This 1985 Classic Hit Was Ranked the Best Pop Song of the 1980s
A 1985 hit has been ranked the best pop song of the 1980s. There was certainly a lot of competition. After all, the 1980s were the decade of Madonna, George Michael, Michael Jackson, and more.
But the pop song that occupies the number one spot on the list published by The Ranker was recorded by the group Tears for Fears. It's called Everybody Wants to Rule the World. "With its irresistible melody and thought-provoking lyrics, Tears for Fears' Everybody Wants to Rule the World captures the zeitgeist of a generation grappling with power and ambition," The Ranker wrote.
The Classic Song, Which Was Released in 1985, Was Described as 'Timeless'
The pop song matched current events going on at the time, according to Ranker. "Released during an era of rapid change and global tension, this 80s classic endures as a reminder of humanity's collective aspirations," the story reads.
"The song's message still resonates, making it a timeless favorite as we navigate an increasingly complex world," added Ranker. The 1980s, of course, unfolded in the height of the Cold War.
Fans of the song explained why they like it on the comment thread of the YouTube music video. "Had my dad tell me once that this song 'sounds like a sunny day in may 1986, car just turned on and on your way to school.' I was born in 2000 and I know exactly what he means. Miss you dad," wrote one person.
"When we are all dead and gone, songs like this will live forever," another person wrote. "I can't believe I'm 55 years old... it all went by so fast. Now I feel like I'm lost with nothing but songs like this to remind me of better days," wrote another fan.
Michael Jackson & Cyndi Lauper Also Made the List
What other hits made the list?
Simple Minds' classic song Don't You (Forget About Me) was number two, and Beat It by Michael Jackson ranked third. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey came in at number four.
The Police'sEvery Breath You Take and Jackson's Thriller were fifth and sixth. Toto's Africa and Cyndi Lauper singing Time after Time came in at seventh and eighth. Take on Me by A-ha was ninth. Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Wanna Have Fun was tenth on the list.
See the full list here.
'Tears for Fears' Was a Duo From England
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According to All Music, Tears for Fears consisted of "a hit-making duo that pairs big melodies with big subjects -- their very name is derived from Arthur Janov's primal scream therapy.:
Their first album, called The Hurting, was "a massive hit in their native England." Everybody Wants to Rule the World appeared on their next album, Songs from the Big Chair, in 1985. They also recorded another iconic song called Shout.
After their third album, Curt Smith left the group, and Roland Orzabal "continued solo," although they united for a few other songs, according to All Music. In 2021, though, the pair continued recording and returned to touring in 2022, All Music reported.