#21. "Gypsy" - Fleetwood Mac (1982)

Once in a while during the 80s, a song from the previous decade would slip through. "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac is one magical power pop song from a band rooted in the 70s. 

Stevie's haunting vocals always brings on the chills and goosebumps. We can thank the perpetual tension between Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham, this one written back to when the duo were struggling musicians. 

For me, this is Stevie's shining moment and Fleetwood Mac's best track: so polished yet so free. Lindsey's guitar work is subtle until his final solo tales over.

Fave lyrics:  "Lightning strikes. Maybe once, maybe twice"

#22. "Here Comes The Rain Again" - Eurythmics (1984)

Here comes the chill again, running up my spine...

"Here Comes the Rain Again" is a mesmerizing and immaculate new wave classic and one of the most beautiful pop songs ever made. 

Like many of my favourite tunes, I dig a cinematic opening. 

Then the powerful and entrancing vocals of Annie Lennox kick in and carry the show along with the shimmering melodies. 

The sweeping instrumental bridge and Annie's final chorus offer convincing and ample proof that synth music can churn out emotion and soul.

I used to hear this track in my parent's car while we'd take a day trip to Lawrencetown Beach in the summer of 1984 and of course for years later, whenever a low pressure system was bearing down.

#23. "In a Big Country" - Big Country (1983)

How about them bagpipe guitars? 

As a young teen I secretly wished "In a Big Country" by Big Country was the Canadian national anthem (Big Country hails from Scotland).

The descriptive lyrics conjured up iconic images of Canada coast to coast:

"in a big country dreams stay with you"
"mountainsides"
"seeing the sun in winter time"

Although the story line in the video is hard to follow (what exactly is happening anyway?), the symbolism only solidified my sentiment, featuring clips of all sorts of outdoor rural adventures: all-terrain vehicles, jet skies and scenic landscapes. 

As for the tune itself, it's a driving tour de force of old Celtic meets new wave starring a unique bagpipe-emulating guitar and fantastic drumming.   

Lyrically, I think "In a Big Country" is a song about getting back up when you get knocked down and it still gives me chills.

#24. "Some Like It Hot" - The Powerstation (1985)

This song almost got me hooked on playing the drums. A few years ago I received drumsticks in my stocking and graduated to playing air drums for a few days. But since I sucked at the playing part, the dream quickly evaporated.  

"Some Like It Hot" was the first single of supergroup The Powerstation, composed of two parts Duran Duran (bassist John Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor), vocalist Robert Palmer and Chic's drummer Tony Thompson. You may recall that Duran split into two side projects: Simon, Nick & Roger went off in the opposite direction with the uber-synth Arcadia.

Featured in the dream sequence in the European Vacation film, the song is a barnstormer from the start to finish. It all begins with that epic drum intro. The polish and energy are through the roof as all the main ingredients roll on and off. 

#25. "Train of Thought" - a-ha (1986)

"Train of Thought" by a-ha was the third and somewhat underrated single from the Norwegian band's debut album Hunting High & Low, an incredible tune that stands up well. 

Excellent to listen to on headphones, the track is also one of my favourite tunes for my runs and commutes (it is afterall a song someone's thoughts during a commute). 

With its peppy verses and soaring choruses, I find "Train of Thought" combines the best elements of "Take on Me" and "Sun Always Shines on TV".

Although the lyrics are melancholic, the synth arrangements (and pan flutes!) are just so damn melodic and uplifting. 

And a sound that at times sounds symphonic, even classical: vocalist Morten Harket's range is quite operatic (like 5 octaves and an insane falsetto). Crank up the volume to fully appreciate the rhythm and layering. 

Fave lyric: "Words go up words come down, Forwards backwards twisted round"

The 4th single "Hunting High & Low" is part pop ballad, part power symphony and completely epic.