Ah, 1985—what a year! If you were alive during this glorious time, you probably remember the mix of neon fashion, cassette tapes, and a rock music scene that was bursting at the seams. The airwaves were dominated by some truly unforgettable tracks that you couldn’t escape, even if you tried. But as with many things in life, the hits that once ruled the charts eventually faded into the background. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit four rock hits from 1985 that were inescapable—at least until they weren’t.
“We Built This City” by Starship
“Remember that time when Starship dropped “We Built This City” and every radio station played it on repeat? It was like they had a monopoly on our ears. This anthem about the decline of the music industry struck a chord with many, and its catchy chorus was practically part of the soundtrack of the year. You couldn’t walk into a diner, mall, or even your grandma’s living room without hearing it blaring from somewhere.
But let’s be real; while it was a chart-topping hit, it also became a bit of a punchline over the years. Critics and fans alike started to roll their eyes at its heavy rotation. It was one of those songs that was so omnipresent that by the end of the year, you couldn’t help but feel like you needed a break from it. “Can we please just give it a rest?” became the unofficial slogan of the frustrated listener. And just like that, it quietly slipped away, becoming a nostalgic relic of a bygone era.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Speaking of songs that were everywhere, let’s not forget “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. Released in 1983, this hauntingly beautiful track didn’t just dominate 1985; it practically had a stranglehold on the charts. It was the kind of song that got played at every wedding, graduation, and awkward family gathering. The eerie vibe made you think it was all about love, but let’s be honest—it’s really about obsession, right? Who knew love could sound so… stalker-ish?
Despite its dark undertones, people couldn’t get enough. It was the quintessential power ballad that had you swaying along, even if you were a little unsure about the lyrics. But as the years rolled on, its popularity waned. It became one of those songs that you might hear on a retro playlist but isn’t exactly the go-to for a night out anymore. It’s almost like we all collectively realized, “Hey, maybe we shouldn’t be singing about watching someone’s every move.”
“I Can’t Tell You Why” by Eagles
If you were looking for a softer rock vibe, “I Can’t Tell You Why” by the Eagles was your jam. The smooth vocals and dreamy melodies made it a staple on soft rock stations, and it was practically a requirement for late-night drives. You know the kind—windows down, the wind in your hair, and that sense of freedom that only a good rock ballad can provide. It was the perfect soundtrack for those hazy summer nights when everything felt possible.
But like a fleeting summer romance, this track eventually faded from the spotlight. While it still pops up on classic rock playlists, it’s not exactly what you hear blasting from the speakers at a bar these days. It’s like the Eagles went from rock gods to a background soundtrack for chilling on the porch—great in the moment but not the first choice when you want to get the party started. And hey, that’s not necessarily a bad thing; it just shows how tastes evolve over time.
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
And then there’s “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, the anthem of a generation that was forever immortalized by “The Breakfast Club.” It was the song that made you feel all the feels as you watched those high school misfits come together. It was the perfect blend of rock and pop that made it inescapable in 1985, and let’s face it—who doesn’t still get a little misty-eyed when they hear it?
Yet, as time passed, this once-omnipresent jam became synonymous with nostalgia rather than current relevance. It’s like that old friend you love to reminisce about but don’t talk to anymore.
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