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Billboard top 100 19835/16/2023 There’s enough here to keep me from skipping the track entirely, but it’s also clear that Petty himself is a shining beacon among the song’s not-so-favorable traits. “You Got Lucky” is just another example of the multitude of sleek, polished rock singles he churned out during the time. Even though I can’t say I ever really loved his music, Tom Petty was truly a bonafide 80s rock star, one of a caliber often forgotten when recalling the famous figures of the decade. Nonetheless, I’ll reserve some of my most biting criticisms for another time. Still, there was always something in the lyrics that always kept me from really loving this one. It’s not that I don’t like the song while the emphasis on synths over guitars is a bit of a different sound for Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers, almost horror-like in nature, it mostly works in its favor in keeping their heartland sound front-and-center. “You Got Lucky” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Initially, this was a bit more of a scathing review of the song than it probably deserved. It’s far from a great AOR anthem, but as far as such songs are concerned, this really isn’t as bad as its potential.ĩ7. The lyrics are noticeably less memorable especially in the chorus ( “Don’t cry, now that I’ve found you / Don’t cry, take a look around you”), which is just pretty weak in general. I must admit, though, that this is a step down from “Heat of the Moment”. “Don’t Cry” – Asia: And now for the return of Asia – with another top ten single to beat! For what it’s worth, I really enjoy those tasty power chords in the opening, and the way it transitions into its marching power ballad tempo so seamlessly. It’s a distinctly 80s kind of sound that few ever bring up when discussing music of the decade.ĩ8. It’s a pretty simple song at its core, but its honesty is certainly something to be admired. He consistently sounds pained, even pathetic at points, especially with lines like, “Though it’s oh so nice to get advice, it’s oh so hard to do”. As a breakup song, it’s pretty great and Jackson strains every line with all his strength. Sophisti-pop is something I still need to dig into with more depth, but it’s plainly defined as music with pop production and distinct jazz influences. The lounge bar feel of this track stands front and center, with pianos and bongo drums driving the tune along. This song exemplifies a trend in 80s pop music encapsulated in the genre of “sophisti-pop”. Seriously, it’s uncanny! Though I’m sure I’m far from the first to mention this. “Breaking Us in Two” – Joe Jackson: My immediate reaction to Joe Jackson’s cold open at the start of this song is how closely the tune resembles Badfinger’s “Day After Day”. It chugs along pretty nicely and Maurice White sounds great along those electric synths and bass riffs. Still, once it gets its groove going, it effectively proves that the guys still have it, a few years after their peak. Okay okay, it’s really not too bad – I’m not even sure if the group are even capable of recording a bad song! But the intro is a bit wonky, which immediately harshens the flow. For now, though, here’s a mediocre Earth, Wind, & Fire song. “Fall in Love with Me” – Earth, Wind & Fire: 1983! I’ve been excited to cover this year on my Billboard challenge for a while now, for reasons I will elaborate on with future entries down the line.
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