The 100 Greatest Songs of 1982 #1. Little Red Corvette (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

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This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

 

[zamboni]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I always thought of this as 1983 given when The Hurting was released, although I see PS was released in 1982 (probably in England).

Specific year aside, this is one of my favorite overall songs from the entire decade. Just a tremendous and poignant tune IMO.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I always thought of this as 1983 given when The Hurting was released, although I see PS was released in 1982 (probably in England).

Specific year aside, this is one of my favorite overall songs from the entire decade. Just a tremendous and poignant tune IMO.

Yeah, this is a good one. I don't think I heard it when it was current, but years later (maybe, like Tim said, when Big Chair came out).

Their album released last year was really good, IMO.

 

[zamboni]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I always thought of this as 1983 given when The Hurting was released, although I see PS was released in 1982 (probably in England).

Specific year aside, this is one of my favorite overall songs from the entire decade. Just a tremendous and poignant tune IMO.

Yeah, this is a good one. I don't think I heard it when it was current, but years later (maybe, like Tim said, when Big Chair came out).

Their album released last year was really good, IMO.

Noticed they're touring this summer - might have to look into it if the timing works.

 

[TripItUp]

Saw Tears for Fears maybe 10 years ago in SF. Great show. Catalogue is deeper than the average person might guess.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I always thought of this as 1983 given when The Hurting was released, although I see PS was released in 1982 (probably in England).

Specific year aside, this is one of my favorite overall songs from the entire decade. Just a tremendous and poignant tune IMO.

Yeah, this is a good one. I don't think I heard it when it was current, but years later (maybe, like Tim said, when Big Chair came out).

Their album released last year was really good, IMO.

Noticed they're touring this summer - might have to look into it if the timing works.

Nice. Did you hear the most recent record?

 

[zamboni]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I always thought of this as 1983 given when The Hurting was released, although I see PS was released in 1982 (probably in England).

Specific year aside, this is one of my favorite overall songs from the entire decade. Just a tremendous and poignant tune IMO.

Yeah, this is a good one. I don't think I heard it when it was current, but years later (maybe, like Tim said, when Big Chair came out).

Their album released last year was really good, IMO.

Noticed they're touring this summer - might have to look into it if the timing works.

Nice. Did you hear the most recent record?

I haven't, but now that you mentioned it, I will check it out.

 

[Zegras11]

Saw Tears for Fears maybe 10 years ago in SF. Great show. Catalogue is deeper than the average person might guess.

Saw them about 5 years ago in Boise. Agree 100 percent

 

[timschochet]

50. Men Without Hats “The Safety Dance” (from Rhythm of Youth)

The Safety Dance

Provided to YouTube by Unidisc Music Inc.The Safety Dance · Men Without HatsRhythm of Youth℗ 1981 Bulldog BrothersReleased on: 1981-01-01Producer: Marc Duran...

youtu.be

We reach the midpoint on this list with a marvelous one hit wonder that was certainly ubiquitous in 1982, basically because of the catchy hook in the verse. In fact that hook is really all there is to this song. But it’s enough.

 

[timschochet]

The link I just posted says 1981, but all of my info says 82. Stuck with it now, I guess.

 

[Osaurus]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I always thought of this as 1983 given when The Hurting was released, although I see PS was released in 1982 (probably in England).

Specific year aside, this is one of my favorite overall songs from the entire decade. Just a tremendous and poignant tune IMO.

Yeah, this is a good one. I don't think I heard it when it was current, but years later (maybe, like Tim said, when Big Chair came out).

Their album released last year was really good, IMO.

Noticed they're touring this summer - might have to look into it if the timing works.

Nice. Did you hear the most recent record?

It’s really good imo. Loved seeing them last summer. They played a lot of tracks off of it.

 

[Mookie Gizzy]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I have no idea how I heard it in the first place, but The Weekend’s tune has a sliver of Pale Shelter jammed in there. I recognized it immediately, even though I hadn’t even thought of Pale Shelter in about 35 years. Great tune.

 

[zamboni]

50. Men Without Hats “The Safety Dance” (from Rhythm of Youth)

The Safety Dance

Provided to YouTube by Unidisc Music Inc.The Safety Dance · Men Without HatsRhythm of Youth℗ 1981 Bulldog BrothersReleased on: 1981-01-01Producer: Marc Duran...

youtu.be

We reach the midpoint on this list with a marvelous one hit wonder that was certainly ubiquitous in 1982, basically because of the catchy hook in the verse. In fact that hook is really all there is to this song. But it’s enough.

Right up there among the most bizarre videos of all time.

 

[Mt. Man]

The link I just posted says 1981, but all of my info says 82. Stuck with it now, I guess.

Album released April of 1982. It looks like the single was released in Canada in 1982, but didn't really hit US until 1983
Either way, I'd say you're good.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

51. Tears For Fears “Pale Shelter” (from The Hurting)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This band didn’t get a lot of attention in 1982. A couple of songs, including this one, got a little bit of play on stations like KROQ (we’ll get to the other tune later on) but that was all. It wasn’t till a few years later, when Songs From The Big Chair took the world by storm, that The Hurting was revisited.

But “Pale Shelter” displays what would make this duo one of the best bands of the 80s: sharp melody, thoughtful, poetic lyrics with a theme of alienation, gorgeous harmonies.

I know you are only seeing it from your lens, but they had 3 top 5 hits in the UK from the Hurting. This one and I assume one you will include and one you wont.
The Hurting wasnt revisited by a lot of us. We knew who they were and I still prefer the Hurting any day of the week. Its raw, its painful and beautiful. They admitted Songs from the Big Chair was a commercial sellout

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

50. Men Without Hats “The Safety Dance” (from Rhythm of Youth)

The Safety Dance

Provided to YouTube by Unidisc Music Inc.The Safety Dance · Men Without HatsRhythm of Youth℗ 1981 Bulldog BrothersReleased on: 1981-01-01Producer: Marc Duran...

youtu.be

We reach the midpoint on this list with a marvelous one hit wonder that was certainly ubiquitous in 1982, basically because of the catchy hook in the verse. In fact that hook is really all there is to this song. But it’s enough.

Pop Goes the World reached #20 destroying your credibility lol

 

[Osaurus]

50. Men Without Hats “The Safety Dance” (from Rhythm of Youth)

The Safety Dance

Provided to YouTube by Unidisc Music Inc.The Safety Dance · Men Without HatsRhythm of Youth℗ 1981 Bulldog BrothersReleased on: 1981-01-01Producer: Marc Duran...

youtu.be

We reach the midpoint on this list with a marvelous one hit wonder that was certainly ubiquitous in 1982, basically because of the catchy hook in the verse. In fact that hook is really all there is to this song. But it’s enough.

Right up there among the most bizarre videos of all time.

Literal video is better imo

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[zamboni]

50. Men Without Hats “The Safety Dance” (from Rhythm of Youth)

The Safety Dance

Provided to YouTube by Unidisc Music Inc.The Safety Dance · Men Without HatsRhythm of Youth℗ 1981 Bulldog BrothersReleased on: 1981-01-01Producer: Marc Duran...

youtu.be

We reach the midpoint on this list with a marvelous one hit wonder that was certainly ubiquitous in 1982, basically because of the catchy hook in the verse. In fact that hook is really all there is to this song. But it’s enough.

Right up there among the most bizarre videos of all time.

Literal video is better imo

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I just watched it earlier today and was going to post it - good stuff.

 

[timschochet]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

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youtu.be

I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

 

[timschochet]

50. Men Without Hats “The Safety Dance” (from Rhythm of Youth)

The Safety Dance

Provided to YouTube by Unidisc Music Inc.The Safety Dance · Men Without HatsRhythm of Youth℗ 1981 Bulldog BrothersReleased on: 1981-01-01Producer: Marc Duran...

youtu.be

We reach the midpoint on this list with a marvelous one hit wonder that was certainly ubiquitous in 1982, basically because of the catchy hook in the verse. In fact that hook is really all there is to this song. But it’s enough.

Pop Goes the World reached #20 destroying your credibility lol

Never heard of it. But my credibility, particularly regarding one hit wonders, isn’t so hot.

 

[northern exposure]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

I'm a big fan of The Motels. They have some great songs and song titles. I'll have to check out her solo albums too.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

I'm a big fan of The Motels. They have some great songs and song titles. I'll have to check out her solo albums too.

I have a soft spot for Take the L (out of Lover and It's Over)

 

[northern exposure]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

I'm a big fan of The Motels. They have some great songs and song titles. I'll have to check out her solo albums too.

I have a soft spot for Take the L (out of Lover and It's Over)

Exactly. I didn't want to get SPOTLIGHTING! directed at me though.

 

[TripItUp]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

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youtu.be

I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

This song holds up so well too IMHO.

If I DJ an 80s party, this almost aways would make the setlist.

 

[zamboni]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

This song holds up so well too IMHO.

If I DJ an 80s party, this almost aways would make the setlist.

Gives me past visions of awkward slow dancing to this song.

The guitar/sax solo combo on the song is fire.

 

[Osaurus]

Never liked the Motels. Always seemed like adult contemporary even when they were new.

 

[falguy]

49. The Motels “Only The Lonely” (from All Four One)

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youtu.be

I always thought Martha Davis was a very good songwriter and an excellent singer. I understand she’s had some solo albums; I really ought to sample those.

Love this song. Haven't heard it in ages. I always liked the little breath she takes before each of the first few lines. Did anyone else ever sing it as "Only the lonely get laid".

 

[timschochet]

48. A Flock Of Seagulls “I Ran” (from A Flock Of Seagulls)

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Another of the great all time New Wave songs to first appear in the year of 1982.

Since it seems like everybody is admitting to mishearing lyrics, I will own up to initially believing this song to be about the country Iran, which in those years was very prominent in the news cycle due to the recent hostage situation. I thought they were singing: “Iran, Iran’s so far away” and wondered why the other lyrics made no sense:

 

[zamboni]

Check out the extensive list of past members of The Motels. Enough to make Red Roof Inn jealous.

 

[zamboni]

48. A Flock Of Seagulls “I Ran” (from A Flock Of Seagulls)

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youtu.be

Another of the great all time New Wave songs to first appear in the year of 1982.

Since it seems like everybody is admitting to mishearing lyrics, I will own up to initially believing this song to be about the country Iran, which in those years was very prominent in the news cycle due to the recent hostage situation. I thought they were singing: “Iran, Iran’s so far away” and wondered why the other lyrics made no sense:

Few folks could perfect that one-finger keyboard playing move like Mike Score could.

 

[TripItUp]

Bands Reunited - The Motels

www.youtube.com

 

[timschochet]

47. Marshall Crenshaw “Someday, Someway” (from Marshall Crenshaw)

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Marshall Crenshaw is an American artist. But this song sounds like it belongs in the British power pop mode of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. Snappy.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I had forgotten that some of those songs from The Hurting were released that early, but pretty much everything on their first three albums slays. Seeing Tears again this July.

Only the Lonely is classic 80s warmth. Love it.

I Ran is still damn good. The single edit is fine, but the album version with the full intro is always better.

 

[timschochet]

46. After The Fire “Der Kommissar” (from Der Kommissar)

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This is of course the British cover version of the original German version by Falco which was released only a few months earlier. After The Fire were on their last legs as a band when they recorded this song and broke up shortly thereafter. But the recording remains famous even today.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

47. Marshall Crenshaw “Someday, Someway” (from Marshall Crenshaw)

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Marshall Crenshaw is an American artist. But this song sounds like it belongs in the British power pop mode of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. Snappy.

I like Crenshaw better than Lowe or Costello. He knows his lane and is really good in it.

 

[Atomic Punk]

Amazing first 50 @timschochet . Keep them coming!

 

[Atomic Punk]

I’m using your list for dinner prep background. It’s been awesome

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I’m using your list for dinner prep background. It’s been awesome

Including Sex, I’m A?
What kind of dinner party you planning?

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

46. After The Fire “Der Kommissar” (from Der Kommissar)

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youtu.be

This is of course the British cover version of the original German version by Falco which was released only a few months earlier. After The Fire were on their last legs as a band when they recorded this song and broke up shortly thereafter. But the recording remains famous even today.

This song is fascinating.
Falco didnt want to release it cause the bass line was too similar to Super Freak, but he was convinced to go ahead. It seems that countries were split on buying either the Falco version or the After the Fire version. The UK and the US went with After the Fire, Europe went with the Falco version.
Australia, just to be different went with both. Falco got his to #7 there, After the Fire got to #17.....at the same time.

 

[zamboni]

46. After The Fire “Der Kommissar” (from Der Kommissar)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This is of course the British cover version of the original German version by Falco which was released only a few months earlier. After The Fire were on their last legs as a band when they recorded this song and broke up shortly thereafter. But the recording remains famous even today.

Think I’ve stated before, but ATF was my first ever concert, opening for Van Halen in this same year of 1982. They didn’t record and release DK until after that tour, however.

 

[rockaction]

I love this song. I dig Falco. I like the reverse lipstick effect by which she makes herself paler.

Oooooo la la la la la.

After The Fire's version is better than Falco's, though, IMHO.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

46. After The Fire “Der Kommissar” (from Der Kommissar)

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This is of course the British cover version of the original German version by Falco which was released only a few months earlier. After The Fire were on their last legs as a band when they recorded this song and broke up shortly thereafter. But the recording remains famous even today.

This song is fascinating.
Falco didnt want to release it cause the bass line was too similar to Super Freak, but he was convinced to go ahead. It seems that countries were split on buying either the Falco version or the After the Fire version. The UK and the US went with After the Fire, Europe went with the Falco version.
Australia, just to be different went with both. Falco got his to #7 there, After the Fire got to #17.....at the same time.

MTV played the videos for both. American radio tended to go with the After the Fire version because, you know, it was in English.

 

[timschochet]

45. Billy Idol “White Wedding” (from Billy Idol)

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Because of Billy Idol’s punk like appearance, this song was originally categorized as “post-punk” and only played on alternative stations. But mainstream rock radio stations quickly realized their error because this tune is one of the great classic hard rock songs of the era, and so it started getting attention on classic rock stations where it’s been a staple ever since. (The same thing happened in 1982 to a couple of Clash songs that we’ll get to later.)

“White Wedding” also brought Steve Stevens to the attention of a lot of people, as his guitar playing is superb here.

 

[rockaction]

Because of Billy Idol’s punk like appearance

Which would strangely enough become the appearance of all things jock (see: Brian Bosworth) by 1985.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

45. Billy Idol “White Wedding” (from Billy Idol)

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Because of Billy Idol’s punk like appearance, this song was originally categorized as “post-punk” and only played on alternative stations. But mainstream rock radio stations quickly realized their error because this tune is one of the great classic hard rock songs of the era, and so it started getting attention on classic rock stations where it’s been a staple ever since. (The same thing happened in 1982 to a couple of Clash songs that we’ll get to later.)

“White Wedding” also brought Steve Stevens to the attention of a lot of people, as his guitar playing is superb here.

:snarling fist pump:

 

[TripItUp]

Saw Idol play in SF about 18 years ago...looked and acted the exact same...could've been 1988.

Dude rocked it...was one of the most fun concerts I've ever attended. People just came to party.

 

[timschochet]

I am drunk and I am at the English Beat concert; they come on in about an hour. Very psyched for this.

 

[rockaction]

I am drunk and I am at the English Beat concert; they come on in about an hour. Very psyched for this.

Have a good time, tim.

 

[timschochet]

Pretty awesome performance. Dave Wakeling is the only original member (Rankin Roger died last year.) But they sounded great, really tight. Played all the old hits.

 

[zamboni]

Pretty awesome performance. Dave Wakeling is the only original member (Rankin Roger died last year.) But they sounded great, really tight. Played all the old hits.

Did they save “Save It For Later” for later?