Billboard - 1984 [Compilation]

People who grew up in 1984 could quibble about this volume because they are bound to find something important missing here. And yes, it is reasonable to complain when songs like "Against All Odds"; "Jump"; "Footloose"; "Time After Time"; or anything from Prince or Bruce Springsteen is not on a collection representing 1984. But this collection works because it incorporates many of the musical styles that were popular during the time it represents. It also helps, of course, that all of the songs featured here are pretty good- especially classics like "What's Love Got to Do With It"; "Caribbean Queen"; "Owner of a Lonely Heart"; "Ghostbusters"; "Karma Chameleon"; and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." When these six tunes are paired with the very good second-tier tunes "Hold Me Now"; "Let's Hear It For the Boy"; "Talking in Your Sleep"; and "Jump (For My Love)", they make up a collection that can be considered both definitive and enjoyable.

These collections don't have alot of Hard Rock, so Yes' "Owner of A Lonely Heart" is welcome, but it's in a slightly shorter version. Sure it's total pop, but it's harder than most similar stuff. Punk/New Wavers the Romantics mellow out a little with the still rocking "Talking In Your Sleep." Ray Parker's "Ghostbusters" theme was an instance where both the song and the movie were excellent. Denise Williams was a one hit wonder whose infectious dance hit "Let's Hear it for the Boy" can be found here, as well as on the "Footloose" soundtrack. The Pointer Sisters' "Jump for My Love" is close in style. The 3rd female slot here is Tina Turner with her comeback. The somewhat serious "What's love Got to do With It" is another great song. Billy Ocean also has his first hit with the tropical "Caribbean Queen" in a much edited version. The Thompson Twins "Hold Me Now" is a slower pop hit, this album is worth it just for that song.

One nice thing is 2 bands I usually hate have the one song I do like on here. The than seemingly straight George Michael with Wham performed "Wake Me up Before you Go-Go." I feel ridiculous for ever liking it, so it's nice to have it without going through the embarrassment of buying a Wham album. The same can be said for Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon." One of those songs you just kind of sing without even wanting to.

All in all, there's a few missing artists (Cyndi Lauper, Van Halen, Huey Lewis, Springsteen, etc) but what IS here is worth it!

This album has it all! It has upbeat rockers ("Owner of A Lonely Heart"), good ballads ("Hold Me Now"), and some songs that are downright catchy ("Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"). If you like rock 'n roll from the 80's, I definitely recommend picking up this gem.