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 1982.
Note: Physical by Olivia Newton-John started the year at number one, but it had previously also done so in 1981, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1981.
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 1982…
- Disney’s Epcot theme park had its grand opening on October 1st.
- Michael Jackson’s album Thriller was released on November 30th, but didn’t become a big hit until 1983.
- Late Night with David Letterman began airing in February on NBC. The first guests were Bill Murray and Don Herbert.
- The early ‘80s recession hit its peak, particularly in the US with unemployment rates rising to 10.8%.
- In October, the first CD player was sold in Japan for almost $1000.
- Disney’s Epcot theme park had its grand opening on October 1st.
- Michael Jackson’s album Thriller was released on November 30th, but didn’t become a big hit until 1983.
- Late Night with David Letterman began airing in February on NBC. The first guests were Bill Murray and Don Herbert.
- The early ‘80s recession hit its peak, particularly in the US with unemployment rates rising to 10.8%.
- In October, the first CD player was sold in Japan for almost $1000.
This single is Richie’s first as a solo artist from his self-titled debut. He was previously the co-singer of The Commodores.
This song about a man shocked to discover his high school crush is in a centerfold spread of a men’s magainze was the first single off the band’s 1981 album Freeze Frame, and was an early staple on MTV.
“Mickey” is actually a remake of a 1979 song called “Kitty” by Racey – Toni Basil changed the name to make it about a man. The cheerleader version of the music video is considered the first choreographed dance video.
Though this song was Joan Jett’s highest-charting hit, it was actually a cover of the 1975 song by the Arrows. Jett’s version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.
Written and recorded for the film An Officer and a Gentleman, this song sold more than a million copies, and won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The instrumental theme for the the film of the same name, Vangelis was accused of plagiarism for this song, but won the case in court.
Sylvester Stallone requested the band to create this song after Queen denied him the right to use “Another One Bites the Dust” for his film Rocky III.
What was your favorite number one hit from the year 1982? Let us know in the comments!
