#18. "Save a Prayer" - Duran Duran (1982)

With a couple of catchy singles and epic videos under its belt, Duran Duran went on to top those with the sweeping ballad "Save a Prayer". 

Filmed among the beaches and temples of Sri Lanka, the surreal video flows perfectly to the synth-pop gospel. 

The dreamy synths immediately draw me in before the synth flute takes over. Dancing children, crashing waves and five buddies on tour.

It wasn't all sunsets and one-night stands: guitarist Andy Taylor apparently fell into water used as an animal latrine during the filming of the video and ended up being hospitalized with dysentery. 

Fave lyric: "Some people call it a one night stand but we can call it paradise"

#19. "Where The Streets Have No Name" - U2 (1987)

The Edge's guitar chords in the intro always gives me goosebumps. 

"Where The Streets Have No Name" is undeniably one of the 80s great rock anthems, and for me the best of the quality singles from The Joshua Tree album that broke the band in America.  

I thought the single deserved a better video than the official version showing the band playing on a rooftop and shutting down the streets of LA. The video actually does a disservice to the song, ruining the The Edge's opening and iconic riff. 

I've therefore added a video of a more recent concert performance that demonstrates the enormous emotional attachment both band and fans exhibit towards one of U2's finest moments. 

"Streets" came out late in the summer of '87 after I graduated from high school. I remember listening to the tune on my Walkman taking the ferry to Halifax into the unknown on my way to university at SMU, equally hopeful and reticent, but most of all thinking anything is possible.

#20. "The Perfect Kiss" - New Order (1985)

New Order are often best known for their unique blend of rock and electronica, and in my opinion, "The Perfect Kiss" is the best high-end example of their trademark sound. 

Lyrically, the song is apparently about the AIDS epidemic that swept through New York clubland in the early 80s. Musically, it was inspired by the club scene in New York which had heavily influenced them.

This 10-and-half minute epic and captivating video is a must-see! 

Directed by the late great Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs), the video shows close-ups of the four band members playing various instruments. Although all four are bringing it, I think the excellent bass work is Peter Hook's finest moment.

The video also demonstrates how the group excelled at constructing a song piece by piece until it becomes a cohesive whole.

The diverse instrumentation and versatile musicianship is clearly on display:

- lead singer Bernard Sumner plays cow bells (along with usual lead guitar)

- bassist Peter Hook plays the drum machine

- the (usual) drummer Stephen Morris plays keys

- Gillian does her magic on the synths

The song has several intoxicating builds until a thrilling two-minute-long bass and synth finale wraps up one of the most exhilarating climaxes ever produced.

"The Perfect Kiss" also features samples of Amazonian tree frogs croaking and sheep bleating.

The music is complex yet the quartet look to be barely breaking a sweat. They were good.

#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.