The Forgotten Gems of 1985: Why These Pop Hits Still Matter
If you take a step back and think about it, 1985 was a year that perfectly encapsulated the essence of pop music’s evolution. It was bold, experimental, and unapologetically fun. Yet, amidst the sea of iconic hits that still dominate playlists today, there are a few gems that have inexplicably faded into the background. Personally, I think this is a shame—because these songs aren’t just relics of the past; they’re time capsules that reveal something deeper about the era and, surprisingly, our present. Let’s dive into four of these forgotten hits and explore why they still sound fresh, and what they tell us about the enduring power of pop.
ABC’s “Be Near Me”: The Soulful Synth-Pop Anthem
One thing that immediately stands out about “Be Near Me” is its ability to blend soulfulness with the synthetic sheen of the ’80s. ABC’s track is a masterclass in how pop music could be both emotionally resonant and danceable. What many people don’t realize is that this song was a bigger hit in the U.S. than in the UK, which is fascinating given the band’s British roots. The colorful MTV video, with its over-the-top aesthetics, was a perfect match for the era’s visual obsession.
From my perspective, “Be Near Me” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a snapshot of a moment when pop music was unafraid to be both glamorous and vulnerable. The synth-driven production still feels modern, which raises a deeper question: why do we so easily forget songs like this? Perhaps it’s because they don’t fit neatly into the nostalgic narratives we’ve constructed about the ’80s. But if you listen closely, you’ll hear a song that could easily slot into today’s playlists without feeling out of place.
Thompson Twins’ “Lay Your Hands On Me”: The Ritual of Pop
Thompson Twins’ “Lay Your Hands On Me” is a track that, in my opinion, deserves far more recognition than it gets. Tom Bailey’s commentary about the song’s layered metaphor—blending religious ritual with the relationship between artist and audience—is particularly insightful. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the song captures the communal energy of live performance, something that feels almost revolutionary in today’s hyper-individualized music landscape.
The new wave sound of the track is quintessential ’80s, but it’s the thematic depth that keeps it relevant. If you take a step back and think about it, the idea of music as a shared ritual is something we’ve lost in the age of streaming. “Lay Your Hands On Me” reminds us of the power of connection, both on stage and in the crowd. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting, as it highlights how pop music can be both escapist and profoundly human.
Night Ranger’s “Sentimental Street”: When Hard Rock Went Pop
“Sentimental Street” is a prime example of how hard rock could dominate the pop charts without compromising its edge. Night Ranger’s ability to blend soaring vocals with arena-ready guitar riffs created a sound that was both accessible and authentic. What this really suggests is that the lines between genres were far more fluid in the ’80s than we often give the decade credit for.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the song’s sentimentality—often dismissed as cheesy—actually taps into something universal. It’s a track about longing and memory, themes that transcend time and genre. Personally, I think this is why it still resonates today. In an era where music is often criticized for being overly polished or emotionally distant, “Sentimental Street” feels like a breath of fresh air.
Madonna’s “Dress You Up”: The Overlooked Dancefloor Anthem
Madonna’s Like a Virgin album is a cultural juggernaut, but “Dress You Up” often gets lost in the shadow of its titular track. This is a shame, because it’s a solid, danceable tune that showcases Madonna’s ability to make pop music feel both effortless and iconic. What many people don’t realize is that this song peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving it was far from a flop.
From my perspective, “Dress You Up” is a reminder of Madonna’s early genius—her ability to take simple, infectious hooks and turn them into something unforgettable. It’s also a testament to the era’s love affair with dance music, a trend that continues to shape pop today. If you take a step back and think about it, this song is a perfect example of how even the ‘forgotten’ hits of a superstar can reveal something new about their legacy.
Why These Songs Still Matter
What makes these forgotten hits so compelling is their ability to bridge the past and present. They’re not just relics of a bygone era; they’re reminders of the timeless qualities that make pop music great—catchy melodies, emotional depth, and a willingness to experiment. Personally, I think we’ve become too quick to dismiss the ’80s as a decade of excess and superficiality. These songs challenge that narrative, revealing a richness and complexity that deserves to be rediscovered.
If you take a step back and think about it, the fact that these tracks still sound fresh today is a testament to their craftsmanship. They’re not just products of their time; they’re enduring works of art that continue to speak to us. And in a world where music is often consumed and discarded at lightning speed, that’s something worth celebrating.
So, the next time you’re curating a playlist, consider adding one of these forgotten gems. You might just find that they fit right in—and that’s what makes them truly timeless.
