Every year, songs shoot to the top of the charts, either for just one week, or for multiple weeks in a row. In a series of posts, we’re going to rank Billboard’s “The Hot 100” number one singles for each year of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, we’re looking at the year 1981.
Note: (Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon started the year at number one, but it had previously also done so in 1980, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1980.
As always, these lists are subjective — we’re not claiming to be the definitive ranking here. We’re not that important, but you are, so we hope seeing the below songs conjures up a friendly memory or two.
But first, to get you in the mood for the year 1981…
- Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female to be appointed to the US Supreme Court on July 7th by President Ronald Reagan.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced Indiana Jones to the world in June, and became the highest-grossing film of the year.
- A previously undiscovered symphony composed by Mozart was discovered in February at the Bavarian State Library in Germany.
- Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in a televised lavish wedding in July, which drew in approximately 750 million viewers worldwide.
- The Space Shuttle Columbia launched for the first time in April, acting as the first flight of the Space Shuttle program in the US. It served for over 22 years and 27 missions before sadly ending in disintegration upon reentry in 2003.
- Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female to be appointed to the US Supreme Court on July 7th by President Ronald Reagan.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced Indiana Jones to the world in June, and became the highest-grossing film of the year.
- A previously undiscovered symphony composed by Mozart was discovered in February at the Bavarian State Library in Germany.
- Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in a televised lavish wedding in July, which drew in approximately 750 million viewers worldwide.
- The Space Shuttle Columbia launched for the first time in April, acting as the first flight of the Space Shuttle program in the US. It served for over 22 years and 27 missions before sadly ending in disintegration upon reentry in 2003.
14. Stars on 45 - Stars on 45 Medley
In some countries, the band was called Starsound, and the song’s official title in the US was ridiculously long (41 words — too long to put here!) and was shortened to “Stars on 45 Medley.”
12. Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
Written for the film Arthur, the song went on to win the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
9. Blondie - The Tide is High
This song is the reggae version of the 1967 song by John Holt, and gave Blondie their third number one single.
7. Daryl Hall and John Oates - Private Eyes
This song has become a fan favorite thanks to the clap-along chorus, and was made available to download for Rock Band 3 in 2012.
6. Dolly Parton - 9 to 5
Written for the movie of the same name, this became a rare crossover hit between country music and the hot 100, and was nominated for multiple Grammys.
What was your favorite hot 100 single of 1981? Let us know in the comments!
