy Meisner (#19)
Hello Again - Neil Diamond (#6)
Her Town Too - James Taylor (#11)
Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You) - Air Supply (#5)
Hold On Loosely - 38 Special (#27)
Hold On Tight - Electric Light Orchestra (#10)
Hooked On Classics - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (#10)
How 'Bout Us - Champaign (#12)
I Can Take Care Of Myself - Billy and The Beaters (#39)
I Can't Stand It - Eric Clapton (#10)
I Could Never Miss You (More Than I Do) - Lulu (#18)
I Don't Need You - Kenny Rogers (#3)
I Love You - Climax Blues Band (#12)
I Loved 'Em Every One - T.G. Sheppard (#37)
I Missed Again - Phil Collins (#19)
I Want You, I Need You - Chris Christian (#37)
I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World - Ronnie Milsap (#20)
I'm In Love - Evelyn Champagne King (#40)
I've Done Everything For You - Rick Springfield (#8)
In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins (#19)
In The Dark - Billy Squier (#35)
In Your Letter - REO Speedwagon (#20)
Is It You - Lee Ritenour (#15)
It's A Love Thing - The Whispers (#28)
It's Now Or Never - John Schneider (#14)
Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield (#1)
Jones Vs. Jones - Kool And The Gang (#39)
Just Between You And Me - April Wine (#21)
Just Once - Quincy Jones (James Ingram) (#17)
Just So Lonely - Get Wet (#39)
Just The Two Of Us - Grover Washington Jr. (#2)
Keep On Loving You - REO Speedwagon (#1)
Killin' Time - Fred Knoblock (#28)
Kiss On My List - Daryl Hall And John Oates (#1)
Lady (You Bring Me Up) - The Commodores (#8)
Let's Groove - Earth, Wind And Fire (#3)
Life Of Illusion - Joe Walsh (#34)
Living In A Fantasy - Leo Sayer (#23)
Living Inside Myself - Gino Vannelli (#6)
Love Is Alright Tonite - Rick Springfield (#20)
Love On A Two-Way Street - Stacy Lattisaw (#26)
Love On The Rocks - Neil Diamond (#2)
Love You Like I Never Loved Before - John O'Banion (#24)
Me (Without You) - Andy Gibb (#40)
Mister Sandman - Emmylou Harris (#37)
Modern Girl - Sheena Easton (#18)
More Than Just The Two Of Us - Sneaker (#34)
Morning Train - Sheena Easton (#1)
My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone) - Chilliwack (#22)
Never Too Much - Luther Vandross (#33)
Nicole - Point Blank (#39)
The Night Owls - Little River Band (#6)
No Reply At All - Genesis (#29)
Nobody Wins - Elton John (#21)
Oh No - The Commodores (#4)
Old Songs - Barry Manilow (#15)
One Step Closer - The Doobie Brothers (#24)
The One That You Love - Air Supply (#1)
Our Lips Are Sealed - Go-Go's (#20)
Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love) - Journey (#34)
Physical - Olivia Newton-John (#1)
Poor Man's Son - Survivor (#33)
Precious To Me - Phil Seymour (#22)
Private Eyes - Daryl Hall And John Oates (#1)
Promises In The Dark - Pat Benatar (#38)
Queen Of Hearts - Juice Newton (#2)
Rapture - Blondie (#1)
Really Wanna Know You - Gary Wright (#16)
Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through - Jim Steinman (#32)
Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg (#9)
Sausalito Summer Night - Diesel (#25)
Say Goodbye To Hollywood - Billy Joel (#17)
Say What - Jesse Winchester (#32)
Say You'll Be Mine - Christopher Cross (#20)
Sea Of Love - Del Shannon (#33)
Seven Bridges Road - Eagles (#21)
Seven Year Ache - Rosanne Cash (#22)
Share Your Love With Me - Kenny Rogers (#14)
She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked) - Carl Carlton (#22)
She's Got A Way - Billy Joel (#23)
Since I Don't Have You - Don McLean (#23)
Slow Hand - The Pointer Sisters (#2)
Some Days Are Diamonds - John Denver (#36)
Somebody's Knockin' - Terri Gibbs (#13)
Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight - Eddie Rabbitt (#15)
Somewhere Down The Road - Barry Manilow (#21)
Stars On 45 (Medley) - Stars On 45 (#1)
Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones (#2)
Staying With It - Firefall (#37)
Steal The Night - Stevie Woods (#25)
Step By Step - Eddie Rabbitt (#5)
Still Right Here In My Heart - Pure Prairie League (#28)
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - Stevie Nicks (#3)
Straight From The Heart - The Allman Brothers (#39)
Stroke - Billy Squier (#17)
Stronger Than Before - Carole Bayer Sager (#30)
Sukiyaki - A Taste Of Honey (#3)
Super Freak - Rick James (#16)
Sweet Baby - Stanley Clarke (#19)
Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known) - Juice Newton (#7)
Sweetheart - Franke And The Knockouts (#10)
Take It Easy On Me - Little River Band (#10)
Take It On The Run - REO Speedwagon (#5)
Take My Heart - Kool And The Gang (#17)
Tell It Like It Is - Heart (#8)
That Old Song - Ray Parker Jr. (#21)
Theme From "Hill Street Blues" - Mike Post (#10)
(There's) No Gettin' Over Me - Ronnie Milsap (#5)
This Little Girl - Gary U.S. Bonds (#11)
Through The Years - Kenny Rogers (#13)
The Tide Is High - Blondie (#1)
Time - The Alan Parsons Project (#15)
Time Is Time - Andy Gibb (#15)
Time Out Of Mind - Steely Dan (#22)
Too Much Time On My Hands - Styx (#9)
Too Tight - Con Funk Shun (#40)
Touch Me When We're Dancing - Carpenters (#16)
Treat Me Right - Pat Benatar (#18)
Tryin' To Live My Life Without You - Bob Seger (#5)
Turn Me Loose - Loverboy (#35)
Twilight - Electric Light Orchestra (#38)
Two Hearts - Stephanie Mills (#40)
Urgent - Foreigner (#4)
Voice - The Moody Blues (#15)
Waiting - Tom Petty (#19)
Waiting For A Girl Like You - Foreigner (#2)
Waiting On A Friend - The Rolling Stones (#13)
Wasn't That A Party? - The Rovers (#37)
Watching The Wheels - John Lennon (#10)
We're In This Love Together - Al Jarreau (#15)
What Are We Doin' In Love - Dottie West (#14)
What Kind Of Fool - Barbra Streisand (#10)
When She Was My Girl - The Four Tops (#11)
While You See A Chance - Steve Winwood (#7)
Who Do You Think You're Foolin' - Donna Summer (#40)
Who's Crying Now - Journey (#4)
Why Do Fools Fall In Love - Diana Ross (#7)
Winner Takes It All - ABBA (#8)
Winning - Santana (#17)
Woman - John Lennon (#2)
Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) - Ray Parker Jr. (#4)
Working For The Weekend - Loverboy (#29)
Wrack My Brain - Ringo Starr (#38)
You Better You Bet - The Who (#18)
You Could Take My Heart Away - Silver Condor (#32)
You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall And John Oates (#5)
You Saved My Soul - Burton Cummings (#37)
You're My Girl - Franke And The Knockouts (#27)
Young Turks - Rod Stewart (#5)

I'm not sure if this is what Scott's using, but this is a marvelous resource:

http://ntl.matrix.com.br/pfilho/html/top40/index.html

http://www.alaskajim.com/

the beach boys were a saving grace.

P.S. Sorry to veer, but: It took about 5 years for me to realize that the guy who sang "Hearts" and the guy who was in the Jefferson Airplane/Starship were the same guy. A 45s record clerk in the hopelessly rural town of Lincoln Boro, PA pointed this out to me when I was about 14 and I am still grateful to him.

(2) Going by what I heard and read about, the UK wasn't any better - Adam Ant and that New Romantic shite isn't really my thing (besides, another couple of years and soon the ABC's would be easing the REO's off the charts anyway)

And, by 1970, nobody was aware that they had indeed released a marvellous album that year, as nobody had any interest in paying attention to Beach Boys at that time.

and then go to 1981. 1982 was much stronger.

To be honest I don't like the last couple of years of the 60s much.

The US charts were still Olivia Newton-John and Christopher Cross by 1981, so I guess 1981 might have seemed a pretty weak year over there.

I love 1968, at least in terms of albums. 1969-71 was a pretty weak period, since most rock bands were way too fixated on country and blues. The first great prog records were still released during that era though (plus a couple of great Beach Boys albums that are finally getting the attention they would have deserved already back then)

Was this much of a hit in the clubs?

Speaking strictly of pop charts/radio, I say 1986. Here's the good:

The Cult, "She Sells Sanctuary"
Robert Palmer, "Addicted To Love"
Fine Young Cannibals, "Johnny Come Home"
Bangles, "Manic Monday"
Sly Fox, "Let's Go All The Way"
Prince, "Kiss"
Pet Shop Boys, "West End Girls"
Kenny Loggins, "Danger Zone"
Pointer Sisters, "Goldmine"
Janet Jackson, "Nasty"
Timex Social Club, "Rumors"
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Tarzan Boy - Baltimora
Walk This Way - Run-D.M.C.
Two Of Hearts - Stacey Q
Word Up - Cameo
David & David - Welcome To The Boomtown
Prince, "Mountains"
Teena Marie, "Lips To Find You"
Smithereens, "Behind The Wall Of Sleep"

Everything else sucks, or close enough.

I suppose it might have done as a last dance smoocher, though I can't ever remember it being used as such.

yeah, i was talking about 1982. cliff beat out junior on the u.s. charts with something called "daddy's home". i didn't even know that cliff richard was on the american top 40 in 1982.

Wait until Popular gets round to '67! He may be right!!

I need to research 68 and 69 a bit more before I know whether there's anything more than a vague hunch behind my feeling of not liking them. It was kind of a golden age for Proper Rock Stars and they've never shaken my coconuts too much. Looking at the Top 20 singles though there seems to have been the usual balance of good and horrid.

just kidding :)

u.s. top 40 artists from 1968:

* 1,2,3 Red Light - 1910 Fruitgum Company (#5)
* 1432 Franklin Pike Circle Hero - Bobby Russell (#36)
* Abraham, Martin and John - Dion (#4)
* Ain't No Way - Aretha Franklin (#16)
* Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (#8)
* Alice Long (You're Still My Favorite Girlfriend) - Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart (#27)
* All Along the Watchtower - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (#20)
* Always Together - The Dells (#18)
* Am I That Easy to Forget - Engelbert Humperdinck (#18)
* Ame Caline (Soul Coaxing) - Raymond Lefevre & His Orchestra (#37) (instrumental)
* Amen - Otis Redding (#36)
* Angel of the Morning - Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts (#7)
* Autumn of My Life - Bobby Goldsboro (#19)
* Baby Let's Wait - The Royal Guardsmen (#35)
* Baby, Come Back - The Equals (#32)
* Baby, Now That I've Found You - The Foundations (#11)
* The Ballad Of Bonnie and Clyde - Georgie Fame (#7)
* Bang-Shang-A-Lang - The Archies (#22)
* Battle Hymn of the Republic - Andy Williams (#33)
* A Beautiful Morning - The Rascals (#3)
* The Beginning Of My End - The Unifics (#36)
* Bend Me, Shape Me - The American Breed (#5)
* Born Free - The Hesitations (#38)
* Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf (#2)
* Both Sides Now - Judy Collins (#8)
* Bottle of Wine - The Fireballs (#9)
* Break Your Promise - The Delfonics (#35)
* Bring It On Home to Me - Eddie Floyd (#17)
* Cab Driver - The Mills Brothers (#23)
* Call Me Lightning - The Who (#40)
* Carpet Man - The 5th Dimension (#29)
* Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin (#2)
* Chained - Marvin Gaye (#32)
* Chewy Chewy - Ohio Express (#15)
* Choo Choo Train - The Box Tops (#26)
* Classical Gas - Mason Williams (#2) (instrumental)
* Cloud Nine - The Temptations (#6)
* Country Girl - City Man - Billy Vera & Judy Clay (#38)
* Court of Love - The Unifics (#25)
* Cowboys to Girls - The Intruders (#6)
* Crimson and Clover - Tommy James & The Shondells (#1)
* Cry Like A Baby - The Box Tops (#2)
* Cycles - Frank Sinatra (#23)
* D.W. Washburn - The Monkees (#19)
* Dance to the Music - Sly & The Family Stone (#8)
* Darlin' - The Beach Boys (#19)
* Delilah - Tom Jones (#15)
* Different Drum - Linda Ronstadt & The Stone Poneys (#13)
* Do It Again - The Beach Boys (#20)
* Do Something to Me - Tommy James & The Shondells (#38)
* Do You Know the Way to San Jose - Dionne Warwick (#10)
* Does Your Mama Know About Me - Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers (#29)
* Don't Give Up - Petula Clark (#37)
* Don't Take It So Hard - Paul Revere & The Raiders (#27)
* Down At Lulu's - Ohio Express (#33)
* Dream A Little Dream of Me - Mama Cass Elliot (#12)
* Dreams of the Everyday Housewife - Glen Campbell (#32)
* Eleanor Rigby - Ray Charles (#35)
* Elenore - The Turtles (#6)
* The End of Our Road - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#15)
* Everyday People - Sly & The Family Stone (#1)
* Everything That Touches You - The Association (#10)
* The Eyes Of A New York Woman - B.J. Thomas (#28)
* Face It Girl, It's Over - Nancy Wilson (#29)
* Fire - The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (#2)
* Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash (#32)
* Fool for You - The Impressions (#22)
* The Fool on the Hill - Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66 (#6)
* For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder (#2)
* Forever Came Today - Diana Ross & The Supremes (#28)
* The Funky Judge - Bull & The Matadors (#39)
* Funky Street - Arthur Conley (#14)
* Gentle on My Mind - Glen Campbell (#39)
* Girl Watcher - The O'Kaysions (#5)
* Girls Can't Do What the Guys Do - Betty Wright (#33)
* The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - Hugo Montenegro & His Orchestra (#2) (instrumental)
* Goodbye My Love - James Brown (#31)
* Goody Goody Gumdrops - 1910 Fruitgum Company (#37)
* Grazing in the Grass - Hugh Masekela (#1) (instrumental)
* Green Light - The American Breed (#39)
* Green Tambourine - The Lemon Pipers (#1)
* Halfway to Paradise - Bobby Vinton (#23)
* The Happy Song (Dum-Dum) - Otis Redding (#25)
* Harper Valley P.T.A. - Jeannie C. Riley (#1)
* Hello, I Love You - The Doors (#1)
* Help Yourself - Tom Jones (#35)
* Here Comes the Judge - Shorty Long (#8)
* Hey Jude - The Beatles (#1)
* Hey Jude - Wilson Pickett (#23)
* Hey, Western Union Man - Jerry Butler (#16)
* Hi-Heel Sneakers - Jose Feliciano (#25)
* Hip City (Part 2) - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars (#31)
* Hitch It to the Horse - The Fantastic Johnny C (#34)
* Hold Me Tight - Johnny Nash (#5)
* Honey - Bobby Goldsboro (#1)
* Hooked On A Feeling - B.J. Thomas (#5)
* The Horse - Cliff Nobles & Co. (#2) (instrumental)
* The House That Jack Built - Aretha Franklin (#6)
* How'd We Ever Get This Way - Andy Kim (#21)
* Hurdy Gurdy Man - Donovan (#5)
* Hush - Deep Purple (#4)
* I Can Take or Leave Your Loving - Herman's Hermits (#22)
* I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me) - James Brown & The Famous Flames (#28)
* I Can't Stop Dancing - Archie Bell & The Drells (#9)
* I Can't Turn You Loose - The Chambers Brothers (#37)
* I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You) - The Temptations (#13)
* I Get the Sweetest Feeling - Jackie Wilson (#34)
* I Got the Feelin' - James Brown (#6)
* I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye (#1)
* I Love How You Love Me - Bobby Vinton (#9)
* I Love You - People (#14)
* I Met Her in Church - The Box Tops (#37)
* I Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin (#10)
* I Thank You - Sam & Dave (#9)
* I Wanna Live - Glen Campbell (#36)
* I Will Always Think About You - The New Colony Six (#22)
* I Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations (#4)
* I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight - Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart (#8)
* I'm a Midnight Mover - Wilson Pickett (#24)
* I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Madeline Bell (#26)
* I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - The Supremes & The Temptations (#2)
* I've Gotta Get A Message To You - Bee Gees (#8)
* I've Never Found a Girl (to Love Me Like You Do) - Eddie Floyd (#40)
* If I Can Dream - Elvis Presley (#12)
* If I Could Build My Whole World Around You - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (#10)
* If I Were a Carpenter - Four Tops (#20)
* If You Can Want - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (#11)
* In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida - Iron Butterfly (#30)
* Indian Lake - The Cowsills (#10)
* It Should Have Been Me - Gladys Knight & The Pips (#40)
* Jennifer Eccles - The Hollies (#40)
* Jennifer Juniper - Donovan (#26)
* Journey to the Center of the Mind - The Amboy Dukes (#16)
* Judy in Disguise (with Glasses) - John Fred & His Playboy Band (#1)
* Jumpin' Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones (#3)
* Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In) - Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (#5)
* Keep on Lovin' Me, Honey - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (#24)
* Kentucky Woman - Deep Purple (#38)
* Kiss Me Goodbye - Petula Clark (#15)
* La-La Means I Love You - The Delfonics (#4)
* Lady Madonna - The Beatles (#4)
* Lady Willpower - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (#2)
* Lalena - Donovan (#33)
* (The Lament of the Cherokee Indian) Indian Reservation - Don Fardon (#20)
* Les Bicyclettes De Belsize - Engelbert Humperdinck (#31)
* The Lesson - Vikki Carr (#34)
* Licking Stick - Licking Stick (Part 1) - James Brown & The Famous Flames (#14)
* Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano (#3)
* Like to Get to Know You - Spanky & Our Gang (#17)
* Little Arrows - Leapy Lee (#16)
* Little Green Apples - Roger Miller (#39)
* Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero (The More I Love You) - Rene & Rene (#14)
* The Look of Love - Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66 (#4)
* Love Child - Diana Ross & The Supremes (#1)
* Love Is All Around - The Troggs (#7)
* Love Is Blue (L'Amour Est Bleu) - Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra (#1) (instrumental)
* (Love Is Like a) Baseball Game - The Intruders (#26)
* Love Makes A Woman - Barbara Acklin (#15)
* Love Me Two Times - The Doors (#25)
* Lover's Holiday - Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson (#31)
* MacArthur Park - Richard Harris (#2)
* Magic Bus - The Who (#25)
* Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf (#3)
* A Man Without Love (Quando M'innamoro) - Engelbert Humperdinck (#19)
* Master Jack - Four Jacks & a Jill (#18)
* Men Are Gettin' Scarce - Joe Tex (#33)
* Midnight Confessions - The Grass Roots (#5)
* Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo) - Manfred Mann (#10)
* Monterey - Eric Burdon & The Animals (#15)
* Mony Mony -

http://www.cylist.com/List/400300160/Billboard_Top_40_Hits__1970_.html

i'm still going with 1981. not NON-chartwise, obviously. cuz it was an amazing year otherwise.

quantity, quality, diversity and innovation

jon savage put out a compilation earlier this year, Meridian 1970, to disprove this idea that it was null lull. Good comp if you can stand country rock/white blues/solo album business but it does seem like kinda slack year.

anyone can go back and collate a bunch of evidence that it was a golden time, surely what is interesting is how it was perceived then? for instance earlier this year Steven Daly wrote a column in GQ in which he looked at 1975 and wondered why people felt punk was needed, given the excellent albums released that year, and the list he came up with was bloody impressive, BUT the fact is people at the time DID feel rock was petering out and in need of massive revitalization.

BELIEVE Cher
MY HEART WILL GO ON Celine Dion
IT'S LIKE THAT Run DMC vs Jason Nevins
NO MATTER WHAT Boyzone
C'EST LA VIE B*Witched
HOW DO I LIVE LeAnn Rimes
CHOCOLATE SALTY BALLS (PS I LOVE YOU) Chef
GOODBYE The Spice Girls
GHETTO SUPERSTAR (THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE) Pras Michel featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard & Introducing Mya
TRULY MADLY DEEPLY Savage Garden
MUSIC SOUNDS BETTER WITH YOU Stardust
HEARTBEAT c/w TRAGEDY Steps
VIVA FOREVER The Spice Girls
3 LIONS '98 Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds
DOCTOR JONES Aqua
NEVER EVER All Saints
I DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING Aerosmith
THE BOY IS MINE Brandy & Monica
FEEL IT The Tamperer featuring Mya
BRIMFUL OF ASHA Cornershop
ROLLERCOASTER B*Witched
FROZEN Madonna
HORNY '98 Mousse T vs Hot 'n' Juicy
VIN-DA-LOO Fat Les
ANGELS Robbie Williams
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY The Mavericks
UNDER THE BRIDGE c/w LADY MARMALADE All Saints
FREAK ME Another Level
MILLENNIUM Robbie Williams
TO THE MOON AND BACK Savage Garden
ONE FOR SORROW Steps
TOGETHER AGAIN Janet Jackson
TO YOU I BELONG B*Witched
GOT THE FEELIN' Five
HIGH Lighthouse Family
FINALLY FOUND Honeyz
PERFECT 10 The Beautiful South
SEX ON THE BEACH T-Spoon
SAVE TONIGHT Eagel-Eye Cherry
I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE ME Boyzone
UP & DOWN Vengaboys
YOU MAKE ME WANNA Usher
STOP The Spice Girls
LAST THING ON MY MIND Steps
WHEN YOU'RE GONE Bryan Adams featuring Melanie C.
IF YOU TOLERATE THIS YOUR CHILDREN WILL BE NEXT Manic Street Preachers
MYSTERIOUS TIMES Sash! featuring Tina Cousins
BECAUSE WE WANT TO Billie
GIRLFRIEND Billie
TURN IT UP c/w FIRE IT UP Busta Rhymes

Quite a few good records there if not much I actually love.

Top runners thus far?? 1970, 1998

If I had to pick a year I'd go for '68 or 96/97, though all have their highlights too.

Top 10 singles so far this year:

1 Steve Brookstein Against All Odds Jan 2005
1 Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock (re-issue) Jan 2005
3 Iron Maiden The Number Of The Beast (re-issue) Jan 2005
4 Erasure Breathe Jan 2005
5 Scissor Sisters Filthy/Gorgeous Jan 2005
7 Dana Rayne Object of My Desire Jan 2005
8 Kasabian Cutt Off Jan 2005
1 Elvis Presley One Night / I Got Stung (re-issue) Jan 2005 Notes
2 Manic Street Preachers Empty Souls Jan 2005
3 Killers Somebody Told Me (re-issue) Jan 2005
5 Rooster Staring At The Sun Jan 2005
6 Soul Central featuring Kathy Brown Strings Of Life (Stronger On My Own) Jan 2005
7 Darius Live Twice Jan 2005
1 Ciara featuring Petey Pablo Goodies Jan 2005
2 Elvis Presley A Fool Such As I / I Need Your Love Tonight Jan 2005
3 Chemical Brothers Galvanize Jan 2005
4 Athlete Wires Jan 2005
5 Feeder Tumble And Fall Jan 2005
6 Lucie Silvas Breathe In Jan 2005
9 Stonebridge featuring Therese Take Me Away Jan 2005
1 Elvis Presley It's Now Or Never (re-issue) Feb 2005
2 Ashanti Only You Feb 2005
4 One World Project Grief Never Grows Old Feb 2005
6 Lovefreekz Shine Feb 2005
8 Freefaller Do This Do That Feb 2005
9 Xzibit Hey Now (Mean Muggin) Feb 2005
10 Hanson Penny And Me Feb 2005
1 Eminem Like Toy Soldiers Feb 2005
2 Elvis Presley Are You Lonesome Tonight? (re-issue) Feb 2005
3 Brian McFadden & Delta Goodrem Almost Here Feb 2005
5 Bloc Party So Here We Are / Positive Tension Feb 2005
9 Good Charlotte I Just Wanna Live Feb 2005
1 U2 Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own Feb 2005
2 Elvis Presley Wooden Heart (re-issue) Feb 2005
4 Destiny's Child featuring TI & Lil' Wayne Soldier Feb 2005
6 Doves Black And White Town Feb 2005
7 Raghav Angel Eyes Feb 2005
1 Jennifer Lopez Get Right Feb 2005
2 Elvis Presley Surrender (Torna Surriento) (re-issue) Feb 2005
3 LL Cool J featuring 7 Aurelius Hush Feb 2005
5 Game featuring 50 Cent How We Do Feb 2005
9 Angel City Sunrise Feb 2005
10 Atomic Kitten Cradle Feb 2005
1 Nelly featuring Tim McGraw Over And Over Mar 2005
3 Elvis Presley (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame / Little Sister (re-issue) Mar 2005 Notes
4 Girls Aloud Wake Me Up Mar 2005
5 Akon Locked Up Mar 2005 Notes
6 Kaiser Chiefs Oh My God Mar 2005
8 Futureheads Hounds Of Love Mar 2005
9 Usher Caught Up Mar 2005
1 Stereophonics Dakota Mar 2005
3 Elvis Presley Rock A Hula Baby / Can't Help Falling In Love (re-issue) Mar 2005 Notes
4 Cabin Crew Star To Fall Mar 2005 Notes
6 Britney Spears Do Somethin' Mar 2005
7 Bravery An Honest Mistake Mar 2005
1 McFly All About You / You've Got A Friend Mar 2005 Notes
2 Elvis Presley Good Luck Charm (re-issue) Mar 2005 Notes
3 Sunset Strippers Falling Stars Mar 2005 Notes
8 New Order Krafty Mar 2005
9 Phantom Planet California Mar 2005 Notes
1 Tony Christie featuring Peter Kay Is This The Way To Amarillo Mar 2005 Notes
3 Elvis Presley She's Not You (re-issue) Mar 2005
4 Gwen Stefani featuring Eve Rich Girl Mar 2005
6 Jem They Mar 2005
8 Basement Jaxx Oh My Gosh Mar 2005
9 G4 Bohemian Rhapsody Mar 2005 Notes
10 Shapeshifters Back To Basics Mar 2005
2 Mario Let Me Love You Apr 2005
4 50 Cent Candy Shop Apr 2005
5 Elvis Presley Return To Sender (re-issue) Apr 2005
4 Will Smith Switch Apr 2005
8 Natalie Imbruglia Shiver Apr 2005
2 Elvis Presley (You're The) Devil In Disguise (re-issue) Apr 2005
4 Mariah Carey It's Like That Apr 2005
6 Kylie Minogue Giving You Up Apr 2005
9 Lemar Time To Grow Apr 2005
10 Rachel Stevens Negotiate With Love Apr 2005
2 Elvis Presley Crying In The Chapel (re-issue) Apr 2005
7 Garbage Why Do You Love Me Apr 2005
10 Melanie C Next Best Superstar Apr 2005
2 Razorlight Somewhere Else Apr 2005
3 Ciara featuring Missy Elliott 1-2 Step Apr 2005
4 Elvis Presley The Wonder Of You (re-issue) Apr 2005
9 Freeloaders featuring The Real Thing So Much Love To Give Apr 2005
2 Gorillaz Feel Good Inc Apr 2005
2 Elvis Presley Way Down (re-issue) Apr 2005 Notes
3 Bodyrockers I Like The Way Apr 2005
7 Nine Inch Nails The Hand That Feeds Apr 2005
8 Caesars Jerk It Out (re-issue) Apr 2005 Notes
2 Snoop Dogg featuring Charlie Wilson & Justin Timberlake Signs May 2005
3 Elvis vs JXL A Little Less Conversation (re-issue) May 2005
6 Destiny's Child Girl May 2005
9 Tears Refugees May 2005
1 Akon Lonely May 2005 Notes
4 Eminem Mockingbird May 2005
9 Weezer Beverly Hills May 2005
10 Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Get Low / Lovers And Friends May 2005
4 Game featuring 50 Cent Hate It Or Love It May 2005
6 Coral In The Morning May 2005
9 Kelly Osbourne One Word May 2005
1 Oasis Lyla May 2005
3 Black Eyed Peas Don't Phunk With My Heart May 2005
6 Jennifer Lopez featuring Fat Joe Hold You Down May 2005
9 Max Graham vs Yes Owner Of A Lonely Heart May 2005 Notes
10 Kaiser Chiefs Everyday I Love You Less And Less May 2005
1 Crazy Frog Axel F Jun 2005
2 Coldplay Speed Of Sound Jun 2005
4 Amerie 1 Thing Jun 2005
8 Gwen Stefani Hollaback Girl Jun 2005
7 Audio Bullys featuring Nancy Sinatra Shot You Down Jun 2005
4 Foo Fighters Best Of You Jun 2005
9 White Stripes Blue Orchid Jun 2005
2 James Blunt You're Beautiful Jun 2005
2 U2 City Of Blinding Lights Jun 2005
8 Jamiroquai Feels Just Like It Should Jun 2005

After The Goldrush
Lola
Lick My Decals Off Baby
Tumbleweed Connection AND Elton's self-titled
Workingman's Dead AND American Beauty
The Man Who Sold The World
The Madcap Laughs
Bitches Brew
All Things Must Pass
Let It Be
Fun House
Bryter Layter
Sunflower
Led Zeppelin III
Loaded
Clapton's self-titled
Abraxas
Layla
Moondance
Paranoid
Plastic Ono Band (both of them) & "Instant Karma"
"Coal Miner's Daughter"
"Maybe I'm Amazed"
"Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)"
"Sign Sealed Delivered"
"Spirit In The Sky"
"Everybody Is A Star" AND "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"
"No Time"
"Come And Get It" AND "No Matter What"
"Ride Captain Ride"

1970 = One of the greatest years ever for music. Of course it's not as great as any of the 6 years that preceeded it, but almost no other year is.

"Music Sounds Better With You" - Stardust
"Do The Evolution" - Pearl Jam
"Rabbit In Your Headlights" - UNKLE
"Gimme Some Mo" - Busta Rhymes
"All I Need" - Air
"April Fools" - Rufus Wainwright
"Help The Aged" - Pulp
"Cold Brains" - Beck
"Rosa Parks" - Outkast
"Money City Maniacs" - Sloan
"Still Not A Player" - Big Pun
"Sunday" - Sonic Youth
"Car Wheels On The Gravel Road" - Lucinda Williams
"Are You That Somebody" - Aaliyah
"Ghetto Superstar" - Pras
"The Boy Is Mine" - Brandy & Monica
"Too Close" - Next
"You Make Me Wanna" - Usher
"Hit Me Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears
"Can I Get A..." - Jay-Z

sorry BSJ, in no universe could this be considered a great song.

By listing these, you are making 1998 look a lot worse than it actually was.

I can't resist the ODB verses.

"All The Kids Are Right" - Local H
"Sleep The Clock Around" - Belle And Sebastian
"We Still Need More (Than Anyone Can Give)" - Supergrass
"Got Myself Arrested" - Gomez
"Walking After You" - Foo Fighters
"A Perfect Day Elise" - PJ Harvey
"Ava Adore" - Smashing Pumpkins
"If Only" - Queens Of The Stone Age
"She Will Have Her Way" - Neil Finn
"Intergalactic" - Beastie Boys
"Cross Bones Style" - Cat Power
"Hand In My Head" - Money Mark
"You Get What You Give" - The New Radicals
"Battleflag" - Lofidelity Allstars
"Teardrop" - Massive Attack
"El President" - Drugstore
"My Favorite Game" - The Cardigans
"Malibu" - Hole
"Special" - Garbage
"What It's Like" - Everlast

1 Elaine Paige & Barbara Dickson I Know Him So Well
3 Ashford & Simpson Solid
4 Bruce Springsteen Dancing In The Dark (re-entry)
2 King Love And Pride
2 Prince 1999 / Little Red Corvette (re-issue)
7 Kirsty MacColl A New England
3 Commodores Nightshift
6 Howard Jones Things Can Only Get Better
6 Jermaine Jackson Do What You Do
7 Prince & The Revolution Let's Go Crazy / Take Me With You
1 Phyllis Nelson Move Closer
6 David Cassidy The Last Kiss
5 Go West We Close Our Eyes
4 Stephen 'Tin Tin' Duffy Kiss Me
3 Madonna Material Girl
1 Philip Bailey duet with Phil Collins Easy Lover
4 Paul Young Every Time You Go Away
1 Dead Or Alive You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)
2 Alison Moyet That Ole Devil Called Love
9 Nik Kershaw Wide Boy
5 David Grant & Jaki Graham Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
3 Sarah Brightman & Paul Miles-Kingston Pie Jesu
6 Rah Band Clouds Across The Moon
2 Tears For Fears Everybody Wants To Rule The World
2 Frankie Goes To Hollywood Welcome To The Pleasure Dome
4 DeBarge Rhythm Of The Night
4 Phil Collins One More Night
1 USA For Africa We Are The World
7 Simple Minds Don't You (Forget About Me)
3 Bronski Beat with c Almond I Feel Love (medley)
10 Howard Jones Look Mama
5 Steve Arrington Feel So Real
1 Paul Hardcastle Nineteen
6 U2 The Unforgettable Fire
8 Katrina & The Waves Walking On Sunshine
4 Kool & The Gang Cherish
5 Animotion Obsession
10 Bryan Ferry Slave To Love
4 Billy Ocean Suddenly
6 Scritti Politti featuring Ranking Ann The Word Girl
6 Style Council Walls Come Tumbling Down
2 Duran Duran A View To A Kill
2 illion Kayleigh
5 Gary Moore & Phil Lynott Out In The Fields
10 Manchester United Football Club We All Follow Man United
8 Mai Tai History
2 Harold Faltermeyer Axel F Notes
1 Sister Sledge Frankie
1 Crowd You'll Never Walk Alone
5 ti Webb Ben Notes
2 Madonna Crazy For You Notes
8 Fine Young Cannibals Johnny Come Home
5 Bruce Springsteen I'm On Fire / Born In The USA
6 Opus Live Is Life
6 Denise La Salle My Toot Toot
9 Jaki Graham Round And Round
1 Jennifer Rush The Power Of Love Notes
4 Dire Straits Money For Nothing
1 Eurythmics There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)
3 Jimmy Nail Love Don't Live Here Anymore
9 Trans X Living On Video
6 Billy Idol White Wedding
3 Tina Turner We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
1 Madonna Into The Groove Notes
9 Mai Tai Body And Soul
10 Nik Kershaw Don Quixote
4 Cars Drive (re-entry)
2 Madonna Holiday (re-entry)
1 UB40 featuring Chrissie Hynde I Got You Babe
7 Princess Say I'm Your No.1
3 Baltimora Tarzan Boy
8 King Alone Without You
7 Amii Stewart Knock On Wood / Light My Fire (remix)
3 Kate Bush Running Up That Hill
3 Colonel Abrams Trapped
3 Red Box Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo)
2 Bonnie Tyler Holding Out For A Hero
1 David Bowie & Mick Jagger Dancing In The Street
5 illion Lavender
3 Stevie Wonder Part-Time Lover
1 Midge Ure If I Was
6 Billy Idol Rebel Yell
6 John Parr St Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)
5 Madonna Angel
6 Level 42 Something About You
4 Mirage Jack Mix II / III
2 A-Ha Take On Me
1 Feargal Sharkey A Good Heart
7 Simple Minds Alive And Kicking
4 Madonna Gambler Notes
5 Hammer Miami Vice Theme
3 Elton John Nikita Notes
6 Talking Heads Road To Nowhere
3 UB40 Don't Break My Heart
7 Arcadia Election Day
8 Far Corporation Stairway To Heaven Notes
9 Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves
3 Dee C Lee See The Day
7 Doug E Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew The Show
7 Queen One Vision
1 Whitney Houston Saving All My Love For You Notes
8 Lionel Richie Say You Say Me
1 Wham! I'm Your Man
4 Phil Collins & ilyn tin arate Lives
1 Pet Shop Boys West End Girls Notes
3 Bronski Beat Hit That Perfect Beat
5 Aled Jones Walking In The Air
3 Band Aid Do They Know It's Christmas (re-entry) Notes
5 Madonna Dress You Up
7 Sophia George Girlie Girlie
1 Shakin' Stevens Merry Christmas Everyone
6 Wham! Last Christmas (re-issue)
9 Bruce Springsteen Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town / My Hometown
9 Full Force Alice I Want You Just For Me
4 Mr Mister Broken Wings
6 Cherelle with Alexander O'Neal Saturday Love
1 A-Ha The Sun Always Shines On TV

Psychocandy
Rain Dogs
A secret wish
Under me sleng teng
King of rock
Around the world in a day
Colourbox
Death valley 69
Hounds of love
Rum, sodomy and the lash
This nations saving grace
Hanging on a string
Perhaps
Low-life
Cupid and Psyche 85
Into the groove
Roxanne Shante
West end girls
Steve McQueen
Meat is murder

As well as plenty of great indie, go-go, hiphop and protohouse which I haven't listed.

http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-50-singles-1988.htm

this is all quite good. 1985 = great year for sophisti-pop.

6 Howard Jones Things Can Only Get Better
7 Prince & The Revolution Let's Go Crazy / Take Me With You
3 Madonna Material Girl
4 Paul Young Every Time You Go Away
1 Dead Or Alive You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)
2 Tears For Fears Everybody Wants To Rule The World
7 Simple Minds Don't You (Forget About Me)
5 Animotion Obsession
2 Duran Duran A View To A Kill
2 Harold Faltermeyer Axel F Notes
2 Madonna Crazy For You Notes
8 Fine Young Cannibals Johnny Come Home
5 Bruce Springsteen I'm On Fire / Born In The USA
6 Billy Idol White Wedding
1 Madonna Into The Groove Notes
3 Baltimora Tarzan Boy
3 Kate Bush Running Up That Hill
6 Billy Idol Rebel Yell
6 John Parr St Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)
6 Level 42 Something About You
2 A-Ha Take On Me
7 Simple Minds Alive And Kicking
6 Talking Heads Road To Nowhere
7 Arcadia Election Day
7 Doug E Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew The Show
1 Whitney Houston Saving All My Love For You Notes
1 Pet Shop Boys West End Girls Notes
1 A-Ha The Sun Always Shines On TV

Well no, I wouldn't be, but even excluding the great great hip-hop and dance tracks from that year, keeping things very rock/pop Geir-style, you are very wrong.

Soon EP My Bloody Valentine
The Only One I Know Charlatans
Velouria Pixies
Heavenly Pop Hit Chills
She Bangs the Drums (90 Remix) Stone Roses
Dig For Fire Pixies
Way Down Now World Party
Blue Sky Mine Midnight Oil
Celebrate An Emotional Fish
Step On Happy Mondays
The Emperor's New Clothes Sinead O' Connor
King Kong Five Mano Negra
Caravan Inspiral Carpets
Unbelievable EMF
Getting Away with It Electronic
Come Home James
One Love Stone Roses
All Together Now Farm
Loaded Primal Scream
Being Boring Pet Shop Boys
A Little Time Beautiful South
World in Motion New Order
Prayer for You Texas
Mother Universe Soup Dragons
Dub Be Good to Me Beats International
Forgotten Years Midnight Oil
Don't Ask Me PiL
Groovy Train Farm
Groove is in the Heart DeeeLite
Dirty Boots Sonic Youth
Candy Iggy Pop
Thunderstruck AC/DC
Strawberry Fields Forever Candy Flip
Hippy Chick Soho
Only Love Can Break Your Heart St Etienne
What Time is Love KLF
Listen the snow is falling Galaxie 500
Fall EP Ride
Enjoy the silence Depeche Mode
Sweetness and light EP Lush
Telephone Thing Fall
Big New Fast Automatic Daffodils
Half Life EP Pale Saints
Where are you baby Betty Boo

All dance in some way or another.

Where are you baby Betty Boo

Hip-hop

Besides, I think I could easily pick 20-30 good singles from just about any year. Maybe apart from 1970, which I stand by as the worst year ever.

...BABY ONE MORE TIME Britney Spears
BLUE (DA BA DEE) Eiffel 65
THE MILLENNIUM PRAYER Cliff Richard
MAMBO #5 (A LITTLE BIT OF ...) Lou Bega
9 PM (TILL I COME) ATB
LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA Ricky Martin
THAT DON'T IMPRESS ME MUCH Shania Twain
SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE Shanks & Bigfoot featuring Sharon Woolf
FLAT BEAT Mr Oizo
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH Boyzone
BRING IT ALL BACK S Club 7
BETTER OFF ALONE DJ Jurgen present Alice Deejay
GENIE IN A BOTTLE Christina Aguilera
PERFECT MOMENT Martine McCutcheon
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!! Vengaboys
NO SCRUBS T.L.C.
IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME R.Kelly
WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING AT ALL Ronan Keating
HEARTBEAT c/w TRAGEDY Steps
I TRY Macy Gray
2 TIMES Ann Lee
MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE Whitney Houston
BEAUTIFUL STRANGER Madonna
TURN AROUND Phats & Small presenting Mutant Disco
IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT IT'S OKAY Whitney Houston
I HAVE A DREAM c/w SEASONS IN THE SUN Westlife
WITCH DOCTOR Cartoons
KING OF MY CASTLE Wamdue Project
WE LIKE TO PARTY (THE VENGA BUS) Vengaboys
PRETTY FLY (FOR A WHITE GUY) The Offspring
EVERYBODY'S FREE (TO WEAR SUNSCREEN) Baz Luhrmann
WILD WILD WEST Will Smith
MARIA Blondie
SOMETIMES Britney Spears
I WANT IT THAT WAY Backstreet Boys
KEEP ON MOVIN' Five
RE-REWIND THE CROWD SAY BO SELECTA Artful Dodger featuring Craig David
WE'RE GOING TO IBIZA! Vengaboys
TENDER Blue
YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE The New Radicals
MY NAME IS ... Eminem
MI CHICO LATINO Geri Halliwell
THE LAUNCH DJ Jean
YOU DON'T KNOW ME Armand Van Helden featuring Duane Harden
(MUCHO MAMBO) SWAY Shaft
SWEAR IT AGAIN Westlife
MAN! I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN Shania Twain
SHE'S THE ONE c/w IT'S ONLY US Robbie Williams
YOU NEEDED ME Boyzone
FLY AWAY Lenny Kravitz

These are all great! And I'm pretty sure a good swathe of ILM's pro-pop contigent will go to bat for "Tragedy" as well.

Also great!! Are you tired of life?

I'll try ... 2000 for worst year. Someone convince me of the opposite, plz.

Yes, Re-Rewind started to wear a bit in the end, but i haven't heard it for 5 years now, i'm sure i'd love it all over again.

but anyway, maybe we're not going far back enough...like, what was going on in the pop charts in 1950, I ask? Just wondering...

A lot of great Tin Pan Alley stuff, as usual back then. Sure, not a top vintage, but at least better than the late 50s, when it seemed more than half of the chart entries were based on the same 3 chords and 12 bars.

As far as the early fifties, FORGET the pop charts; the R&B listings were where the real action was. Besides, they were the shape of things to come - the country charts, too. I could do without that Tin Pan Alley shit that Geir Hongro referenced. It's not about the chord progressions and 12-bar structures, it's the FEELING that went in 'em. Fats Domino over Patti Page any damn day.

It's been a long time since I've seen it, Marcello, but wasn't that Geils' post-Wolf single from 1984, "Concealed Weapon"?

The Beatles knew how to combine both.

What has happened to my ILM?

Sir Lord Baltimore, Kingdom Come
Soft Machine, Third
Tim Buckley, Starsailor
Amon Düül II, Yeti
Parliament, Osmium
Funkadelic, Funkadelic AND Free Your Mind etc.
MC5, Back In The USA
Tony Williams Lifetime, Turn It Over
John McLaughlin, Devotion
James Brown, Sex Machine
Deep Purple, In Rock
Swamp Dogg - Total Destrucion To Your Mind

Although I'll be quick to add that these albums were great DESPITE being from 1970, not BECAUSE OF...

Just from this week (UK/US Top 40/50):

'Oh', 'Since U Been Gone', 'Don't Cha', 'Mr Brightside', 'Hate It Or Love It', 'Girlfight', '1, 2 Step', '1 Thing', 'Goin' Crazy', 'Energy', 'Lonely', 'Feel Good Inc', 'U Don't Know Me'.

I am SERIOUSLY jonesing for a time period when all the crap pre-assembled teenybopper pop crap and the substance-free hip-hop nonsense will FINALLY fade away, even if only for about five or six years, and the good stuff can finally be able to have a chance on the charts. Like, I would KILL for the teens today to have the same kinds of teen idols that the teens of the early - mid '80s or the early - mid '90s had. That way all the crap soulless nonsense can just fucking GO. Far, far away.

3 VOTES:
1981
1985
1998

2 VOTES:
1968
1970
1979
1992
2005

1 VOTE:
1217
1348
1961
1967
1971
1974
1975
1986
1988
1989
2000
2006