Music is awesome.
And as much as I love music now and have my own favorite bands and singers and albums, my love of music started when I was little with the radio and cassettes at home with my mom and dad.
When I think back to those days there are songs that always remind me of being a little kid. So today, in an homage to the music that I remember from my childhood, here is a list of songs that I learned and loved back in the mid-80′s and will always have a fondness for.
Genesis: Invisible Touch
Released on the album of the same name in 1986, this title track went to #1 in the US, #4 in Canada and #15 in the UK. I can remember the cassette sitting on the shelf beside the radio/tape player in the kitchen for what seems like years. I botched the words a lot, but loved it anyway and to this day love Genesis. While I may be willing to debate Phil Collins vs. Peter Gabriel at any time, I do believe that they are stronger together than either of them are on their own.
Juice Newton: Queen of Hearts
Released on the album Juice in 1981, this hit is as catchy as they come. And while it’s a country track, I don’t that should discourage anyone from loving it completely! This is a sing-along song and catchy and a ton of fun. Finding reasons not to love it seems like a task that would take more effort that I can imagine.
Fun Fact: Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded the track for Chipmunk Rock in 1982.
Randy Travis: Forever and Ever, Amen
Released in March 1987, this track hits right in my 5 year old wheelhouse of being able to learn words to songs that I’d hear over and over again. Randy Travis was a country powerhouse and while Forever and Ever, Amen isn’t my favorite song from his library (that honor goes to Deeper Than The Holler) it was a big hit and I’m sure I heard it more than my share of times.
Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Released 12 years before I was born, this classic track is in my memory bank because of my mom’s love for Simon and Garfunkel. I also could have gone with Mrs. Robinson – but Bridge wins this race. It’s a gorgeous song that lends itself well to beautiful voices and that is the kind of thing that I want to listen to.
Note: I will now freely admit on the internet that I bought the CD single of Clay Aiken’s cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water from American Idol season 2.
Deniece Williams: Let’s Hear It For The Boy
Released in 1894 (when I was 2 years old) I really shouldn’t have much memory of this as a radio hit. But, I think the reason that I remember the song is Footloose and the fact that it was a hit on VHS in the 80′s. I love that soundtrack and I love this song!
Those 5 tracks aren’t the only music of my youth, but they do hold great memories and I do love it when I hear them.
I hope that you’ve got a similar list that you can use to go to a happy place through the power of music.
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